Cape Town (Airport Transfer + Free Time)

Cape Town International Airport - Embark on a 10-day unforgettable journey with just one click: Explore the wonders of South Africa. Discover the highlights in and around Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Cape Point, and the renowned Garden Route on a personalized, small-group tour with the option to enhance your African adventure with additional activities.

This tour package includes multiple tours and free days in Cape Town. The itinerary may be reversed or rearranged, and guides or transportation will vary throughout the trip. This guideline outlines the itinerary if you start by exploring Cape Town, then tour the Garden Route, concluding back in the Cape.

Begin with a pick-up from Cape Town International Airport. If you arrive before the 10-day tour, inform us to arrange a pre-tour airport pickup on your arrival date.

Accommodation is not included in this package but can be arranged post-booking. A tour consultant will contact you to discuss available options.

Camps Bay - Enjoy free time today to acclimate, shake off any travel fatigue, and familiarize yourself with South Africa’s Mother City. Known for its vibrant culinary scene, food enthusiasts will thrive along Long and Bree Streets in the CBD. In South Africa, no sundowner is complete without a colorful sunset. Camps Bay, a short Uber ride from the city center, is a prime spot to enjoy the view, as is the elegant Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - If you’re eager to start adventuring immediately, a variety of activities can be pre-arranged. Consider an optional helicopter ride or paragliding over Cape Town, a scenic hike up Table Mountain, or a hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus tour. There’s plenty to do, from horse riding to shark cage diving, so if you have any spontaneous requests, just ask.

Please note that your arrival time in Cape Town today will determine the activities available. During booking, inform us of your plans for the day (we will suggest activities too) to ensure they are booked in advance. As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport service will be at your own expense.

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Cape Town at: Never@Home Backpackers or 3* Comfort Hotel Sky.

Cape Peninsula (Guided Tour)

Hout Bay - Begin with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Hout Bay, a quaint fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the opportunity to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island (optional with extra cost), just a short cruise from shore. For those who prefer to stay on land, explore the local harbor market and capture Instagram-worthy photos of colorful fishing boats.

Chapman’s Peak Drive - Leaving Hout Bay, you’ll navigate 114 breathtaking bends over nine stunning kilometers. Chapman’s Peak Road, known locally as Chappies, is celebrated as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Rugged mountains meet the Atlantic, and the roadway, an engineering marvel, cuts through to offer unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cape of Good Hope - Chappies sets the stage for the afternoon as you continue to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness converge, creating a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with green fynbos. Pay tribute to ancient seafarers like Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, and pioneers like Vasco da Gama, who navigated these treacherous waters from Portugal to India.

Cape Point Nature Reserve - Indigenous fauna line the narrow winding paths leading to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views that make the climb worthwhile. Local wildlife, including ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species like bontebok, add interest and provide plenty of photo opportunities. An optional funicular eases the journey for those wishing to reach the lighthouse’s top.

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - As the day progresses, travel to Simon’s Town, located on the shores of False Bay and home to the South African navy. Just a few minutes south lies Boulders Beach, a charming stretch of sand dotted with granite. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins, delighting crowds with their black and white feathered finery. Boardwalks separate humans from birds, offering the perfect vantage point to observe these adorable creatures. You’ll return to Cape Town by late afternoon.

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Cape Town at: Never@Home Backpackers or 3* Comfort Hotel Sky.

Cape Winelands (Guided Tour)

Stellenbosch - Join an outsourced Cape Winelands small group day tour to visit at least three wine estates, including a selection of Dieu Donné, Simonsig, Mitre’s Edge, Middle Vlei, Vergenoegd, and more, depending on your specific departure day.

Your guide will collect you from selected hotels in Cape Town city (around 8 am-9 am).

On Mondays and Tuesdays, explore two wine estates in the stunning Franschhoek region, stroll through this charming town (led by your local wine guide), and after a delicious lunch in this self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, you’ll be whisked away to a third wine estate in the Stellenbosch region. Here, you’ll enjoy a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate - From Wednesdays to Sundays, explore two amazing estates in the historic Stellenbosch region, renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture and pivotal role in South Africa’s wine scene. Indulge in vineyard tours, an informal cellar tour, and, when available during harvest times, barrel tastings. For lunch, enjoy a delightful traditional South African meal paired with exceptional wines. Then, visit a third wine estate for a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

After up to 15+ wine tastings and visiting three different wine estates, your winelands exploration day concludes, returning to the Cape Town region by late afternoon (approximately 5:30 to 6:30 pm, subject to traffic or the group itinerary timings).

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Cape Town at: Never@Home Backpackers or 3* Comfort Hotel Sky.

*Subject to availability, a similar trip with a different supplier may be booked.

Cape Town - City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Table Mountain (Unguided Day)

Table Mountain - Enjoy a free day in Cape Town using your included bus pass or Table Mountain ticket. While the mountain is iconic, the beaches and Winelands are equally enticing.

Maximize your stay on the red open-top buses; skip the traffic and soak in the views. The Blue Mini Peninsula tour visits Kirstenbosch, the Purple Wine Tour heads to Constantia, and the Red City Tour stops at Table Mountain and Camps Bay.

Weather permitting, ride the cableway to the summit of this Natural Wonder to enjoy trails and panoramic views. End your day exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Cape Town - Oudtshoorn (Guided Tour)

Garden Route - Begin with a morning pickup (between 6 am to about 8 am, subject to your exact address) from your accommodation in Cape Town to reach the Garden Route area by afternoon.

Van Loveren Family Cellar - Early morning pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between 6 to 8 am, subject to traffic and your drop-off address). You will receive your pickup time a day before.

Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape. Wind your way through mountain passes and prepare for Route 62, modeled after America’s famous Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavor and known as the longest wine route in the world. Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters, and world-class wines. Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities - Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo.

Oudtshoorn - Spend the evening at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Your guide can help you book a restaurant or join the backpacker’s group to taste local delights, such as ostrich “sosaties” (kebabs) and “pot brood” (bread cooked on open flames) at this optional ‘braai’ barbecue experience at extra cost. Enjoy a peaceful evening relaxing at your accommodation around a crackling fire or under the vast twinkling starry night sky.

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Oudtshoorn at: Uthando Backpackers or 3* Comfort 88 Baron van Reede guesthouse.

Oudtshoorn - Addo (Guided Tour)

Oudtshoorn - Wake up in Oudtshoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t noticed from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colorful feather stalls on the way to the town center, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold.

The Cango Caves - Head to the mountains to explore the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights from your guide into the formation and dripstone evolution. Alternatively, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist, and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a more adventurous underground route.

On route to your next stop, pass through Karoo country to a small-town gem. Visit a charming “padstal”-inspired restaurant and sample proudly South African cuisine on a special local-treats-taster menu, handmade with love, featuring traditional dishes like “bobotie,” “roosterbrood,” “koeksisters,” and “melktert.” Appreciate a real taste of tradition, served with heart and heritage.

Addo - As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region, the dusty plains of the Klein Karoo transform into a greener horizon. This small citrus farming community lies in the Sundays River Valley, surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains, offering spectacular hiking and game viewing in a malaria-free area. Tonight, stay overnight close to Addo National Park, making it easy to be ready for a safari first thing in the morning.

Note that the guesthouse accommodation is usually far from the bustling backpackers, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes driving away.

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Addo region at: Avoca Backpackers or 3* Comfort > Happylands Guesthouse.

Jeffrey’s Bay - Addo - Jeffrey’s Bay (Guided Tour)

Addo Elephant National Park - Rise early to visit Addo Elephant National Park to see wildlife as the bush awakens. Your guide will use local knowledge to locate the park’s big game animals while expertly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals.

Experience an included 2-hour game drive in the tour bus. The original elephant section of the park was dedicated to providing a safe haven for the few wild elephants that survived government-sponsored culling in the early 20th century. The lush vegetation provides protection and a rich food source, supporting what is now the most densely populated area of wild elephants on the planet. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope, zebra, and other species.

Jeffreys Bay - The early morning start allows for free time in the afternoon, and J’Bay’s surf shop village – with its discount outlets – is perfect for shopaholics. If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf (optional activity at own expense), this town or the sand slopes beyond it are ideal for trying surfing or horseback riding on the beach (optional activity at own expense) or simply relaxing on the beach. Surfboards and wetsuits can be rented for an additional fee.

End the day with dinner at the backpackers’ accommodation or a night out at a local seafood restaurant, listening to the waves lap against the shore.

If the stay package option is selected, overnight in Jbay at: Island Vibe Backpacker or 3* Comfort Supertubes Standard / Sea Whisper Guesthouse.

Tsitsikamma - Knysna - Wilderness (Guided Tour)

Bloukrans Bridge - Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day. From ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtaking ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge, and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park, today is all about the “garden” of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenaline junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world. Here, seemingly ordinary people plunge face-first down the 216m drop, only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. If you’re feeling daring, why not face your fears and give it a try?

Tsitsikamma National Park - For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. Complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls, and slide down one impressive gorge.

Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park - This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing, your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall, and sandy beach are waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths.

Knysna Heads - As you travel along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns showcase why this region is a favorite with holiday-goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to take in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.

Botlierskop or Mossel Bay - N2 (Guided Tour)

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop near a seaside village called Mossel Bay. Opt for an optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive (if you haven’t seen many animals in the Addo National Park, this provides another opportunity to spot most of the Big 5 animals on safari) at this nearby private game reserve.

After ticking off the region’s must-do bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route, journey back to the Cape and end with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation at about 8 pm to 10 pm (subject to traffic and your drop-off address).

If the Include Stay package is chosen, overnight in Cape Town at: Never@Home Backpackers or 3* Comfort Hotel Sky.

Cape Town (Airport Drop-off + Free Time)

Cape Town International Airport - Enjoy more time in the Mother City. Opt to book later night flights out of Cape Town or extend your stay to make the most of this last free-time day.

Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a hotspot for last-minute souvenir shopping and the launch spot for a trip to Robben Island (subject to weather and availability). Artisanal delis on Long and Bree Street, local produce in the Old Biscuit Mill in nearby Woodstock, a day-trip to Franschhoek for a gourmet feast, or an authentic African experience at Moyo restaurant in Kirstenbosch – all add to the culinary flavors of the Cape. Pick up last-minute gifts in Green Market Square or stroll along the Sea Point Promenade.

As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport service will be at your own expense.

End with an included transfer to the Cape Town International Airport (if needed on request).

• 1 day pass for the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus
• Accommodation for 9 nights if selected “Stay Package” option
• Airport, Hotel pickup/drop-off within 5km in Cape Town central or Stellenbosch
• Local English-speaking guide during guided tours/days
• 5 day Garden Route + Addo small group tour
• Addo Elephant National Park Game Drive in tour bus
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan for guided tours

• Meals & drinks not mentioned in trip description.
• Additional optional activities during unguided Cape Town section
• Accommodation package add-on (ask us for a quote)

Discover the breathtaking sights of Cape Town and the enchanting Garden Route on this 10-Day Tour Package. Enjoy five days exploring the stylish city and its renowned surroundings. Guided day trips along the Cape Peninsula and Cape Winelands offer the chance to visit numerous local attractions and taste award-winning wines with unique pairings. During your stay in Cape Town, you can explore the city independently with an included hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus pass, which stops at popular sites like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Constantia. Accommodation in Cape Town is available as an optional extra.

The guided five-day Garden Route tour immerses you in pristine wilderness. Visit stunning national parks, enjoy an Addo safari, a 4x4 game drive, explore the Cango Caves, and consider an optional bungee jump from the world’s highest commercial bridge. Experience the Knysna Heads, optional surfing in J’bay, and wine tasting along Route 62, among other exciting activities.

• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasions, run in reverse or different order.
• Daily drive time: about 4 to 6 hours during group tours / in total about 2000 km route. This packed, fast-paced itinerary is filled with many of the best highlights the area has to offer. Ideal for the young-at-heart, this trip will have you driving along the coast and inland for most of the journey with stops.
• Optional accommodation stay packages can be added (at extra cost) and will overnight in different properties, each listed in the itinerary.
• Accommodation is optional and not included in this tour package and can be arranged after booking. A tour consultant will contact you to offer the available option. Optional accommodation can only be bought directly with the tour operator or you can buy it yourself.
• Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to partake in some optional activities without the legal consent of the adult or consume alcohol.
• Personal travel insurance is excluded and recommended
• The Table Mountain Cableway will be closed to perform maintenance for two weeks in Jul/Aug. Cable car tickets will not be bookable then but the hiking trails remain open.
• It is recommended that you bring: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, jacket for cooler evenings, beach towel and swimming costume
• Guides and vehicles will vary as this is a combination of standard scheduled tours. According to availability at time of booking, accommodation will be in the mentioned hotel or in one of a similar standard and star rating in a similar area. Sedgefield and Addo accommodation will occasionally be unavailable and then your accommodation will be in nearby town of JeffreysBay, Wilderness or Knysna.
• Some meals and drinks are not included on most tours; giving the ideal opportunity to experience typical South African meals (or your own preference) at local restaurants, shops or eating spots. Do check your tour’s specific included and excluded section to verify the included meals for your tour package. You’ll have free time scheduled daily to buy and enjoy meals. – Breakfast is mostly enjoyed at the accommodation’s breakfast room/restaurant in the morning. Bed & Breakfast multi-day packages include breakfast for each overnight stay. – Lunch will be en-route with limited time & limited options to choose from. – Dinner-time during multi-day tours is scheduled in free-time after each day’s tour schedule. You can dine out at leisure; or book meals with your guide at the overnight accommodation that day. Your guide can recommend the best local restaurants, or most backpackers even have communal kitchens to prepare your own food - should you wish to buy the ingredients after the tour to prepare your own meals.
• Game drive or bush safari drives are shared with other people on especially adopted open-roof converted vehicle or truck.
• Some pairing experiences may be discontinued or sold out, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
• Backpackers are usually far away from guesthouses / lodges.
• Children under 18 years of age & Adults over 45 years are not allowed to book in Dorm room packages.
• Special Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available on request and food allergies can also be informed on tour. We don’t cater for or guarantee availability of more specific special diet options (like: vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) - please esnure to plan and budget for your own alternatives. Payment for meals can be made by credit/debit card on tour or your guide can take you to the nearest ATM to draw cash on tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.