Highlights
- Whale watch in the beautiful bay at Hermanus
- Visit Africa's southernmost point, where two oceans meet
- Go sandboarding on Africa's largest dune
- Safari at Addo Elephant National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town | Cape Town |
| Day 2 | Cape Town, Hermanus & Cape Agulhas | Cape Agulhas |
| Day 3 | Cape Agulhas & Oudtshoorn | Oudtshoorn |
| Day 4 | Oudtshoorn, Knysna & Sedgefield | Sedgefield |
| Day 5 | Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma & Addo | Addo |
| Day 6 | Addo to Wilderness | Wilderness |
| Day 7 | Wilderness, Mossel Bay to Cape Town | Cape Town |
| Day 8 | Depart Cape Town |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town
When you arrive in beautiful Cape Town, a driver will transfer you to your hotel near Blouberg Beach. Spend the rest of the day hanging out by the ocean with its copious kitesurfers and amazing views of Table Mountain. While the water is mesmerizingly turquoise, keep in mind that it will be cold!
Enjoy an unforgettable sunset while your guide prepares a braai, or South African barbeque, for your dinner. Braai isn't just a meal, though - it's the quintessential South African pastime, and even has its own national holiday! Dig into juicy steaks, grilled corn, grilled cheese, and sausage (known as boerewors, or "farmer sausage") as you mingle with locals and other travelers.
Day 2: Cape Town, Hermanus & Cape Agulhas
Welcome to South Africa! Start your tour early Monday morning and make your way along a scenic coastal road from Cape Town to Hermanus. On the way, stop to stretch your legs and take in the views at Betties Bay, where a colony of endangered African penguins resides.
When you reach the seaside resort town of Hermanus, spend your afternoon relaxing. The bay here is famous for the hundreds of southern right whales it attracts during whale season (July to November) and for its many shops, restaurants, and markets. After a leisurely afternoon watching for whales, drive on to Cape Agulhas - the southernmost tip of Africa - where a viewpoint marks the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. And if you're craving a bit more adrenaline rush? You can skip the leisurely morning and book a shark cage diving excursion instead.
Day 3: Cape Agulhas & Oudtshoorn
Grab your camera and hit the road for another day of exploring the coast. Take the scenic and spectacular Route 62—South Africa's longest wine route—toward the town of Oudtshoorn in Little Karoo, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World. When you arrive, enjoy a leisurely lunch and wine tasting at a local winery before experiencing the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided adventure tour.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Oudtshoorn, Knysna & Sedgefield
After breakfast, head up to the view-rich Outeniqua Mountain Pass where you'll explore Wilderness National Park by canoe. It's an easy paddle up the Touw River through an indigenous forest teeming with birdlife. After about 40 minutes of leisurely rowing, leave your canoe behind as you hike along a boardwalk to a waterfall and series of rock pools.
Next, make your way to the famous town of Knysna via the spectacular Lake District of the Garden Route. This up-market little town is filled with curios, restaurants, and a waterfront where you'll be able to relax and do some shopping. From here, head to the Knysna Heads Viewpoint for some spectacular views over the Knysna River Estuary and the Indian Ocean. Finally, make your way to Sedgefield for an afternoon of spectacular views and beaches.
Day 5: Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma & Addo
Your fourth day of adventure starts with a stop at the world's highest bungee jump bridge, Bloukrans Bridge, where you can either watch or test your own courage with a leap off the 708-foot heights. Once you've caught your breath, continue on to Tsitsikamma National Park to experience the unique combination of indigenous forest and wild coastline. The park has a wide choice of activities for all, including long and short hikes, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming. Finally, in the late afternoon, it's time to leave the Garden Route for Big 5 country: Addo Elephant Park.
Day 6: Addo to Wilderness
You may have already checked some of Africa's most famous animals off your to-see list as you made your way down the coast - and now it's time to seek out the rest! Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park in search of elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, black rhinos, warthogs, zebra, elands, kudu, hartebeests, and many more animals. Then make your way to Port Elizabeth where an afternoon of leisure awaits.
Day 7: Wilderness, Mossel Bay & Cape Town
After breakfast, follow the road to Mossel Bay to spend some time on the spectacular beaches, hike the Blaize Trail along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex, commemorating the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. For the more adventurous in the group, a 10,000-foot tandem skydive or an opportunity to sandboard the longest dune in Africa await. Then it's time to head back to Cape Town in the early evening and bid the tour farewell!
Day 8: Depart Cape Town
After breakfast at your hotel, depart via private transfer to the airport for your flight home—or on to your next destination. Have a great trip!
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