South Africa
Classic Cape & Garden Route
This classic tour takes you from Cape Town, one of the world’s great cities, along the dramatic and spectacular Garden Route. This is a wonderfully varied region encompassing picturesque rolling winelands, stark semi desert and gorgeous beaches. There are vineyards, safari parks and endless adventure activities. There is also a wonderful selection of boutique hotels that are ideally suited to families.
This whole itinerary is malaria free.
Highlights
Tramway up Table Mountain
Discover the vibrant area of Bo Kaap
Meet penguins at the Cape Peninsula
Cycle in South Africa’s winelands
Kayak and lilo at Tsitsikamma
Big Five on safari
14 days from £3,050 pp
Plus international flights from £1,000
A two-week self-drive holiday along the Garden Route in South Africa usually costs from £12,200 plus flights for a family of four.
Classic Cape & Garden Route day-to-day itinerary
Day 1, Cape Town
When you arrive at the airport you will be met by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative and transferred to your hotel.
This stunningly scenic city is snugly situated at the tip of the Africa, its busy harbour and rugged mountains all surrounded by the expansive sparkle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s hard not to be impressed by Cape Town. There are gorgeous beaches, award winning vineyards and a trendy city centre. And it’s all set again the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the newest addition to the World’s Natural Wonders. Beneath this iconic landmark lie a multitude of culinary delights, ambient cafes, African craft markets, compelling museums and a vibrant nightlife.
Day 2, Cape Town
A full day to explore Cape Town. Start the morning with a trip up Table Mountain (we recommend the cable car). Once at the top there are some easy hiking trails on the plateau, or simply take it easy and soak up the fabulous landscapes – cameras at the ready! In the afternoon explore Bo-Kaap’s colourful Cape Malay area with a guide. You’ll be regaled with stories about growing up in apartheid, as well as insider information about the district. Later, take part in a short samosa-making class – perfect to fortify yourselves after a busy day.
Day 3, The Cape Peninsula
Spend today exploring the Cape Peninsula on a fully flexible guided day out. Visit the seals at Kalk Bay and explore a working fishing harbour – perhaps try your hand with a fishing line or stroll through the village. From seals, move on to their cute neighbours: the penguins. Your guide will show you the best spots on nearby beaches away from the crowds. Maybe have a go at stand-up paddling to see your new friends from the water. Photo opps galore!
All penguined-out, continue to Cape Point, meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and a highlight in itself. The area is a national park and provides an ideal opportunity to view the magnificent Fynbos vegetation, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks. You may even spot a zebra or two. Heading back, stop off for homemade ice-cream, and either head to the beach or visit an old fort look-out for magical views.
Day 4, Cape Town
A full day for you to further explore Cape Town independently. A highlight for many is an excursion out to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. There are numerous ‘other’ activities that you might want to consider; including Greenmarket Square’s local crafts market, shark cage diving, sea kayaking, a trip to the aquarium, surfing lessons, hiking up Table Mountain, mountain biking, a township visit, culinary tours and so on, the list is endless! We can either pre-book these for you or you can arrange them locally, depending on how everyone is feeling.
Why not treat the children to a monster scooter downhill tour? This is just about the most unique and fun way we can think of to experience Table Mountain National Park’s breathtaking views, as well as enjoying panoramas of the harbour, the Lion’s Head, the waterfront and more.
Day 5, Cape Town – Winelands
Leaving Cape Town behind, it’s a relatively short drive (around 90 minutes) to the Winelands, where you’ll stay in a fabulously family-friendly hotel hand-picked by us. This area is a producer of orchard fruits, elegant wines and delicious olives. The scenery is stunning, with an impressive backdrop of mountains. This afternoon you could start to explore the vineyards by segway!
Read More Day 6, Winelands Day 7, Winelands Day 8, Plettenberg Bay & the Garden Route Day 9, Tsitsikamma & Garden Route Looking for something else to do this afternoon? Why not experience this indigenous forest from a whole new level! The Tsitsikamma Canopy tour will have you ziplining between platforms high above the forest floor. Accompanied throughout by experienced guides, this is a truly exhilarating activity. Day 10, Tsitsikamma & Garden Route Other options include the Tenikwa Nature Reserve for a ‘wildcat experience’ and the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. You can see hundreds of brightly coloured birds at ‘Birds of Eden free flight sanctuary’ or spend time at the Knysna Elephant Park. There are also masses of enticing local shops where you can see artisans making beautiful souvenirs. Our favourite are the porcupine ceramics at The Mill or Old Nick Village. Day 11, Eastern Cape Game Reserve There are many different private reserves in the area, including Shamwari, Amakhala, Kariega and Addo Elephant Park. All of these are popular with families as they are malaria free. They are all very well stocked with wildlife (including all the Big Five) and provide a fantastic introductory safari experience for children. This evening gather around the campfire to toast marshmallows under the African night sky. Days 12-13 Eastern Cape Game Reserve The views are superb and you will stop for a morning coffee or hot chocolate at a stunning vantage point. Continue your safari into the morning before a well-deserved breakfast back at camp. The middle of the day is free for you to relax before heading back out on safari mid-afternoon. Again this is the perfect time to see the animals, after the heat of the day has dissipated. Warthogs zig-zag across the road, giraffe meander past and zebra gather together in a bewildering dazzle of stripes. As the sun sets you will stop for sundowner drinks and snacks to enjoy the views before you. You will have two full days of safari, with morning and afternoon game drives on both days. Day 14, Port Elizabeth
A full day to enjoy your base in the heart of the Winelands. Feeling active? Take to two wheels on mountain bikes, following scenic trails past organic vineyards and pristine indigenous Renosterveld (meaning ‘rhinocerous field’) on signposted 5km, 10km or 20km routes. If any of the family prefer not to cycle, then go on foot, using the dedicated app to self-guide and hear about the area’s history as you explore. After working up an appetite you’ll be ready for lunch. Why not take out a picnic… Of course, no stay at a wine farm would be complete without tasting the product – chocolate and grape juice options also available!
Another full day to make the most of the wine farm. If you fancy seeing more of the area, consider the hop-on/hop-off ‘Wine Tram’. Alternatively, make the most of your quiet time with a trip to the spa… Whether you treat yourselves to a massage, mani-pedi, or a sauna, you’ll be sure to feel rested and rejuvenated.
Hit the road today as you travel east to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. The first part of the journey is inland, later coming closer to the coast for the last couple of hours. This is a spectacular area, where deep river gorges cut through the plateau en route to the sea, leaving dramatic waterfalls in their wake.
Spend the day enjoying Tsitsikamma National Park, an expansive coastal reserve known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline and the Storms River Mouth. Start off the morning by taking to the water in kayaks. With your experienced guide, you will paddle into deep caves and past ancient indigenous forests. When the water level drops, you will swap your kayaks for lilos and float deeper up the gorge, with the opportunity for cliff jumping and swimming.
A further day to explore the area – there is masses to do! Highly recommended is the hike around the rugged Robberg Peninsular where you can spot Cape Fur seals playing in the surf. You’ll also see hyraxes (rock rabbits) sunbathing on the rocks and a diverse range of marine birds. At certain times of year you may see Southern Right whales migrating west, or even an opportunistic great white shark looking for some dinner. There are beautiful beaches where you can stop for a paddle (out of reach of sharks!) or a picnic.
A relaxing morning before heading to the Eastern Cape. Here you will stay in a lodge on a private game reserve and this afternoon take your first safari.
Rise before dawn and head out in an open-sided safari vehicle. As the sun slowly approaches the horizon, the animals start to wake. Watch as a lion stretches, yawns and pads quietly down a dried river bed. Be mesmerised by a herd of elephants as they troop slowly towards a watering hole. Seek out a family of cheetah, the cubs rolling in the long grasses and chasing each other.
This morning a short drive takes you to Port Elizabeth where the tour ends. From here there are regular flights on to Johannesburg and Cape Town for your flight home.
South Africa in pictures
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- Unparalleled family travel experience
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