Classic Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route and Game Drives
Tour Introduction
A classic South Africa self-drive itinerary of great variety and scope, treating you to very comfortable accommodation throughout. It works really well as a family holiday, and equally so as a relaxed trip for couples. Beginning with ample time to explore picturesque Cape Town and its surrounds, drive via the scenic Cape wine lands and the semi-desert Klein Karoo, down a mountain pass to the verdant and naturally beautiful Garden Route. Famed for its indigenous forests, fynbos flora, sea cliffs, river estuaries and sweeping beaches, there is also the opportunity to see dolphins and whales in season (Jun-Oct). End your holiday with daily game drives in the popular Addo Elephant National Park for a true safari experience with an authentic ‘Out of Africa’ feel. There are even mini-rangers especially for the children. This tour works as a wonderful holiday, the memories of which will remain with you (and all your family) for many years to come.
Full Itinerary
Arrive Cape Town and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Optional excursions include: excursions to Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Camps Bay.
Staying at Cape Royale. Includes Breakfast.
Day to enjoy Cape Town and surrounds. Optional excursions include: Cape Peninsula Tour and Boulders Beach.
Staying at Cape Royale. Includes Breakfast.
Another morning in Cape Town if desired. The hire car will be delivered to the hotel. Self-drive to Franschhoek.
Staying at Le Quartier Francais. Includes Breakfast.
Enjoy a tour of the local wineries in this beautiful setting.
Staying at Le Quartier Francais. Includes Breakfast.
Today self-drive the scenic route to Oudtshoorn.
Staying at Thorntree. Includes Breakfast.
You might like to explore the Klein Karoo this morning. The renostveld and fynbos ecosystems found here support some of the greatest floral communities in the world. Then make the short, winding drive down the Outeniqua Pass to Knysna.
Staying at Belvidere Manor. Includes Breakfast.
Morning excursion across Knysna Lagoon to the private Featherbed Nature Reserve. The reserve supports a pristine selection of typical garden route flora, the lesser spotted sunbird and the lovely Knysna loerie, a rare endemic bird. Walk in the reserve and enjoy refreshments at the café before taking the walk back. The afternoon is at leisure.
Staying at Belvidere Manor. Includes Breakfast.
Today make the short drive to the beautiful Plettenberg Bay enjoying the scenery and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Staying at Robberg Beach Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Day at leisure in Plettenberg Bay. Optional activities include exploring the Tsitsikamma area and whale watching in season (Jul-Oct) when southern right whales come inshore to raise their calves. The secretive Bryde’s whale and migrating humpback whales can also be seen with some regularity here.
Staying at Robberg Beach Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Day at leisure in Plettenberg Bay. Optional activities include hiking in the wild Robberg Nature Reserve with stunning views to the ocean and a diverse floral community to enjoy. You can see a large fur seal colony, pods of dolphins and sometimes a great white shark out in the bay. The walk in Robberg Nature Reserve can be quite strenuous so take plenty of water and snacks and suitable walking boots.
Staying at Robberg Beach Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Today drive to Addo Elephant National Park. If desired, stop en route to see the Storms River Mouth and explore some of the canyons, caves and waterfalls of the area and perhaps see rock hyraxs and loerie.
Staying at Riverbend Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy safari drives and other game activities in Addo Elephant National Park. The National Park supports a population of over 500 elephants as well as many buffalo, zebra, giraffe and antelopes; there is also a small population of lions and spotted hyenas in the park.
Staying at Riverbend Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Another day of safari experiences in Addo Elephant National Park.
Staying at Riverbend Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Drive to Port Elizabeth airport and drop off the hire car. Take flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and connect with your international flight home.
Includes In-flight Meals.
Tour Accommodation
Le Quartier Francais
Overview
Le Quartier Francais is a luxurious boutique hotel in central Franschoek, famous for its gourmet dining. The hotel offers 21 personally designed rooms and suites, all with vibrant colours and modern furnishings. All of the spacious rooms have private bathrooms, seating, free WiFi and TV and DVD player.
The hotel has two restaurants including the famous Tasting Room, run by award-winning chef Margot Janse. Dinners here are an 8-course degustation affair involving daily specials prepared with fresh ingredients.
The Garden Room serves hearty breakfasts, and for evening drinks and light snacks there is the lounge cocktail bar. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town and provides free parking and bicycle rental.
Le Quartier Francais also features a spa with a full menu of massage treatments, and an attractive garden with swimming pool and sun loungers. It makes an ideal base from which to explore the Cape Winelands.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, cocktail bar, lounge, free WiFi, TV, DVD player, swimming pool, spa, bicycle rental, and onsite parking.
Optional Activities
Tours of Franschoek area, bicycle excursions and spa treatments.
Thorntree Country House
Overview
Thorntree Country House is a classic, colonial Klein Karoo guesthouse built in the 1800s. It sits in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley close to the town of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo.
The family run guesthouse has maintained the traditional framework and architecture of the original farmhouse but is now updated with modern furnishings, bathrooms and neutral colours.
The accommodation is individually designed, homely double or twin rooms with attached private bathrooms. Each room is provided with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, satellite TV and mini-bar.
The dining room serves a set menu consisting of delicious local and international cuisine.
There are two small swimming pools, including one filled with salt water, in the well-maintained garden for guests to relax in, and free WiFi available in the communal areas.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge, air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, swimming pool and laundry service.
Optional Activities
Local excursions in the Oudtshoorn area, including visits to the Cango caves.
Belvidere Manor
Overview
Belvidere Manor Hotel is a luxurious private hotel that sits on the western shore of Knysna’s lagoon within South Africa’s Garden Route.
The accommodation is in self-catering cottages scattered across the 10 acres of the beautiful Belvidere estate gardens. The cottages can accommodate up to 6 guests and there is a choice of one or two storey builds. Each cottage has a homely living room, small kitchenette, one, two or three double bedrooms with attached private bathrooms and a small private verandah to relax on.
The cottages are equipped with a fireplace, heater, ceiling fan, satellite TV, DVD player, wall mounted safety deposit box, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee facilities, radio alarm clock, international plugs and complimentary toiletries and WiFi.
Meals can be taken at the small local pub sited within hotel grounds of the original Belvidere farmhouse. The historical pub features an extensive wine cellar that can be seen through a window in the floor. Traditional South African dishes and freshly prepared pub meals can be taken inside or at the outside dining tables.
The lush flower gardens and woodland around the accommodation have several walking trails and there is a large and inviting swimming pool and sun loungers to enjoy.
The forested is of particular note for its bird life including the brightly coloured, localised Knysna loerie, narina trogon, Knysna warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, chorister robin-chat and forest canary. An impressive 270 bird species have seen in the area and Knysna is also home to the endangered dwarf chameleon and Brenton blue butterfly. Offshore, migrating humpback and southern right whales can be seen, mostly May to October.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, restaurant, fireplace, heater, ceiling fan, satellite TV and DVD player, wall mounted safety deposit box, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee facilities, radio alarm clock, international plugs and complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi.
Local Wildlife
270 bird species including the range restricted species such as Knysna loerie, narina trogon, Knysna warbler, Knysna woodpecker, chorister robin-chat and forest canary. Humpback and southern right whales are frequently seen offshore between May and October. Smaller wildlife includes the rare dwarf chameleon and Brenton blue butterfly and Knysna sea horse.
Optional Activities
Besides wildlife watching activities including horse riding, canoeing, cycling and diving are available.
Cape Royale
Overview
The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence is a grand, luxurious, urban hotel located on the Northern tip of Cape Town along the Atlantic coast. All of the property’s 80 rooms are suites, and there are even options to have two or three bedroom penthouse apartments. With faultless modern design and décor, this architectural gem offers guests a taste of lavish luxury, whilst providing breath-taking views of table mountain and Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline.
It’s convenient location – just 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport – makes this property a must-see for guests desiring a luxurious base from which to explore the delights of South Africa’s legislative capital city.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All rooms are suites, with spacious arrangements ensuring ultimate comfort. Recently upgraded bathrooms provide up to date modern facilities and seamless design, and wifi access is complementary throughout the hotel. Normal amenities such as safes, robes, toiletries and drinks facilities are also provided.
On the roof you will find the Zenith sky bar and pool deck, where guests can enjoy swimming or relaxing with a drink and admiring the view. The on-site Equinox Spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments, and there is also a well-equipped fitness center.
The hotel’s six restaurants offer a variety of international cuisines, and the espresso bar and sky bar both provide a variety of beverage options.
Optional Activities
The Cape Royale’s central location opens up the chance to experience all the popular attractions of Cape Town. Popular locations to visit include Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, Stellenbosch wine farm, Ratanga Junction theme park, and Clifton and Camps Bay beaches.
Riverbend Lodge
Overview
Riverbend Lodge is a luxury property situated on the 17,000 hectare Nyati private concession within the Addo Elephant National Park, in the Eastern Cape. This personal and friendly lodge is a typical Cape Farmhouse style, with high pitched roofs and wide verandas. Sip a cocktail in the Polo Bar, savour delicious Pan-African meals complemented by fine wines and enjoy late afternoon high tea on the terrace, with views of the surrounding Zuurberg Mountains.
The 8 luxury suites are furnished with antique dark woods, classic fabrics and quality linens drape the twin or king beds. Seven of the suites are classic luxury suites, whilst one is a honeymoon suite, perfect for newlyweds with a private plunge pool and the option to enjoy romantic candlelit dinners on its own decking. For groups – or those desiring a more exclusive experience – there is an ‘exclusive-use villa’ available. Situated 1km from the main lodge it is equipped with a private pool, chef and guide.
Watch the lazy herds of Elephant from the pool area or the veranda, as they move through the region, or go on a mountain walk to learn all about the varying vegetation and the wildlife. You can also enjoy game drives, birding and horseback safaris. Your stay at River Bend Lodge includes all meals, park entry fees and daily game activities.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All the rooms are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans, satellite televisions, electronic safes, mini-bars and coffee and tea stations. The en-suite bathrooms offer hair dryers, quality amenities and separate baths and showers. The sitting areas open out through cottage pain double doors, to private patios with views of the natural surroundings.
Spa, pool, lounge, bar and newly renovated “Silver Thorns Restaurant” offering fine dining cuisine.
Local Wildlife
Addo Elephant National Park is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and the only one with a coastline – as such they like to call it a ‘Big Seven‘ reserve including great white sharks and whales! Its size allows the incorporation of five biomes of great diversity, including Nama karoo, Albany thicket, inter-zonal forest, fynbos and the Indian Ocean coast bordered by dunes and grassy plains. Spekboom succulents put on a beautiful display of pink flowers in October/November.
The present c.450 elephants in the reserve originate from 11 which had managed to survive the attention of hunters and farmers when the park was established in 1931. Two prides of lions were reintroduced in 2003 and buffalo, black rhino, meerkat (suricate), Burchell’s zebra, eland, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, ostrich, secretary bird and blue crane may also be seen. The largest concentration of the unique flightless dung beetle is in this park. Giant golden-orb-web spiders, many species of tortoise, southern dwarf chameleons, Tasman’s girdled lizard, yellow and small grey mongoose, bush-buck and grey duikers may also be spotted. The waterhole near the main reception, illuminated at night, is a good site for bird watching in addition to viewing larger animals and their nocturnal visits.
Optional Activities
Game drives – the lodge has its own comfortable safari vehicles and tries to supply individual guides and jeeps to guests as much as possible. “Introduction to South African Wine” courses are available, as well as photographic courses and spa treatments. Children’s activities and babysitters can be arranged.
Robberg Beach Lodge
Overview
The Robberg Beach Lodge offers luxurious five star accommodation on the beach front of Plettenberg Bay. The Bay is at the centre of the world-famous Garden Route, a highly admired tourism route in South Africa. The area is prized for its unspoilt sky and seascapes, but the property is also only five minutes from Plettenberg’s busy main street, offering restaurants, bars, shops and more – making it an ideal destination for all.
The property’s 29 rooms are arranged in four adjacent villas, and there are nine different room categories available – including a self-catering option.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Facilities include two outdoor pools, two lounges, two honesty bars, a rooftop viewing deck, 24-hr reception and check-in. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms, and daily housekeeping service is included in the rates.
Optional Activities
Play a round of golf, follow a hiking trail or horse-riding trail, or charter a sailing boat from the harbour. Visit the Plet Puzzle Park, or find some live music in one of the bars. Spot some wildlife at the Birds of Eden sanctuary, Monkeyland primate center, Lawnwood snake sanctuary or on a whale watching trip around the bay
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Cape Town direct on BA, return from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
For walks in the Robberg Nature Reserve, especially out of summer season,suitable walking boots and protective clothing are recommended.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We have just received the feedback form from you for our recent trip to South Africa which I will fill out shortly but I also wanted to thank you personally for organising us such a fantastic trip. The sheer variety of scenery and activities was amazing and the accommodation was uniformly excellent. We enjoyed good weather for our first few days in Cape Town allowing us get the best from Table Mountain as well as travel down to the Cape of Good Hope. A storm front did give a couple of wet days but this had little impact on our wine tasting in Franschhoek. In Hermanus we were fortunate to spot an early southern right whale as well as a humpback. We absolutely loved Montusi mountain lodge – what a view! We were also glad we visited the battlefields and the drive to Fugitive’s Drift lodge was quite enjoyable although I will never complain about potholes in the UK again. The suites at Tanda Tula were amazing and well beyond anything we have previously experienced on safari. The wildlife viewing for mammals was excellent with great sightings of lions and rhino in particular. Once again, many thanks and it’s now time for us to start our diet as we ate and drank rather too well.
