DAY 1

• CAPE TOWN

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• You’ve Arrived
• Upon arrival to Cape Town, you will be welcomed at the door of your aircraft by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it. Alongside your assistant, you will be directed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before being directed to your onward flight, airport hotel, or to your awaiting driver and vehicle.
• Enjoy a private transfer between your hotel and Cape Town airport.

DAY 2

• CAPE TOWN

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• City Streets and Tasty Treats
• Learn the fascinating and complicated history of Cape Town in a slightly unorthodox, though delicious, way - through food. Featuring a mixture of traditional food, South African street food and visits to artisanal foodie and coffee shops, this walking tour includes samples of soul food staples including pap, samp and beans, stew and vetkoek, exotic flavors like a Muslim rose milkshake (called falooda), as well as bunny chow which is highly popular in South Africa's Indian communities. Coffee from a micro artisan coffee roaster is next on the menu, followed by bobotie pies - a modern take on the traditional bobotie dish which both the Cape Malay group and white Afrikaners refer to as the quintessential traditional Cape Town dish. Please note: as this is a walking tour and involves a variety of food and beverage tastings, please have only a light (or no) breakfast prior to the tour.

DAY 3

• CAPE TOWN

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• Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
• With its wild National Parks, artistic bohemian seaside villagers and working fishing harbors, The Cape Peninsula is a stark contrast to cosmopolitan Cape Town. Alongside your private guide, stop at Kalk Bay, best known for its working fishing harbor and uniquely bohemian feel. Browse the arts and crafts on offer, or perhaps do a bit of shopping in the quirky boutiques along the main street. Next, head over to the historically rich Simon's Town, a naval town with museums and monuments to bring insight into the colorful past and the shark diving industry. Before heading into the Cape Peninsula, search for rogue penguins at a splinter colony away from the crowded boardwalks. Next, explore the rocky beaches and hidden coves of Cape Point. Chat with your guide about shipwrecks along the coastline as you hunt for baboons, ostriches and tortoises in the indigenous fynbos. The return journey weaves back to Cape Town via Noordhoek Farm Village, a food artisan hub of the Peninsula where, time permitting, you will stop for a sundowner at a local brewery, vineyard, beach or scenic look-out.

DAY 4

• CAPE TOWN TO FRANSCHHOEK

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• Onward and Upward
• It's time to hit the road and explore the beautiful expanse of South Africa. A Toyota RAV4 (or similar) has been reserved in your name. For upgrade options, please speak to your Destination Expert. Please note that upgrades such as vehicle delivery, Wi-Fi, child seats and GPS are available at an additional cost, however they must be paid for directly upon collection of the vehicle.
• Leave the city limits behind and journey east into Western Cape’s emerald wine country in the direction of Franschhoek. En route we suggest that you make a stop in the world-famous town of Stellenbosch for a little bit of an epicurean delight. Stellenbosch is one of the most popular tourist destinations for wine tasting in the Cape. With so many cellars to choose from, it is possible to experience every different wine style. From strikingly contemporary and modern architecture at Cavalli Estate, to jaw-dropping views, fine wines, art and olives at Tokara, to the intimate, family-owned estates of Oldenburg Vineyards, and the powerful and structured Chenin Blanc from the acclaimed, De Morgenzon or the beautiful gardens and an idyllic setting of Rustenberg – Stellenbosch is a wine-lover’s dream destination! Please note that while the driving time from Cape Town to Franschhoek is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, the duration of today’s journey will largely depend on the activities en route.
• Rolling vineyards dominate the landscape around Franschhoek, and its superb collection of historic wine estates make this charming Cape Winelands town into one of South Africa’s leading destinations for all wine enthusiasts. Excellent whites, full-bodied reds and bubbly Methode Cap Classiques can all be enjoyed in a mix of cutting-edge, contemporary tasting rooms and enchanting Cape Dutch farmsteads with a breathtaking background of the ancient Groot Drakenstein Mountains. Bespoke tastings, sustainable guided hikes, romantic picnics and themed workshops are all on offer and can be easily arranged. The outstanding array of Franschhoek’s restaurants allow all visitors to explore the world of wines in a culinary context. While choices are plentiful, Anthonij Rupert, Leopard’s Leap, La Motte and Babylonstoren are among the best wineries in the Franschhoek area. Your Destination Expert can help you select the best estates and experiences to make your Franschhoek getaway truly unforgettable.  

DAY 5

• FRANSCHHOEK

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• Explore with an Expert
• Uncover some of Franschhoek’s fascinating history, architecture and art during a half day walking tour.  Franschhoek resident and local guide will share with you his passion for the Valley as you visit some of the town’s best galleries. After a pick-up from your Franschhoek hotel, start the day with an introduction to the village, learning its history and visiting some of the best local galleries on foot. Your local expert leads you through the art galleries, provides insider access to the local art scene and makes personal introductions to the curators. Visit the Everard Read gallery, the oldest art dealers in South Africa, for an opportunity to see some of the country’s finest contemporary pieces in a variety of media. This custom designed gallery space is housed in a heritage building and shares a beautiful sculpture garden with La Petite Colombe Restaurant. Another stop is the Ebony, showcasing classic and contemporary fine arts combined with exclusive local designs. Continue to IS Art, featuring exhibitions by local artists as well as fascinating individual pieces curated by Ilse Schermers. Your morning of arts and culture is interspersed with a coffee and ice cream stop at De Villiers Chocolate Café, home to the best artisanal ice cream, chocolate and coffee in Franschhoek.
• Whether you’re looking for sophistication or a laid back fine dining experience, Franschhoek has something to satisfy your taste. Aspiring young chefs flock to this postcard perfect village in the heart of the Cape Winelands to work alongside industry veterans in a collection of renowned restaurants and wine estates that make Franschhoek a true gastronomic gem. Expect refined, yet uncomplicated menus, fresh ingredients foraged in the surrounding hills, local produce grown in Franschhoek’s fertile backyard, excellent wine lists and edgy venues. Some of the best choices in town are La Petite Colombe, Protégé, Foliage, Babel and Reuben's. Speak to your Destination Expert to select the venue that best suits your preferences and to arrange reservations.
• Please note that reservations are subject to availability.

DAY 6

• FRANSCHHOEK TO HERMANUS

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• From Sea to Sky
• Today you will travel back to the coast. As you make your way to Hermanus, we suggest that you head over Sir Lowry’s Pass. You will reach the small town of Grabouw and just another 3 miles south-east is Elgin, a lush region circled by awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Because it is a relatively young wine area, the Elgin Valley still retains that untouched character, and many of the farms that dot the route are small, rustic and owner-run. The estates are also all just a stone's throw away from each other, so it's easy to meander between them. Almenkerk is a family estate and the cellar is an architectural masterpiece. Paul Cluver was the first to establish a vineyard and wine cellar in the valley in 1896. The estate remains in the family today and continues making a wide selection of wine. Set yourself down at the café, fill your picnic basket with artisanal goods or find yourself in bakery heaven at Peregrine Farm Stall. Eat tapas and taste wine against the exquisite vineyard backdrop of South Hill Estate's restaurant or enjoy the essence of Elgin's laidback, small-town living at the Hickory Shack. For plant-based food made with love and organic ingredients from the vegetable garden, Her Harvest on Rosenhof Farm is all about reconnecting and nourishing your body. Please note that while the drive from Franschhoek to Hermanus may take as little as two hours, the duration of today’s journey will depend on the number of stops you opt to make along the way.  
• This afternoon you may choose to explore the area around Hermanus at your leisure. We’d suggest driving the route between Hermanus and Stony Point Nature Reserve which is approximately 1 hour north of this renowned coastal hub. Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to one of the only two land-based penguin colonies in the Cape (the other is Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town).  Upon arrival enjoy a gentle stroll on the boardwalks and watch the little penguins as they go about their daily activities while taking in the breathtaking views of the coastline. Stony Point is open to visitors between 8am and 5pm every day and entrance costs can be settled directly in cash at the Nature Reserve.

DAY 7

• HERMANUS TO GANSBAAI

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• Sail the Seas
• This morning make your way to the departure point of your marine excursion in the town of Gansbaai. This scenic drive first takes you inland toward the town of Stanford, meandering along the Klein River Lagoon. From Stanford you will head back towards the Ocean, passing by the Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the direction of the quaint seaside enclaves De Kelders and Gansbaai. The total driving time is approximately one hour.  
• Walker Bay and its surrounds boast some of the most dazzling marine biodiversity on the planet. Today, get close to some of the wildlife that inhabits this pristine aquatic environment on a shared boat tour. After an introductory talk, depart the Kleinbaai Harbour for Dyer Island, approximately 5 miles from the shore. This island is protected for its many bird species, including African Penguins, Cape Gannets and Giant Petrels. Adjacent is Geyser Rock, home to 60 000 Cape Fur Seals with the channel between these two islands known as Shark Alley. In and around these waters, strong numbers of Bryde's Whales, Humpback Whales as well as dolphins may also be found, and you’ll be taken to the whale hot spots in the bay. A light lunch is also served before or after your cruise, depending on the time of the day.
• Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Hermanus.  A mere 2 miles from the idyllic De Kelders fishing village is the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, home to Klipgat Cave and its limestone windows looking out onto stunning ocean views. The cave has reached cultural, historical and world heritage significance due to the 1992 excavation, which revealed stone tools and human bones dating back some 70 000 years. Visitors can enjoy a number of scenic walks around the reserve, which offers beautiful views of the area, the crashing waves of the Atlantic, and hopefully a few land based whale sightings!

DAY 8

• HERMANUS TO KNYSNA

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• The Journey Continues…
• We would suggest an early start this morning as you’ll be driving a fair amount today.  Your route will take you through Swellendam, one of the larger towns along the N2 found in a beautifully scenic area of the Garden Route at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It lies adjacent to the Marloth Nature Reserve and the Bontebok National Park, which creates a spectacular backdrop to this agricultural heart of the Overberg. Swellendam is also known for its Cape Dutch historic architecture. Many of the local structures now house museums, restaurants, guest houses and administrative offices. Stop for a coffee and to stretch your legs at Ikigai Artisan Coffee Bar & Deli which serves great brews, freshly made gourmet sandwiches as well as sweet and savory treats. Alternatively, Tredici offers the best in Artisan baking, fresh local produce, delectable pastries and the best coffee and drinks. Just over 2 hours from Swellendam is the pretty coastal town of Mossel Bay with its’ 500-year-old Post Office Tree and life-size replica of explorer Bartholomeu Dias’ ship, The Caraval. The Café Gannet restaurant is a lovely place to stop for a light and simple lunch in Mossel Bay. From Mossel Bay it’s approximately 1.5 hours to Knysna through George, Wilderness and Sedgefield.

DAY 9

• KNYSNA

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• Nurtured by Nature
• Knysna’s indigenous forest is famous for its beauty and the giant outeniqua yellowwood trees found in the area. Should you wish to explore this area, we’d suggest that you head to the Diepwalle Forestry Station (approximately 30 minutes from Knysna) and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Knysna forest on one of the three Elephant Trails. Each of these trails, of varying length and difficulty, winds its way through the forest, starting and ending at the Diepwalle Forestry Station. The Black Route is an easy 5.5-mile, circular walk of between 3 and 4 hours in duration. The White Route offers a moderate, 3 to 4 hours circular trek, while the Red Route is for more experienced hikers and is graded moderate to difficult. The trails are a mix of forestry road, woodcutter trails and boardwalks and wind past giant old yellowwoods, stinkwood trees, gurgling streams and beautiful tree ferns. Spot a variety of fungi along the forest floor and, if you are really lucky, you may see the elusive Knysna Loerie or a Knysna dwarf chameleon!  
• Experience the beauty of Knysna from a different perspective as you board a sundowner cruise allowing you to soak in a spectacular sunset over the lagoon. Your boat makes its way across the sweeping estuary and out through the iconic Knysna Heads. After a sublime sail, return to the calmer waters of the estuary for a delicious feast of Mediterranean-style cuisine along with a couple of glasses of fine South African bubbly.

DAY 10

• KNYSNA

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• Breathe the Mountain Air
• Spend some time cruising The Crags - a destination with a difference! Found in the middle of the Garden Route and embraced by the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay on one side and the quaint village of Nature’s Valley on the other. Places to visit include Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Jukani, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, Hog Hollow Horse Trails or the Plett Winlenads which currently offers seven operational vineyards. Our favorite is Bramon Wine Estate, where mouthwatering tapas lunches are served with their award-winning bubbly and wines overlooking the vineyards. Kids will be delighted at Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. At Monkeyland you will be able to see 550 primates of various species including capuchin monkeys, ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, gibbons and howler monkeys. The 420-foot suspension bridge, which runs through the forest canopy, gives you the chance to see these primates from another perspective. Birds of Eden is a free flight sanctuary with an unique two hectare dome (the world’s largest) that spans over a gorge of indigenous forest and is currently home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds.
• Nature's Valley is a bird watchers' and hikers' paradise and there a number of day trails to choose from, such as the Salt River Mouth Trail, The Kalander Trail, and the Groot River Trail.  A map, which also serves as permit, is available at Nature's Valley Rest Camp or the shop in the Nature's Valley Village.  Canoeing from the rest camp to the Groot River mouth is the best way to unwind; equipment is available for hire from the Nature's Valley Rest Camp.
• The Knysna Waterfront is a popular leisure and shopping destination that also boasts a superb marina. A variety of restaurants and fine dining establishments can be found here, and you can relax while sampling some of the regions’ finest wines or a local brew. Visit 34 South to savor “naturally wild” oysters that have been harvested in the region.  The nearby Thesen Island is well worth exploring and it is within a walking distance of Knysna’s waterfront and town center. For anyone who loves a good story, Thesen Harbour Town boasts a short, self-guided tour – the Thesen Island Heritage Walk that begins on the corner of Long Street and Punt Close (outside Ile de Pain) and features a series of signboards that explain the history of the island. The offices of the Garden Route National Park now occupy two buildings next to Thesen’s Jetty. After you’ve followed the Thesen Island Heritage Walk, take a stroll along the waterside boardwalk to SANParks’ Jetty Building, where you’ll find displays and information about the biodiversity of the National Park, as well as an aquarium with a number of specimens of the iconic fish associated with this fascinating ecosystem, including the brave little Knysna seahorse which has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red Data List since 2007.  The whole experience – from Heritage Walk to Seahorse Watching – will occupy a happy hour or two of your time.

DAY 11

• KNYSNA TO GQEBERHA TO EASTERN CAPE RESERVES TO KWANDWE PRIVATE RESERVE

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• En Route
• You’ll leave the Garden Route today and we would recommend an early start as the driving time to Gqeberha is approximately 3.5 hours.  You’ll travel along the N2 highway and pass through Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley and Storms River where you could stop for a quick cup of coffee at the Big Tree Café in Storms River Village before continuing on to Gqeberha.
• Make your way to the rental car drop-off center and return your vehicle. Please note that the vehicle may also be collected from your accommodation at an additional cost which must be paid for directly.
• You will be picked up by private vehicle and transferred between Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape Reserves. Here you will have the chance to enjoy superior game viewing. The drive time is 1-4 hours depending on the location of your lodge.

DAY 12

• KWANDWE PRIVATE RESERVE

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• Where the Wild Things Are
• Explore the natural splendor of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you seek out the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife. Morning drives begin as dawn breaks over the Great Fish River, providing the opportunity to see predators winding up their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives produces some unusual sightings, including aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine. In between game drives, take a closer look at the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge. Dense euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and ferns.

DAY 13

• KWANDWE PRIVATE RESERVE

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• The Mane Attraction
• Before first light, gear up and head out to explore the untamed expanse of Kwandwe Private Reserve. Kwandwe is one of the largest private Big Five game viewing areas in South Africa, and each game drive is bound to leave you longing for more. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active; keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as your experienced guide and tracker work together to spot the resident wildlife species. After a few hours out in the reserve you will be returned to your lodge to enjoy a satisfying and well-earned breakfast.
• With the afternoon in full swing, it is time to head out on an open 4x4 vehicle for an afternoon of game viewing. With the sweltering sun on the decline, nocturnal animals begin their evening routines. Along well-marked roads or entirely off the beaten path, your tracker will bring you into the heart of the Kwandwe Reserve in search of both predator and prey. On the trail of the king of jungle, perhaps you will be fortunate enough to witness a pride on the hunt. Sit back and relax, always with a hand ready for to snap photos of your favorite animals. After a few thrilling hours in the bush return to your lodge to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 14

• EASTERN CAPE RESERVES TO GQEBERHA
• Bon Voyage
• You will be picked up by private vehicle and transferred between Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape Reserves. Here you will have the chance to enjoy superior game viewing. The drive time is 1-4 hours depending on the location of your lodge.

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Table Bay Hotel

The Last Word Franschhoek

The Marine

Kanonkop House

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge