13 Day Private Safari: Cape Town to Johannesburg via Garden Route

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Depart from Cape Town at 8am. Travel on the R62 Wine Route until we reach Oudtshoorn⌄

   Billed as the longest wine route in the Western Cape, the Route 62 Wine Route encompasses Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo. Wine lovers can visit up to 70 wine farms, of which 11 are specialist brandy cellars, and comprise the R62 Brandy Route – an adventure on its own!

   On the wine route we stop over in Robertson winery for wine tasting.

   We travel until we reach Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn we visit tour the town and visit several centres of atttraction including some nature reserve.

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation is in Oudtshoorn at the De Oude Meul Country Lodge & Restaurant

2. 2We depart from Oudtshoorn after breakfast and head to Wilderness and then to Knysna⌄

   From Wilderness National Park we do a tour of Wilderness town, a beautiful coastal town.

   From Wilderness we proceed to Knysna, this is the centre of the Garden Route. Knysna is situated between lush forests and the beautiful Knysna lagoon, which opens up to the Indian Ocean. Knysna is home to many attractions such as the Knysna Heads, a set of two cliffs that flank the entrance to the lagoon. There are many outdoor activities available in Knysna, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and cycling.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation will be at the Russel Hotel in Knysna or similar

3. 3Depart from Knysna and head off to Plettenberg Bay⌄

   After breakfast visit Knysna Heads. There is great opportunities for good photographs here. Knysna Heads refers to two large cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, a popular tourist destination in the Western Cape province of South Africa. These cliffs are located on either side of a narrow channel that connects the lagoon to the Indian Ocean. The eastern head is a publicly accessible nature reserve that offers scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The western head is a private nature reserve that is not open to the public. The area around Knysna Heads is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of bird species, marine life, and vegetation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking in the lagoon, or explore nearby attractions such as the Knysna Elephant Park and the Knysna Forest.

   Also visit Quays Knysna Waterfront. Breathtaking views of Knysna, crystal blue waters and and and. There really are no words to describe how stunning the views are. The Waterfront is a chilled out extension of Knysna. A scenic view of the harbor with quite a number of yachts make it a scenery. A good number of restaurants from cafes to great restaurants, one can easily spend 2-3 hours here, you can also book some rides on the lagoon.

   From the Quays Knysna Waterfront we proceed to Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay to do hiking. Robberg Nature Reserve is a stunning coastal reserve located in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. It covers an area of approximately 600 hectares and is renowned for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. The reserve is home to a wide range of animals, including Cape fur seals, dolphins, whales, and various bird species. Robberg Nature Reserve is also a popular destination for hiking, with several well-marked trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so there is something for hikers of all levels.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation at a 3 or 4 star lodge or hotel in Plettenberg Bay

4. 4Depart from Plettenberg Bay after breakfast and head to Bloukrans Bridge and to Addo National Park & Port Elizabeth⌄

   Bloukrans Bridge offers the highest Bungy jump in the world. There is also sky walking across the bridge. This is an optional activity.

   We travel to Addo Elephant National Park from Bloukrans Bridge. Addo Elephant Park is a national park located in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. It was established in 1931 to protect the last remaining 11 elephants in the area, and has since grown to be one of the largest national parks in South Africa, covering an area of over 1,600 square kilometers. As its name suggests, Addo Elephant Park is known for its large population of elephants, which now number over 600. The park is also home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, zebras, and many species of antelope.

   From Addo National Park we travel a short distance to Port Elizabeth where we spend the night. Port Elizabeth is a city on Algoa Bay in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. A major port, it's also known for its numerous beaches. The Donkin Heritage Trail takes in the Old Hill neighbourhood's Victorian landmarks.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation is Port Elizabeth at the Beach Hotel or similar in Port Elizabeth

5. 5Travel from Port Elizabeth to East London⌄

   We depart from Port Elizabeth after breakfast. We head off to Port Alfred. 1. We do a tour of Port Alfred 2. We do a boat cruise in Port Alfred

   We depart from Port Alfread and head off to East London.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation in East London is at Coral Beach Bed & Breakfast or similar

6. 6Travel from East London to Mthatha⌄

   On this day we depart from East London after breakfast and travel on the Eastern Cape Region. We make stops in the towns of Butterworth and Idutswa where we tour and meet locals.

   We travel until we reach Mthatha in the afternoon. In Mthatha we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum for a full history on Nelson Mandela which covers from his birth, his fight for a free South Africa, all the way up until his death.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight at a hotel or lodge in Mthatha or similar

7. 7Mthatha to Drakensberg Mountains⌄

   The Drakensberg Mountain Region is an area of immense beauty. The Drakensberg Mountain Range is a wonder to see. The Drakensberg Mountains are a majestic and rugged mountain range in South Africa that stretch for over 1,000 kilometers along the eastern border with Lesotho. The highest peak stands at 3,482 meters (11,423 feet) above sea level. The Drakensberg offers breathtaking landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. The region is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including baboons, elands, and zebras. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and fly-fishing, among other activities. The Drakensberg Mountains are a natural wonder that offer visitors an unforgettable experience of South Africa's stunning beauty, rich culture, and exciting outdoor adventures. We do hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains in the afternoon.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation at Eland Valley Resort or similar in Drakensberg

8. 8Drakensberg Mountains to Mandela Capture Site, to Howick Falls and to Durban⌄

   We depart from the drakensberg Mountains after breakfast and head off to Mandela Capture Site. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside Howick, Natal, South Africa. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this moment in history with a visitor centre and a world renowned sculpture. Here we visit the Museum and the monument.

   From the Nelson Mandela Capture Site we proceed to tour the Howick Falls. Howick Falls are simply breathtaking, and the deafening rush of water from the viewing deck is incredibly relaxing and mystifying at the same time. At 95m, they're the same height as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and date back to when Kwazulu Natal was first inhabited by man. Several arts and crafts stalls can be found on the viewing platform and along Morling Road which leads down to the falls.

   From Howick Falls we travel through to Durban. Durban, the 3rd largest city in South Africa after Johannesbaurg and Cape Town is really a holiday paradise with so much to offer. We do a tour of Durban on the next day after breakfast.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation at the Parade Beachfront Hotel or similar

9. 9Durban City Tour⌄

   As part of the Durban City Tour we visit the Victoria Market in the city. Victoria Market in Durban, South Africa is a bustling marketplace that is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods. The market has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, and it remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The market is particularly famous for its spice stalls, which offer a wide range of exotic spices and herbs. In addition to spices, the market also sells fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and other goods. Visitors can expect a lively and colorful environment, with vendors calling out their wares and bargaining with customers. Overall, Victoria Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and energy of Durban.

   We also visit the Durban Botanic Gardens. The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa, established in 1849. The garden covers 15 hectares and contains a wide variety of plant species, including indigenous and exotic plants. It is home to a number of heritage trees, including a 160-year-old baobab tree and an avenue of London plane trees. The garden features several themed gardens, including a cycad garden, an orchid house, and a bromeliad house.

   We also visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sports stadium located in Durban, South Africa. The stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has a seating capacity of over 54,000. It is named after Moses Mabhida, a former leader of the African National Congress and anti-apartheid activist. The stadium is known for its unique design, which includes a 106-meter high arch that spans the length of the stadium.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight accommodation at the Parade Beachfront Hotel or similar

10. 10Depart from Durban after breakfast and head to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park⌄

    Saint Lucia Estuary is renowned for its wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and birds. With this tour, set sail on a 2-hour cruise around the lake and maximize your chances of wildlife sightings as you sail around the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight accommodation at a hotel or lodge in St Lucia, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

11. 11Depart from Isimangaliso Wetlands Park and head to Kruger National Park⌄

    As we begin the journey we first go through the vast Isimangaliso Wetlands Park area. This eventually takes us out of the parks area as we go into the remote rural areas. We by-pass Swaziland and travel until we reach Kruger National Park in late afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight accommodation in the Kruger National Park area

12. 12Game drive in Kruger National Park⌄

    We do a full day game drive in the Kruger National Park with a chance to see a lot of Africa's Big 5. The Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa’s national parks and rated as the ultimate safari experience. By far the largest game reserve in South Africa, it is larger than Israel – nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border. It is considered to give you an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks as one of the best in Africa.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight accommodation in Kruger National Park area

13. 13We depart from Kruger National Park after breakfast and head to Johannesburg⌄

    We do a brief tour of the Hazy view area as we depart to head back to Johannesburg. This is about 5 hour journey to conclude the tour

    Meals: Breakfast