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12-Day Big Five, Garden Route & Cape Town

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Overview

You are in for a scenic diversity treat of charming picturesque towns and villages, dramatic and scenic landscapes, tall trees, deep gorges, shimmering lakes, majestic mountain ranges, golden beaches and lush indigenous forests, of course, the Big Five.

The Garden Route with its abundance of natural beauty and wonders is located along the picturesque Southern Cape Coastline of South Africa. It stretches from Mossel Bay through George, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay up to Tsitsikamma and is a must-see highlight on your South Africa itinerary.

A malaria-free safari combines perfectly with the Garden Route by adding an authentic African Safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, home to the Big Five wildlife animals.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to South Africa

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Welcome to South Africa

On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, you'll collect your rental car and make your way to the Shamwari Game Reserve which is a quick one-hour drive away. You'll enjoy the next few days exploring the wildlife at Shamwari and relaxing at the stunning lodge. Today, you'll be treated to afternoon high tea before heading out on your first evening safari.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Shamwari Game Reserve5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shamwari Game Reserve Evening Safari

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Shamwari Game Reserve High Tea

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Port Elizabeth International Airport to Shamwari Private Game Reserve

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Eastern Cape

    Paterson

Day 2

Shamwari Game Reserve

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Shamwari Game Reserve

Make sure to try and catch as much of the Big Five at Shamwari during your stay. Today, you'll be up early for morning tea and some snacks before heading out on your early morning safari. You'll witness the game reserve as the nighttime hunts draw to a close and the sunrises over the landscape. After breakfast, lunch and some free time at the lodge, you'll once again head out on an evening safari, making it back in time for dinner at the lodge.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Shamwari Game Reserve5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shamwari Game Reserve Early Morning Safari

    Shamwari Game Reserve Evening Safari

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Shamwari Game Reserve

    Shamwari Game Reserve

    Shamwari Game Reserve

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Eastern Cape

    Paterson

Day 3

Another Day in Shamwari Game Reserve

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Another Day in Shamwari Game Reserve

Today, you'll once again head out on an early morning and evening safari to try and spot the Big Five. During your free time in the middle of the day, you can escape and try a safari spa experience in the wilderness surrounds. The spa retreats will leave you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated, with treatments that are proven to be beneficial for the mind, body and soul. Alternatively, you can relax around the pool and soak up the sun before heading off on another adventure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Shamwari Game Reserve5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shamwari Game Reserve Early Morning Safari

    Shamwari Game Reserve Evening Safari

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Shamwari Game Reserve

    Shamwari Game Reserve

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Eastern Cape

    Paterson

Day 4

Shamwari Game Reserve to Plettenberg Bay

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Shamwari Game Reserve to Plettenberg Bay

This morning, you'll head out on one final safari to catch the last of the Big Five and hopefully spot any animals you haven't yet been able to. You'll then continue your journey from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape when navigating your way to the well-known Garden Route in your own car. There are many beautiful places to stop along the way such as the Tsitsikamma National Park. Upon arrival, you'll check into your lodge and have the rest of the day free to relax.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Robberg Beach Lodge5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shamwari Game Reserve Early Morning Safari

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Shamwari Game Reserve

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Plettenberg Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Eastern Cape

    Paterson

    Plettenberg Bay

Day 5

Plettenberg Bay Day at Leisure

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Plettenberg Bay Day at Leisure

Today, you can enjoy the day sun soaking on the beach or embark on a whale and dolphin boat experience. This ecological adventure leaves from Central Beach with an exciting beach launch and heads east past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock. Here, you usually encounter Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, as well as some shark species. There are many places to enjoy a great lunch along the Plettenberg Bay beachfront as well as for dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Robberg Beach Lodge5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dolphin & Whale EncounterOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Plettenberg Bay

Day 6

Plettenberg Bay to Swellendam

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Plettenberg Bay to Swellendam

Today on your South Africa itinerary, you'll drive from Plettenberg Bay to the boutique town of Knysna. Here, you could stop and do a trip on a paddle cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. A bit further along from Knysna, you will find Mossel Bay where you could visit the point or the Diaz Museum. You can then continue from Mossel Bay to your overnight stop at Jan Harmsgat in Swellendam. The rest of the day will be completely at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jan Harmsgat Country House5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Plettenberg Bay to Swellendam

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Plettenberg Bay

    Overberg District Municipality

Day 7

Swellendam to Stellenbosch

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Swellendam to Stellenbosch

From Swellendam, you'll make your way along the Route 62 wine valley. You'll pass through Boninevale, Montagu and Robertson. These all make for great areas to stop to visit one of the wine farms for a quick tasting! From Roberston, you'll pass through Worcester and continue through Paarl to Stellenbosch and check-in at Majeka House. You can relax at the pool and enjoy a leisurely dinner either at your accommodation or venture into town and stop at one of the many fabulous restaurants for a bite.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Majeka House5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Swellendam to Stellenbosch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Overberg District Municipality

    Stellenbosch

Day 8

Day at Leisure or Wine Tour

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Day at Leisure or Wine Tour

In Stellenbosch, there are so many wine farms to visit. Why not join on a guided tour of the Cape Wine Valley? It is the most enjoyable experience to try different wine and sample different cheeses and chocolates while at it. Enjoy a day that celebrates the culinary delights of the Cape’s oldest wine region! The great thing about being on a private wine tour is that you have choices.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Majeka House5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Gourmet Wine Tour – Cheese, Wine & ChocolateOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Stellenbosch

Day 9

Stellenbosch to Bantry Bay, Cape Town

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Stellenbosch to Bantry Bay, Cape Town

This morning, you can enjoy a leisurely morning before making your way to the Mother City, Cape Town. When in Cape Town, make sure to explore the many gems the city has to offer - the Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain, Robben Island and many more. You'll cross the city centre to your hotel which is situated in the beautiful Bantry Bay.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Cape Town

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Stellenbosch to Bantry Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Stellenbosch

    Cape Town

Day 10

Cape Town Leisure Day

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Cape Town Leisure Day

Today, you have the day free to explore Cape Town. Robben Island is a popular attraction, so if weather permits you should consider visiting the historic prison where Nelson Mandela served a majority of his long sentence. Alternatively, you could take the cable car up to the top of the iconic Table Mountain which overlooks the city and the ocean. The view from the top of this flat mountain is simply breathtaking.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Table MountainOptional Activity

    Robben IslandOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

    Western Cape

Day 11

Cape Town Leisure Day or Cape Peninsula Tour

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Cape Town Leisure Day or Cape Peninsula Tour

Today is completely free so you can relax or explore at your leisure. You may want to head into the city, to Robben Island, up to Table Mountain or take on a Cape Peninsula Tour. You'll visit the highlights of the Cape Peninsula including the scenic Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, the fishing village of Hout Bay, the Boulders Beach Penguin colony and time permitting, Kirstenbosch Gardens.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Peninsula TourOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 12

Farewell South Africa

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Farewell South Africa

On your final day of your South Africa itinerary, time permitting, join a guided city tour. There is nothing like discovering the hidden corners of the city. Thereafter, make your way to the airport to drop off your rental car. Bid farewell and take home the many memories and experiences this stunning country has given you.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Town City Walking TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Included in Price

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 6 activities
  • 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

Also included:
Car rental (group b or similar) from arrival in Port Elizabeth to departure from Cape Town.
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