14 Day South Africa Experience – Small Group Tour

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa

As soon as you arrive at the Cape Town International Airport, you will begin your South African adventure. You will find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities on earth. You will get a first impression of what will happen in the future as you drive to your lovely guesthouse in the heart of the city. Take some time to get comfortable before meeting your fellow travellers and guide in the evening. At the dinner (at your own expense) we will get to know each other and you will receive a thorough briefing regarding your upcoming trip. The Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel provides comfortable accommodation near the convention center.

Accommodation: Rose Boutique Hotel
Distance: Approx. 40 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa

You will be exploring Cape Town today. Depending on the weather, you will begin by visiting Table Mountain. At more than 1000 meters above sea level, you reach the landmark of the “Mother City” by cable car. You will be treated to an amazing view of Cape Town and the seemingly endless ocean, as well as the Cape Peninsula. You will then be guided by a local guide through the history of the city. Particular attention is paid to District Six, which used to be known for its vibrant multicultural character. District Six was forcibly removed and relocated in townships during the Apartheid years, while its houses were torn down. In addition, you will visit Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Visit the old harbour and be enchanted by its unique charm and bustling activities. A second night will be spent at Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel.

Accommodation: Rose Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Table Mountain (weather permitting), District Six, V&A Waterfront

Day 3: Cape Town – Stellenbosch, South Africa

In the morning, with your bags packed, you set out for Cape Point. You arrive at the Cape of Good Hope after traveling along the pristine coastline. In addition to its rough waters, the Cape of Storms, as it was known among sailors, is also renown for its remarkable natural beauty. Take in the panoramic views across the vast Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse and various viewing points along the way. From there, you continue the journey towards Simon’s Town. The Boulders Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by granite boulders that is home to African penguins. View the little guys as they waddle along the beach, play in the cold waters, or simply nap. In conclusion of your tour of the Cape Peninsula, your final destination for the day is Stellenbosch, the country’s most important wine region. You will be staying at the historic Oude Werf Hotel for the next two nights. You will enjoy dinner at a beautiful wine farm (own expense) – what a wonderful way to round off an exciting day!

Accommodation: Oude Werf Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Simons Town, Boulders Beach
Distance: Approx. 150 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 4: Stellenbosch and Surrounds, South Africa

Stellenbosch is one of the oldest cities in South Africa, along with Cape Town. Explore the historical city center with its white Cape Dutch buildings while on a walking tour. Crossing the picturesque Helshoogte Pass, you reach Franschhoek. Discover its small town appeal with its cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. On a wine tasting tour at an idyllic wine farm nearby, you explore the flavours of local wines. At the nearby restaurant you can enjoy an excellent lunch (at your expense). Finally, you return to Stellenbosch. After another wine tasting, you return to your hotel. Visit one of the excellent restaurants in town for dinner (at own cost). You will stay one more night at the Oude Werf Hotel.

Accommodation: Oude Werf Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Walking tour, Franschhoek, Wine tasting
Distance: Approx. 150 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 5: Stellenbosch – Hermanus, South Africa

The day begins with breakfast, followed by a visit to a typical Cape farm located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains. After a short hike, you reach a viewpoint from which you can see all the way to Table Mountain across False Bay. It is possible to see Cape Point on a clear day. Such a sight will leave you breathless. Following your hike, a delightful meal awaits you. You continue along a picturesque coastal road until you arrive at the small town of Hermanus. Enjoy the magnificent ocean views as you stroll along the cliff path during your leisurely afternoon. At Whale Rock Lodge, you will be staying for two nights.

Accommodation: Whale Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Helderberg Mountains, Hermanus
Distance: Approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 6: Hermanus and Surrounds, South Africa

In Hermanus and the surrounding area, you can begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Get up close and personal with the monsters of the ocean on a whale-watching boat cruise (optional) during whale season. Take a walk through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve when there are no whales about, and you will discover the fascinating fynbos ecosystem while enjoying panoramic views across Walker Bay. The afternoon brings a change of pace as we visit a family-owned cheese dairy and taste some of their products. In addition, you may choose to relax at Hermanus’ beaches or at the lodge. Enjoy dinner at a local fish restaurant (at your own expense) in the evening. Then, you return to Whale Rock Lodge for one more night.

Accommodation: Whale Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights:Walk through Fernkloof Nature Reserve, panoramic views across Walker Bay
Optional Activity: Whale watching boat cruise

Day 7: Hermanus – Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Leaving the coast behind, you will make your way inland today. Swellendam, a small, picturesque town nestled among beautiful landscapes, is your first stop. Visit the Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture on this historical walking tour. After traversing the scenic Tradouw Pass, you will reach the Klein Karoo. Around lunchtime, you arrive in Barrydale – perfect time to stop at a little bistro serving delicious homemade food (at own expense). As you travel along Route 62, you arrive at Oudtshoorn. We will have dinner together at Thabile Lodge, your home for the evening.

Accommodation: Thabile Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Historical Walking Tour, Route 62, Oudtshoorn
Distance: Approx. 360 km; driving time approx. 4 hours

Day 8: Oudtshoorn – Wilderness, South Africa

In addition to the breeding of ostriches, Oudtshoorn is home to the Cango Caves. You will be able to learn how nature formed these bizarre and fascinating formations over a period of thousands of years when you tour these impressive limestone caves in the morning. A visit to an ostrich farm while in Oudtshoorn is not to be missed. On a guided tour of the farm, the visitor will learn about these large, cursorial birds. You will now make your way to Wilderness, crossing Outeniqua Pass and enjoying beautiful mountain views as you proceed. The remainder of the afternoon may be spent at your leisure. There is direct access to many kilometers of white sandy beaches from your accommodation. Your home for the next two nights will be the Moontide Guest Lodge.

Accommodation: Moontide Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Guided Ostrich Farm Tour
Distance: Approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Day 9: Wilderness and Surrounds, South Africa

You will enjoy a morning tour of the stunning Wilderness area of the Garden Route National Park. Explore the Touw River’s clear, calm waters in a canoe. As you reach a landing spot further up the river, you haul your canoes ashore and proceed on foot for about two kilometers. A beautiful waterfall lies at the end of the path. We encourage you to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool if the weather permits. Take some time to admire the serene environment in which you find yourself. The canoe is slowly paddled back to its starting point upon returning to it. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure. You can relax at the beautiful Moontide Guest Lodge or enjoy the beautiful Wilderness beach.

Accommodation: Moontide Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Garden Route National Park, Touw River,
Distance: Approx. 120 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 10: Wilderness – Storms River, South Africa

Your journey today is to Knysna. You explore this charming town with your guide. The town is located near a lagoon. Hence the name Knysna Heads, which, by the way, are steep sandstone cliffs that separate the tranquil lagoon from the rough ocean waters. Great views of the lagoon, the town, and the Indian Ocean are available from a viewpoint on the easterly cliff. After lunch (at your own expense) you travel to Plettenberg Bay. Following lunch, you begin a hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve, which is situated on a peninsula south of Plett. In addition to wooden planks, sand, and stone, you will also encounter rugged cliffs, deep-blue seas, and seals swimming in the water. You return to your vehicle and drive to Storms River. You will be staying at the At the Woods Guesthouse for two nights.

Accommodation: Woods Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River
Distance: Approx. 150 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 11: Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

The Tsitsikamma National Park promises a day of discovery for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. You will experience a refreshing breeze and hear the surf splash against the shoreline as you cross Storms River Mouth on a suspension bridge. You may choose to linger at the viewpoints along the way. Along various hiking trails, you have the opportunity to explore the rugged mountain and coastal landscapes with your guide. It is also possible to explore the river mouth by kayak (optional). Experience the beauty of the Storms River from a new perspective, as it is flanked by precipitous cliffs, and its surroundings are covered with an amazing variety of vegetation. Later that day, you will arrive at At the Woods Guesthouse.

Accommodation: Woods Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Tsitsikamma National Park
Optional Activity: Kayaking on the river

Day 12: Storms River – Addo, South Africa

The trip to the Addo Elephant National Park continues via Port Elizabeth after breakfast. In the southern part of the park, the Sundays River flows toward the ocean. On the way down you will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride along the river. Be enchanted by this beautiful corner of the world. After lunch, you will arrive at The Old Drift Guest Farm, where you can relax in a pleasant environment. With any luck, you will be able to dream about the elephant herds that you may see tomorrow…

Accommodation: Old Drift Guest Farm
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Addo Elephant National Park, Boat Ride along the river
Distance: Approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

Day 13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

You are in for another memorable experience today. Spend the day exploring the Addo Elephant National Park, searching for wildlife in South Africa. A game drive in an open safari vehicle provides an opportunity to experience close proximity to animals. There are many elephant herds residing in the park, often standing side by side at the waterholes. In addition to rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards, you can also see rhinos, lions, and leopards. There are zebras, giraffes, antelopes, birds, and different species of antelopes in this third-largest national park in South Africa. In the afternoon you return to De Old Drift Guest Farm following an exciting day of game viewing. Your guide will prepare a traditional South African braai, a BBQ, over the open fire while you exchange stories from your days in the bush.

Accommodation: Old Drift Guest Farm
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Full Day Game viewing in Addo Elephant National Park, traditional braai

Day 14: Addo – Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The final game drive of the day takes place in Addo Elephant National Park. Along with your guide, you will search for animals and learn about their social behaviour and habitat. You will now travel to Port Elizabeth. At around 2 pm, bid adieu at the airport and continue your journey, taking with you exciting memories of your travels. Until next time, Totsiens!

Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Approx. 80 km; driving time approx. 1 hour + game drive

It is advisable not to book flights from Port Elizabeth before 3pm.

In the event that you wish to include more game drives and animal sightings in your trip, we can arrange for you to extend your stay at Kariega Game Reserve. You are able to scout the Big Five on game drives in open safari vehicles. As well as boat trips and bush walks, you can experience nature in a unique way. Please contact us for more information.

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.