Highlights of South Africa

Hotel Features

Day 1: Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport be met by our English-speaking representative and collect your hire car at the airport before driving (25km, 30 mins) to Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure discovering some of the delights of Cape Town, and of your hotel.    

Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. This vibrant multicultural city is a healthy mix of city and suburban living, outdoor recreational activities and relaxation. Ride the revolving cable car to the sky on Table Mountain. Shop at the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier shopping destinations. Stand on the edge of the world at Cape Point or delve into South Africa’s past at Robben Island, the prison that once held anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. 

Stay for three nights at Queen Victoria Hotel in a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel has more than a touch of regal grace and occupies a prime spot on the V&A Waterfront. Five star elements include marble-clad walls, crystal chandeliers, white marble and wooden parquet flooring, dramatic spiral staircase and a glass lift. Facilities include a gym with a personal trainer and a designer spa with hot tub and pool. Breakfast is an outdoor affair with a spread that has views to match. 

Day 2: Cape Peninsula including Kirstenbosch 

Head for Cape Point at the south western tip of the Cape Peninsula, which is home to some of  the most spectacular views in the world. The drive there is just as inspiring, passing steep mountains, secluded coves and sweeping beaches, as well as traditional villages and fishing communities.

The scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passes through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. Take in Hout Bay, a charming fishing community and one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, with an  optional visit to view Cape Fur Seals on Duiker Island.  At Cape Point Nature Reserve see baboons, reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.

Follow the coastline to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, before returning to Cape Town  via the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Fish Hoek fishing village. Stop also for afternoon tea  and a visit to Rhodes Memorial, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain offering spectacular views across the city. 

Day 3: Cape Town and Table Mountain  

See many of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall,  Grand Parade and St. Georges Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewellery manufacturing by skilled experts. You’ll be offered the option of continue to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top by the revolving cable car.  Here, you will see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches.  On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. At the conclusion of this half day tour, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. 

Day 4: Self-drive Cape Town to Oudtshoorn 

Drive from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn (approximately 420km, 5 hours) along The Garden Route, one of the most popular travel routes in South Africa. This coastal corridor stretches along both Western and Eastern Capes and boasts numerous glorious beaches, stunning coastal towns, vast grasslands, rolling hills and impressive mountains. This culturally rich part of South Africa has its own unique flavour and wonderfully mesmeric landscapes. 

Stay at La Plume Guest House in a superior suite on a bed and breakfast basis for one night. Set on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm, this property enjoys the most inspiring views of the Swartberg Mountains. The guest house itself is a charming 1902 Victorian Homestead that exudes an old world elegance and grace. The owner of La Plume has poured her passion and creativity into the decor of this beautiful guesthouse, something evident in the antiques that adorn the property. English style buffet breakfasts are a great way to start the day and dinners are held in the candlelit dining room where traditional home-cooked cuisine is served. Every detail at La Plume Boutique Guest House has been lovingly tended too.  

Day 5: Cango Caves Heritage Tour and Ostrich Farm

Explore one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural formations: The Cango Caves. Twenty million years in the making, this enchanting subterranean world is home to vast caverns, beautiful, delicate and sometimes majestic stalagmites and stalactites, and haunting dripstone caverns. Duck, crawl and manoeuvre your way through this limestone wonderland. It is one of the Garden Route's most beautiful attractions. 

Enjoy a tractor tour at Safari Ostrich Farm, followed by a relaxing three course lunch beneath the trees in the garden, allowing you to enjoy the birdsong and wildlife chatter amongst the other sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo. 

Later enjoy a relaxed drive (120km, 90 mins) from Oudtshoorn to Knysna through grasslands, hills and mountains before descending to the coastal road. Knysna is a frequent winner of the most favoured destination award in South African tourism and is one of the most charismatic towns of the Garden Route. 

Stay at Head Over Hills in an Elephant suite on a bed and breakfast basis for one night. Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat is a unique five star escape that is on the edge of the iconic Knysna Heads. The views are nothing short of spectacular from here, spreading from the vast Indian Ocean to the famous Knysna Lagoon. The retreat is small and intimate and features a rim flow swimming pool,  wooden sundeck, fully stocked bar and  walk-in wine cellar. Breakfasts are served either in the elegant dining room or on the deck and the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner. 

Day 6: Knysna Featherbed Nature Reserve and self-drive from Knysna to Tsitsikamma

Take the ferry to Knysna’s famous Featherbed Nature Reserve with its abundance of plant, bird and small wildlife, including the rare Blue duiker, and a variety of marine life from dolphins to seals and, in season, whales. Once ashore, the trail winds its way through milkwood forests up to steep sandstone cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. It also meanders past ancient Khoi sea caves and through indigenous wilderness. On completion of the trail head to the restaurant set on the edge of the lagoon for a sumptuous buffet lunch.

Later continue your drive along the coastal road (90km, 70 mins) from Knysna to Tsitsikamma. The luscious green coastline boasts spectacular raw beauty, with numerous beaches and cliffs. In the midlands are the glorious Drakensberg - Dragon Mountains - home to some of the best South African views and trails

Stay at The Fernery Lodge & Chalets in a sea view premier suite on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights. This property is located on the rugged coastline of the Tsitsikamma with stunning views of the surrounding landscape of plantations, forests and ocean. It is perched above a 30-metre cascading waterfall. The Fernery features an outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool and sauna.   All rooms are superbly and tastefully furnished with great attention to detail.   

Day 7: Tsitsikamma

Enjoy a day at leisure enjoying the facilities of The Fernery Lodge & Chalets or exploring Tsitsikamma under your own steam.  

Day 8: Tsitsikamma to airport

After breakfast drive (180km, 2 hours 10 mins) to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for your connecting or return flight, or for onward travel to your next destination.