South Africa Round Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

The best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is the South African spring, from September to November and fall, between April and May. The temperatures are pleasantly warm and the amount of rainfall is low. The summer months from December to February are also a popular time to travel. Since many accommodations are booked up quickly due to the South African summer vacations, we recommend booking your trip well in advance.

At the airport in Cape Town, you will pick up your rental car and drive to your first accommodation. In the coming days you will have plenty of time to get to know the highlights in and around Cape Town. We recommend a city tour or a side trip to Table Mountain. Enjoy the breathtaking views of this vibrant city, the vast land and the blue sea. Later, explore the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront at the old harbor and indulge in culinary delights at one of the many restaurants.

Time spent traveling from the airport to the hotel in Cape Town: approx. 25 minutes / approx. 20 km

3 nights at the Welgelegen Boutique Hotel**** with breakfast in Superior Room, Cape Town, South Africa

After a hearty breakfast, we recommend exploring the Cape Peninsula! Along the beautiful coastal road, you will reach the famous Cape of Good Hope. Continue along Chapmans Peak Drive to Hout Bay with its small fishing harbor set in a picturesque bay. Take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to one of South Africa's largest fur seal colonies. On the way back, watch the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach.

Time spent traveling from your hotel in Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope: approx. 1.5 hours / approx. 65 km

On a guided township tour, you can learn everything you need to know about everyday life and the development of the districts in a historical context. An authentic deep dive into local life awaits you.

In the afternoon, you can stroll further through the metropolis. For a special culinary experience with an African atmosphere and entertainment, we recommend the Gold Restaurant in the heart of Cape Town. The food is served under large trees in the courtyard. The waiters wear colorful African clothes and spoil you with tasty Cape Malay dishes.

After a fortifying breakfast, you will set off for the beautiful Winelands just outside Cape Town. The fertile soil in the area of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl has made the local white and red wines world famous. The diversity of South African wines is also reflected in the number of wineries. The entire region is home to just over 200 winemakers. Stellenbosch is the heart of wine growing and also the second oldest town in the country. Visit the "Oom Samie se Winkel", one of the most famous antique stores with a old-time fl. In the coming days, enjoy delicious wine tastings (optional) and indulge in culinary delights in the frestaurants.

Our tip: At the Tokara winery in Stellenbosch, the visit and wine tasting are free of charge for all guests. If you like one or the other wine, you can have it delivered directly to your home by mail. There is not much more to say: Go there and taste. Have fun!

Time spent traveling from Cape Town to Stellenbosch: approx. 1 hour / approx. 55 km

2 nights at Majeka Guest House***** with breakfast in a Garden Alternative, Stellenbosch, South Africa

After a hearty breakfast, today's journey continues to the Klein Karoo Desert and Oudtshoorn. The drive takes you past fertile valleys and rugged rock formations that offer spectacular photo opportunities. During the day, you will arrive in Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. Many of the farms have opened their gates to visitors and you can experience the animals up close - fun for the entire family. The world-famous Cango Caves, north of Oudtshoorn, can also be visited. This unique cave system is one of the most beautiful and impressive dripstone caves in the world.

Time spent traveling from Stellenbosch to Oudtshoorn: approx. 5,5 hours / approx. 400 km

2 nights at La Plume Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a Superior Suite, Oudtshoorn, South Africa

This morning you will travel to Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy the view as you drive over the Outeniqua Pass along the towns of George and Wilderness and reach the picturesque lagoon town of Knysna - one of the crown jewels of the Garden Route. You can take a lunch break at the beautiful waterfront. Knysna is only a short drive away to Plettenberg Bay, the popular vacation resort with a unique, striking beach. The mild climate at the Indian Ocean allows a wonderful vegetation to flourish. For the evening we recommend a delicious fish dish and a dreamy walk on the beach.

Between September and November, you should be on the lookout for whales, which cavort here off the coast. At night, you can even hear the songs of the magnificent animals.

Time spent traveling from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay: approx. 2 hours / approx. 170 km

3 nights at Periwinkle Guest Lodge**** with breakfast in Superior with balcony, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Today you have time to explore the wonderful surroundings of Plettenberg Bay. We suggest visiting the impressive Tsitsikamma National Park, whose names means "bubbling water". The hiking trails in the park are without a doubt some of the most beautiful in the country. On the Storms River Mouth, you can take an adventurous boat trip. Feel the wind and experience the rush of speed, where children in particular have a lot of fun. Another attraction is the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, a sanctuary for numerous monkey species living in the wild.

Time spent traveling from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park: approx. 1 hour / approx. 65 km

Today we recommend an excursion to the beautiful, everlasting beach of Wilderness. Here you can experience pure nature and enjoy a vacation day by the sea. Indulge in the beautiful and peaceful scenery and the sound of the sea. Alternatively, you can hike to the Robberg Peninsula, whose rocky outcrops can be seen from all over Plettenberg Bay. Experience the perfect beauty of this area up close.

Time spent driving from Plettenberg Bay to Wilderness: approx. 1 hour / approx. 80 km

In the coming days, another highlight of your South Africa trip awaits you! Look forward to six game drives/ river cruises* (depending on arrival/departure time, there can also be four safaris: 1x on arrival day, 2x on the following day and 1x on departure day) in the Kariega Game Reserve, located in South Africa's Eastern Cape! (*Note: Depending on your mood and the weather, the game drives can also be swapped for river cruises or game walks).

The Kariega Game Reserve is a private game reserve located near Port Elizabeth which spans over 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Located at the end of the Garden Route, a malaria-free area awaits you here, home to one of the most biodiverse places in southern Africa.

You will move into a cozy wooden chalet at Kariega Main Lodge, which has been perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. In the afternoon, together with your ranger and great luck, experience the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos) on your first game drive. Which animals will you and your children spot first? Don't forget your camera - maybe antelope, wildebeest and zebra will cross your path. In the evening, a delicious dinner awaits you. End the day around the campfire with the breathtaking starry night sky over your head.

Time spent traveling from Plettenberg Bay to Kariega Game Reserve: approx. 3,5 hours / approx. 348 km

3 nights at River Lodge with full board, selected drinks and activities in a Luxury Suite, Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa

You and your experienced ranger will go out into nature today. You will cross valleys, grassy plains and the African bush and, with a bit of luck, you can marvel at numerous animals such as hyenas, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests in their natural environment. This safari is an unforgettable experience for families with kids - see animals that you could only see in the zoo in the wild. Take the opportunity again today to experience the Big 5 at close range with a bit of luck. Relax with an afternoon tea in your wooden chalet and enjoy the fantastic view over the nature.

After the morning game drive and breakfast, check-out in the morning and then drive to Gqeberha airport. Drop off the rental car there and take your flight back to Germany.

With many beautiful memories in the luggage, it is now time to say goodbye to one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We hope you had an unforgettable trip and will visit South Africa again soon!

Travel time Kariega Game Reserve - Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport: approx. 1,5 hours / approx. 120 km

We wish you a pleasant flight home!

itravel - for that moment.

Welgelegen Boutique Hotel****, Cape Town, South Africa (3 nights)

This boutique hotel is located right in the center of Cape Town and offers wonderful views of Table Mountain. The international airport is just 20 minutes away. The Gardens district is a 5-minute walk away.

The surrounding area offers numerous local restaurants serving typical food and dishes. Breakfast is served in the property's courtyard overlooking the beautiful garden.

The well-kept and spacious rooms feature a sitting area, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and complimentary tea/coffee facilities. Free Wi-Fi means you're always within easy reach.

Majeka House*****, Stellenbosch, South Africa (2 nights)

This great 5* house is located in a private garden setting. Numerous cafes and stores are only a 10-minute drive away. The Makaron restaurant spoils you with local delicacies from the in-house organic garden. In the Sanctuary Spa, you can enjoy aromatherapy massages and relax in the whirlpool and crystal Himalayan salt bed.

The rooms are stylishly and exclusively furnished and feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and DVD player. Facilities also include an espresso machine, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and minibar.

La Plume Guest House****, Oudtshoorn, South Africa (2 nights)

This small guesthouse is in the middle of an ostrich farm and surrounded by a wine estate. It is about 14km to the center of Oudtshoorn town. The main house was built in 1902 in Victorian style. From the terrace you have a beautiful view of the pure nature.

All rooms are comfortably furnished. A TV, a possibility to brew fresh tea and coffee and a minibar are available.

Periwinkle Lodge Guest House****, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (3 nights)

With views of the Robberg Peninsula and direct beach access, this beautiful lodge welcomes you. The ideal location invites you to take leisurely walks on the beach. The bright rooms lure yuo in with their stylish furnishing, which is adapted to the environment. All rooms are equipped with bathroom, TV, heated towel rails and tea/coffee making facilities.

Kariega River Lodge****, Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa (3 nights)

Situated on the banks of the Bushmans River, this lodge offers ten spacious, thatched-roof suites. All units are air-conditioned and feature a ceiling fan, en suite bathroom, king-size bed, safe, and coffee and tea facilities. From your private terrace, you can marvel at the species-rich wildlife.

Other facilities at the lodge include a restaurant, bar, library and pool. Of course, all meals are included during your stay, as well as exciting activities such as game drives, river cruises, wildlife walks and canoe trips.

Duration of the trip: 14 days / 13 nights

Included

• 13 overnight stays in the mentioned accommodations including meals as per program (accommodation in Amakhala Game Reserve / Kariega Main Lodge incl. full board as well as max. 6 safaris (either game drives or guided tours or river cruises)
• 14 rental days of category K vehicle (Toyota RAV 4 or similar. ) including 1x additional driver, premium accident insurance (CDW), local supplement, premium theft insurance (TLW), Tourism Levy, unlimited kilometers, personal accident insurance (PAI), general liability insurance (General Public Liabilty Insurance), Administration fee in case of accident / theft,14% VAT, Third Party Insurance, Tire, Hubcap, Rim, Water, Windshield, Sandblast and Underbody Damage, Automatic, Airbags, Radio/CD, Servo, A/C, 4 Seats. Pick up Cape Town airport & drop off Port Elizabeth.
• Detailed travel documents including travel instructions.
• Small voluntary donation for a Rhino Poaching Project in the Eastern Cape

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not included in the program
• Sightseeing, entrance fees, excursions (the listed program is a suggestion)
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Additional costs for rental car (will be charged directly to the credit card): R 3.700 for the gasoline deposit, R 90 for the contract fee, R 1.800 for the one way fee, R 390 for the navigation system