Garden Route Adventure: Four Weeks in South Africa

In the morning, the wind rises off the coast and sweeps up the slopes of Table Mountain. The settled dew will lay across your accommodation’s lush lawn, and you will hear the city coming to life as the sunshine beats the Atlantic Ocean. Today is unplanned, and you may explore Cape Town at your leisure. The V&A Waterfront is a charming harbor, and you may visit boutique stores, heritage museums, and farmer’s markets established along the seaside promenade. Follow the scent of baked goods and let the colorful South African garments at curio shops guide you through the waterfront.

From the multi-colored homes painting the Bo-Kaap’s suburban skyline to Table Mountain’s towering summit that boasts remarkable panoramic views of the Western Cape, you will explore the best of Cape Town this morning. In the afternoon, ferries and yachts will glide in and out of the V&A Waterfront, taking passengers to Robben Island and locals to hideaway beaches. You will head for the harbor and board a boat for a tour of the former prison island. Here, Nelson Mandela’s powerful story is retold in the very prison cell he once slept in, and views of Table Mountain are jaw-dropping.

Indulge in many of the Western Cape’s magnificent highlights as you travel the roads weaving along the Cape coastline past premier Blue Flag beaches and local fishing villages. Peering out of your vehicle, you will gaze across the vast azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and admire the stunning spectacles of acclaimed rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles and Chapman’s Peak. Along the way, you will swim alongside the massive penguin colony at Boulders Beach, devour Hout Bay’s staple dish, fresh fish and chips, and scan the staggering natural scenery of Cape Point, the tip of southern Africa.

You will collect your rental car this morning after breakfast and begin your stunning drive through the Cape countryside between Cape Town and Hermanus. On your way out of Cape Town, you may stop in Franschhoek’s Cape Winelands to sink into the spellbinding atmosphere at the region’s elite wineries and explore their world-famous cellars. After tasting a selection of full-bodied reds and tangy whites, you will continue to the imposing cliffs of Hermanus and escape in the comfort of your castaway accommodation for the afternoon.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast as you watch over the ocean and, potentially, catch a glimpse of sea creatures playing in the waves. Today, you will head down to Hermanus’ harbor, hop into a boat, and meet the ship’s captain and crew, who will take you on a thrilling whale-watching adventure across the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean. During the tour, your knowledgeable crew will point you in the direction of the Cape’s gentle giants, whales, and other sea creatures that flock to the nutrient-rich swells of Hermanus, such as seals, sharks, and dolphins.

Hermanus is a dreamscape of immaculate grass-coated mountains, shimmering white-sand beach alcoves, and an immense sapphire sea. It is the perfect place to spend a day immersing yourself in the Cape’s lush wilderness and sun-baked shores, and you may do so today at your own pace. There are hiking trails that dissect olive-green forests coating the mountains and boats that slip across the azure waters to castaway sands that you may take advantage of on your day off in Hermanus. Otherwise, you can visit the charming towns and exquisite seafood restaurants for which the seaside destination is also famous.

Fall into unpretentious luxury at your boutique Swellendam accommodation after a comfortable two-hour drive away from the South African coast to the colonial destination dipped in a historic emerald valley. The town is home to a whopping amount of heritage sites, and you may visit these storied landmarks shortly after you arrive. In the afternoon, you may kick back in quiet opulence on recliners around your spacious pool as birds chirp from trees dotting your luxuriant, manicured lawns, and the breeze gently rolls through the palms.

You will continue over commanding mountain catchment areas, past flourishing forests in gorgeous nature reserves, and to an enchanting country house on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn today. After arriving, you will have the afternoon to freely discover the surrounding highlights. Oudtshoorn is famous for its collection of ostrich farms that you may visit for interactive learning experiences that will delight the whole family or for a peaceful lunch under the trees. You may also explore the remarkable caverns of the Cango Caves, a phenomenal, multi-colored geological formation naturally carved into the Precambrian limestones at the foothills of the Swartberg range.

Oudtshoorn is a welcomed escape from the Western Cape’s lively coastal towns. However, you will be thrilled to return to the sparkling seaside this morning after a few days of idling in the Cape countryside. You will cross the western reaches of the Witfontein Nature Reserve en route to Mossel Bay and spend some time scanning the evergreen hillsides for giraffe, zebra, and other wild animals navigating the flowered fields and prolific forests. Once you arrive in Mossel Bay, you will drop off your things and may spend the afternoon relaxing with your toes in the soft sand.

You will wake up to an exceptional sunrise that will envelop the sky in golden, orange, and pink hues. Today is yours to freely embrace the beautiful bay’s calm, tranquil atmosphere. You may enjoy long strolls on the beach or, perhaps, venture along shaded trails that wind their way to observation points in the hills. You may celebrate the rich history of the Mossel Bay region as you examine exhibits in the Bartolomeu Dias Museum or climb the stairs of the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse for panoramas of the coast.

You will wake up to the sound of the roaring ocean and the sunlight dancing through your blinds. The new day will beckon you back onto the road, and you will head for the South African coast’s world-famous eco-wonderland, Knysna. Knysna’s immense tidal lagoon lies at the foot of South Africa’s largest forest, and the town is home to an array of captivating experiences within its rich environments. Today, you will take some time to acclimate to your surroundings, and you may spend the afternoon familiarizing yourself with the trendy local bars and seafood restaurants.

Nothing is officially planned for your time in Knysna as the area boasts too many distinct activities to entertain you during your stay. How you choose to spend your moments here is up to you. However, we have several significant suggestions you may wish to consider. An elephant and wolf sanctuary around the corner from town allows guests to meet these extraordinary animals, the Tsitsikamma Forest boasts plenty of wildlife and dazzling floral finds, and boat cruises around the lagoon offer a chance to capture the ravishing setting from a unique vantage point.

Wake up early, catch the colorful sunrise over the lagoon, and make the most of your time here in Knysna. The sun-washed shores are a pleasure to stroll along, local shops joyously show off South African creativity and culture, and the Knysna Heads dramatic sea cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop for photography. Knysna is also treasured as the crown jewel of oyster farming in the country and hosts South Africa’s annual Oyster Festival. In the evening, you may visit several seafood restaurants to try variations of the decadent delicacy and discover the reason for all the fuss.

Knysna marks the starting point of your journey through South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route. Take your time driving along the immaculately well-kept roads and absorb the bewitching South African scenery between Knysna and the Addo Elephant Park. To your right, the glimmering ocean will extend towards the sunny horizon, and golden beaches will hug the coastline. To your left, flower fields of all colors will unfold across the hillsides, and forests will sway with the wind. You will soon arrive at a country house situated on a citrus farm on the doorstep of Addo, a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

In the morning, you will transfer through the gates of Addo Elephant Park and meet your private guide and ranger. You will be whisked away on a game drive through the impressive wildlife sanctuary and follow rugged dirt trails to viewing decks and water holes. The park is South Africa’s most densely populated elephant reserve, so you are bound to come across herds of these colossal mammals as you cruise across the bushveld. You will also be on the lookout for other indigenous creatures such as several types of buck, big cats, and over 150 varieties of birds.

The final leg of your self-drive along South Africa’s Garden Route will come to an end this morning in Port Elizabeth. You will take to the skies and soar over South Africa on a flight to Johannesburg, enjoying the views of the viridian landscape as you descend closer to the luxuriant reserves encompassing South Africa’s northern reaches. After touching down, you will meet your transfer and make your way to a tented bush camp in Kapama Private Game Reserve. An afternoon game drive will introduce you to the Big Five reserve nestled between the Blyde River Canyon and Kruger Park.

Two game drives are planned for you each day in Kapama, giving you plenty of opportunities to wander through the wilderness in search of the Big Five and other jaw-dropping game sightings. These unique drives will take you along bumpy roads that are only accessible within 4x4 vehicles, allowing you to explore every inch of the Kapama bushveld and improving the odds of you spotting South Africa’s iconic creatures. In the company of professional rangers and utilizing advanced camera technology, you will capture postcard-worthy scenes during each trip.

Several unique ways to explore the Kapama bushveld are available to you during your stay. Beyond game drives, you may enjoy up-close encounters with the wildlife on bush walks alongside armed rangers. These tours allow you to explore the finer details of the South African wilderness, smelling the fragrant flowers that bloom in the sun-washed forests and scanning the shrubs for the Little Five. In the afternoon, you may treat yourself to spa therapies on massage beds boasting panoramas of the bushveld. Today will be as relaxing as it is adventurous.

Early morning game drives are a highlight of any South African safari adventure as they spotlight the nocturnal creatures and nighttime activities that occur while the rest of the reserve sleeps. Your ranger will direct you through the bushveld and illuminate big cats, bush babies, and other creatures that operate under the cover of night. Afterward, you will cruise along roads connecting the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains on a Panorama Route day tour. The tour will showcase powerful silver waterfalls, massive rocky mountains, and unbridled views of Blyde River Canyon from God’s Window.

Your wilderness discoveries in South Africa will continue today as you make your way to Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary encompassed within the Great Kruger National Park area. Once you enter the gates, the safari begins, and you will spend the afternoon slowly heading for your bush camp and spotting sensational animal sightings along the way. You will stop at observation decks overlooking the bushveld to capture iconic South African imagery, arrive at water holes where herbivores peacefully gather while predators sleep elsewhere, and find cover in hides to spot rare birdlife.

Wake up in Sabi Sands to a symphony of wilderness sounds. You will hear the cackle of wild dogs echoing in the distance, wails of hippos from the nearby rivers, and roars of lions as they finish off a night hunting. These sounds will guide you through the bushveld today on a morning and afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five and rare animals wandering the wilderness. You will find comfort in the natural atmosphere of Sabi Sands, a region where the wild dominates and the circle of life plays out day and night.

From oxpeckers to honey badgers and ground hornbills to wild dogs, you will survey Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve on game drives for South Africa’s rare and endangered creatures. Keep your cameras ready for the chance to stumble upon these significant creatures and capture a wealth of stunning photography as you circle the park’s winding trails. In the afternoon, you may relish an elephant interaction with helpful native guides who will teach you about their conservation efforts and introduce you to the majestic beasts.

One of South Africa’s three capital cities, Pretoria is a stirring destination that you will arrive in this morning after your transfer from Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. With several accommodations to choose from in various suburbs dotting the city, you may decide where you wish to rest your head at night for the next few evenings. After arriving in Pretoria, you may head down to one of the city’s energetic districts to explore the culture and nightlife that sets in motion from the minute the sun starts its descent over the horizon.

Whether you wish to sightsee or spend the afternoon lounging around your pool, your full day in Pretoria is yours to do as you please. You may spend some time strolling through the neighborhoods and stumbling upon heritage sites and landmarks at leisure, meander regal malls and traditional markets to discern the cultural diversity of South Africa, or tuck into delicious cuisine at award-winning restaurants peppering the cityscape. Today is yours to unwind or adventure, depending on your personal travel preferences.

Johannesburg is a glamorous city with glitzy suburbs, and its opulent atmosphere is no better absorbed than within the regal Sandton area. Home to exquisite accommodation, high-end retailers, and chic restaurants and bars, Sandton is the place to be in South Africa, and you will spend the final nights of your vacation indulging in the finer things in life in and around the suburb. Today, you will check into your gorgeous suite and spend the evening dining on specialty South African cuisine at curated culinary hotspots sprinkled throughout Sandton.

From boutique stores that sell upmarket products to local South African retail gems that show off the country’s rich heritage through clothing, Johannesburg is a city that represents the apex of South African fashion. You may explore the fashion districts before ravishing a delightful lunch at one of the city’s iconic restaurants. In the afternoon, you may return to Sandton to peruse the many lavish highlights for which the industrious location is famous. Today is your chance to slowly savor the sumptuous ‘Jozi’ ambiance.

While Sandton portrays the upmarket side of the Johannesburg lifestyle, Soweto is a more down-to-earth and true representation of traditional South African culture. Today, you will partake in a dramatic and riveting heritage tour of the Soweto township and its historic landmarks. Your English-speaking guide will safely usher you through areas that have faced extreme hardship and show you to museums and memorials that honor the persevering nature of South Africa’s post-Apartheid forefathers. This inspiring tour will round off a mind-blowing vacation across the country.

Despite spending four whole weeks in South Africa, it will be hard to believe that your vacation is coming to an end today. As you savor your breakfast and final moments in Johannesburg, you will think back on your adventures in the dazzling cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, travels through the Garden Route to stunning coastal and inland towns, exploration of the country’s iconic wildlife reserves, and days submerged in the hustle and bustle of Gauteng. After breakfast, you will meet your transfer and head to the airport to begin your journey back home.