Discover South Africa

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 : Cape Town

Upon arrival into Cape Town, you're met by an Audley representative and then driven in a private vehicle to your accommodation. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax after you flight or begin your exploration of Cape Town. We suggest heading to the V&A Waterfront to browse its many trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 3 : Cape Town

Begin today with a private guided hike up Table Mountain for some spectacular views over the city and ocean. You're collected from your accommodation and driven to the lower cable car station ready for your ascent. Your guide then leads you up steep, rocky trails to the mountain's summit, with plenty of stops to catch your breath while taking in the views - you may see Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles in the distance. You take the cable car back down the mountain. This afternoon, your guide leads you on a private walking tour around the city to explore its past. Visits include the Houses of Parliament, the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope (South Africa's oldest building) and the lively market at Greenmarket Square.

Day 4 : Cape Town

Today your private driver and guide takes you on a tour around the Cape Peninsula's beautifully rugged coastline. Highlights include passing through the affluent suburb of Camps Bay, seeing the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, strolling around the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which is home to baboons, several antelope and bird species, as well as seals and dolphins offshore. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs en route, and you can purchase lunch in one of the area's pretty towns.

Day 5 : Swellendam

Your hire car is delivered to your accommodation this morning. You then set off on the two and a half hour drive to Swellendam, set at the foot of the Overberg Mountains and surrounded by green countryside. Once you've settled into your accommodation, spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring this historic town. The third-oldest in South Africa, it's home to some fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, a museum where you can learn about the area's past, and a good selection of restaurants and cafes.

Day 6 : Oudtshoorn

Set off on your two and a half hour drive to Oudtshoorn. The journey takes you through a breath-taking mountain pass, the arid Karoo area and along Route 62, said to be the most scenic route in South Africa, cutting through an expanse of vineyards, huge mountains and deep-cut valleys. We recommend taking your time to enjoy the views. After checking into your accommodation, begin to explore Oudtshoorn. The town is known as the 'ostrich capital of the world, becoming wealthy through its ostrich feather industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today you can see the ornate sandstone houses once belonging to those who grew rich from the trade.

Day 7 : Oudtshoorn

Take the day to explore the beautiful mountainous area. The drive up to the Cango Caves is stunning. The caves offer guided tours daily including a walk around the caves with a guide but for those that are looking for more adventure, there is the adventure tour that take you deeper into the caves through the tunnels with a guide.

Day 8 : Plettenberg Bay

Leave Oudtshoorn behind and drive for two hours to Plettenberg Bay. As you join the Garden Route at the town of George, the road runs along the coast, offering some beautiful views over the ocean. You may wish to stop for lunch in one of the coastal towns along the way. On arrival in Plettenberg Bay, settle into your accommodation before heading out to explore. You may wish to take a stroll along the sandy beach or walk along the dramatic cliff tops, looking out for sightings of whales (July - November) and dolphins offshore.

Day 9 : Plettenberg Bay

The high mountains of the Garden Route run parallel to the coast and collect most of the winter rainfall that the Cape region receives. The rains cascade down the precipitous slopes, forming fast flowing streams and rivers that carve deep gorges through the stands of indigenous forest before eventually meeting the Indian Ocean. Make your way to the Tsitsikamma National Park. On arrival you will leave the heights and get down to sea level. This will allow you to see and experience the coast from an entirely different perspective. Led by enthusiastic guides, you will paddle a kayak from the open ocean to the Storms River mouth and onward, passing under its photogenic suspension bridge. The upper reaches of the river gorge are explored by lilo, which are better able to navigate the shallower waters. All around you, the overhanging cliffs are draped with foliage, creating a cathedral-like stillness punctuated only by the burble of the river as it flows around gigantic boulders.

Day 10 : Plettenberg Bay

Join a small group cruise around the Featherbed Nature Reserve, led by a knowledgeable guide who can tell you more about this privately owned nature reserve and point out its wildlife. The reserve, dominated by milkwood forest, covers much of the western Knysna Head, and affords wonderful views of the lagoon and ocean. Keep a look out for Knysna loerie, blue crane and the blue duiker, a tiny antelope found in the area.

Day 11 : Eastern Cape Game Areas

This morning you drive for around three hours from Plettenberg to Amakhala Game Reserve. After settling into your lodge, this afternoon you embark on your first game drive in the park with a knowledgeable guide, who can help track wildlife and tell you more about each species.

Day 12 : Eastern Cape Game Areas

Today you are at leisure on safari. There are 2 game drives a day, one in the early morning and the second in the late afternoon. After your morning game drive you will arrive back at the lodge to eat a scrumptious breakfast. The rest of the day you have at leisure until the afternoon for your second drive, part of which will be at night - a chance to see some nocturnal animals.

Day 13 : Eastern Cape Game Areas

Today you have another full day on safari. During your stay you could also partake in a river cruise at Amakhala allowing you to view wildlife from a very different perspective.

Day 14 : International return flight

After your morning game drive and breakfast you will drive out of the game reserve to Port Elizabeth Airport. Fly to Johannesburg to connect to your flight back home.

Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.