Garden Route & Safari

Cape Town’s location is unrivalled – a modern, eclectic city at the foot of the commanding Table Mountain, beside a glittering expanse of ocean. Some days the mountain is covered by the famous tablecloth, a cluster of clouds that obscure the summit, but the cloud always clears to reveal heady views of the vibrant city below. Hike up Table Mountain then abseil your way back down, or opt for the more sedate cable car. Back at sea level the attractive Victoria and Alfred waterfront is filled with top-class restaurants, swanky bars and excellent craft shops. For a short half-day trip head for Boulders Beach, home to a curious colony of African penguins, who don’t seem to mind visitors at all. Or perhaps head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, set at the foot of Table Mountain and filled with fabulous flowers of the fynbos, unique to this region and the smallest of the world’s floral kingdoms. With all these activities and more, Cape Town has something for everyone.

Accommodation at 4* aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites

It's time to start your drive along the South Africa Garden Route – head on to the handsome town of Stellenbosch in the winelands region. Stellenbosch is known for its countless wineries, museums, galleries and restaurants and its winding streets are home to some fine examples of Cape-Dutch architecture. Spend an afternoon sampling fine wines and cheeses in a beautiful mountain vineyard.

Accommodation at 4* De Zalze Lodge

Head inland to Oudtshoorn, famous for its numerous ostrich farms. You can visit a farm, meet the birds and see their huge eggs, and perhaps try an ostrich burger (highly recommended). As well as the ostriches, Oudsthoorn is also home to the Cango Caves, a dramatic network of subterranean chambers filled with intricate rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. Choose to walk around on the boardwalks or for the more adventurous, don your oldest clothes and crawl through narrow gaps in the rock.

Accommodation at 5* Rosenhof Boutique Hotel

It’s back to the sea again for next stop Knysna, a peaceful forest-backed town with a delightful lagoon and sweeping sea views. What could be better than a sunny evening relaxing by the calm waters with a plate of fresh oysters and a chilled glass of South African sauvignon? To wear it all, there are some lovely seaside and forest walks to choose from, and it’s not far to the waterfalls and ziplines of Tsitsikamma National Park.

Accommodation at 5* Premier Resort The Moorings Knysna

It's on to Port Elizabeth today for the Grand Finale – your South Africa safari experience. With uninterrupted views of the Karoo Plains and the Zuurberg Mountains, Kuzuko Lodge lies in a private concession to the north of the National Park. You will sense your proximity to the wildlife as the evening's silence is broken by the howl of the black-backed jackal and the francolins' call heralds each new dawn. During your time here you will enjoy four guided game drives into the park to get up close to the animals – an unforgettable experience. After your final night here it's time to head for the airport and reflect on your fantastic trip.

Accommodation at 5* Kuzuko Lodge