Cape Town, Garden Route & Founders Lodge

Experience the rich culture of the Garden Route

Overview

Embark on a remarkable South African adventure that takes you from the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the heart of the wild.

Begin your journey at Kloof Street Hotel, nestled in the heart of Cape Town. This boutique gem offers a trendy urban escape surrounded by city vibes.

Head to the charming Franschhoek Boutique Hotel in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, where you’ll experience luxury amid vineyard-clad valleys and gourmet delights.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Knysna at Villa Afrikana Guest Suites, perched high above the town. Enjoy panoramic views of the Knysna Heads and lagoon.

Venture to Addo and experience the wilderness at its finest at Camp Figtree, offering an exquisite retreat in the Addo Elephant National Park.

Finally, explore the untamed wonders of Shamwari Game Reserve at Mantis Founders Lodge. Witness the Big Five and immerse yourself in the captivating African wilderness.

This South African odyssey promises a perfect blend of urban luxury, natural beauty, and thrilling wildlife encounters. A journey where each stop unfolds a new chapter in your unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 – 4Cape 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.

Accommodation Day 1 – 4Kloof Street Hotel

Discover Kloof Street Hotel, a captivating retreat ideally situated along the vibrant Kloof Street, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Cape Town. While it stands as one of our more spacious properties, Kloof Street Hotel retains that beloved boutique ambiance that defines all Lion Roars establishments.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a charming restaurant and a cozy coffee shop, perfect for kickstarting your day. Additionally, the hotel offers shared working spaces and boardroom facilities, catering to those who need to stay connected even while taking a break from the digital world.

The hotel’s interior exudes a strikingly natural decor and a vibrant personality, a theme that extends to the sunny rooftop deck. Here, you can unwind by the bar, take a refreshing dip in the pool, recline on plush loungers, or dine al fresco at outdoor tables surrounded by lush greenery. With an ice-cold Pina Colada in hand, you might momentarily forget you’re in the heart of Cape Town and feel transported to a tropical paradise.

Kloof Street Hotel’s modern rooms maintain the signature Lion Roars style. They are adorned with earthy and natural materials, designed to be light and airy, and prioritize your comfort above all else. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, Kloof Street Hotel promises a delightful Cape Town experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4 – 6Franschhoek

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 – 6Franschhoek 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 – 8Knysna

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 – 8Villa Afrikana Guest Suites

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 – 10Addo Elephant National Park

Your next stop is Addo Elephant National Park, which started life in 1921 as a municipal reserve created to protect the Eastern Cape’s last few surviving elephants. A national park since 1931, Addo has since been extended to cover 1,642km² of varied malaria-free terrain running inland from the Indian Ocean to the Zuurberg Mountains. Elephants remain the star attraction, but you should also see some spectacular spiral-horned greater kudu bulls, and there’s the possibility of lion, black rhino, buffalo, zebra and spotted hyena.

Accommodation Day 8 – 10Camp Figtree

Welcome to Camp Figtree, your gateway to the wild wonders of the renowned Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. With six elegantly appointed options, we offer the perfect base for you to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of this extraordinary game reserve.

Our sanctuary is a testament to responsible tourism, leaving only a minimal footprint on the environment. Yet, every inch of space has been meticulously designed to offer luxurious comfort, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the African wilderness.

Camp Figtree is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, captivating from every angle and at any time of the day. We provide an array of spaces for relaxation and a diverse range of activities to cater to guests of all ages and interests. Whether you’re lounging by the magnificent pool with breathtaking views, embarking on thrilling game drives, soaring through the treetops on a zip-line adventure, or savoring a dinner under the starlit Eastern Cape sky, our remote and secluded lodge promises to enchant you with its warmth, cultural richness, and natural splendor.

Here, you’ll experience the pinnacle of superb cuisine, gracious hospitality, and opulent accommodations. Camp Figtree invites you to indulge in an unforgettable journey of exploration, relaxation, and discovery.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 10 – 13Shamwari Game Reserve

Founded in 1990, Shamwari is the malaria-free Eastern Cape’s oldest private reserve, and the most prestigious thanks to the five-star decor and service at its trendsetting lodges and camps. All the Big Five have been introduced, or occur naturally, which makes for consistently rewarding game drives.

Sadly, your safari will come to an end, but we’re sure that you will have enjoyed exploring South Africa with us. We hope that you’re already dreaming of your return.

Accommodation Day 10 – 13Mantis Founders Lodge

Mantis Founders Lodge promises you a real touch of class, combining fantastic accommodation with important contributions to local conservation projects; you can even track rhinos here. The immaculate suites include a converted railway carriage and they’re all incredibly luxurious. Enjoy a swim in the pool, a fine meal in the restaurant and excellent service too.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Inclusions

Accommodation
3 Nights at Kloof Street Boutique Hotel, Cape Town
  • 1x Pod Room
  • Daily Breakfast
2 Nights at Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
  • 1x Luxury Room
  • Daily Breakfast
2 Nights at Villa Afrikana Guest Suites, Knysna
  • 1x Suite
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Boat ride
2 Nights at Camp Figtree, Addo
  • 1x Superior Suite
  • Daily Breakfast
3 Nights at Founder’s Lodge, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • 1x Suite
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Selected local beverages for the duration of your stay
  • 2x Game drives per day in safari vehicles with a guide
Car Rental
  • Vehicle: Toyota Carolla Quest OR Similar

  • Pick Up: Cape Town International Airport

  • Drop Off: Port Elizabeth International Airport

International Flights on Economy Fare
  • Indirect flights from regional airports, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
  • Direct from London Heathrow an additional  £200.00 per person

Exclusions

  • Flights not mentioned
  • Transfers not mentioned
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Beverages
  • Activities not mentioned
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned
Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

12 Days
From£3,750

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

Experience of a lifetime.

Big 5 Safaris

Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Africa.

Proceed Booking