13 Day Private Safari: Cape Town to Johannesburg via Garden Route

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from Cape Town at 8am. Travel on the R62 Wine Route until we reach Oudtshoorn
3 stops
1
R 62 nel Klein Karoo
Billed as the longest wine route in the Western Cape, the Route 62 Wine Route encompasses Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. Wine lovers can visit up to 70 wine farms, of which 11 are specialist brandy cellars, and comprise the R62 Brandy Route – an adventure on its own!
5 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Robertson
On the wine route we stop over in Robertson winery for wine tasting.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Cango Caves
Visit the magnificent Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most impressive natural attractions, located near Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. Explore a fascinating underground world of enormous limestone chambers, spectacular rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have developed over millions of years. During your visit, discover the beauty and history of these remarkable caves while learning about their geological formation and significance. The Cango Caves offer a memorable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and visitors wishing to explore one of the Western Cape’s most famous natural wonders.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 2
We depart from Oudtshoorn after breakfast and head to Botlierskop Game Reserve, Wilderness and then to Knysna
2 stops
4
Knysna
From Wilderness we proceed to Knysna, this is the centre of the Garden Route. Knysna is situated between lush forests and the beautiful Knysna lagoon, which opens up to the Indian Ocean. Knysna is home to many attractions such as the Knysna Heads, a set of two cliffs that flank the entrance to the lagoon. There are many outdoor activities available in Knysna, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and cycling.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Botlierskop Tented Lodge
Enjoy an unforgettable open 4x4 game safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, one of the beautiful wildlife destinations along South Africa’s Garden Route. Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, explore the reserve’s scenic landscapes of rolling hills, open grasslands, and natural bushveld while searching for Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Look out for the Big Five — lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo — as well as giraffes, zebras, kudus, impalas, and many other fascinating animals and bird species. Throughout the safari, your guide will share interesting information about the wildlife, their natural habitats, and the reserve’s conservation efforts. This exciting adventure offers wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and experiencing the beauty of the South African wilderness.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Depart from Knysna and head off to Plettenberg Bay
3 stops
6
Knysna Heads
After breakfast visit Knysna Heads. There is great opportunities for good photographs here. Knysna Heads refers to two large cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, a popular tourist destination in the Western Cape province of South Africa. These cliffs are located on either side of a narrow channel that connects the lagoon to the Indian Ocean. The eastern head is a publicly accessible nature reserve that offers scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The western head is a private nature reserve that is not open to the public. The area around Knysna Heads is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of bird species, marine life, and vegetation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking in the lagoon, or explore nearby attractions such as the Knysna Elephant Park and the Knysna Forest.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
7
The Waterfront Knysna Quays
Also visit Quays Knysna Waterfront. Breathtaking views of Knysna, crystal blue waters and and and. There really are no words to describe how stunning the views are. The Waterfront is a chilled out extension of Knysna. A scenic view of the harbor with quite a number of yachts make it a scenery. A good number of restaurants from cafes to great restaurants, one can easily spend 2-3 hours here, you can also book some rides on the lagoon.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Robberg Nature Reserve
From the Quays Knysna Waterfront we proceed to Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay to do hiking. Robberg Nature Reserve is a stunning coastal reserve located in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. It covers an area of approximately 600 hectares and is renowned for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. The reserve is home to a wide range of animals, including Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales, and various bird species. Robberg Nature Reserve is also a popular destination for hiking, with several well-marked trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so there is something for hikers of all levels.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Depart from Plettenberg Bay after breakfast and head to Bloukrans Bridge and to Port Alfred & Port Elizabeth
2 stops
9
Port Alfred
Brief tour of Port alfred. Visit beach in Port Alfred.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Port Elizabeth
From Addo National Park we travel a short distance to Port Elizabeth where we spend the night. Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it's also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood's Victorian landmarks.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Travel from Port Elizabeth to East London
2 stops
11
Port Alfred
We depart from Port Elizabeth after breakfast. We head off to Port Alfred. 1. We do a tour of Port Alfred 2. We do a boat cruise in Port Alfred
6 hours • Admission ticket free
12
East London
We depart from Port Alfread and head off to East London.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Travel from East London to Mthatha
2 stops
13
Eastern Cape
On this day we depart from East London after breakfast and travel on the Eastern Cape Region. We make stops in the towns of Butterworth and Idutswa where we tour and meet locals.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Mthatha
We travel until we reach Mthatha in the afternoon. In Mthatha we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum for a full history on Nelson Mandela which covers from his birth, his fight for a free South Africa, all the way up until his death.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Mthatha to Drakensberg Mountains
1 stop
15
Drakensberg Region
The Drakensberg Mountain Region is an area of immense beauty. The Drakensberg Mountain Range is a wonder to see. The Drakensberg Mountains are a majestic and rugged mountain range in South Africa that stretch for over 1,000 kilometers along the eastern border with Lesotho. The highest peak stands at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. The Drakensberg offers breathtaking landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. The region is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including baboons, elands, and zebras. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and fly-fishing, among other activities. The Drakensberg Mountains are a natural wonder that offer visitors an unforgettable experience of South Africa's stunning beauty, rich culture, and exciting outdoor adventures. We do hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains in the afternoon.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Drakensberg Mountains to Mandela Capture Site, to Howick Falls and to Durban
3 stops
16
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
We depart from the drakensberg Mountains after breakfast and head off to Mandela Capture Site. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside Howick, Natal, South Africa. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this moment in history with a visitor centre and a world renowned sculpture. Here we visit the Museum and the monument.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Howick Falls
From the Nelson Mandela Capture Site we proceed to tour the Howick Falls. Howick Falls are simply breathtaking, and the deafening rush of water from the viewing deck is incredibly relaxing and mystifying at the same time. At 95m, they're the same height as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and date back to when Kwazulu Natal was first inhabited by man. Several arts and crafts stalls can be found on the viewing platform and along Morling Road which leads down to the falls.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
18
Durban
From Howick Falls we travel through to Durban. Durban, the 3rd largest city in South Africa after Johannesbaurg and Cape Town is really a holiday paradise with so much to offer. We do a tour of Durban on the next day after breakfast.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Durban City Tour
3 stops
19
Victoria Street Market
As part of the Durban City Tour we visit the Victoria Market in the city. Victoria Market in Durban, South Africa is a bustling marketplace that is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods. The market has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, and it remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The market is particularly famous for its spice stalls, which offer a wide range of exotic spices and herbs. In addition to spices, the market also sells fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and other goods. Visitors can expect a lively and colorful environment, with vendors calling out their wares and bargaining with customers. Overall, Victoria Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and energy of Durban.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
20
Durban Botanic Gardens
We also visit the Durban Botanic Gardens. The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa, established in 1849. The garden covers 15 hectares and contains a wide variety of plant species, including indigenous and exotic plants. It is home to a number of heritage trees, including a 160-year-old baobab tree and an avenue of London plane trees. The garden features several themed gardens, including a cycad garden, an orchid house, and a bromeliad house.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
21
Moses Mabhida Stadium
We also visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sports stadium located in Durban, South Africa. The stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has a seating capacity of over 54,000. It is named after Moses Mabhida, a former leader of the African National Congress and anti-apartheid activist. The stadium is known for its unique design, which includes a 106-meter high arch that spans the length of the stadium.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Depart from Durban after breakfast and head to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
1 stop
22
Saint Lucia Estuary
Saint Lucia Estuary is renowned for its wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and birds. With this tour, set sail on a 2-hour cruise around the lake and maximize your chances of wildlife sightings as you sail around the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Depart from Isimangaliso Wetlands Park and head to Kruger National Park
1 stop
23
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
As we begin the journey we first go through the vast Isimangaliso Wetlands Park area. This eventually takes us out of the parks area as we go into the remote rural areas. We by-pass Swaziland and travel until we reach Kruger National Park in late afternoon.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 12
Game drive in Kruger National Park
1 stop
24
Kruger National Park
We do a full day game drive in the Kruger National Park with a chance to see a lot of Africa's Big 5. The Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa’s national parks and rated as the ultimate safari experience. By far the largest game reserve in South Africa, it is larger than Israel – nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border. It is considered to give you an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks as one of the best in Africa.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
We depart from Kruger National Park after breakfast and head to Johannesburg
1 stop
25
Mpumalanga
Depart from Kruger National Park and travel through the scenic landscapes of Mpumalanga en route to Johannesburg. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, rolling hills, open grasslands, and picturesque views along the way as you journey through one of South Africa’s most captivating provinces. The drive offers an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and diverse scenery of the region, with breaks along the route for refreshments and lunch at your own expense. As you continue towards Johannesburg, reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and safari experiences enjoyed in Kruger National Park before arriving in the city in the late afternoon or early evening, bringing your South African safari adventure to a memorable conclusion.
5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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