Cape Town and Garden Route
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This itinerary provides a perfect ‘first time visit’ to South Africa, combining the world class city of Cape Town with the winelands, garden route, coast and wildlife.
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[wptabtitle] Summary[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Cape Town and Garden Route
This itinerary provides a perfect ‘first time visit’ to South Africa, combining a world class city with the winelands, garden route, coast and wildlife.
Day: 1 Cape Town
Day 4: Hermanus
Day 5: Franschhoek
Day 7: Robertson Valley
Day 9: Oudtshoorn
Day 11: Plettenberg Bay
Day 14: Jefferie’s Bay
Day 16: Safari
Day 19: Port Elizabeth
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
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[wptabtitle] Description [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Description
South Africa is a magnificently diverse country with stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, a fascinating history, interesting people, enviable vinyards and a great food scene. Couple with this the fact that as it’s located due south of the UK, there is minimal time difference and no jet lag, and South Africa makes for a fantastic holiday destination.
This itinerary provides a perfect ‘first time visit’ to South Africa, combining a world class city with the winelands, garden route, coast and wildlife.
Day 1: Cape Town
Arguably one of the world’s most beautiful settings with the advantage of Table Mountain as a backdrop – Cape Town has plenty to offer. Visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens, take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views. Visit also Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for so many years – or drive the Cape Peninsula.
Three nights Cape Town
Day 4: Hermanus
Leave the city behind and head to the coast. Hermanus is famous as a destination for whale watching. The bay here provides a winter home to huge numbers of these majestic mammals and can often be seen from the shore, as well as from a cruise. Nearby Gansbaai is a key departure point for shark cage diving.
One night Hermanus
Day 5: Franschhoek
Head inland to the Winelands, through the scenic Franshhoek Pass – your destination is the lovely little town of Franschhoek – a gourmet’s paradise in idyllic surroundings. Rugged mountains surround this little oasis tucked away and waiting to be discovered. Take the wine tram to tour the vineyards surrounding the town.
Two nights Franschhoek
Day 7: Robertson Valley
Continuing east via the Franschhoek Pass to Worcester and into the Robertson Valley – here you find further vineyards, rugged craggy mountain scenery and pretty little towns.
One night Robertson Valley
Day 9: Oudtshoorn
The next stop takes you along the spectacular route 62, passing to the northern side of the mountain range, where the climate becomes arid and dry. Vineyards still nestle in fertile hollows – Calizdorf is particularly famous for its port wine. Take time to explore the Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert and the Cango Caves. This area is also famous for its Ostrich farming – thousands of these lanky and unwieldy flightless birds as far as the eye can see.
Two nights Oudtshoorn
Day 11: Plettenberg Bay
A choice of routes today, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains, and descending again to the coast. This – technically – is the Garden Route. Explore the Tsitsikamma National Park, Natures Valley, Storms River Mouth, and the coastal towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
Three nights Plettenberg Bay
Day 14: Jeffrey’s Bay
Continue east to the seaside town of Jeffrey’s Bay. Relax and unwind in this laidback surfer town, which is also home to a number of factory stores such as Quiksilver and Billabong.
Two nights Jeffery’s Bay
Day 16: Safari
Today head to a private game reserve on the Eastern Cape, providing a chance to see some of the incredible wildlife that South Africa has to offer. Many of the reserves are home to all of the Big Five animals, plus plenty of others besides. There are options to suit most budgets and preferences.
Three nights Safari
Day 19: Port Elizabeth
Drive to Port Elizabeth for the onward or homeward journey.
There are plenty of possible extensions to add to this itinerary – consider Kwa Zulu Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains, Swaziland and the Indian Ocean coast, Kruger National Park, or perhaps take a trip up to Victoria Falls – the possibilities are almost endless.
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
Picture courtesy of Angie Watson
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[wptabtitle] Little Gems[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Little Gems
Seeing the rare white lion at Pumba Private Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape provides a unique and exciting wildlife experience.
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[wptabtitle] Client Feedback[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Client Feedback
I suspect your general view is no news is good news from your travellers. You are correct! But I just wanted to reassure you of that. And to add that we are having the most wonderful time.
Your advice and preparation have been seamless, your choices often spectacular. This as I sit on the balcony of our penthouse suite overlooking Jeffrey’s bay.
Thank you.
We are compiling a sort of diary that you may be interested in seeing later.
In the meantime forgive me if I go now.
Paradise awaits you see!
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