Garden Route, Safari & Falls

Day 1 - Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town, transfer to the Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel with its prime ocean front location close to the popular Waterfront area. During your four night stay in the city, we have included a city tour which visits the Bo Kaap district with its strikingly coloured buildings, and lively Greenmarket Square with its curio market. The tour will also take you to the gondola station for Table Mountain where there is an option to experience the exhilarating views from the top

A full day trip to the Cape Peninsular is also included where you will see rugged coastal scenery, the endearing penguins at Boulders Beach and the beautiful gardens at Kirstenbosch.

Day 5 - Garden Route Self Drive

Today your car will be delivered to your hotel ready for you to embark on your self drive through the beautiful scenery and towns of the Garden route. Quality hotels have been pre-booked so that you can relax and take in the sights. First stop is the famous town of Stellenbosch, which surrounded by world famous vineyards, offers plenty of wine tasting opportunities. Stay for two nights at the wonderful Oude Werf hotel which has history of its own and a very central location making it easy to explore the town on foot.

Day 7 - Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, continue your journey onto Route 62, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives as it heads into the stark beauty of the Karoo region. The town of Oudtshoorn is synonymous with ostriches and your two night stay will provide ample chance to visit one of the many farms in the region to learn about these curious birds! A short drive outside of town, the Cango Caves are worth a visit with their mysteriously shaped stalagmites and stalactites. De Zeekoe is located on a working farm just outside of town and has picturesque gardens to relax in and a famous meerkat tour that take place on the farm.

Day 9 - Knysna

Today travel south through the beautiful rugged scenery of the Outeniqua Pass to the coast where the semi-arid hues of the Karoo gradually give way to the lusher greenery of the coast. Travel through quaint seaside towns like Wilderness with its glorious stretch of beach as you head to your next stop. The town of Knysna is another of the Garden route’s jewels and is famous for its picturesque lagoon. Spend three nights at Belvidere Manor which has wonderful views over the lagoon and a relaxing village-like atmosphere. A popular attraction in the area is the Featherbed Nature Reserve which involves a scenic boat cruise across the lagoon to the reserve and a walk up to the scenic viewpoint.

On one of the days, you may like to take the 30 minute drive to Plettenberg bay. This seaside town is popular with tourists and locals alike with its scenic mountainous backdrop and wonderful beaches. There is also the Robberg Nature Reserve in the area and the impressive Birds of Eden aviary.

Day 12 - Port Elizabeth

Continue your journey along the Garden Route, often not far inland from the crashing surf of the Indian Ocean. You may like to stop at Bloukrans bridge, famous for being one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. It’s worth observing others take the plunge even if not brave enough yourself! Further along, Tsitsikamma National Park offers a popular stop where you can walk across the mouth of the Storms River on the suspension bridge. Later arrive in Port Elizabeth where you have a night to relax at the Beach Hotel.

Day 13 - Okavango Delta, Botswana

It’s an early start this morning for your flight to Maun in Botswana.  On arrival in Maun you’ll begin the six day Okavango and Chobe fly-in safari which combines two of the country’s most magnificent parks by taking a light aircraft flight into the Okavango Delta for a three night stay. During the flood season, this part of the Kalahari Desert transforms into a wetland of numerous rivers and islands which are a massive draw for wildlife. If water levels permit, you can enjoy that most iconic of delta experience, the Makoro trip, whilst 4wd game drives offer more traditional game viewing.

On the second part of this tour, you will fly to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. A two night stay in a riverside lodge provides the perfect base for seeing the wildlife in the park which is just a short drive away. On game drives, look out for the large herds of elephant that congregate along the river front as well as lions that prowl there looking for prey. There is also a boat cruise included on the Chobe River where you can take in game viewing from a river perspective as well as enjoy the often magical sunsets.

Read more about the Okavango & Chobe Adventure fly-in safari…

Day 18 - Victoria Falls

The Botswana portion of your trip finishes today as you transfer by road over the border into Zimbabwe to begin the Victoria Falls Explorer.

Spend two nights at the wonderful Victoria Falls Safari Lodge which overlooks Zambezi National Park and has a waterhole frequented by a variety of game. A tour of the Falls has been included where you will be able to observe the sheer majesty of this natural wonder as well as a sunset river cruise. Your hotel offers a free shuttle into town where you can enjoy the shops and restaurants independently.

Read more about the Victoria Falls Explorer…

Day 20 - Farewell

Today your South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.