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CT-GARDEN ROUTE-JHB

13 Days

Itinerary

Meet and greet at Cape Town International Airport. Our guide will meet you at the airport upon your arrival before embarking on your guided tour.

Tour of Cape Town. Also known as the Mother City, Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes. Alongside high-rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles has been meticulously preserved, including Edwardian, Victorian, and Cape Dutch. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance. During the tour, you will see the Castle of Good Hope—this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa—and the Company's Garden—a large public park, originally Jan van Riebeeck's vegetable garden, which he grew to feed the original colony as early as 1652. The tour of this beautiful city introduces you to a rich culture and history.

Take in Cape Town’s city sights from Signal Hill. This prominent Cape Town landmark is named for its original use, the practice of flying signal flags to communicate with passing ships. Its peaks provide breathtaking views across Table Bay harbor, the City Bowl, and the Atlantic Ocean, and the 350-meter-high hill is a favorite destination for sundowners. Signal Hill lies adjacent to Lions Head, forming the ‘rump’ of the lion, and is also the location from which the historic Noon Gun is fired. The guns were once used in combat and as a time signal for ships anchored in the harbor. Today, this age-old tradition continues as they are fired at midday every day except Sundays and public holidays. By night, Signal Hill becomes one of the most popular spots for romantic rendezvous as amorous couples make their way up the hill for sundowners and stunning views of the city at night. In summer, this is also an excellent vantage spot from which to admire the floodlights that illuminate the steep embankments of Table Mountain.

Lunch at the waterfront

Explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, situated at South Africa’s oldest working harbor in the center of Cape Town. Offering over 450 retail outlets selling everything from high-end fashion and jewelry to food and crafts, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular destinations, attracting in excess of 23 million visitors a year. Besides offering vibrant and chic indoor and outdoor shopping and restaurants, you can also watch fishing boats dock with fresh fish or see a container ship being towed into the harbor by a tugboat. Drawbridges over the water open and close every so often to allow smaller sailing vessels access to the docks, while the Cape Wheel gives unsurpassed 360-degree views of the city, and the outdoor amphitheater plays host to music, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the year.

Dinner at the hotel

Boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island. The island is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals (actually sea lions originating from the Antarctic) as well as a variety of seabirds, including gannets, cormorants, and seagulls. It is illegal to land on the island, but the trip takes you within arm's reach of the seals, who seem to know they're the center of attention and put on a fantastic performance, diving and twisting with amazing speed and agility (weather permitting).

Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognized globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna, and unique flora. The legendary Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope were key beacons for the early explorers and are the source of many myths and legends. In 1488, Bartholomew Dias named the peninsula the Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal later gave it its actual name. The Cape of Good Hope is a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs

Lunch at Bertha's or similar

Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach. Named for the large, smooth, round boulders that form this coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins can roost and nest without interference from humans. While the beach itself is a popular bathing spot, it is equally shared with these black and white marine birds that are frequently seen sunning themselves on the rocks or taking a dive into the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent fynbos area holds its delicate nesting grounds, and raised, fenced walkways allow visitors to enter the area without disturbing the birds. Look for nests hidden in the sand and among the scrubland as breeding pairs carefully nurture and protect their eggs. African penguins are classified as an endangered species, and Boulders Beach is the only location in the world where humans can get close to these birds in their natural habitat.

Discover the Cape flora of every variety at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Delve into the immense wealth of biodiversity as you explore the Fragrance, Medicinal, and Water Wise Gardens. Highlights at Kirstenbosch include the Peninsula Garden, containing many of the 2,500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula, and the Protea Garden with numerous displays of the king protea, South Africa's national flower. The gardens were established in 1913 to promote, conserve, and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa, and today there are over 7,000 species in cultivation. Kirstenbosch is a World Heritage Site, covering 36 hectares set within a 528-hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos, along with a variety of animals and birds.

Dinner at Gold restaurant or similar

Night at the hotel

Wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture, and historic buildings. The town is the perfect place to explore on foot with its many sidewalk cafes and buzzy student vibe, owing to the large and prestigious university that is an icon of Stellenbosch culture. Many leading wine estates are found here, including Spier, Tokara, and Delheim, as well as some of the country’s best restaurants, where dining can be an informal al fresco affair or something more elegant and black tie.

Discover the wine-producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine-producing region. It is world-renowned for the excellent wines produced here, and it is also regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, with its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants. Franschhoek was originally established by French Huguenot settlers in the late 1600s and your tour will include a visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, displaying a large number of artefacts that illustrate the early life of the Huguenots, and the beautiful French-inspired Huguenot Monument, dedicated to the cultural influences that the Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony. Enjoy strolling through tree-lined streets and exploring art galleries, organic markets, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants.

Wine tasting and lunch in the wine estate

Hermanus

Located along the southern coast of the Western Cape in South Africa is a charming seaside town best known for its world-class whale watching, stunning coastal scenery, and relaxed atmosphere

Overnight at the hotel in Hermanus

Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans officially meet. It is known for its rugged coastline, treacherous seas, and historical significance as a landmark for sailors. The name "Agulhas", meaning "needles" in Portuguese, refers to the compass needles that point true north in this region. Cape Agulhas is also home to the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848, and serves as a key geographical and cultural landmark in South African maritime history.

Swellendam

Swellendam is one of South Africa’s oldest towns, located in the Western Cape at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Established in 1745, it is rich in history and Cape Dutch architecture, serving as a prominent administrative and agricultural centre during the colonial era. Today, Swellendam is known for its well-preserved heritage buildings, natural beauty, and vibrant tourism industry. It is a gateway to nearby nature reserves and the Overberg region, offering visitors a blend of cultural heritage, outdoor activities, and small-town charm.

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is a historic town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, renowned as the "ostrich capital of the world". Located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo region, it rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the booming ostrich feather trade. Today, Oudtshoorn remains a center for ostrich farming and tourism, offering visitors attractions such as ostrich show farms, the Cango Caves, and the scenic Swartberg Pass. The town is also known for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and annual events like the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK).

Cango caves

The Cango Caves are a spectacular series of limestone chambers and tunnels located near Oudtshoorn. Formed over millions of years, these caves are among the country’s oldest and most popular natural tourist attractions. Known for their impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and vast halls, the caves offer both standard and adventure tours that showcase their geological wonders. The Cango Caves hold archaeological significance as well, with evidence of early human habitation, making them not only a natural marvel but also a site of cultural and historical importance.

Ostrich farm

Ostrich Farm, located just 6 kilometres outside Oudtshoorn in South Africa's Klein Karoo, is a premier destination for those interested in ostrich farming and the region's rich agricultural heritage.The farm offers a unique blend of education and entertainment

Knysna

Knysna is a picturesque town along South Africa’s Garden Route, nestled between lush forests and a tranquil lagoon that opens into the Indian Ocean through the dramatic Knysna Heads. Renowned for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and mild climate, Knysna is a popular destination for ecotourism, adventure activities, and leisure travel. It is also known for its vibrant arts scene, fresh seafood, particularly the famous Knysna oysters, and annual events like the Knysna Oyster Festival. Surrounded by indigenous forests and nature reserves, Knysna offers a unique blend of coastal charm and outdoor exploration.

Sunset cruise Knysna

Overnight and diner Knysna

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, commonly known as "Plett," is a popular coastal town along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, renowned for its golden beaches, lush forests, and vibrant marine life. Nestled between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay offers a blend of natural beauty and relaxed sophistication, attracting both local and international visitors. The town is renowned for its outdoor activities, including whale watching, hiking, surfing, and exploring the nearby Robberg Nature Reserve. With its rich biodiversity, historic sites, and thriving hospitality industry, Plettenberg Bay is a jewel of the Western Cape

Robberg National Park

Located just outside Plettenberg Bay is a protected coastal peninsula known for its dramatic cliffs, diverse ecosystems, and archaeological significance. As a national monument and marine protected area, Robberg offers stunning hiking trails with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, unique rock formations, and rich marine life, including seals, dolphins, and seasonal whales. The reserve also contains caves with evidence of early human habitation, adding historical depth to its natural beauty. Robberg is a prime destination for nature lovers, hikers, and ecotourists exploring the Garden Route

Afternoon of leisure in Knysna

An afternoon of leisure in Knysna offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the natural beauty and charm of this coastal gem. Visitors can take a relaxing cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, explore the boutique shops and art galleries at the Knysna Waterfront, or enjoy fresh local seafood at a harbourside restaurant. For those who prefer nature, a peaceful walk through the Featherbed Nature Reserve or a scenic drive to the Knysna Heads provides breathtaking views. Whether indulging in a quiet moment by the water or savouring the town's vibrant culture, Knysna offers a memorable and rejuvenating leisure experience.

Overnight and dinner in Knysna

Tsitsikamma national park

Tsitsikamma National Park is a breathtaking coastal reserve known for its lush indigenous forests, rugged cliffs, and dramatic ocean scenery. Stretching along the Eastern Cape coastline, the park offers a unique blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, home to diverse plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking the famous Otter Trail, crossing the Storms River suspension bridge, kayaking, snorkelling, and birdwatching. Tsitsikamma is celebrated for its conservation efforts and offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Walk to the suspension bridge

The suspension bridge at the Garden Route, located in Tsitsikamma National Park, is one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning 77 metres across the mouth of the Storms River, the bridge offers visitors an unforgettable experience, combining adventure with spectacular natural beauty. Surrounded by lush coastal forests and dramatic cliffs, the bridge sways gently above the churning waters of the Indian Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and river gorge.

Port Elizabeth city tour

Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, located on Algoa Bay, roughly 770 km east of Cape Town. Founded in 1820 and named “Port Elizabeth” by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his late wife Elizabeth, the city retains its historic charm through landmarks like the Donkin Memorial pyramid and lighthouse

Overnight and dinner

Port Elizabeth

Flight to Durban

Durban is a vibrant coastal city located in the KwaZulu-Natal province, known for its warm climate, golden beaches, and rich cultural diversity. As one of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban plays a key role in trade and commerce while also being a popular tourist destination. The city boasts a unique blend of Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences, reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and traditions. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the beachfront promenade known as the Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World, and the bustling Victoria Street Market. Durban is also a gateway to the Drakensberg Mountains and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, making it a dynamic blend of urban energy and natural beauty.

Saint Lucia

St. Lucia, located north of Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is a small town renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity. It serves as the gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich ecosystems, including wetlands, estuaries, beaches, and coastal forests. St. Lucia offers unique experiences such as hippo and crocodile cruises on the estuary, birdwatching, and safari excursions to nearby game reserves. Despite its small size, the town is a major ecotourism hub, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers exploring the greater Durban area.

Afternoon boat on Saint Lucia Lake

Hluhluwe

Hluhluwe is a historic and biodiverse region in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, best known for the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve. Established in 1895, the park spans rolling hills and riverine valleys and is celebrated for its successful conservation of the endangered white rhino. Home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—Hluhluwe offers exceptional wildlife viewing and game drives. The area is also rich in Zulu heritage, with cultural experiences that provide insight into traditional life. With its combination of natural beauty, conservation legacy, and cultural significance, Hluhluwe is a standout destination for safari and ecotourism in South Africa.

Overnight and dinner

Hluhluwe

Early morning game drive

Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, Eswatini is one of Africa’s last remaining absolute monarchies, with deep-rooted customs and ceremonies such as the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival. The country’s diverse landscapes range from lush mountains and forests to savannah plains, offering a variety of wildlife and nature reserves. Eswatini is also known for its friendly communities, handicrafts, and scenic beauty, making it a unique destination for cultural tourism and outdoor adventures.

Candle factory, free time for shopping

Swazi Candles is a renowned artisan candle manufacturer located in the Malkerns Valley of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Established in 1982, the company has grown from a small workshop into a vibrant center that attracts visitors from around the world. Visitors can witness the candle-making process firsthand, as skilled artisans craft candles using the traditional millefiore technique, resulting in intricate patterns and designs. The center offers a variety of products, including candles in various shapes and sizes, organic soy tea lights, LED wax glow lamps, and handmade soaps. In addition to the candle workshop, the Swazi Candles Centre features a craft market, boutique shops, and a café, providing a comprehensive cultural experience for tourists. The center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering a unique opportunity to explore and purchase authentic Swazi crafts.

Admire glass masters at work at the Ngwenya Glass Factory. This glassblowing factory forms the central hub of an arts and crafts village in Swaziland, where visitors can watch craftsmen at work as they shape and mould molten glass into a variety of gorgeous pieces. The factory makes use of approximately 500 kg of recycled glass a day, which is crushed down and then melted in a furnace before the upcycle process begins, and the hot glass lava is transformed into new and beautiful shapes. As part of Ngwenya’s social upliftment programme, community members ranging from schoolchildren to adults are encouraged to collect discarded glass objects and bring them to the factory in return for payment.

Traverse the mountains towards Piggs Peak. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Swaziland, Piggs Peak is a region once made famous for its spectacular gold mining and now an important supplier of timber. The beautiful mountainous landscape has led to the area often being referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, filled with sparkling waterfalls, three of the highest peaks in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Bushmen paintings, nature reserves, and picturesque indigenous bushland. The town itself is filled with colourful African art and craft shops, while slightly further afield, you will find the historic Bulembu village, Emlembe, the highest mountain in Swaziland, and the Maguga Dam.

Lunch and dance at Matsamo village

Visit to the Matsamo Cultural Park. Located at the Jeppes Reef border, not far from the Kruger National Park, this educational cultural village offers visitors an introduction to the Swazi people, their culture, and traditions. It opened in 2000 to showcase the Swazi way of life and as a means for the Swazi people to celebrate their own culture, reminding younger generations of their rich heritage. The tour combines singing and dancing shows with an educational experience, highlighting the differences between Swazi and Western lifestyles and revealing why these differences have come about.

Travel to Kruger Park

Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the hotel

Breakfast

Full day 4x4 game drive in the Kruger Park. Your scheduled departure will leave from your hotel at dawn as you set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a short drive to one of the park's gates and into the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, stretching across a vast 18,989 square kilometres in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. With over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African buffalo, and 1,000 leopards, the Big Five is well represented. White rhino sightings are frequent, while spotting a black rhino may require some patience and a bit of luck. Lions are plentiful, with over 2,000 stalking the plains. Overall, the Kruger supports 147 free-roaming mammal species. Of the 517 species of birds here, 253 are resident, and the reserve supports six diverse ecosystems. Your morning safari concludes at one of the rest camps inside the reserve, allowing you to stretch and refresh. The 4x4 vehicle will allow you to get very close to the surrounding vegetation while your experienced ranger follows fresh animal spoor. Your safari concludes in the late afternoon before returning to the hotel

overnight and dinner at the hotel

Make your way towards the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This seemingly endless river canyon is filled with some of the most beautiful scenic vistas in South Africa. The Bourke's Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. The canyon itself is the 3rd largest in the world, covered in lush subtropical vegetation with an average depth of 750 metres and 25 kilometres in length. It consists mostly of red sandstone and has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.

Lunch at Kadisi

Free time in Graskop

Overnight and dinner at the hotel

Day 14 :
PRETORIA

Travel to Pretoria

Hit the highlands in Dullstroom. This picturesque village in Mpumalanga is best known for its fly-fishing dams, quaint shops, and country restaurants. It forms part of the Highlands Meander, where fly fishing rules and old-timers exchange news in the local pub and are rumored to still make their own moonshine. Brisk outdoor adventure awaits, as the area offers many adventure trails, rock climbing opportunities, and hiking paths, as well as being home to three varieties of crane species and a stunning array of blooming wildflowers.

Lunch at Corn and Cob

The Jacaranda City, as Pretoria is fondly called, is the administrative and diplomatic center of South Africa that once served as the headquarters for the old independent Transvaal Boer Republic. Here you will find some of the iconic landmarks that represent the old independent Transvaal as well as the new democratic South Africa. The Voortrekker Monument is a massive memorial ringed by ox wagons that commemorates the exodus of disillusioned Afrikaners from the Cape. Church Square houses Die Raadsaal, the former parliament buildings of the Boer Republic, and the Paul Kruger House was the home of the Transvaal Republic’s president. The Union Buildings stand proud and tall, built in 1910, and now house the official seat of the South African government as well as a nine-meter statue of former president Nelson Mandela.

Orient yourself with greater Johannesburg on a full-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto, and the Apartheid Museum. Your explorations begin in the heart of bustling Johannesburg, the third largest city in Africa, as you seek out landmark buildings such as the Hillbrow Tower, one of the tallest towers in Africa; the sky-scraping Ponte City; the Sentech and Carlton Centre Towers; and the multi-million rand Nelson Mandela Bridge. South of the city, you will find the Apartheid Museum (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) that showcases the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994, when the country’s first fully democratic elections were held. The museum has two entrances labelled ‘white’ and ‘non-white,’ giving visitors a tiny taste of some of apartheid’s prejudiced rules. More serious overtones to this system of racial classification can be observed inside the museum with harrowing personal testimonials and historical facts. Your tour rounds off with highlights of Soweto, such as the matchbox houses, FNB “Soccer City” Stadium, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street, and Mandela House.

What is included in this trek package?

  • Visits and activities mentioned in the program
  • Entrance to all tourist attractions described in the program
  • The English-speaking guide
  • The interventions of local guides

What is excluded in this trek package?

  • Drinks at lunches and dinners
  • Gratuities
From $4800
/ Best Price
  • Unbeatable Value Assurance - ( Discover extraordinary adventures )
  • Effortless Reservation Process - ( No booking hassles )
  • Transparent Pricing, Zero Surprises - ( No hidden costs )
  • Expertise Beyond Measure - ( Team of seasoned experts )
  • Your Joy, Our Priority - ( Happiness Commitment )
CT-GARDEN ROUTE-JHB