Experience southern South Africa 14-day tour

Cape Town

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa!

Welcome to South Africa: on arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

You have the day at leisure before meeting with your fellow travellers and your guide, who will be with you for the duration of your trip.

You can choose to share dinner together at one of the city's many restaurants as you all get to know one another.

Cape Town

Day 2: Get to know Cape Town

Today is all about exploring the incredible city of Cape Town. Your first stop will be the iconic Table Mountain, where a cable car ride elevates you over 1,000 metres above sea level. Look out over breathtaking views of the city, the endless ocean and the scenic Cape Peninsula.

Next, delve into the city's rich history on a walking tour guided by a local expert. Discover the poignant story of District Six, once a vibrant, multicultural hub tragically dismantled during the Apartheid era.

Then, embrace the lively ambiance of the renowned Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this area and enjoying the many shops and eateries here.

Cape Town - Stellenbosch

Day 3: Playful penguins

After breakfast this morning, you'll head to Cape Point, following the scenic coastline to the Cape of Good Hope. This spot, once feared by sailors as the Cape of Storms, is now famous for its natural beauty. From the lighthouse and various lookout points, soak in panoramic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Your journey continues to Simon's Town, where you'll find Boulders Beach, home to African penguins. Watch these adorable creatures waddling along the beach, playing in the cold waters or simply taking a nap.

After, you'll head to Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa's wine country and your home for the next two nights. Spend the evening settling into your hotel and relaxing after a busy day.

Stellenbosch

Day 4: Soak up South Africa's wine culture

After breakfast, begin your day in one of South Africa's oldest cities and enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the historic city centre. Admire the charming white Cape Dutch-style buildings and soak up this area’s rich history. Afterwards, you'll drive through the scenic Helshoogte Pass to reach the neighbouring town of Franschhoek. Known for its quaint cafés, restaurants, galleries and art shops, spend some time enjoying this charming town.

From here, you'll visit a nearby wine farm, enjoy a delightful wine tasting here and savour the flavours of local wines. That isn’t it for the wine tastings today: as you journey back to Stellenbosch, stop for another and soak in the charm (and wine) this region is famous for!

Stellenbosch - Hermanus

Day 5: Hill-top hikes

This morning will begin at a Cape farm, nestled at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains. A brief hike leads you to a mesmerising viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas from False Bay to Table Mountain and, on clear days, even Cape Point can be spotted in the distance. A delicious lunch is waiting for you at the farm after your hike.

This afternoon, continue along the scenic coastal route to the quaint town of Hermanus. With the afternoon at your leisure, you could wander along the picturesque cliff path, taking in the breath-taking ocean views, stroll around Hermanus or simply relax at your hotel.

Hermanus

Day 6: Have a whale of a time

Today will take a different course depending when you are visiting. If you're here during whale season, take to the seas for a whale-watching boat cruise for an up-close encounter with these ocean giants.

For those visiting when the whales aren’t around, set off on a morning hike through Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where you'll discover the fascinating fynbos ecosystem and enjoy panoramic views across Walker Bay.

This afternoon is at leisure for you to spend however you like. If you wish, your guide will be happy to take you to the wonderful vantage points along the Rotary Way high above Hermanus and into the green Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, known as the 'valley of heaven and earth'. With its numerous wineries, delightful restaurants and small farm stalls, this wonderful gem in the Overberg region is the perfect place to spend the afternoon before heading back to your hotel in Hermanus.

Hermanus - Oudtshoorn

Day 7: Charming countryside

Bid farewell to the coast, as you journey inland today. Your first stop will be Swellendam, a charming town surrounded by stunning landscapes. Stroll through history on a walking tour and view the beautiful Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture of this town. After, you'll drive through the picturesque Tradouw Pass into the Klein Karoo. Arriving in Barrydale around noon, you'll enjoy lunch here before continuing on along Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn, taking in the epic views along this road. You'll check into your lodge accommodation, then it's time to enjoy dinner. 

Oudtshoorn - Wilderness

Day 8: Oudtshoorn adventure

This morning, explore Oudtshoorn, renowned for ostrich breeding and impressive limestone Cango Caves. Begin at the caves and learn how nature formed these bizarre and fascinating formations over thousands of years. Following this, a visit to an ostrich farm is a must! On a guided tour around the farm, learn all about these large cursorial birds.

You'll head back to the coast this afternoon, travelling through the Outeniqua Pass and enjoying phenomenal mountain views outside the window. Once you arrive at your lodge in Wilderness, you'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Tonight’s accommodation is just minutes away from a sandy beach, providing the perfect place to spend the rest of the day.

Wilderness

Day 9: Canoe journeys

Begin your day exploring the magnificent Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park. Grab a canoe this morning and explore the tranquil waters of the winding Touw River. Drop off the canoes at a landing spot and continue on foot through indigenous forest to a stunning waterfall (where, if weather permits, you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool). Returning to your canoes, paddle back slowly, taking in the serene surroundings.

On your return to Wilderness, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy however you please, whether back at the beach or relaxing in your lodge.

Wilderness - Storms River

Day 10: Cliffs and coastlines

This morning, you'll head to Knysna. Together with your guide, explore this charming town, situated next to a beautiful lagoon. Here, you'll venture to Knysna Heads, a narrow passage framed by steep sandstone cliffs that connect this tranquil lagoon with the wild ocean. From a view point on the easterly cliff, enjoy great views across the lagoon, town and Indian Ocean beyond.

After lunch at Plettenberg Bay, embark on an afternoon hike in Robberg Nature Reserve. Cross wooden planks, sand and stone to soak in breathtaking views.

After an afternoon of deep-blue seas and spotting playful seals, you'll head on to Storms River, home for the next two nights.   

Tsitsikamma National Park

Day 11: Adventure awaits

Today, you'll visit Tsitsikamma National Park, a haven for hikers, nature-lovers and adventurers. Cross Storms River mouth on a swaying suspension bridge and feel the ocean breeze and crashing waters beneath. Accompanied by your guide, you can explore the rugged mountain and coastal landscapes along the park's different hiking trails. Alternatively, explore the river mouth by kayak, embracing the beauty of Storms River, the surrounding cliffs and lush forests.

After an energetic day, you head back to your guest house in Storms River to relax. 

Storms River - Addo Elephant National Park

Day 12: Relax and unwind

Today you journey takes you towards the incredible Addo Elephant National Park. South of the park, you'll find the Sundays River and this morning, you'll enjoy a beautiful boat cruise here.

In the afternoon, you'll reach De Old Drift Guest Farm, where you have the rest of the day to unwind and refuel over dinner, ready for tomorrow.

Addo Elephant National Park

Day 13: Safari spectacle in Addo

Prepare for a brilliant day today at Addo Elephant National Park. Hop into your open safari vehicle ready for an incredible game drive, deep in the wilds of this park. Spot elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes and perhaps even the leopards that call this park home. Zebras, giraffes, antelopes and numerous bird species also live in this vast park, so keep your eyes peeled.

In the evening, return to De Old Drift Guest Farm, where your guide will prepare a traditional South African braai, a BBQ, over the open fire.

Addo Elephant National Park - Port Elizabeth

Day 14: Goodbye South Africa!

This morning, embark on your final game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. Enjoy these final sightings of incredible wildlife before leaving the park and journeying to Port Elizabeth.

It’s time to bid farewell to South Africa as your guide says a final goodbye at the airport.

Totsiens – until next time!