Garden Route, Cape Town & Safari: South Africa
$5699.00
Discovery
10 nights in South Africa
What to expect
Kariega Game Reserve
Embark on four unforgettable game drives where you may spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and even the elusive leopard.
Ocean Safari
Cruise Knysna’s wild coastline in search of breaching whales, playful dolphins, and the Cape’s abundant marine life.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Glide through vine-covered valleys aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram, hopping off for tastings at scenic wine estates.
Cape Town
Soar up Table Mountain by cable car and explore Cape Town’s vibrant mix of history, culture, and dramatic seascapes.
About this trip...
Get ready for an unforgettable journey along South Africa’s legendary Garden Route on this guided group adventure designed for solo travelers! From thrilling game drives in a private reserve in search of the Big Five, to close encounters with majestic humpback and southern right whales along a breathtaking coastline — every day promises new discoveries and awe-inspiring landscapes. In the company of a small group and accompanying Tour Leader, we’ll stroll the iconic hanging bridges of Tsitsikamma, explore the vast chambers of the ancient Cango Caves, and soak up the buzz of Cape Town — from a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain to a vibrant night of African culture and cuisine at GOLD Restaurant. We’ll journey to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope, meet the charming penguins at Boulders Beach, and glide through rolling vineyards aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This action-packed South African adventure is rich in unforgettable moments and lasting memories.
What's included?
Return transfers
Private room
Solos Board; Breakfast daily, one lunch & three dinners
Welcome drink & information meeting
Whale watching safari-
Scheduled safari activities in the Kariega Nature Reserve (on days 2, 3 and 4)
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Ostrich farm tour
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Cape Winelands wine tastings
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Franschhoek Wine Tram
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Full-day Cape Town Tour - Table Mountains & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
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Full Day Cape Point Tour - Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope, Funicular, Boulders Beach & Chapman's Peak Drive
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive at Kariega Game Reserve
- Kariega Game Reserve
- Kariega Game Reserve - Stormsriver
- Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna
- Whale watching & Robberg Nature Reserve
- Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm
- Cango Caves & Cape Winelands
- Franschhoek Wine Tram & Cape Town
- Cape Town
- Cape Point
- Cape Town & departure
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive at Kariega Main Lodge
- Lunch & dinner included
Day Two: Kariega Game Reserve
This morning promises an unforgettable adventure as we venture into the heart of Kariega Game Reserve. Spanning 2900 acres of untouched African wilderness and flanked by two thriving rivers, the reserve teems with natural beauty and wildlife. At first light, we join our expert ranger-guide and set off on an exhilarating safari drive. Keep your eyes peeled as we search for Africa’s legendary Big Five: elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo while our ranger informs us about the flora and fauna of the bush and the way of life of the various animals.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day Three: Kariega Game Reserve & Tsitsikamma Forest
Rise and shine for another morning in the African wilderness and get ready for our final safari adventure. We depart Kariega after breakfast and head toward the scenic Garden Route, passing through Jeffrey’s Bay — a renowned surfer’s haven known for its towering waves. Our journey continues into the lush Tsitsikamma Forest, named from the Khoi language, meaning 'the place of much water'. This ancient forest is home to towering yellowwood trees that are more than 800 years old and reach heights of over 114 feet. It has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna
We begin the day with a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park, which stretches from the Outeniqua Mountains to the Indian Ocean, covering coastal plateaus and dense indigenous forest. A short walk from the parking area leads through lush forest to a suspension bridge overlooking the dramatic Storms River Mouth. From here, we continue to Plettenberg Bay—often called 'Millionaire’s Paradise'—renowned for its mild climate, scenic lagoon, river mouth, and three inviting beaches. Historically, elephants roamed this region, and some believe a few may still survive in the forests between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. On arrival in Knysna, a charming town set on a tranquil lagoon, we check-in to our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure.
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Whale Watching & Robberg Nature Reserve
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we embark on an exciting whale watching cruise, an unforgettable chance to witness some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Possible sightings include Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde’s whales, as well as Bottlenose, Common, and Humpback dolphins. We’ll also visit a Cape Fur Seal colony near the renowned Robberg Peninsula. As with any wildlife experience, sightings vary day by day. Following the cruise, we explore Robberg Nature Reserve. The reserve offers three walking trails, ranging from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike, all boasting panoramic views, refreshing sea breezes, and the opportunity to spot coastal birdlife.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm
We continue our journey to Wilderness - a charming seaside town known for its endless white beaches and sweeping views of the Outeniqua Mountains. From here, our route turns inland toward George - the largest city in the Garden Route region. The road then ascends the Outeniqua Mountains via a 12-kilometer mountain pass, originally built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Cango Caves & Cape Winelands
At the break of dawn, we can embark on an optional Meerkat safari or Elephant Feeding Experience. We then begin our day with a visit to the Cango Caves, located in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. This impressive cave system stretches over 3.1 miles, though only 0.75 miles is accessible to visitors. Highlights include the vast Great Hall, measuring over 351 feet wide and 52 feet high. adorned with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites. Afterwards, we head to Mossel Bay, a town rich in history dating back to 1488 when Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias became the first European to set foot on South African soil. Along the way, we drive through the towns of Riversdale, Heidelberg, and Swellendam, one of South Africa’s oldest settlements, founded in 1747. Passing through Caledon, we ascend Sir Lowry’s Pass for breathtaking views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope.
From there, we make our way to the beautiful Cape Winelands. They consist of several wine growing regions producing a large variety of wines, using various methods of viticulture. These regions include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. We continue to Stellenbosch—South Africa’s second oldest town and now a vibrant university city. Known for its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, especially around Dorp Street, Stellenbosch also boasts the Village Museum, showcasing local life from the 16th to 18th centuries. Surrounded by renowned vineyards, it’s the heart of the Cape Winelands.
- Breakfast included.
Day Eight: Franschhoek Wine Tram & Cape Town
This morning we'll enjoy a memorable ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram - an ideal way to explore the scenic Franschhoek Valley and its celebrated wine estates. The hop-on, hop-off tram and tram-bus allow us to experience wine tastings, cellar tours, and peaceful walks through picturesque vineyards at our own pace. We then continue our journey to Cape Town, affectionately known as the 'Mother City'. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and a dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and Table Bay, Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Nine: Cape Town
Today we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cape Town, including visits to Table Mountain (weather permitting) and the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company, Cape Town’s historic core includes the Castle of Good Hope and Company’s Garden. A walk through the city reveals a blend of architectural styles and colonial history. Explore the colourful Bo-Kaap district, known for its cobbled streets, bright houses, and rich Cape Malay heritage. The Bo-Kaap Museum offers insight into the area's Muslim roots and cultural history.
We'll take a rotating cable car up Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding peaks. This iconic, UNESCO-listed site is part of the Table Mountain National Park and home to rare fynbos vegetation. We end the day at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the world’s most beautiful indigenous gardens, showcasing over 7,000 plant species along tranquil walking trails.
- Breakfast included
Day Ten: Cape Peninsula
Today’s scenic tour showcases diverse landscapes of mountains, ocean, cliffs, and native fynbos vegetation. We travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, where we have the option of a boat trip to Duiker Island, home to Cape Fur Seals. We continue along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, passing through quaint coastal villages en route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We explore this dramatic coastline once dubbed 'Cabo Tormentoso' (Cape of Storms) by Portuguese explorers. We visit Cape Point and its old lighthouse, accessible via a short hike or funicular, offering sweeping views over False Bay.
- Breakfast included
Day Eleven: Cape Town & departure
After breakfast, we enjoy some free time in Cape Town before we head to the airport for our journey home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
Garden Route, Cape Town & Safari, South Africa
- Four-star Kariega Main Lodge, Kariega Private Game Reserve (2 Nights)
- Three-star Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Stormsrivier (1 Night)
- Four-star Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays, Knysna (2 Nights)
- Four-star Hlangana Lodge, Oudtshoorn (1 Night)
- Four-star Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis, Paarl (1 Night)
- Four-star Cresta Grande Cape Town, Cape Town (3 Nights)
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
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Meerkat Adventure. Currently ZAR 720.00 per person
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Elephant Experience. Currently ZAR 650.00 per person
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Hout Bay Duiker Island Boat Trip. ZAR 180.000 per person
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