Cape Town, the Garden Route & Safari - Solo Traveller

We begin our adventure as we depart for Cape Town, South Africa.

On arrival in Cape Town, we meet with our local guide and begin our journey to uncover some of Cape Town’s highlights.  Our holiday has begun!

We begin our holiday with a half day city tour visiting to one of South Africa’s most famous and iconic landmarks, Table Mountain (weather permitting). During a short cable car ride up the mountain, we take in spectacular views of Cape Town, and on a clear day we can see as far as False Bay, including Robben Island and the Devil's Peak.  After, we discover the vibrant cultures and history of this city on a guided tour taking in Bo-Kaap the colourful Malay Quarter. Fall in love with the vibrant and colourful buildings an Instagram hotspot for photos. We will stop and savour a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with a typical South African delight – Koeksisters a sweet, tasty treat. Next, we make our way to our hotel to check in and refresh.

The day is not over yet let’s get together and enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

This morning, we depart from Cape Town and journey through the picturesque winelands, a scenic drive of approximately an hour and a half (70 km). Welcome to Stellenbosch! Explore the charm of this historic town, renowned for its Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, on a guided walking tour of the town centre.

Today's itinerary includes a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum, as well as chocolate and wine tasting at a local wine estate, complete with an opportunity to blend your own wine.

After indulging in the delights of the Stellenbosch winelands, we return to Cape Town, arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

This morning, we delve into history with a historic adventure. Weather permitting, we’ll take a boat from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to Robben Island, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. Situated nearly 7 km off the coast in Table Bay, this infamous prison once held Nelson Mandela during his incarceration. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living museum, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

We will enjoy a guided tour of the island and its museum before returning to the mainland.

After our visit to Robben Island, we’ll head back to Cape Town in time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll explore more of the city’s highlights, including Greenmarket Square, the Castle of Good Hope, a walk through the Company’s Garden, and a view of the Houses of Parliament.

We then return to our hotel to relax and freshen up.

Let’s get together for an African themed dinner including some light entertainment at a local restaurant. 

Today’s full-day guided excursion takes us through the stunning Cape Peninsula, showcasing the highlights of this breath-taking region.

Our first stop is Cape Point Nature Reserve, where we’ll enjoy a walk to the tip of the Cape Peninsula. From there, we continue along the False Bay coast, to visit the rare African penguins at Boulders Beach.

We pause for a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant (included) before heading off for craft beer tasting.

The day concludes with a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular roadways. Sit back, relax, and fall in love with the beauty of this drive.

We return to our accommodation in the evening, where you can unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning, we bid farewell to Cape Town and set off on a scenic drive of over 260 km to Arniston, a journey of approximately four hours.

Along the way, we stop in the charming seaside town of Hermanus. You’ll have a few hours to explore at your own pace – browse the local shops, visit a museum, or take a stroll along the Cliff Path. If you’d like, your guide will happily accompany you on the walk. During whale season (June to late November), you might even catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

In the late afternoon, we continue to Arniston, where we’ll check in and settle into our accommodation for the next two nights.

Dinner is included at our hotel on both evenings.

Today is ours to relax and unwind, embrace the essence of this enchanting seaside destination. Take a leisurely stroll through the characterful fishing village with lime-washed thatched houses and fully enjoy the fresh sea air and sandy rugged coastline. Our expert guide will be happy to tell you of places to see today.

Optional Excursion - Discover Arniston with a local guide on a history and cultural walking tour. Visit the fishing village of Kassiebaai, a heritage site; weather and tide permitting, we  will climb into the Waenhhuiskrans (via the cliffs) to see where endangered cormorants' nest. Uncover more on a walking tour of Arniston.

Sturdy, nonslip shoes are recommended. This tour will involve walking for approximately 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace.

Please note this may not be a private Travel Department tour and subject to minimum numbers.

This morning, we leave Arniston and embark on a scenic drive of approximately 380 km, which will take around six hours. Along the way, we’ll take a few short breaks in Swellendam and Mossel Bay as we make our way to Knysna.

In Mossel Bay, we’ll visit the famous Post Office Tree, an ancient milkwood tree believed to be South Africa’s first mailbox! At over 600 years old, it’s still in use today for sending and receiving mail – a perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy photo.

We continue our journey to Knysna, arriving in the late afternoon to check in to our hotel, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.

Dinner is included this evening.

Today, we visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), starting with a scenic 25-minute ferry ride across the Knysna Lagoon. The reserve is located on the unspoilt western head of Knysna, offering breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty.

On arrival, we enjoy an exciting 4x4 drive, taking in stunning vistas and exploring the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

Lunch is included and served in this idyllic setting, giving you time to relax and soak up the surroundings. For those who wish, there’s also the option of a guided walk-through coastal forest and fynbos, leading to ancient sea caves.

We then return to Knysna by ferry.

Note: Please note your visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve is subject to weather conditions.  If possible, another attempt will be made and/or an alternative excursion organised.  Our guide will reconfirm the arrangements locally. 

It is recommended to wear comfortable and supportive shoes during this excursion for the walk.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, soak up the relaxing atmosphere.

Today, we have a very early departure from Knysna and drive the breath-taking Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. First stop Calitzdorp known as the port capital to try a sample of port, then arriving in Laingsburg. Here we’ll pause to savour some “roosterkoek” – a South African classic and a local Karoo delicacy. These delicious bread cakes, cooked on a braai (BBQ), are typically served with jam and cheese – a treat not to be missed!

We arrive at our hotel in time for lunch (included).

Afterwards, we set off on an exciting game drive in search of the “Big Five.” Have your cameras ready as we look out for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, the elusive leopard, and more.

Following our safari adventure, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, to soak upyou’re your surroundings. Dinner is included this evening.

After dinner, we’ll gather around the boma for marshmallow roasting and stargazing – a perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

This morning, we rise early for another exciting game drive, continuing our search for more of the Big Five and the abundant wildlife in the private game reserve.

We return to the hotel in time for breakfast. The rest of the morning is yours to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

In the afternoon, we set off on our final game drive, offering another chance to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife and create lasting memories.

Lunch and dinner are included today.

This evening, we’ll gather around the boma once more to roast marshmallows and stargaze beneath the enchanting African skies.

All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, we depart for Cape Town Airport, a journey of approximately 180 km check in for our return flights home.