This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Highlights

  • Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the two oceans meet
  • Experience a stay on a luxury farm estate in the Overberg
  • Visit Knysna and enjoy a luxury river cruise
  • Enjoy two nights at a luxury Eastern Cape Safari Lodge and view the Big Five

Brief itinerary

Day Activity Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town Cape Town
Day 2 Cape Peninsula Tour Cape Town
Day 3 City Tour, Table Mountain & Robben Island Cape Town
Day 4 Transfer to Caledon Caledon
Day 5 Transfer to Oudtshoorn Klein Karoo
Day 6 Transfer to Knysna Knysna
Day 7 Hike the Knysna Forest Knysna
Day 8 Transfer to Pumba Private Game Reserve Pumba Private Reserve
Day 9 Full Day Game Viewing Safari Pumba Private Reserve
Day 10 Morning Game Drive, Depart  
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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Cape Town
Aerial view of picturesque Cape Town

After arriving at Cape Town International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Cape Town overlooking the Company Gardens, with exceptional views of Table Mountain and Lion's Head.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula Tour

Boulders Beach
African penguins at Boulders Beach (courtesy of Howard Spencer-Wilson)

Highlights of today's tour include a visit to Boulders Beach (home to African penguins), an awe-inspiring view over Cape Point (where the two oceans meet), and the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The Peninsula tour includes a visit to Hout Bay, where you have the opportunity to visit local markets, and a glass-bottom boat ride around Seal Island.

Along the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula is Cape Point Nature Reserve. Rich in biodiversity with an array of unique flora and fauna, Cape Point is a must-see on anyone's list. This spectacular location offers secluded beaches, endemic fynbos, and a large variety of animals, reptiles, and aquatic birds. The breathtaking views across the bay from the Cape's most powerful lighthouse are a must-see.

Day 3: City Tour, Table Mountain & Robben Island

Cape Town city bowl below Signal Hill and Lion's Head with Robben Island across Table Bay
Cape Town city bowl below Signal Hill and Lion's Head with Robben Island across Table Bay

Enjoy a visit to all the prominent and historical locations of Cape Town, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. Named one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the incredible views from the "tabletop" will leave you mesmerized. A boat trip to Robben Island will give you an insight into the life of prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and one of the most historic and internationally renowned locations in the world.

Day 4: Transfer to Caledon

Cape Town wine lands
Cape Winelands (photo courtesy of Howard Spencer-Wilson)

Today's departure from Cape Town to the start of the Overberg region first takes you to the Cape Winelands. You will enjoy a stop at several famous wine farms and taste some of the best produce (from wine to cheese and olives) South Africa has to offer. The day ends with your arrival at your accommodation at Rouxwil Country House.

Day 5: Transfer to Oudtshoorn

Ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn (photo courtesy of Howard Spencer-Wilson)

Today's journey takes you farther inland to Oudtshoorn. The area is predominantly known for ostrich farms, biltong, and the famous Cango Caves. Enjoy a day of exploring beneath the earth's surface at one of the most fantastic locations in the country. For the adventure seeker, you will have an opportunity to be adventurous and ride an ostrich. A visit to the Wildlife Centre will allow you to come up close to some of South Africa's famous animals. Overnight at the Mooiplaas Guest House, a working ostrich farm in the Klein Karoo.

Day 6: Transfer to Knysna

Scenic river canoe trip with tranquil reflections of mountains and trees on river edge near Kynsya
Scenic river canoe trip with tranquil reflections of mountains and trees on the river edge near Knysna

Today you head back to the coast and the seaside town of Knysna. The following two days will allow for relaxing strolls along the shore, a luxury boat cruise along the lagoon, and enjoying some of Knysna's best and most sought-after cuisine: oysters. For decades, Knysna has retained its title as the oyster capital of South Africa—and rightfully so.

Located at the end of the Garden Route, the town of Knysna is built on the shore of a warm-water lagoon. This scenic town is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. Knysna is a popular holiday destination for local and international visitors, hosting many events throughout the year. Surrounded by forests, water, and rolling hills, Knysna is the ideal destination for hiking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, running, and relaxing.

Day 7: Hike the Knysna Forest

Young elephant in Knysna Elephant Park
Young elephant in Knysna Elephant Park

Today continues with experiencing Knysna and its surroundings. Enjoy a hike through the Knysna forest—a truly tropical and subtropical ecoregion and one of the most diverse and beautiful areas along the East Coast of South Africa. Overnight at the Knysna Hollow Country Estate located near the Knysna Lagoon.

Day 8: Transfer to Pumba Private Game Reserve

Pumba Game Reserve
Pumba Game Reserve (photo courtesy of Howard Spencer-Wilson)

Today's journey takes you from the shores to the bush. For the next two days, you will enjoy an authentic luxury 5-star African safari at the Pumba Private Game Reserve. Situated in a malaria-free area, Pumba Private Game Lodge is an ideal setting for a luxury African safari.

The area offers exceptional wildlife sightings, bird watching, and catch-and-release fishing. The lodge provides a number of activities and eloquently decorated chalets—each fitted with a plunge pool and outdoor shower. Enjoy the scenery and views across the landscape from your own private game viewing deck.

Day 9: Full Day Game Viewing Safari

Pumba game reserve
Lioness at Pumba Game Reserve

Awaken to the sounds of the wild and enjoy a full day of game viewing and safari activities. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset at a nominated top 10 safari destination in the world. Daily activities include bird watching, bass fishing, stargazing, and horseback riding.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive, Depart

South Africa, Port Elizabeth - Long pier in Port Elizabeth, where the sky meets the ocean.jpg
A long pier in Port Elizabeth, where the sky meets the ocean

For the last day of your tour, enjoy an early game-viewing activity, followed by breakfast. Your time ends with a transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport, where you will board your outbound flight.

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Map

Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari