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South Africa · Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger

South Africa Highlights

12 Days / 11 Nights·African DMCVerified Operator

Overview

The definitive 12-day South Africa experience: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, and Kruger. A luxury comprehensive tour covering the country's greatest attractions — from Table Mountain to Big Five safaris.

This 12-day luxury journey covers the very best that South Africa has to offer, seamlessly connecting the country's diverse regions into one unforgettable itinerary. Begin in Cape Town, where Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the vibrant food scene set the stage for an extraordinary trip. Spend two days exploring the Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — tasting world-class wines in settings of extraordinary beauty, from Cape Dutch estates nestled between mountains to modern boutique cellars with panoramic valley views. Journey east along the Garden Route, stopping at highlights including Hermanus for whales, Knysna for oysters and forest walks, and Tsitsikamma for dramatic coastal scenery. Fly from Port Elizabeth to the Kruger region for the grand finale — four days of Big Five safari in the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Here, expert trackers guide you to close encounters with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, while luxury lodge accommodation and gourmet bush cuisine ensure comfort in the heart of the wilderness. This comprehensive tour is designed for travellers who want to experience every facet of South Africa — its natural beauty, cultural richness, culinary excellence, and wildlife heritage — without compromise. Every detail has been curated to deliver the highest quality experience from start to finish.

Safari Highlights

  • Cape Town — Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, V&A Waterfront
  • Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek wine tasting
  • Garden Route — Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma
  • Kruger & Sabi Sand — Big Five luxury safari
  • 12 days covering every South African highlight
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Internal flight Port Elizabeth to Kruger

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Cape Town

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Spend the afternoon exploring the V&A Waterfront, visiting the Zeitz MOCAA, or relaxing at the hotel pool. A welcome dinner at a top-rated Cape Town restaurant sets the tone for your South African adventure.

Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town

Meals: Dinner

Airport transfer and hotel check-inV&A Waterfront explorationZeitz MOCAA optional visitHotel relaxation and orientationWelcome dinner at a premier restaurant
2

Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula

A full day exploring Cape Town's iconic attractions. Ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views, then drive the stunning Cape Peninsula past Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Chapman's Peak. Visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach and continue to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Return via the scenic False Bay coast for dinner in the city.

Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Table Mountain cable car and summit walkChapman's Peak coastal driveBoulders Beach penguin visitCape of Good Hope and Cape PointDinner in the Cape Town city centre
3

Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

Drive through the rolling vineyards to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest town and the heart of the Winelands. Visit a historic Cape Dutch wine estate for a private tasting, then continue through the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek — the gourmet capital of South Africa. Enjoy a three-course lunch paired with award-winning wines at a celebrated Franschhoek restaurant. The afternoon includes a visit to a second estate specialising in red blends. Check into your Winelands boutique hotel surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

Accommodation: Leeu Estates

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stellenbosch wine estate private tastingHelshoogte Pass scenic driveFranschhoek wine-paired lunchSecond estate wine tastingEvening stroll through Franschhoek village
4

Winelands to Hermanus — Whale Coast

Depart the Winelands and drive south to Hermanus on the Whale Coast. Walk the cliff path where southern right whales can be seen from shore (seasonal). Visit the Old Harbour Museum and explore the town's galleries and craft shops. A boat-based whale excursion (seasonal) brings you within regulated distance of these gentle giants. Dinner features the freshest local seafood.

Accommodation: Birkenhead House

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Winelands to Hermanus scenic driveHermanus cliff-path whale watchingOld Harbour Museum visitSeasonal whale-watching boat tripSeafood dinner at a local restaurant
5

Hermanus to Knysna via Garden Route

A long but stunning driving day along the Garden Route. Stop at Swellendam for coffee and the historic Drostdy, then continue through indigenous forests and coastal scenery to Knysna. Arrive and check into your hotel overlooking the famous Knysna Lagoon. A sunset cruise on the lagoon, passing the dramatic sandstone Heads, is the perfect end to the day.

Accommodation: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic Garden Route drive from HermanusSwellendam coffee and heritage stopKnysna Lagoon arrival and check-inSunset lagoon cruise past the HeadsDinner at the hotel restaurant
6

Knysna — Forest, Oysters & Lagoon

Explore Knysna's highlights: walk through the ancient Knysna Forest on the Garden of Eden trail, taste famous Knysna oysters at a local farm, and kayak across the tranquil lagoon. The afternoon is free for independent exploration — the Knysna waterfront offers excellent shopping and dining. An optional visit to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is highly recommended.

Accommodation: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Garden of Eden forest walkKnysna oyster tasting at a local farmLagoon kayaking excursionFree afternoon for waterfront explorationOptional Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary visit
7

Tsitsikamma National Park & Port Elizabeth

Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park and walk the coastal trail to the famous Storms River suspension bridge. The trail passes through pristine coastal forest before emerging at the dramatic gorge where the river meets the sea. After lunch, continue to Port Elizabeth, arriving in time for an evening walk along the Boardwalk. Tomorrow you fly north to safari country.

Accommodation: The Boardwalk Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tsitsikamma Storms River trail and suspension bridgeCoastal forest walk and photographyLunch at Tsitsikamma restaurantDrive to Port ElizabethEvening Boardwalk walk and dinner
8

Fly to Kruger — Enter Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (or Hoedspruit). On arrival, transfer to the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Check into your luxury lodge and enjoy a light lunch before your first afternoon game drive. The open Land Rover takes you deep into the concession, where elephants browse among marula trees and giraffe tower above the acacia scrub. Your tracker picks up fresh leopard spoor, setting the stage for the days ahead.

Accommodation: Londolozi Founders Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Airport transfer and flight to Kruger areaTransfer into Sabi Sand Game ReserveLodge check-in and lunchFirst afternoon game driveSundowner drinks and dinner at the lodge
9

Sabi Sand — Full Day Big Five Safari

A full day of world-class game viewing in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The pre-dawn drive follows your tracker on foot as the Land Rover tracks fresh predator spoor. Sabi Sand delivers unrivalled Big Five sightings: relaxed leopards draped over branches, white rhino grazing near the vehicle, elephant herds at the waterhole, and lion prides resting in the riverbed. The afternoon drive extends into the golden hour, when the light is perfect for photography and predators begin to stir.

Accommodation: Londolozi Founders Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Pre-dawn tracker-led game driveBig Five encounters throughout the dayBrunch and pool time at the lodgeAfternoon extended game driveNight drive for nocturnal species
10

Kruger National Park — Full Day Exploration

Enter Kruger National Park through a private gate for a full day exploring Africa's most famous wildlife reserve. Drive along the Sabie and Sand Rivers, stopping at waterholes and bridge crossings where wildlife concentrates. Look for rare species — wild dog, sable antelope, and martial eagle — in addition to the Big Five. A bush lunch at a scenic picnic site breaks up the day before the afternoon drive returns through different terrain. Back at the lodge, a bush dinner awaits.

Accommodation: Londolozi Founders Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Bush Lunch, Dinner

Full-day Kruger National Park game driveRiver crossing wildlife viewingBush lunch at a scenic picnic siteAfternoon game drive through varied habitatsBush dinner at the lodge
11

Final Safari Day — Bush Walk & Farewell

Your last full day in the bush. The morning begins with a guided bush walk — tracking on foot with an armed ranger, getting close to the small wonders of the bush. After brunch, relax at the lodge spa or pool. The afternoon game drive is your final opportunity to tick off any remaining wish-list species. Your guide will make every effort to deliver memorable last encounters. A farewell dinner at a specially prepared boma site celebrates the end of your South African adventure.

Accommodation: Londolozi Founders Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Morning bush walk with armed rangerBrunch and spa or pool relaxationFinal afternoon game driveWish-list species targetingFarewell boma dinner with campfire
12

Departure — Transfer to Johannesburg

Enjoy a final sunrise from the lodge deck and a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, arriving in time for international departure flights. Alternatively, transfer by road (approximately 5 hours) with stops at Lowveld attractions. Depart South Africa with twelve days of extraordinary memories — from Table Mountain to Big Five encounters, from world-class wines to ancient forests.

Accommodation: No accommodation (departure day)

Meals: Breakfast

Final sunrise and breakfast at the lodgeTransfer to airstripFlight to Johannesburg OR Tambo AirportOptional Lowveld stops en routeInternational departure

What's Included

  • 11 nights luxury hotel and lodge accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
  • Internal flight Port Elizabeth to Kruger area
  • All ground transfers in luxury vehicle with driver-guide
  • Table Mountain cable car tickets
  • Cape Peninsula guided tour
  • Two winery visits with tastings
  • Tsitsikamma guided coastal walk
  • Knysna Lagoon cruise
  • 4 days twice-daily game drives in Sabi Sand/Kruger
  • All park and conservation fees

What's Excluded

  • International flights to Cape Town / from Johannesburg
  • South Africa visa (if required)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides and staff
  • Non-included meals and beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Optional adventure activities
  • Personal expenses
From

$5,800

per person sharing

Duration12 Days
CountrySouth Africa
DestinationCape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Kruger
Difficultyeasy
Group Size2–12
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Tour Operator

African DMC

Verified Operator

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