South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger & Garden Route

The group arrives at Cape Town airport where your guide welcomes you warmly. He leads you to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and freshen up. The group spends the first three nights in Cape Town.

Depending on your arrival time a first discovery of Cape Town is possible. Your guide can take you to explore several iconic sites for an overview of the city.

At the end of the day the group visits the colourful Bo-Kaap district where Faeeza opens the doors of her home to you. She shares her story and life in this famous neighbourhood while teaching you the art of preparing samoosas, rotis and curries. This is an authentic and friendly experience that marks the beginning of your journey.

Breakfast today is the meal served on board your international flight.

The programme may be slightly adjusted by your guide depending on the season, weather, road conditions or the interests of the group to ensure the best possible experience.

This morning, weather permitting, the group takes the Table Mountain cableway to admire spectacular views of Cape Town from the heights.*

The day continues in the Franschhoek Valley with a visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum. This museum traces the history of the French Huguenots in South Africa within the broader context of migration and refugees. It offers an immersion into the issues of power, religion, and freedom that have shaped the country.

After the visit, the group stops at a vineyard for a relaxed lunch. The afternoon continues in Stellenbosch at a typical regional wine estate for a wine tasting. Even if you are not a wine lover, the landscapes of vineyards and mountains are well worth the detour on their own.

This evening, everyone is free to choose their own restaurant. Please do not hesitate to ask for advice as Cape Town is full of excellent dining spots. For even more inspiration, you can discover seven great Cape Town addresses approved by Nafi Thiam.

*The cableway ticket is not included as the activity depends heavily on the weather. The price is approximately 26 pounds per person and can be purchased on site.

Next stop is Hermanus! From Cape Town you take the legendary Clarence Drive. This is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in South Africa which winds between mountains and the ocean before reaching this charming town nestled between the sea and a majestic mountain range.

Located on the Cape whale route, Hermanus is renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe Southern Right Whales from land during the season. From June to November they come to breed in the shallow waters of the bay. Although sightings can never be guaranteed, chances are particularly good between July and October.

In the late afternoon you enjoy an aperitif on the cliff path, a spectacular coastal walkway that runs through the town. Rocks, secluded beaches, coves and marine panoramas follow one after another on this unique trail. Afterwards you are free to explore Hermanus at your own pace and dine in one of the many restaurants with a sea view.

Good morning! After breakfast you set off towards the famous Garden Route with a first stop in the historic town of Swellendam.

From Swellendam you head for Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent. Then you continue your journey towards a true hidden gem, Heidelberg. This charming agricultural town is often ignored by international travellers but it is well worth a visit.

Tonight you will stay at an authentic South African farm where a warm welcome and good food are guaranteed. During a farm cooking workshop you will discover the simple and generous flavours of the region.

The accommodation is modest but comfortable. It is a farm stay of a kind that is rare to find these days, set in a peaceful and genuine environment.

If you are an early riser you are in luck today as sunrise on the farm is a magical moment. After a delicious breakfast you head back onto the road towards Knysna, one of the gems of the Garden Route.

Nestled between a peaceful lagoon and spectacular cliffs, Knysna is connected to the Indian Ocean by a narrow natural opening. The town is also famous for its fresh oysters, a local speciality that is not to be missed.

In the late afternoon how about a sunset cruise on the Knysna estuary? Make yourself comfortable, relax, and let the local skippers introduce you to this unique landscape.

Today the group travels towards Plettenberg Bay to visit the Robberg Nature Reserve. This is a spectacular peninsula that offers one of the most impressive hiking trails on the Garden Route.

The route is a loop along the coast with three different hiking options available, ranging from an easy stroll to a more demanding path. Keep your eyes open along the way as it is not uncommon to spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, or even whales during the season.

After the exercise we enjoy a friendly lunch with the group. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax in Knysna at your own pace. Of course please do not hesitate to ask for suggestions as we would be delighted to recommend some good places for dinner.

It is time to get back on the road. Today we head for Tsitsikamma National Park, which is a destination with many facets. You will find spectacular coastlines, steep reefs, dense forests, winding rivers and delicate fynbos growing side by side.

The name Tsitsikamma comes from the Khoisan language and means place of many waters. It is a well deserved name as the park is home to numerous rivers and bays and stretches for five kilometres along the coast.

Once we arrive we will take a walk to one of the viewpoints to admire the magnificent landscapes for which the park is famous.

We then continue our journey east to Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, where we will spend the night.

It is time for a safari! This morning we take an early domestic flight from Gqeberha to Durban. Once we arrive we find our new vehicle and set off for St Lucia in the north of KwaZulu Natal province.

This small town sits on the edge of the largest estuary in Africa. It is famous for its hippos and crocodiles which can often be seen basking in the water. In the late afternoon you will board a cruise on the estuary. This is a peaceful time for observation as the sun begins to set.

This evening your guide will take you to dinner at a local restaurant. Keep your eyes open on the way as it is quite common to see hippos wandering freely in St Lucia after dark!

The long awaited moment is here with a safari in the heart of the South African wild! This morning you set off for Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park located near the farming town of Hluhluwe. On the way you will pass vast pineapple and sugar cane plantations which offer a typical glimpse of the regional agricultural heritage.

Established in 1895 this park is the oldest nature reserve in Africa. It is particularly famous for its healthy population of white and black rhinos. This is a rare opportunity to observe these iconic species in their natural habitat.

Accompanied by an experienced local guide you will head out in an open 4x4 to track the wildlife. This mode of transport allows for a total sensory immersion in the bush where you can experience the sounds, scents and breathtaking landscapes.

In the afternoon you return to your accommodation for some well deserved rest. A new adventure awaits you tomorrow with a change of scenery and a change of country!

Today you set out to discover a new country! After breakfast you head for the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland. While it is less economically developed than South Africa, eSwatini offers a more authentic experience away from the tourist crowds.

Over the next two days you will discover the unique culture and warm hospitality of the Swazi people. After a short trip to the border it will take about three to four hours to reach the north west region of this small country.

At the end of the day you can settle into your hotel and enjoy a quiet moment of rest before the next part of your journey.

Today you dive into Swazi culture with its blend of traditions and contemporary life. The day begins with a walk through the semi rural community of Lobamba Lomdzala Inkhundla followed by a visit to the local market. This is a great chance to observe the daily lives of the residents.

We then continue our journey through the Mdzimba Mountains to reach a village where you will be welcomed by a Swazi family. You will learn about their lifestyle, customs and traditions. As today is a Sunday you will also get a glimpse of the religious practices of the village which are often very vibrant.

At midday we stop at a panoramic viewpoint for a picnic with a view before heading towards the capital.

In the early afternoon we leave eSwatini and cross the border back into South Africa. You will spend the night in Mbombela, formerly known as Nelspruit.

Are you ready for the famous Panorama Route? This journey is well named as it offers spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon with its steep peaks, dizzying waterfalls and wild expanses as far as the eye can see. This is a truly unique region. Several stops are planned so you can enjoy the iconic viewpoints so please do not forget your camera.

We will take a break for lunch along the way and if you wish you can browse for a few souvenirs.

Tonight you will settle into comfortable accommodation set in a relaxing natural environment. A delicious dinner will be served on site which is perfect for recharging your batteries before the upcoming safari.

It is time to return to the bush! Before that you will discover the Blyde River Canyon from a new perspective during a boat cruise on the dam. From the water the landscapes take on a completely different dimension. Keep your eyes open to spot hippos, crocodiles or fish eagles and do not forget your binoculars!

We then continue towards a private reserve in the Greater Kruger. These areas border the public national park but there are no fences here. Animals move freely across a vast territory. This type of reserve offers a more exclusive experience away from the crowds in a comfortable and immersive setting.

In the late afternoon you set off for a 4x4 safari. The guides use spotlights to try and spot nocturnal animals on the way back to camp. Once you arrive you can relax and have a drink at the bar or near the fire before enjoying a three course dinner under the starry sky.

You will fall asleep to the sounds of nature with the excitement of what the morning might reveal.

We work with several partners in the Greater Kruger. The choice of lodge depends on the size of the group to ensure a tailored and personalised experience.

Today we head for the legendary Kruger National Park which is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Early in the morning you leave your lodge and board an open 4x4 for an unforgettable safari day.

The tracks of the Kruger reveal an incredible diversity. You might see elephant families near a waterhole, giraffes moving elegantly, or lions in the shade of the acacia trees. At every turn your ranger guide shares stories of the bush and teaches you the art of reading tracks in the sand which makes every sighting even more vivid.

At midday you enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature surrounded by the sounds of the bush. The exploration continues in the afternoon until we return to your lodge.

At the end of the day you share a sundowner together. This is a drink raised at sunset to celebrate your last night in the African bush. The evening continues quietly at your accommodation with the images and emotions of this wild immersion still fresh in your mind.o

Today we leave the bush to reach Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. This morning you take part in a guided bush walk. This is a wonderful chance to discover the flora and fauna up close. Animal tracks, insects and plants will reveal the secrets of the bush to you.

After breakfast we set off for the city. We arrive in the afternoon and the evening is free for you to rest quietly before we explore Johannesburg tomorrow morning.

This morning you set out to discover Johannesburg with a local guide. A walk through the city centre plunges you into the history and energy of this fascinating city. It is a place that is vibrant and complex, marked by the past but looking towards the future. Johannesburg impresses with its cultural diversity and its recent but profound history.

We continue with a visit to the Apartheid Museum. This is an essential stop to gain a better understanding of South African history and to reflect on the evolution of the country since the end of apartheid.

In the late afternoon the group returns to the hotel. You can make use of the facilities to freshen up and relax before your transfer to the airport for your international flight this evening.