This itinerary includes international economy flights to South Africa from London. Regional departures are possible but an extra flight and / or a supplement may apply. Make your way to the airport this evening for an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Change planes in Johannesburg for connecting service to the small airport of Hoedspruit, near Kruger NP. On arrival you will be met and transferred by road to the Sabi Sand reserve. A 65,000 hectare reserve, Sabi Sand shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Kruger’s abundant game is able to walk freely between the reserves whilst game drives inside Sabi Sand are exclusively for lodge guests. Sabi Sand has a far higher leopard density than the main park, and the quality of the game viewing here is outstanding, as vehicles can go off-road to track animals and night-drives are also permitted, something that’s not possible in the main park.   You’ll head out on your first 4×4 game drive late this afternoon, complete with guide and tracker. Enjoy a sundowner drink at a scenic outlook before returning to the lodge with the spotlight looking for nocturnal animals.

Overnight: Elephant Plains Lodge  |   Meals:  D

Enjoy twice-daily guided game drives, one at dawn and the other in the late afternoon. The reserve is probably the best place in Africa to see leopard, and although it’s never guaranteed, most guests see at least one each day, often found protecting a kill it has dragged up a tree. It’s not just the quantity of sightings, it’s the quality too, with a chance to observe the animals’ behaviour up close and for prolonged periods of time. Lion giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest are all also commonly seen, and many guests are lucky enough to see rhino, cheetah, hyena and the rare wild dog here too.

In-between game drives, there is also an optional daily bush-walk, and guests can use the on-site gym, bush spa, games room and two swimming pools.

Overnight:  Elephant Plains Lodge |   Meals:  B / L/ D

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for a flight via Cape Town to George, the gateway to the Garden Route. Upon arrival, collect your hire car and take the scenic coastal road to stunning Plettenberg Bay, around an 80 minute drive.

Not a garden in the true sense of the word, the Garden Route is more of a “Garden of Eden”, an area of outstanding natural wilderness with endless expanses of untamed primal forest and pristine beaches. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east, imposing mountains line the roads and waterfalls cascade from dramatic cliffs into blue-green seas. Lush vegetated hills drop down to rocky coastlines and ravines shaped by thundering seas. Dominated by National Parks, bustling resort towns are also found dotted amidst the picturesque landscape.

Check into your seaside lodge for the next 2 nights. This intimate boutique hotel is just a 2 minute walk from glorious Robberg Beach.

Overnight: Starfish Lodge |  Meals: B 

Enjoy a full day exploring Plettenberg Bay and surrounds independently. Plett is the perfect location from which to explore the eastern end of the Garden Route: Storms River and the forests and canyons of Tsitsikamma National Park are just 65km away and make a superb day-trip of hiking across rope suspension bridges or kayaking on the Storms River. Thrill-seekers can stop at Bloukrans Bridge on the way, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump. Back in Plett, the town’s many beaches are a haven for watersports enthusiasts, with surfing, bodyboarding and SUP all very popular, but there are also remote, wild beaches to discover if you want to find your own piece of sand. If you’re in town over a weekend, check out the Harkerville Market, held every Saturday with organic farm-fresh food and local crafts stalls.

Overnight: Starfish Lodge  |  Meals: B 

Today, travel west along the coast to the vibrant town of Knysna nestled on a huge lagoon, the entrance to which is guarded by the iconic Knysna Heads. You’ll have two days to relax or explore independently. Discover peaceful trails and country tracks which wind through towering trees and shaded glades, across sun-splashed shores and along “barely-there” paths. The Featherbed Nature Reserve, only accessible by ferry across the lagoon, has one of the region’s most scenic hikes, passing through milkwood forests and fynbos before arriving at the sea. Boat trips to see migrating Southern Right and Humpback whales (June to November) or dolphins, seals, penguins and birdlife (all year) are another excellent way to spend your time in Knysna. If you missed the weekend market in Plett, there are two to check out here – the Friday Market held from the end of September to the end of May every Friday evening features live music, food stalls, and a licenced bar. The Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market held every Saturday is internationally famous for its amazing fresh, organic produce including hot-off-the-coals breakfasts. Don’t forget to try the famous Knysna Oysters while you’re in town!

Overnight: St James of Knysna|  Meals: B

Today, make your way west along the stunning coastal road from Knysna back to George,  before turning inland through the spectacular Outeniqua pass into the mountains to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, a journey of around 2 hours by road.  Known as the Ostrich capital of the world, there is a large farming industry based on these birds. Originally farmed for their feathers, they are now prized for their lean red meat – you’ll be able to try an ostrich dish in virtually any restaurant in town. Oudtshoorn is also home to Meerkat Adventure, a conservation project offering a rare chance to see meerkats in the wild – be aware though, a very early start is required! Just north of town are the impressive Cango Caves, the largest cave formation in Africa, with huge dripstone caverns. The adventurous can explore deeper into the caves, navigating tight spots on their belly, but if this sounds claustrophobic there’s an outdoor zipline course instead, starting at the caves and ending in the valley below.

Overnight: La Plume Guesthouse |  Meals: B 

Today is your longest driving day, around 6 hours heading through stunning landscapes towards Franshoek and the winelands. Leave plenty of time for this scenic journey, as you’ll want to stop along the way. Head through Calizdorp to Barrydale, where we recommend ‘The Blue Cow for a snack or lunch. The next section is the most scenic, through the spectacular Tradouw pass to Swellendam, from where you’ll go through Bonnievale and follow the Breede River to Roberston, Villiersdorp and then finally Franschhoek.  Franschhoek, a charming town with French Hugenot heritage is arguably the culinary headquarters of the country and home to the creative genius of a number of resident chefs. Framed by a majestic backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains. Franschhoek lies peacefully nestled amongst vineyards laden with the harvest’s finest offerings.

Overnight: La Cle Lodge |  Meals: B 

Spend today at leisure in Franshoek, a historic winelands town surrounded by vineyards, many of which offer cellar-door tastings; some also have farmhouse restaurants to showcase their other produce too. Enjoy gourmet meals lovingly prepared by experienced chefs and served in lush gardens, or stylish restaurants. Sample local wines and explore the cellars of well-established wine farms. Franschhoek is also famous for its historic Wine Tram, a hop-on-hop-off tram tour with six routes connecting eight wine estates each.  Two historic Cape Dutch wine estates, Babylonstoren and Boschendal make for great excursions all on their own, with strolls or biking offered through their gardens, farm shops to explore and food available either at restaurants or as a pre-bookable picnic.

 

Overnight: La Cle Lodge  |  Meals: B 

Today depart Franshoek head towards Cape Town. The scenic journey will take approximately 1hr 30 minutes, but you could take a more roundabout route through other wine towns such as Paarl and Stellenbosch should you wish to explore along the way.  On arrival, check in for a five night stay.  We’ve chosen a boutique hotel in a peaceful location that’s within walking distance of trendy Kloof Street, an eclectic mix of great restaurants and hip boutiques.

One of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities, Cape Town is a compelling mix of buzzing modernity and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. For the well-heeled the finest in opera, ballet, drama and music can all be experienced here.

Overnight: Welgelegen  |  Meals: B 

Spend the next two days exploring the colourful city of Cape Town independently. It’s up to you have you choose to fill your days but there is no shortage of things to do!

You may choose to take a short boat cruise to Robben Island, where South Africa’s most beloved leader, Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned. An exciting trip up Table Mountain in a cable car provides panoramic views over the “Mother City” and other attractions include the District Six Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Greenmarket Square’s local crafts markets and the Bo-Kaap’s colourful Cape Malay buildings will add authenticity to your sightseeing, and Long Street’s vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs come alive after dark. Perhaps wander around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour and hub of entertainment and shopping opportunities.  Further afield, drive west to the quaint fishing village of Paternoster for quiet beaches and an emerging foraging foodie scene, or south to the Cape Peninsula and Boulders Beach, where you can swim in the bay with a colony of curious African penguins (caution – water is pretty cold!).  Don’t forget to ask us to pre-book some restaurants well in advance – Cape Town’s top eateries are world-renowned and fill up early.

Overnight:  Welegelen |  Meals: B 

Today’s the day your South African adventure ends – until next time!  You’ll have a leisurely day with plenty of time for last-minute souvenir-shopping or one last delicious lunch before checking out of your hotel and driving the short distance to Cape Town airport to return your hire car. Check in for an evening flight back to London, travelling overnight.

Overnight: On Plane |  Meals: B 

Arrive back into London (or other UK hub) this morning.

Overnight: N/A |  Meals: N/A