The Cape has something for everyone and this tailor-made touring itinerary is designed to show off the very best bits, taking you off the beaten track at suitable moments. Whilst it is aimed at those who like walking, the itinerary is very varied and flexible – the route and content is not cast in stone and can be adjusted to focus on the things that you wish to do. Three weeks will enable you to fit a lot in whilst not rushing you about, but if you only have two weeks, the itinerary can be trimmed and adapted. You don’t need to have a car in Cape Town but we can arrange one if you prefer. We use a very personable and capable guide to lead your hikes in Cape Town and look after all your needs on the Cederberg side-trip. The second half of the itinerary is self-drive, but we can also arrange for the guide to take you on if you prefer and look after you right up until your safari.
SEQUENCE: Cape Town ♦ Cederberg Mountains ♦ Winelands ♦ Overberg ♦ Klein Karoo ♦ Garden Route Coast ♦ Safari
What's Included
- All accommodation with most meals
- Guided hikes on Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula
- Fully supported and inclusive 3-night walking trip to the Cederberg range (accommodated)
- A fully inclusive safari at one of the Cape’s excellent private camps
- Car hire for the second stage of the tour
- Optional car hire when in Cape Town at the start
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport in the morning then travel to drop bags at your accommodation. With our guidance, head to a nice place for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing after your flight. For the 4 days you spend in Cape Town we will give you the option of hiring a car or arranging transfers, according to preference – both have merits.
Overnight in Cape Town at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses
A day of leisure in Cape Town, before you commence more energetic activities. One recommendation is to do a morning trip to Robben Island, then return to the V&A Waterfront in time for lunch and a wander round in the afternoon. We will give you ideas on what to do in Cape Town and the environs.
Overnight in Cape Town at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses
Enjoy a guided day hike on Table Mountain. A recommendation is to ascend Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain, then traverse to McLear’s Beacon (the highest point), before descending via Smuts Track and Skeleton Gorge to the trail endpoint at Kirstenbosch Gardens. This is a superb hike (approx 5 hours + stops). Your guide will arrange transport from and back to your accommodation, and provide a picnic lunch.
Overnight in Cape Town at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses
Enjoy another fine day hike (or half day if you prefer) with a completely different character, commencing at Cape Point and following the beautiful coastal path north to Smitswinkel Bay, all within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. You’ll have time to visit the penguin colony at Simonstown afterwards. Whales can often be spotted close to shore in season. Once again, your guide will arrange transport from and back to your accommodation and provide a picnic.
Overnight in Cape Town at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses
Today you’ll embark on a fully supported and accommodated 4-day, 3-night hiking trip in the Cederberg Mountain range. You will be picked up by your guide after breakfast and make a 3½ hour drive north into the heart of the Cederberg. Walking options and activities are flexible, but you’ll have the opportunity to take in the main hiking symbols of this dramatic area over the next few days. All catering is done by the guide and you’ll be fully looked after. For more detailed information on the Cederberg stage, click HERE.
Overnight in a chalet at either Sanddrif or Kromrivier, fully catered by the guide
All hikes are optional and will be agreed in discussion with your guide, who will select objectives based on your abilities and ambitions. A recommended hike is to ascend to and explore the magnificent Wolfberg Cracks; stronger walkers can extend the hike to the Wolfberg Arch.
Overnight in a chalet at either Sanddrif or Kromrivier, fully catered by the guide
The so-named Maltese Cross is another prominent rock formation in the Cederberg and is a recommended first objective on your second full hiking day. Above this looms Sneeuberg, the highest peak in the range at 2027m and a natural follow-on for strong hikers.
Overnight in a chalet at either Sanddrif or Kromrivier, fully catered by the guide
Enjoy a final activity in the Cederberg before lunch. This could be a walk, perhaps a visit to bushman paintings, or a wine tasting. The guide will drive you to the Winelands and drop you at a hire car depot in Stellenbosch to collect a pre-arranged car – the remainder of your itinerary is self-drive. Bid farewell to your guide, who’ll return to Cape Town. You will have a short journey to your selected winelands accommodation, usually in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.
Overnight in or near Franschhoek or Stellenbosch at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses on a B&B basis
A full day to explore the Cape Winelands under your own steam. The vast majority of estates offer tastings and are easy to visit; many estates contain historic homesteads built in the Cape Dutch style, set in beautiful gardens, so even if wine does not interest you, there is much to enjoy and take in. The historic centres of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are also worth exploring.
Overnight in or near Franschhoek or Stellenbosch at one of our recommended hotels or guest houses on a B&B basis
Before you depart the winelands, a recommendation is to use the morning to enjoy a hike in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, armed with a picnic lunch. This spectacular mountain reserve is accessed at the top of the Franschhoek pass, which you will drive over as you make your way to the Overberg. Routes range from less than an hour up to 5 or 6 hours. Once back at your car, drive on to Grootvadersbosch Farm in the Overberg (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight at Grootvadersbosch Farm in a cottage with all meals provided; on your first evening, dinner will be taken with the Moodie family “at home” in the farmhouse.
An alternative suggestion to Grootvadersbosch is to push on into the Klein Karoo and spend a couple of days hiking on the Tierkloof Trail in the Gamkaberg range, with a guide. More information can be found HERE.
Grootvadersbosch is an historic, working Overberg farm – the homestead was built in 1735 and has been owned by the Moodie family for six generations – which enjoys a truly beautiful setting beneath the mountain ridges that divide the coastal farming belt from the semi-arid Klein Karoo. It holds great appeal for those seeking an antidote to hotel and safari camp living and a glimpse at down-to-earth South African rural life. A suggestion today is to undertake a walk through the extensive wild areas of the property, which features well-marked paths, starting early so that you can beat the heat a bit and get back around lunchtime, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, perhaps in the cool indigenous forest located up the valley from the farm. Enjoy a swim in the dam during the afternoon. Dinner will be taken at your cottage this evening.
Overnight at Grootvadersbosch Farm in a cottage with all meals provided.
The farm borders the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, which contains the largest indigenous forest west of Knysna; this merges into the more elevated Boosmansbos Wilderness Area which forms part of the Cape World Heritage Site and contains some adventurous hiking routes. A suggestion today is to undertake a hike in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, going up to the ridge from where you can look down into the Klein Karoo, and back, which takes between 5 and 6 hours. Shorter walks in the lower forest sections are also possible and worthwhile. You’ll need to drive round to the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve gate, which takes about 20 minutes. Relax in your cottage on return, before strolling to the farmhouse for a final dinner “at home” with the Moodie family.
Overnight at Grootvadersbosch Farm in a cottage with all meals provided
Enjoy a scenic morning drive along the R62 route through the Klein Karoo to the historic town of Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port capital. We recommend you stop here for lunch and enjoy a port tasting before making the short drive up the Groenfontein valley to The Retreat. Settle in, take some tea and enjoy a late afternoon walk beneath the Swartberg escarpment before joining other guests for dinner at this welcoming property.
Overnight at The Retreat at Groenfontein on a full board basis
The Retreat enjoys a glorious position overlooking the Swartberg escarpment and taking early morning or afternoon walks on its extensive property are essential activities. It also makes a good base from which to explore this corner of the Klein Karoo and the Swartberg. A recommended excursion is to drive over the scenically spectacular Swartberg Pass and drop down to the historic Karoo town of Prince Albert to take lunch.
Overnight at The Retreat at Groenfontein on a full board basis
Another scenic and enjoyable half day drive takes you through Oudtshoorn and over the Outeniqua Mountain range to rejoin the Garden Route at George. The drive east from here takes you through the most interesting and beautiful sections of the Garden Route, which run from Wilderness to Plettenberg Bay, and Natures’ Valley just over the Keurbooms river. Having made a stop for lunch, drive on to your accommodation, from which you can explore this wonderful area over the next couple of days. You’ll have time to enjoy a beach visit or other activity this afternoon.
Overnight in recommended accommodation (Wilderness, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay area), on a bed and breakfast basis
It is all too easy to rush the Garden Route, which some misguidedly plan as a “driving” route, spending a night here and a night here. We recommend that you spend 3 nights on this section of the coast as a minimum, so that you have a chance to truly relax and explore a bit. There’s much to do, whether you wish to walk, spend time on beaches, kayak on inland waters or out on the sea, soak up beautiful views, wine and dine, watch polo, shop for local crafts etc. – the list goes on! We can give you advice on what to do.
Overnight in recommended accommodation (Wilderness, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay area), on a bed and breakfast basis
Enjoy a second full day of relaxation on the Indian Ocean.
Overnight in recommended accommodation (Wilderness, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay area), on a bed and breakfast basis
An extended trip to South Africa is incomplete without a spell spent on safari and you don’t have to travel to the north of the country to do this – there is a choice of excellent game reserves lying to the east of Port Elizabeth, a straightforward half day drive from Plettenberg Bay. Aim to arrive during the early afternoon so that you have time to settle in and take refreshments before your first afternoon game drive.
Overnight in one of the private safari camps that we recommend at either Addo, Shamwari or Kwandwe. Budget alternatives are on offer within Addo National Park.
Enjoy twice daily safari activities and relax in camp during the middle of the day.
Overnight in one of the private safari camps that we recommend at either Addo, Shamwari or Kwandwe. Budget alternatives are on offer within Addo National Park.
Enjoy twice daily safari activities and relax in camp during the middle of the day.
Overnight in one of the private safari camps that we recommend at either Addo, Shamwari or Kwandwe. Budget alternatives are on offer within Addo National Park.
Enjoy a final morning game drive before brunch and late morning check-out. You’ll then have plenty of time to drive to Port Elizabeth Airport to drop off your hire car and catch an afternoon flight back to Cape Town (or up to Johannesburg), so that you can connect with your international departure to the UK.
END OF ITINERARY
Angus at Walks in Africa was instrumental in creating the itinerary for a 'holiday of a lifetime'. He put forward many recommendations and ideas which really enhanced the whole experience. The holiday comprised walking in the Cederberg Mountains, Cape Town and a tour along the Garden Route to Addo - we cannot thank him enough for suggesting a visit to the Gorah Elephant Camp at Addo, which was absolutely fantastic. We would highly recommend Walks in Africa to anyone thinking of travelling to this part of the world.
I can’t recommend Angus at Walks in Africa highly enough. His personal knowledge of South Africa means that the places he recommends to stay, the guides he uses for hiking and the routes he provides for driving from place to place, are fantastic. He takes the time to find out what matters to you and what your budget is, before coming up with an itinerary that is perfect for you. Whatever you THINK you want to do, I would recommend listening to what Angus suggests as you will have wonderful experiences that you didn’t know existed! Our holiday was at VERY short notice and he created a wonderful itinerary that we couldn’t have hoped to put together without his specialist knowledge. A huge thank you from us both Angus.