Cape Town (Airport transfer + unguided free time)

Cape Town International Airport - Experience 10 unforgettable days with just one click: Discover the best of South Africa. Explore the highlights in and around Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Cape Point, and the renowned Garden Route on an intimate, small-group tour with the flexibility to add optional activities to elevate your African adventure.

This combo tour package includes multiple tours and unguided days in Cape Town. The itinerary can be reversed or rearranged, and guides or transportation may change during the trip. This guideline covers the order if you first explore Cape Town, then tour the Garden Route, ending back in the Cape.

Start with a pick-up from Cape Town International Airport. If you arrive earlier than the 10-day tour, let us know to arrange a pre-tour airport pickup on your arrival date.

Accommodation is not included in this tour package but can be arranged after booking. A tour consultant will contact you to offer available options.

Camps Bay - Today, enjoy free time (unguided) to acclimatize, shake off any travel fatigue, and get your bearings in South Africa’s Mother City. Known for its vibrant foodie culture, bon vivants will love Long and Bree Streets in the CBD. And in South Africa, no sundowner is complete without a colorful sunset. Camps Bay, a short Uber ride from the city center, is one of the best spots to soak up the view, as is one of the many bars like the elegant Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - If you’re eager to start adventuring right away, a variety of activities can be pre-arranged. Imagine an optional helicopter flip or paragliding outing over Cape Town, a scenic hike up Table Mountain, or a hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus adventure. There’s so much to see and do, from horse riding to shark cage diving, so if you have any spontaneous requests, just ask.

Please note that your arrival time in Cape Town today will determine the activities that can be done. During the booking process, you can inform us of your plans for the day (we will suggest activities too) to ensure they are booked in advance. As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transfer service will be at your own expense.

Cape Peninsula (Guided tour)

Hout Bay - Start with a pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation. Hout Bay, a quaint fishing village on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak, is the first stop of the day and offers the chance to visit the seal colony of Duiker Island (optional with extra cost), just a short cruise from shore. For those without sea legs, explore the local harbor market and snap Instagram-worthy pics of colorful fishing boats.

Chapman’s Peak Drive - Leaving Hout Bay, you’ll navigate 114 stunning bends over nine breathtaking kilometers. Chapman’s Peak Road, or Chappies to the locals, is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. Rugged mountains face off with the Atlantic, and the roadway, an engineering marvel, cuts through to provide unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cape of Good Hope - Chappies sets the stage for the afternoon as you head to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point of Africa. Here, water and wilderness collide, creating a picturesque jagged shoreline adorned with green fringes of fynbos. This is a place to honor ancient seafarers like Bartolomeu Dias, who discovered the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, and pioneers like Vasco da Gama, who navigated these treacherous waters from Portugal to India.

Cape Point Nature Reserve - Indigenous fauna line narrow winding pathways en route to the Cape’s whitewashed lighthouse, with views well worth the climb. Local wildlife – ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species, including bontebok – keep the journey interesting and add plenty of postcard moments for photographers. On the hillside, an optional funicular eases the journey for those wanting to reach the top of the lighthouse.

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - As the day progresses, travel to Simon’s Town, perched on the shores of False Bay and home to the South African navy. Just a few minutes south lies Boulders Beach, a charming stretch of sand dotted with granite boulders. This hotspot is home to a large colony of African penguins who strut their stuff in their black and white feathered finery to the delight of onlookers. Boardwalks separate humans from birds and provide the perfect vantage point to see these cute creatures. You’ll return to Cape Town by late afternoon.

Cape Winelands (Guided tour)

Stellenbosch - Join an outsourced Cape Winelands small group day tour to visit at least three wine estates, including a selection of Dieu Donné, Simonsig, Mitre’s Edge, Middle Vlei, Vergenoegd, and more, subject to your specific departure day.

Your guide will collect you from selected hotels in Cape Town city (around 8 am-9 am).

On Mondays and Tuesdays, explore two wine estates in the stunning Franschhoek region, stroll through this charming town (led by your local wine guide), and after a delicious lunch in this self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, you’ll be whisked away to a third wine estate in the Stellenbosch region. Here, you’ll enjoy a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

Mitre’s Edge Wine Estate - From Wednesdays to Sundays, explore two amazing estates in the historic Stellenbosch region, renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture and pivotal role in South Africa’s wine scene. Indulge in vineyard tours, an informal cellar tour, and, when available during harvest times, barrel tastings. For lunch, enjoy a delightful traditional South African meal paired with exceptional wines. Then you’ll visit a third wine estate for a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy home of a local winemaker, followed by an informal cellar tour.

After up to 15+ wine tastings and visiting three different wine estates, your winelands exploration day will end, heading back to the Cape Town region by late afternoon (± 5:30 to 6:30 pm, subject to traffic or the group itinerary timings).

*Subject to availability, a similar trip with a different supplier may be booked.

Cape Town - City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus and Table Mountain (Unguided day)

Table Mountain - Today is a free day in Cape Town with many options to choose from; why not use your included hop-on hop-off bus day pass or your Table Mountain Cableway ticket. Table Mountain tries her best to capture the lion’s share of attention in and around Africa’s Mother City – and does a pretty fine job of it too – but the beaches, Winelands, and cosmopolitan chicness all stand in firm competition.

One of the best ways to visit the top attractions and make the most out of a short stay is to hop on Cape Town’s bright-red, open-topped buses. Let the drivers do the hard work managing traffic and parking while you soak in the views.

Choose from one of the available routes to see the city and beyond. The blue line extends its journey from the V&A Waterfront to the towering greens of Kirstenbosch, while the purple line is a merry affair that follows Cape Town’s inner-city wine route to the nearby wine enclave of Constantia. The red line service passes through Camps Bay (time your trip to catch a sunset) and to Table Mountain.

If the weather cooperates, this is the perfect way to take the chance to summit one of the Seven Natural Wonders aboard Table Mountain’s aerial cableway that runs non-stop (weather permitting) during the day to the famous flat top. There are a small eatery and souvenir shop at the summit, plenty of trails, and who knows, you just may be treated to an impromptu singing session as your cable car driver descends the mountain. End your day as you please, tasting your way through the Cape Town foodie scene.

Cape Town - Oudtshoorn (Guided tour)

Garden Route - Start with a morning pickup (between 6 am to about 8 am, subject to your exact address) from your accommodation in Cape Town to reach the Garden Route area by afternoon.

Ashton Winery - Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town CBD or Stellenbosch (usually between 6 to 8 am, subject to traffic and your drop-off address). You can receive your pickup time a day before.

Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape. Wind your way through mountain passes and get ready for Route 62, modeled after America’s famous Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavor and known as the longest wine route in the world. Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters, and world-class wines. Wine lovers will be in their element with a wine tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities - Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Observation in Nature activity at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve. Meet the elephant guides as you observe these three rescued elephants; Jabari, Malaika, and Bulelo, as they roam freely in their natural habitat next to a nearby dam. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the rangers as many questions as you wish as you stand on their massive footsteps.

Oudtshoorn - You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Your guide can help you book a restaurant or join the backpacker’s group to taste local delights, such as ostrich “sosaties” (kebabs) and “pot brood” (bread cooked on open flames) at this optional ‘braai’ barbecue experience at extra cost. Enjoy a peaceful evening relaxing at your accommodation around a crackling fire or under the vast twinkling starry night sky.

Oudtshoorn - Addo (Guided tour)

Cango Ostrich Show Farm - Wake up in Oudtshoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colorful feather stalls on the way to the town center, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird beak-to-beak and test the toughness of the shells.

The Cango Caves - Head to the mountains to delve deep underground into the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist, and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.

Jeffrey’s Bay - Addo - Jeffrey’s Bay (Guided tour)

Addo Elephant National Park - Rise early to visit Addo Elephant National Park to see wildlife as the bush awakes. Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals.

You’ll experience an included 2-hour game drive in the tour bus. The original elephant section of the park was dedicated to providing a safe haven for the few wild elephants that survived government-sponsored culling in the early 20th century. The lush vegetation provides protection and a rich food source, supporting what is now the most densely populated area of wild elephants on the planet. This finely tuned ecosystem is a sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra, and other species.

Tsitsikamma - Knysna - Wilderness (Guided tour)

Bloukrans Bridge - Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day… from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge, and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the “garden” of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenaline junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world… Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face-first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you’re feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go?

Tsitsikamma National Park - For a more relaxed thrill, try the optional Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides, zip over three waterfalls, and slide down one impressive gorge.

Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park - This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who’d prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing, your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall, and sandy beach are waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths.

Knysna Heads - As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favorite with holiday-goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.

Botlierskop or Mossel Bay - N2 (Guided tour)

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop near a seaside village called Mossel Bay. Opt to do an optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive (if you haven’t seen many animals in the Addo National Park, this gives yet another option to spot most of the Big 5 animals on safari) at this nearby private game reserve.

After ticking off the region’s must-do bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route, journey back to the Cape and end with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation at about 8 pm to 10 pm (subject to traffic and your drop-off address).

Cape Town (Airport drop-off + unguided free time)

Cape Town International Airport - You can never have too much of a good thing, so spend more fuss-free time back in the Mother City. Opt to book later night flights out of Cape Town or extend your stay to make the absolute most of this last free-time to explore (unguided) day.

Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a hotspot for last-minute souvenir shopping and the launch spot for a trip to Robben Island (subject to weather and availability). Artisanal delis on Long and Bree Street; local produce in the Old Biscuit Mill in nearby Woodstock; a day-trip to Franschhoek for a gourmet feast; or an authentic African experience at Moyo restaurant in Kirstenbosch – all add to the foodie flavors of the Cape. Pick up last-minute gifts in Green Market Square or stroll along the Sea Point Promenade.

As this day is at your leisure, all transport except for the airport transfer service will be at your own expense.

End with an included transfer to the Cape Town International Airport (if needed on request).

• 2x Airport transfers
• 1 day pass for the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus
• A portion of your trip fee is donated to help fund 2Cchange non-profit local charity projects
• Local English-speaking guide during guided tours/days
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for guided tours
• Addo Elephant National Park Game Drive in tour bus
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan for guided tours

• Meals & drinks not mentioned in trip description. Time is allocated daily to buy and enjoy meals.
• Additional optional activities and transport to activities during unguided Cape Town section
• Optional Accommodation - choose Backpacker, 3star or 4star Luxury

The iconic sights of Cape Town and the wondrous Garden Route unfold before you on this 10-Day Tour Package. Spend five days exploring the euro-chic city and its famed surrounds. Guided day trips along the Cape Peninsula and Cape Winelands gives you the opportunity to visit several local hotspots and sample award-winning wines with unique pairings.  During your Cape Town stay you can explore the city on your own with an included hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus pass; that stops at popular attractions like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Constantia. Accommodation in Cape Town is an optional extra that can be added.

The guided five-day Garden Route tour sees you immersed in pure wilderness. Visit majestic national parks, Addo safari; 4x4 game drive; Cango Caves, optional bungy from the world’s highest commercial bridge jump; Knysna heads, optional surfing in J’bay and wine tasting along Route 62 are just some of the activities you’ll experience.

• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasions, run in reverse or different order.
• Daily drive time: about 4 to 6 hours during group tours / in total about 2000 km route. This packed, fast-paced itinerary is filled with many of the best highlights the area has to offer. Ideal for the young-at-heart, this trip will have you driving along the coast and inland for most of the journey with stops.
• Minimum age is 8 years. Children between 10 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult and book in private rooms
• Children under 18 years of age & Adults over 45 years are not allowed to book in Dorm room packages
• Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to partake in some optional activities without the legal consent of the adult or consume alcohol.
• Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended
• The Table Mountain Cableway will be closed to perform maintenance for two weeks in Jul/Aug. Cable car tickets will not be bookable then but the hiking trails remain open.
• It is recommended that you bring: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, jacket for cooler evenings, beach towel and swimming costume
• Guides and vehicles will vary as this is a combination of standard scheduled tours. According to availability at time of booking, accommodation will be in the mentioned hotel or in one of a similar standard and star rating in a similar area. Sedgefield and Addo accommodation will occasionally be unavailable and then your accommodation will be in nearby town of JeffreysBay, Wilderness or Knysna.
• Some meals and drinks are not included on most tours; giving the ideal opportunity to experience typical South African meals (or your own preference) at local restaurants, shops or eating spots. Do check your tour’s specific included and excluded section to verify the included meals for your tour package. You’ll have free time scheduled daily to buy and enjoy meals. – Breakfast is mostly enjoyed at the accommodation’s breakfast room/restaurant in the morning. Bed & Breakfast multi-day packages include breakfast for each overnight stay. – Lunch will be en-route with limited time & limited options to choose from. – Dinner-time during multi-day tours is scheduled in free-time after each day’s tour schedule. You can dine out at leisure; or book meals with your guide at the overnight accommodation that day. Your guide can recommend the best local restaurants, or most backpackers even have communal kitchens to prepare your own food - should you wish to buy the ingredients after the tour to prepare your own meals.
• Game drive or bush safari drives are shared with other people on especially adopted open-roof converted vehicle or truck.
• *Muratie’s chocolate wine pairing experience has been discontinued, and will be replaced with a similar value of wine tasting experience.
• Accommodation stay packages will overnight in different properties, each listed in the itinerary. Backpackers are usually far away from guesthouses / lodges.
• Accommodation is not included in this tour package and can be arranged after booking. A tour consultant will contact you to offer the available options.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.