Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure

Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Depart London.

Day 2 Start Port Elizabeth; transfer to Amakhala Game Reserve.

Welcome to South Africa! We meet any clients who have made their own way to Port Elizabeth at the airport and together we’ll take a one hour drive to Amakhala, a private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The crew at Amakhala will be waiting to welcome you and help you settle into this spectacular safari lodge. In the late afternoon we embark on our first game drive for a chance to see the spectacular wildlife and topography of Amakhala. During this game drive we stop for a cheese and wine sundowner, a quintessential safari experience to round off your first day in Southern Africa.Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (4 star)

Day 3 Morning and afternoon game drives in Amakhala Game Reserve.

Amakhala Game Reserve is spread across 18,000 acres; hosting five of South Africa's seven biomes and a large diversity of wildlife. Sightings here may feature lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard, as well as giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and many species of antelope. Using open-air 4WD safari vehicles, we begin our day with an early morning game drive to search for wildlife at the time of day when the reserve is most active. There will be some time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s incredible facilities over lunch as well as visit the spa or take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the bush. Later we head into the reserve again for an afternoon game drive, searching for species that we may not have encountered yet. Another wine and cheese sundowner will feature on this afternoon’s game drive. Weather permitting, in the evening we will enjoy a traditional braai (South African barbeque) under the southern hemisphere night sky.Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (4 star)

Day 4 Morning game drive at Amakhala Game Reserve; forest walk in Tsitsikamma National Park.

Our day begins with a final game drive in Amakala before we head west to the official start of the Garden Route – Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Getting its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water’ and encompassing land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, epic canyons and magnificent coastal views. In the park we enjoy a walk in the forest and along the boardwalks and suspension bridges. This is a great opportunity to encounter some of the park’s abundant birdlife, with sea, forest and scrubland species all present. Our accommodation is located a short transfer away in the relaxed seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, where there are some great restaurants close to our lodge for tonight’s dinner.Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (4 star)

Day 5 Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve; free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay.

Today is about enjoying the Plettenberg Bay area. A short drive away is Robberg Nature Reserve, a peninsula of rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and scenic hiking trails that we have the morning to explore. As a World Heritage Site and National Monument, this is one of the most iconic experiences on the Garden Route and home to seals, dassies (Rock hyrax) and abundant bird life. The rest of the day is free to relax at our beautiful lodge, enjoy local cuisine at the bay’s many excellent restaurants or explore the nearby white sand beach.Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (4 star)

Day 6 Drive to De Hoop Nature Reserve with stops at the Knysna Heads and Mossel Bay.

Continuing along the Garden Route, we visit one of its most picturesque points, the Knysna Heads – a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a channel separating the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Our next stop is for lunch at Mossel Bay, a quaint coastal town home to The Post Office Tree, a famous landmark where seafarers left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. We end today’s journey at De Hoop Nature Reserve and will arrive at our secluded accommodation within the reserve this afternoon, leaving some time to discover this amazing setting before dinner.Standard accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (3 star)

Day 7 Full day in De Hoop Nature Reserve.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site and home to 86 species of mammal, more than 260 species of bird and the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve stretches some 34,000 hectares and includes 5km of marine reserve, one of the largest in Africa. This is one of the best locations in South Africa to see the migrating Southern Right whale from shore (from late August to November) and is far less busy than nearby Hermanus. We have the day to discover this unspoilt environment and enjoy some of the many optional activities on offer such as a guided eco-boat tour on the vlei, an interpretative marine walk, birdwatching and mountain biking. In the afternoon we walk along the beach boardwalk to a lookout point that is a great place for whale watching in season.Standard accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (3 star)

Day 8 Continue to Stellenbosch via Cape Agulhas and Hermanus.

A short transfer takes us to Cape Agulhas, a rocky headland that is officially the southernmost tip of the African continent. We continue to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. A breeding ground for the Southern Right whale between late August and November, these giants travel from Antarctica to calve in Hermanus’ sheltered waters. After lunch we take a walk from the harbour and along the cliff’s edge, hopefully spotting these magnificent animals as they come close to shore. Heading inland, our destination for the day is the elegant and historic town of Stellenbosch, at the heart of South Africa’s famed winelands.Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (4 star)

Day 9 Wine tasting with food pairings at two Stellenbosch wineries.

Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch has rich, fertile soil and a temperate climate, which are the perfect conditions for winemaking. Our day will feature two of Stellenbosch’s best wine estates. We begin at the Waterford Estate where we will pair the region’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with a series of dark and milk chocolates. Next is the Middelvlei Estate to pair their Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinotage with mouth-watering Boerebraai tapas. In the afternoon we return to our accommodation, to unwind in the lodge’s pool or gardens and take in the wonderful views of the Stellenbosch mountains and surrounding vineyards.Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (4 star)

Day 10 Drive to Simon's Town; wander amongst African penguins at Boulders Beach.

After a relaxing start to the day, we make our way down to Simon's Town in time for lunch at a restaurant located next to Boulders Beach. At the beach is a colony of approximately 2,000-3,000 African penguins, a protected species that is sadly endangered. The granite boulders offer shelter from the elements and the beach falls under a protected area that is part of the Table Mountain National Park, making this a safe haven for the colony. This is the only place in the world where you can get close to African penguins in this way, and it makes for a heart-warming experience. After some time to enjoy the colony and the surrounding dunes and boardwalks we have a short drive to our centrally located hotel next to the harbour.Premium accommodation: Quayside Hotel, Simon’s Town (4 star)

Day 11 Walk in Cape Point Nature Reserve; discover Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden; drive to Camps Bay.

We start early today and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve for a two hour walk along this ruggedly beautiful coastline. Starting with the Old Lighthouse, a short climb is rewarded with panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our route follows the boardwalk along the coast, past hidden beaches and jagged cliff faces before reaching the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich, and we may be lucky enough to see a few of these species. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is our next stop. After lunch, we have the afternoon to discover the abundant bird and plant life of this highly acclaimed botanical garden, as well as appreciate its full grandeur from the tree canopy walkway. Our day ends in Camps Bay, an affluent suburb of Cape Town located between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park.Premium accommodation: Ocean View House, Cape Town (4 star)

Day 12 Cable car to the summit of Table Mountain; free time to enjoy Cape Town.

Cape Town’s skyline is one of most recognisable in the world thanks to the iconic Table Mountain towering over the city. The views from the top of this 1065m mountain are spectacular. Fortunately, there is a cable car to take us there, saving us a hike up the mountain’s steep slopes. Looking out from the summit is the best way to appreciate Cape Town’s striking setting and from here it is possible to see Lion's Head, Robben Island, and the city centre. The rest of the day is free to stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, join a township tour or learn about Nelson Mandela’s incarceration on a visit to Robben Island.Premium accommodation: Ocean View House, Cape Town (4 star)

Day 13 End Cape Town.

Depending on flight times there may be additional time to explore Cape Town or simply unwind in the beautiful grounds of our hotel. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home.

Day 14 Arrive London.

Arrive London

Land Only

Day 1 Start Port Elizabeth; transfer to Amakhala Game Reserve.

Welcome to South Africa! We meet any clients who have made their own way to Port Elizabeth at the airport and together we’ll take a one hour drive to Amakhala, a private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The crew at Amakhala will be waiting to welcome you and help you settle into this spectacular safari lodge. In the late afternoon we embark on our first game drive for a chance to see the spectacular wildlife and topography of Amakhala. During this game drive we stop for a cheese and wine sundowner, a quintessential safari experience to round off your first day in Southern Africa.Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (4 star)

Day 2 Morning and afternoon game drives in Amakhala Game Reserve.

Amakhala Game Reserve is spread across 18,000 acres; hosting five of South Africa's seven biomes and a large diversity of wildlife. Sightings here may feature lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard, as well as giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and many species of antelope. Using open-air 4WD safari vehicles, we begin our day with an early morning game drive to search for wildlife at the time of day when the reserve is most active. There will be some time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s incredible facilities over lunch as well as visit the spa or take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the bush. Later we head into the reserve again for an afternoon game drive, searching for species that we may not have encountered yet. Another wine and cheese sundowner will feature on this afternoon’s game drive. Weather permitting, in the evening we will enjoy a traditional braai (South African barbeque) under the southern hemisphere night sky.Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (4 star)

Day 3 Morning game drive at Amakhala Game Reserve; forest walk in Tsitsikamma National Park.

Our day begins with a final game drive in Amakala before we head west to the official start of the Garden Route – Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Getting its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water’ and encompassing land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, epic canyons and magnificent coastal views. In the park we enjoy a walk in the forest and along the boardwalks and suspension bridges. This is a great opportunity to encounter some of the park’s abundant birdlife, with sea, forest and scrubland species all present. Our accommodation is located a short transfer away in the relaxed seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, where there are some great restaurants close to our lodge for tonight’s dinner.Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (4 star)

Day 4 Walk in Robberg Nature Reserve; free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay.

Today is about enjoying the Plettenberg Bay area. A short drive away is Robberg Nature Reserve, a peninsula of rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and scenic hiking trails that we have the morning to explore. As a World Heritage Site and National Monument, this is one of the most iconic experiences on the Garden Route and home to seals, dassies (Rock hyrax) and abundant bird life. The rest of the day is free to relax at our beautiful lodge, enjoy local cuisine at the bay’s many excellent restaurants or explore the nearby white sand beach.Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (4 star)

Day 5 Drive to De Hoop Nature Reserve with stops at the Knysna Heads and Mossel Bay.

Continuing along the Garden Route, we visit one of its most picturesque points, the Knysna Heads – a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a channel separating the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Our next stop is for lunch at Mossel Bay, a quaint coastal town home to The Post Office Tree, a famous landmark where seafarers left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. We end today’s journey at De Hoop Nature Reserve and will arrive at our secluded accommodation within the reserve this afternoon, leaving some time to discover this amazing setting before dinner.Standard accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (3 star)

Day 6 Full day in De Hoop Nature Reserve.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site and home to 86 species of mammal, more than 260 species of bird and the world's smallest and most threatened plant kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve stretches some 34,000 hectares and includes 5km of marine reserve, one of the largest in Africa. This is one of the best locations in South Africa to see the migrating Southern Right whale from shore (from late August to November) and is far less busy than nearby Hermanus. We have the day to discover this unspoilt environment and enjoy some of the many optional activities on offer such as a guided eco-boat tour on the vlei, an interpretative marine walk, birdwatching and mountain biking. In the afternoon we walk along the beach boardwalk to a lookout point that is a great place for whale watching in season.Standard accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (3 star)

Day 7 Continue to Stellenbosch via Cape Agulhas and Hermanus.

A short transfer takes us to Cape Agulhas, a rocky headland that is officially the southernmost tip of the African continent. We continue to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. A breeding ground for the Southern Right whale between late August and November, these giants travel from Antarctica to calve in Hermanus’ sheltered waters. After lunch we take a walk from the harbour and along the cliff’s edge, hopefully spotting these magnificent animals as they come close to shore. Heading inland, our destination for the day is the elegant and historic town of Stellenbosch, at the heart of South Africa’s famed winelands.Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (4 star)

Day 8 Wine tasting with food pairings at two Stellenbosch wineries.

Located in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch has rich, fertile soil and a temperate climate, which are the perfect conditions for winemaking. Our day will feature two of Stellenbosch’s best wine estates. We begin at the Waterford Estate where we will pair the region’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with a series of dark and milk chocolates. Next is the Middelvlei Estate to pair their Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinotage with mouth-watering Boerebraai tapas. In the afternoon we return to our accommodation, to unwind in the lodge’s pool or gardens and take in the wonderful views of the Stellenbosch mountains and surrounding vineyards.Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (4 star)

Day 9 Drive to Simon's Town; wander amongst African penguins at Boulders Beach.

After a relaxing start to the day, we make our way down to Simon's Town in time for lunch at a restaurant located next to Boulders Beach. At the beach is a colony of approximately 2,000-3,000 African penguins, a protected species that is sadly endangered. The granite boulders offer shelter from the elements and the beach falls under a protected area that is part of the Table Mountain National Park, making this a safe haven for the colony. This is the only place in the world where you can get close to African penguins in this way, and it makes for a heart-warming experience. After some time to enjoy the colony and the surrounding dunes and boardwalks we have a short drive to our centrally located hotel next to the harbour.Premium accommodation: Quayside Hotel, Simon’s Town (4 star)

Day 10 Walk in Cape Point Nature Reserve; discover Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden; drive to Camps Bay.

We start early today and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve for a two hour walk along this ruggedly beautiful coastline. Starting with the Old Lighthouse, a short climb is rewarded with panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our route follows the boardwalk along the coast, past hidden beaches and jagged cliff faces before reaching the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich, and we may be lucky enough to see a few of these species. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is our next stop. After lunch, we have the afternoon to discover the abundant bird and plant life of this highly acclaimed botanical garden, as well as appreciate its full grandeur from the tree canopy walkway. Our day ends in Camps Bay, an affluent suburb of Cape Town located between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park.Premium accommodation: Ocean View House, Cape Town (4 star)

Day 11 Cable car to the summit of Table Mountain; free time to enjoy Cape Town.

Cape Town’s skyline is one of most recognisable in the world thanks to the iconic Table Mountain towering over the city. The views from the top of this 1065m mountain are spectacular. Fortunately, there is a cable car to take us there, saving us a hike up the mountain’s steep slopes. Looking out from the summit is the best way to appreciate Cape Town’s striking setting and from here it is possible to see Lion's Head, Robben Island, and the city centre. The rest of the day is free to stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, join a township tour or learn about Nelson Mandela’s incarceration on a visit to Robben Island.Premium accommodation: Ocean View House, Cape Town (4 star)

Day 12 End Cape Town.

Depending on flight times there may be additional time to explore Cape Town or simply unwind in the beautiful grounds of our hotel. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home.