A South African Fortnight

Once you land in Cape Town, you’ll either collect your hire car or be met by one of our friendly team on the ground for a private transfer to your hotel for the next four nights. You might opt for a luxurious five-star hotel, or perhaps a characterful guesthouse is more your style. Through all of our chats before you leave, we’ll make sure your stay is a perfect fit. Spend the rest of the day unwinding after the long flight, perhaps with a waterfront stroll or a drink overlooking the ocean as the sun sets behind the iconic Table Mountain.

Today, you’ll take one of the most scenic drives in the world, following Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape Peninsula. The winding coastal road boasts jaw-dropping views every step of the way as you hug the land before rugged cliffs drop into the Atlantic. You'll visit Boulders Beach, home to a huge colony of African penguins, discover hidden beaches and scenic walking trails, before climbing the famous Cape Point lighthouse for sweeping views over the crashing waves below.

Today, you’ll gain a meaningful insight into Cape Town’s communities with a Uthando project tour. Visit township initiatives focused on education, arts, and sustainability, and meet the inspiring people behind them. This evening, head out to explore Cape Town’s thriving food scene. From casual bistros and fine dining restaurants, to fresh seafood feasts by the ocean, we’ve got a list of top recommendations and would be happy to book a table for you, just ask. 

Spend today exploring two of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks. First, take the ferry to Robben Island, where an ex-prisoner will guide you on a tour of the former prison, once home to the iconic Nelson Mandela. It’s such a powerful experience, and you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of South Africa’s apartheid history. This afternoon, take the cable car (or lace up your hiking boots, if you're feeling adventurous) to the top of Table Mountain. The panoramic views stretch across the city, ocean, and mountains, the perfect finale to your time in Cape Town.

You’ll drive to the Winelands today, where you’ll spend two nights soaking up the beauty of rolling vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, and world-class wineries. There’s no shortage of ways to explore, hop between estates on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, join a private tasting with a winemaker, or even cycle between vineyards on two wheels. If wine isn’t your thing, the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are also home to incredible restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries to enjoy. The winelands make for a great stop-off for adults and children of all ages. 

Leave the Winelands behind today and head east to the Overberg, a quieter, lesser-visited region filled with rugged coastlines, rolling farmland, and nature reserves. If you set off early, make time for a visit to De Hoop Nature Reserve, where you might spot bontebok, Cape mountain zebras, or even whales from the shore. Your overnight stop tonight is in Swellendam, a charming town with historic architecture, boutique hotels, and fantastic local restaurants – perfect for a relaxing evening before continuing your journey.

Next, it’s time to explore the famous Garden Route, where you’ll spend three nights surrounded by forests, lagoons, and beaches. There’s a huge range of different accommodations to choose from. Whether you opt for a beachfront retreat, a forest hideaway or a fancy guesthouse in one of the coastal towns, chat to us about what would suit you best. 

The Garden Route is known as one of the best road trips on the planet, for good reason. Not only is the drive seriously beautiful, but there’s no shortage of different landscapes, views, and experiences to be had along the way. If you’re visiting during whale watching season (between June and December), you can’t miss a boat trip out on the waves to catch a glimpse of these marine giants up close. Head to the lush forests of Tsitsikamma National Park for a spot of hiking. 

We’d always recommend you designate a day of your Garden Route adventures to head to the Crags near Plettenberg Bay. With opportunities to visit the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, the Birds of Eden and the Tenikwa Big Cat Experience, there are plenty of chances to get up close to rescued wildlife. You’ll also find Bramon, the Garden Route’s only wine estate, nearby. It serves an amazing tapas lunch, after all of the adventures, you’ll have earned a tasty refuel! 

Leaving the coastline behind, you’ll drive to the Eastern Cape for the final chapter (and yet another highlight) of your trip, a Big Five safari. Along the way, you might want to stop at the Tsitsikamma Forest, where suspension bridges stretch across dramatic river gorges, or at Bloukrans Bridge, home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. When you get to your safari lodge, spend a little time settling in and soaking up the wild vastness before heading out on your first game drive.

Today is all about spotting South Africa’s most incredible wildlife. Head out on an early morning game drive when the predators are most active, before returning for a relaxed afternoon at the lodge. Later, as the sun sets over the savannah, you’ll hop back in your safari jeep for a second game drive, this time spotting nocturnal wildlife as the daylight fades and the bush comes alive at night. Guided bush walks are also available if you’d like to explore on foot and learn more about the flora, fauna and smaller creatures of the wild.

After a final morning game drive, you’ll say goodbye to the bush and drop your hire car at Port Elizabeth Airport, before catching your overnight flight home via Johannesburg. We hope you’ll be flying home, bursting with happy holiday memories of your time in the Rainbow Nation.