Cape Town * Little Karoo * Garden Route * Greater Kruger Park – Timbavati Game Reserve *
This guided safari journey reveals South Africa’s most captivating contrasts: from cosmopolitan Cape Town to the forest, lakes and coast of the Garden Route, finishing with a classic Big Five safari in a Kruger private reserve.
Your adventure begins with four nights in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands before travelling privately along the Garden Route, with a night in the Little Karoo followed by two nights at the fynbos-covered coastline. We include three days of touring here. From George, you fly to the Kruger region for a memorable three-night safari in a private reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve, part of the greater Kruger Park; a fitting finale to an experience rich in scenery, wildlife and culture.
For those wanting a more elevated holiday, enjoy your time in Cape Town at the V&A Hotel in the Waterfront. Moving to the Garden Route, upgrade from Amanzi Island in Knysna to Hunter’s Country House just before Plettenberg Bay. Finally, explore the Timbavati from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge or King’s Camp instead.
As a privately guided journey, this itinerary can be customised in many ways: upgrade selected accommodation. Personally I would recommend another night in the Garden Route, especially in the Summer months. Or another night on safari, if you have time. Contact us for a tailormade quote.
On arrival at Cape Town Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel for your 4 night stay. The rest of day is at leisure.
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – though I admit I am biased. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and a stunning setting by the ocean. Personally I never tire of soaking up the scenic beauty & buzzy atmosphere of this relaxed city. Its unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, offers a cosmopolitan dining experience.
Upgrade Option: V&A Hotel
You begin with a journey by the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for a panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula. Afterwards you travel into the city where you fist visit the Castle of Good Hope, the original fort of Cape Town built in 1652 and now painstakingly restored. From there you continue to the historic centre of Cape Town with its many 18th century buildings. Finally you explore the Bo-Kaap, a historic part of the city with original Malay buildings and narrow streets. The tour ends either back at your hotel or at the Waterfront. The afternoon is at leisure.
Late afternoon sundowner cruise from the Waterfront marina
Optional extensions
Make this a full-day tour so that you have time to enjoy a 2 hour walk on Table Mountain or even the abseiling activity at the top. Then you have more time to explore the stories, culture and museums of the city as well.
Today is a full tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula tour. It includes a scenic coastal drive along Chapmans Peak; the Cape of Good Hope National Park and Cape Point; viewing the Penguins at Boulders Bay; Simon’s Town historical naval base and ends with the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
You enjoy a scenic tour of the Cape Winelands today. A combination of the favourable effects of the two major ocean currents meeting off the Cape makes the climate in the area perfect for the acres of vineyards.
You first visit a wine estate for a fascinating tour of the winemaking process. You continue to Stellenbosch, one of the finest towns in South Africa. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch Homesteads and the oak-lined streets and lanes all blend in to give it a charm that will not be quickly forgotten. You enjoy a scenic drive over the majestic Helshoogte Pass to the lively village of Franschhoek. You are dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Your guide for the Garden Route section collects you from De Hoop and you enjoy a scenic touring/transfer via the Route 62 to the Little Karoo.
The Little Karoo lies inland from Garden Route but it is much drier country than the rest of the Garden Route with majestic rugged mountains, country roads and lots of farming. You can sample the excellent wines of the Little Karoo over lunch at a working ostrich farm or visit the Cango Caves, a labyrinthine complex of some of the largest limestone caverns in the world. The intrepid will be captivated by the wild beauty of the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert and the mysterious hidden valley of Die Hel,
Time permitting you will visit the Cango Caves this afternoon before heading to your overnight stay.
Today you spend the morning visiting some of the other sights of the area seeing the Swartberg Pass or visiting an ostrich farm. Then you head over the Outeniqua Mountains and take a scenic lakeside drive to Plettenberg Bay. En route you may like to stop at Robberg Nature Reserve to take in the views or enjoy a short walk.
Upgrade Option: Hunter’s Country House
3 nights on safari at Motswari Game Lodge, or Beck Safari Lodge or Kambaku Safari Lodge.
Upgrade Options: Kings Camp or Simbavati Hilltop
Your experienced game ranger and local Shangaan tracker are keen to share with you their extensive knowledge and love of the African bush. The days starts with an early morning game drive, then after brunch you have some time to relax around the lodge or enjoy a dip in the plunge pool. During the afternoon game drive you stop for sundowners whilst watching the sun set over the awe-inspiring wilderness before enjoying a night drive.
Transfer to Hoedspruit airport for flight to Johannesburg (Flight not included in tour price – will be added at quotation stage).
Rough Indication for Domestic flights – Assume between R8400 andR13600 per person (approx $515 to $840pp). Domestic scheduled flights (between George & Kruger, and from Kruger to Johannesburg) are not included above – as these are subject to change.
Meals and accommodation as shown [Bed & Breakfast for 7 nights & 3 nights on Full Board & Game Activities (excl drinks)], services of a guide/driver, private touring and transfers, entrances as mentioned, game activities when on safari
EXCLUDESInternational flights, domestic flights - these will be added to your specific quote, any extra entrance if private tours are changed at your request, visas & insurance, items of a personal nature, meals not specified