25th Birthday Special - Garden Route

South African Odyssey: From Cape Town to the Wild

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable travel adventure through the diverse landscapes of South Africa. Begin in Cape Town, the Mother City, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks and sip world-class wines in the picturesque Winelands of Franschhoek. Journey along the Garden Route, with stops in Knysna and Gqeberha, to experience coastal beauty and cultural richness.

Your adventure continues in Addo Elephant National Park, where you’ll encounter majestic wildlife, including the renowned “Big 5.” Finally, immerse yourself in the magic of the African bushveld at Amakhala Game Reserve, concluding your journey with thrilling safaris and unforgettable encounters with nature’s wonders. This South African odyssey promises a perfect blend of culture, nature, and wildlife, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1 – 3Cape Town

There’s nowhere quite like South Africa for a top-notch safari experience, and your safari begins now – lucky you! We’ll let you know what lies ahead, then get this trip of a lifetime started.

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, founded by Dutch seafarers in 1652. It is also the most beautiful thanks to an iconic seafront location below Table Mountain. Studded with intriguing museums, lively markets, cosmopolitan restaurants and individualistic shops, the historic city center is well worth exploring in its own right. It is also a popular base for excursions further afield to the scenic Cape Peninsula, sedate Cape winelands and elsewhere.

Beautiful South Africa’s Cape Town’s, Mountain and Sea views. Table Mountain, Lion’s head and Twelve Apostles are popular hiking destinations for both locals and tourists all year round

Accommodation Day 1 – 3Parker Cottage

Parker Cottage, a luxurious bed and breakfast nestled in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, caters to the discerning traveler. Located in close proximity to Table Mountain and various other top attractions, it stands as the ideal accommodation choice when planning your stay in Cape Town.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4 – 5Franschhoek

Whether you’re into wine tasting, fine dining, historic Cape Dutch architecture or spectacular mountain scenery, Franschhoek (‘French Corner’) excels on all counts. The name of this small town refers to the French Huguenot refugees who settled the area in the late 17th century, establishing a cultural heritage that includes numerous award-winning wine estates and restaurants.

Accommodation Day 4 – 5Franschhoek Boutique Hotel

In the heart of Franschhoek’s Main Street, the Franschhoek Boutique Hotel resides behind a charming courtyard filled with cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. This boutique hotel offers a serene oasis away from the town’s hustle and bustle, while still granting easy access to a plethora of nearby dining options. With meticulous attention to detail, it boasts 12 unique rooms, each thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality. Whether adorned with bold and vibrant decor or displaying understated minimalism, every room prioritizes your well-being, providing a tranquil haven for discerning guests to unwind after a day of wine tasting and shopping in Franschhoek and its surroundings.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 6 – 7Knysna

It’s easy to fall in love with Knysna, a charming coastal town at the scenic heart of the Garden Route. Set below some of South Africa’s most extensively forested slopes, Knysna overlooks a calm lagoon whose narrow mouth is bounded by a pair of cliffs called the Knysna Heads. The town is known for its lively culinary scene (the local specialty being oysters) and as a center of alternative culture (annual events include an LGBTQI+ carnival and Rastafarian festival). The surrounding coast and forests are ideal for scenic walks and other outdoor pursuits.

Accommodation Day 6 – 7Villa Afrikana Guest Suite

Nestled in the heart of the Garden Route, you’ll discover the luxurious 5-star Villa Afrikana, majestically perched atop a hill named “Paradise” overlooking the renowned Knysna Heads and lagoon. This modern gem of a villa boasts an unassuming interior that remarkably opens up its public areas and suites, creating a sense of space and comfort. Keep an eye out for the artful placement of objects and captivating artworks by local artist Neil Nieuwoudt. Villa Afrikana offers six meticulously designed suites, each focused on providing panoramic views, generous space, and ultimate comfort.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 8 – 9Gqeberha

Officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021, Port Elizabeth is the administrative capital of the Eastern Cape, and the province’s largest city and main air gateway. Nicknamed the Windy City and Friendly City in recognition of two of its most obvious attributes, this major seaport is known for its pleasant year-round climate, a string of blue flag urban beaches, and a scattering of historic sites relating to the British settlers who founded it in 1820.

Accommodation Day 8 – 9Fifth Avenue Beach House

Ideally situated just a stone’s throw away from the pristine sandy shores of Gqeberha, Fifth Avenue Beach House is your gateway to coastal bliss. With a 25-year legacy of providing exceptional service and opulence, our property is embraced by a verdant, tropical garden adorned with inviting palm-fringed swimming pools.

Whether you’re a corporate traveler or seeking leisurely relaxation, we cater to your every need. We present a diverse range of accommodation choices, each offering the familiar amenities and comforts our guests have come to cherish. Our primary objective is to ensure that your stay is a tranquil, indulgent experience that captures the essence of home away from home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 10 – 11Addo Elephant National Park

South Africa’s third-largest national park, malaria-free Addo protects an elephant population that had fewer than 20 hardy survivors in the 1930s but stands at more than 700 individuals today. Addo’s elephants are unusually relaxed around vehicles, so you can expect to enjoy some great close-up encounters with these entertaining creatures. Plenty of other wildlife is also present in this vast and ecologically diverse park, including all the Big Five.

Accommodation Day 10 – 11Zuurberg Mountain Village

Zuurberg Mountain Village is a haven of historical delight that has been in existence for 160 years, located high up on the Zuurberg Pass within malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park. An exclusive mountain top hotel, it is set within 160 hectares of indigenous vegetation and boasts breathtaking views of the famous Addo Elephant National Park. Nature, wildlife, and tranquillity are offered to our guests in the most majestic African setting, all within a mere one-hour drive from Port Elizabeth.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 12 – 14Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve was created in 1989 when six former livestock farms joined together to become a private sanctuary in the wake of a severe drought. An isiXhosa name meaning ‘Place of Aloes’, Amakhala protects a hilly landscape of thicket, grassland and fynbos, and the Bushman’s River flows through it. But while the scenery in this malaria-free reserve is consistently interesting, the highlight of your guided game drives is likely to be the wildlife, which includes all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo).

Accommodation Day 12 – 14Amakhala Safari Lodge

Amakhala Safari Lodge, a cozy thatched retreat featuring distinctive air-conditioned safari suites and iconic stone-capped rooftops, provides the epitome of luxury in the safari lodge experience. It offers a serene haven where you can rejuvenate your spirit and immerse yourself in the symphony of nature’s sounds.

Upon your arrival, our warm and welcoming staff will ensure you feel right at home as you leisurely savor a refreshing beverage. Delight in pure relaxation as you unwind by the pool, gazing out over the verdant African bushveld before embarking on an exhilarating BIG-5 game drive adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine, spirits and liquor

Day 15The last day with us

You’ll find it hard to believe that your South African safari has come to an end, but we’re sure that you will have had the most wonderful time on safari with us. We will look forward to the next time we travel together.

Inclusions

International Flights
  • Heathrow Airport, London to South Africa
  • South Africa to Heathrow Airport, London
Accommodation
3 Nights at Parker Cottage, Cape Town
  • 1x Deluxe Room
  • Breakfast
  • All local taxes
  • Wi-fi
  • Off-street parking

Added activities

  • Cape Peninsula Tour
  • Gold Restaurant 14-course African taste menu and drumming experience
2 Nights at Lion Roars Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
  • 1x luxury King / Twin Room
  • Continental and full English breakfast
  • In-room mini bar and wine cooler
  • Tea and coffee-making facilities
  • Air conditioning
  • Cealing fan
  • Double-volume shower and freestanding bath
  • Laundry service
  • Wi-fi

Added activities

  • Franschhoek Wine Tram (Pink Line)
2 Nights at Villa Afrikana Guest Suites, Knysna
  • 1x Noetzie Suite
  • Full English breakfast
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Porterage
  • Welcome drink (guest choice)
  • Turn down gift
  • All teas (loose and bagged)
  • All coffees (barista and filtered)
  • Bottled mineral water (still and sparkling)
  • Afternoon tea with loose leaves and a selection of cakes
  • Pre-dinner open bar from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Wi-fi (rooms and public areas)
  • All taxes
2 Nights at Fifth Avenue Beach House, Gqeberha
  • 1x Luxury Room
  • Breakfast
  • In-room tea and coffee-making facilities

Added activities

  • Whale, Dolphin and Penguin Island Cruise
2 Nights at Zuurberg Mountain Village, Addo
  • 1x Manor Room (double or twin beds)
  • Breakfast
  • Full bathroom with shower, bath, free toiletries, towels, hair dryer
  • Mini-bar with drinks and tea and coffee maker
  • Private patio with views of Zuurberg Mountain range
  • Situated near the lounge, spa, dining areas, swimming pool
  • 1 hour from Addo Elephant Park (additional activities and packages can be arranged at an extra charge)
3 Nights at Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve
  • 1x Luxury Suite
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Selected house beverages
  • Conservation levies
  • 2x game drives per day
Car Hire
  • 1x Toyota Corolla
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15 Day
From£3,725

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

0027 41 581 6260

reservations@eastcapetours.com

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