Cape Town & Garden Route
The Garden Route refers to the picturesque area between George and Tsitsikamma (120km). It was named the Garden Route because with all the indigenous forests and estuaries, it is what the Garden of Eden must have looked like.
The Garden Route tour can also be started in Port Elizabeth.
The Garden Route tour can also be started in Port Elizabeth.
Itinerary
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be warmly met by your tour guide.
Once the group is complete, we will drive directly to our hotel, providing a comfortable place to rest and recover from the journey.
We will spend four nights in Cape Town, allowing time to adjust and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Included:
Overnight: Fountains Hotel
Today a wonderful day off in Cape Town. What a lot this city has to offer! Take a walk through the old town and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and charming old buildings along the Green Market Square.
Do you like shopping? The Waterfront is a Valhalla for shopaholics. There is also a wide range of good restaurants in this historic heart of the port. You can also hop on the signature 'hop on hop off' bus to see Cape Town's main attractions!
If you find it interesting to visit Robben Island, where Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned for years.
A boat takes you from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront to the famous Prison Island. An impressive excursion, which is still accompanied by former prisoners.
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains Hotel
After breakfast, we set out from Cape Town on a full-day excursion to the legendary Cape of Good Hope, following one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Our journey takes us along sweeping bays and beneath towering cliffs as we trace the edge of the Cape Peninsula.
Our first stop is the harbour town of Hout Bay, where we board a boat to visit Seal Island. Here, hundreds of Cape fur seals laze on the rocks or plunge into the surf, while in the surrounding waters lurk the ocean’s apex predators — the great white sharks that sometimes patrol this coast.
Back on land, we continue south along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, a road carved dramatically into the mountainside. Every bend reveals another spectacular vista of ocean and cliffs, and in the right season, we may be lucky enough to spot whales or dolphins playing in the waters below.
Reaching the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, we explore one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. A walk to the lighthouse at Cape Point rewards us with panoramic views over the rugged coastline. Standing here, at the southwestern most tip of the African continent, is an unforgettable experience — a place where history, myth, and raw natural beauty meet.
We then travel to Simon’s Town, home to the famous colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Watching these endearing birds waddle across the snow-white sand or swim in the turquoise shallows is a true highlight, offering both charm and wonder in equal measure.
Our return journey takes us along the eastern side of the peninsula, passing through quaint villages and seaside towns before arriving back in Cape Town. The late afternoon is free to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the V&A Waterfront, with its restaurants, terraces, and lively harbour views.
Included: Breakfast, Day trip Cape of Good Hope, Seal Island boat trip, Penguin colony (Boulders Beach)
Overnight: Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains
Our journey takes us inland to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, founded by the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.). Often referred to as the capital of the Winelands, Stellenbosch is full of charm — think elegant Cape Dutch houses with their thatched roofs and stepped gables, shaded avenues, cozy shops, and vibrant cafés. Here we take a short city walk, during which we will also visit the famous ‘Oom Samie se Winkel’, a legendary general store that feels like stepping back in time.
Today we explore no fewer than three world-famous wine regions: Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. This is the birthplace of many of South Africa’s most celebrated wines. From Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc to the uniquely South African Pinotage, you’ll get a taste of the country’s rich winemaking heritage. Naturally, we will stop at a local wine estate, where you can sample a few of these sunny flavours for yourself.
We continue to Franschhoek, a charming village set in a spectacular valley. Known as the culinary capital of South Africa, it has a distinctly French flair, thanks to the Huguenots (French Protestants) who settled here in the 17th century. Many of the vineyards still carry their French names — such as La Motte and Haute Cabrière.
In the late afternoon, we make our way to Cape Town, the grand finale of our journey. The approach is unforgettable: as we near the city, the sight of the iconic Table Mountain rising dramatically from the landscape is a breathtaking moment that stays with every traveller.
Included: Breakfast, Wine tasting
Overnight: Aha Harbor Bridge Hotel & Suites / Fountains Hotel
This route takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Western Cape, beginning in Paarl beneath the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains and continuing through the spectacular Du Toitskloof Pass to Worcester.
In Worcester, enjoy a visit to the renowned KWV Brandy Cellar, famous for its award-winning brandies and impressive maturation cellars. Continue through the fertile Breede River Valley via Robertson and Ashton before arriving in the charming spa town of Montagu.
Check in at Montagu Springs Resort, where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Relax in the natural hot mineral springs, enjoy the mountain scenery, or explore the town’s quaint shops, cafés, and Cape Dutch architecture.
Included: Breakfast, Wine tasting
Overnight: Montagu Spa
Travel along the scenic Route 62 toward Oudtshoorn, one of South Africa’s most picturesque touring routes, winding through vineyards, orchards, mountain passes, and charming Klein Karoo towns.
En route, stop at the famous Ronnie's Sex Shop — a quirky and iconic roadside pub that has become a legendary landmark along Route 62.
The journey continues through the towns of Robertson and Ladismith before crossing the dramatic Huisrivier Pass to Calitzdorp, known as the “Port Capital” of South Africa for its exceptional fortified wines.
Enjoy a port tasting at one of the local estates before continuing through the Klein Karoo landscapes to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
Included: Breakfast, Cango Caves
Overnight: Queens Hotel / Mooiplaas Guesthouse
Today’s excursion begins with a visit to the world-famous Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s oldest and most spectacular natural attractions. Explore the magnificent limestone chambers adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Continue with a visit to a local Safari Ostrich Show Farm to learn more about the fascinating ostrich industry for which Oudtshoorn is internationally renowned. Gain insight into ostrich farming, breeding, and the historical feather boom that shaped the region.
The journey then crosses the dramatic Swartberg Mountains via the spectacular Swartberg Pass (weather and road conditions permitting), offering breathtaking views of the rugged Cape Fold Mountains and surrounding Klein Karoo landscapes.
Return to Oudtshoorn through the scenic Meiringspoort, famous for its towering cliffs, striking rock formations, and dramatic natural scenery carved by the Groot River over centuries.
Included: Breakfast, Ostrich Farm
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn / Knysna Hollow
Depart Oudtshoorn and cross the magnificent Outeniqua Pass to George, gateway to South Africa’s famous Garden Route.
Continue along this breathtaking coastal region through the picturesque lake districts of Wilderness and Sedgefield, renowned for their tranquil lagoons, indigenous forests, and unspoiled beaches.
The journey proceeds to the charming town of Knysna, beautifully situated on the edge of a large lagoon and surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, Knysna is one of the highlights of the Garden Route.
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn / Knysna Hollow
You have all day to enjoy the pleasant town of Knysna. Stroll along the Waterfront, order a drink on one of the cozy terraces, view the many shops and small streets, and experience the relaxed atmosphere that prevails here.
Are you looking for action? Then the excursion to the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve is just the thing for you. Travel by boat to the westernmost cliff and then 4WD up to the top for spectacular views of the ocean, lagoon and Knysna. The guide will tell you everything about this private reserve.
If you would like to experience a township — you have the option to join a guided visit to the Qolweni Community near Plettenberg Bay.
Whale enthusiasts can also take an optional boat excursion in search of whales (July–November, weather permitting). This is a magical opportunity to spot these gentle giants up close in their natural environment.
In the afternoon you can take a boat trip to the ‘Knysna Heads’, two sandstone cliffs that protect the lagoon (optional excursion). On board you can enjoy a tapas menu with fresh oysters, local beer and sparkling wine at an additional cost. During sunset this is a perfect end to the day.
Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Graywood Hotel / Lagoona Inn
Optional Excursion:
Travel along the spectacular Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay, one of the region’s premier coastal destinations, renowned for its golden beaches, dramatic coastline, and marine life. Continue via the lush indigenous forests and scenic landscapes of Nature's Valley toward the impressive Bloukrans Bridge, where you can witness the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump.
En route, visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to a remarkable variety of bird species set within a spectacular indigenous forest environment.
The journey continues to Tsitsikamma National Park, famous for its dramatic coastline, ancient forests, suspension bridges, and exceptional natural beauty within the greater Garden Route National Park.
Included: Breakfast, Birds of Eden
Overnight: Tsitsikamma Village
Enjoy a scenic walk through the lush indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park to the mouth of the Storms River, where dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and the famous suspension bridge create one of the Garden Route’s most memorable landscapes.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to relax and absorb the tranquility and natural beauty of the Tsitsikamma region, with its pristine forests, ocean views, and abundant birdlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Storms River, offering a unique perspective of the towering gorge, rugged rock formations, and spectacular scenery carved over centuries by the river and sea.
Included: Breakfast, Tsitsikamma National Park
Overnight: Tsitsikamma Village
Depart Tsitsikamma National Park and travel eastward across the impressive Paul Sauer Bridge, spanning the deep gorge of the Storms River.
Continue along the coast to Jeffreys Bay, internationally renowned for its world-class surfing beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
The journey proceeds to Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa’s premier wildlife reserves and home to one of the densest elephant populations in Africa.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive through the park in search of elephants, buffalo, antelope, zebra, and a variety of other wildlife species inhabiting this diverse and scenic conservation area.
Included: Breakfast, Addo
Overnight: Zuurberg Village
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Addo Elephant National Park, when wildlife is most active and the soft morning light enhances the beauty of the African bushveld. Keep watch for elephants, buffalo, zebra, antelope, and other animals as the park awakens for the day.
Thereafter, travel to Port Elizabeth, also known as Gqeberha, a friendly coastal city renowned for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere along Algoa Bay.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the beachfront, enjoy the ocean views, stroll along the promenade, or relax at one of the many cafés and seaside attractions in this popular coastal destination.
Included: Breakfast, Addo
Overnight: Kelway Hotel
