Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five SafariEscorted Tour, South Africa

Experience one of Africa's most spectacular cities, some startling scenery, and the giants of the animal kingdom.

Join us for a perfect introduction to South Africa, one of the world’s most beautiful countries, on an extraordinary-value tour crammed with unforgettable highlights. Relax in the sun-kissed surroundings of some of South Africa’s finest vineyards, cross the arid plain of the Little Karoo, go in search of the Big Five in a private game reserve, including the ever-elusive leopard, then discover spectacular Cape Town in its glorious setting beneath Table Mountain and gaze out at rugged Indian Ocean-washed shores.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Marvel at the breathtaking coastal landscapes of the Cape Peninsula with a scenic full-day drive and visit Stoney Point's penguin colony

Four thrilling game drives, in search of the fabled 'Big Five', through a series of award-winning Garden Route reserves

Taste the finest local labels of the world-famous Cape Winelands with visits to Franschhoek and charming Stellenbosch

Discover South Africa's oldest tourist attraction, the impressive Cango Caves, and immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage

Four game drives in search of the Big Five

See the extraordinary Cango Caves and visit an ostrich farm

Visit the whale-watching town of Hermanus and enjoy a whale-watching cruise (September to November departures only)

Visit the whale-watching town of Hermanus

Enjoy wine-tasting in South Africa’s Cape Winelands and beautiful Western Cape

Journey to Knysna, on the beautiful Garden Route, and take a cruise on Knysna Lagoon

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Nine nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at hotels in Hermanus (1), Albertinia (2), Mossel Bay (2), Stellenbosch (1) and Cape Town (3 nights), plus two nights on the aircraft

Three lunches and four dinners

Return flights to Cape Town (on selected dates the flight will be indirect)

Visit to Stony Point Penguin Colony or Boulders Beach (if required)

Four guided safari game drives at Garden Route Game Lodge

Visit to Ostrich Show Farm

Visit to Cango Caves with guided heritage tour

Featherbed Eco Experience

Visit to Franschhoek with wine tasting

Guided historic walk of Stellenbosch

Wine tasting with a Champagne reception and complimentary nougat (2025 only)

Visit to Table Mountain including return cable car ticket (weather dependent)

Guided Cape Town tour

Full day Cape Peninsula tour with Chapman's Peak drive (weather permitting)

Visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Whale-watching cruise included from September to November

Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

ITINERARY

Day One – Fly to Cape Town

Fly from the UK to Cape Town.

Day Two - Transfer to Hermanus

Upon arrival at Cape Town, meet your guide and journey east to Hermanus, a famous whale-watching centre from July to November and a year-round seaside resort. En route to Hermanus, you’ll call at Stony Point, home to a unique colony of African penguins.

Departures between September and November will include a whale-watching cruise. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at La Pentola, close to your hotel

Day Three – Included whale watching and afternoon game drive at the Garden Route Game Lodge

This morning you’ll have the chance to go on a whale watching cruise (included on departure dates between Sep and Nov), before you’ll continue on the scenic journey to the Garden Route Game Lodge, in the heart of a privately operated reserve where you'll spend the next two nights. During your stay here, in the shadow of the Langeberg mountains, you’ll enjoy all the wonders of safari game drives while staying in comfortable lodges and enjoying typical African dinners looking out over the reserve.

This afternoon, enjoy your first game drive before dinner.

Day Four – Two included game drives

A second day at the lodge begins with a pre-breakfast game drive. Enjoy some free time for a siesta - perhaps by the pool - before setting off on a second evening game drive and then perhaps enjoy a sun-downer beside the authentic Boma (camp fire) before enjoying another memorable dinner at the lodge's restaurant.

Day Five – Included game drive and visit to the Cango Caves and the Little Karoo

Join your last morning game drive, followed by a hearty breakfast, before you travel on to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World, in the heart of the Little Karoo plain. The world’s strangest, largest and often most-valuable bird has been farmed here for 130 years – first for its plumage, and more recently for its high-protein, low-cholesterol meat. Enjoy a taste at your barbecue lunch, before visiting the world-renowned Cango Caves, with their caverns of stalactites and stalagmites, before transferring to Mossel Bay for a two-night stay.

Day Six – Included visit to Knysna Lagoon

This morning, you'll travel to coastal Knysna for a cruise on the beautiful lagoon, which hugs the edge of the fascinating Featherbed Nature Reserve. After the cruise, you’ll travel in a 4x4 up to the headland for some spectacular views, listening as your expert guide tells you about the local history, flora and fauna. A buffet lunch will be served at an outdoor restaurant under a picturesque canopy of milkwood trees.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Knysna’s charming waterfront. Why not cross the water to the aptly named Leisure Island, where you can soak up the sunshine on Bollards Bay Beach or go wildlife spotting in the Steenbok Nature Reserve. Tonight, you’ll enjoy an included dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

*Please note: For 2026/27 departures, this evening's included dinner will not take place on day six but, rather, will be served in Stellenbosch on day seven. 

Day Seven - Included winelands tour in Franschhoek

Head west into the lush, rolling hills of the Cape Winelands, where you'll discover the charming, vineyard-clad town of Franschhoek, often celebrated as the culinary capital of South Africa. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in lunch (on your own account) at one of its many world-renowned restaurants, where gourmet dining meets stunning vineyard views. After savouring the region's exceptional cuisine, enjoy a wine tasting in the fabled Franschhoek Wine Valley, known for producing some of South Africa's finest vintages.

The journey continues to Stellenbosch, nestled deep in the heart of this breath-taking landscape. With its oak-lined avenues, vibrant atmosphere, and elegant Cape Dutch architecture, Stellenbosch is an enchanting place to spend the night.

Day Eight - Included wineries tour, Cape Town tour and Table Mountain excursion

Enjoy a guided introduction of historic Stellenbosch, followed by a glass of bubbly and some local nougat. Take a scenic journey to Cape Town this afternoon, where you will spend the next three nights, after enjoying an included lunch in a local wine estate.

On arrival in Cape Town, set out on an orientation tour of the city. You'll see historical landmarks like the Castle of Good Hope, the House of Parliament, and the leafy Company’s Gardens. You’ll also enjoy a stroll past the colourful Bo Kaap colonial district and, weather permitting, ascend Table Mountain in a rotating cable car that offers a 360-degree panorama as it climbs to the 1000-metre-high summit.

*Please note: The complimentary champagne and nougat during the introductory tour of Stellenbosch will no longer be available for 2026/27 departures. 

Day Nine - Included Cape Peninsula tour

Enjoy some breakfast ahead of a captivating day on the road as you take to one of the world's most scenic routes along Hout Bay and the Cape Peninsula. Flanked on either side by vast mountains and Cape Town's wild coastline, you'll have the chance to enjoy the very best of the region's natural landscapes as you make your way along the winding roads of the Chapman's Peak route, famous for its 180-degree views and picturesque picnic spots.

Moving further south, you'll arrive at Cape Point, a verdant headland overlooking Cape Peninsula's most southerly point. Home to rolling hills and rugged bays, this area is a sight to behold and falls in the Cape Floral Region - which boasts around 20% of Africa's total flora. Take a moment to admire the native Fynbos which add vibrant splashes of colour to the surrounding greenery as you board the cable-drawn Flying Dutchman Funicular - named after the legendary ghost ship destined to sail the seas for eternity - for a gentle ride up to the summit. Here, you'll have the chance to relax in the company of the Cape's breath-taking vistas or pay a visit to the stalwart lighthouse that watches over the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans for unobstructed views of the coast.

The afternoon will continue with a stop in Simon’s Town with various options for lunch.

This evening, you'll have time at leisure to spend as you please. Perhaps explore the Mother City, with its renowned Waterfront and cultural landmarks such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or vibrant Bo Kaap.

Day Ten - Kirstenbosch Gardens and afternoon at leisure

Journey to Kirstenbosch this morning, famous for its flourishing Botanical Gardens. Nestled against the eastern face of Table Mountain, the gardens here are widely acclaimed as some of the most biodiverse on the planet. 

This afternoon, you're free to relax in one of the world’s most stunningly located cities with time at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the redeveloped Victoria and Alfred waterfront or explore the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, with a short trip across the bay. Fascinating, informative and deeply poignant, this museum is an unmissable experience.

*Please note: For 2026/27 departures, this morning's tour of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens will no longer be an included excursion and will be replaced with time at leisure.

Day Eleven - Free time and return flight

Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Day Twelve - Land in the UK

You'll land back home this morning, at the end of a wonderful holiday in South Africa.

Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari is located in Escorted Tour, South Africa. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 01/07/2025