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This tour of sunny South Africa hits all the high notes. Start with a 2-night stay in iconic Cape Town. Seek out the Winelands, explore the city. Perhaps add a trip up Table Mountain or Robben Island to the list. Spot whales and sharks and stop over in southern coast hamlets like Hermanus and Mossel Bay. See the African wildlife and more in Knysna and hit the trails in Tsitsikamma. Encounter the arid beauty of the Karoo and up the ante with adrenaline activities along the way. This is RSA at her best! If you’d like to experience South Africa’s incredible wildlife in the Kruger National Park, in addition to Cape Town & the Garden Route, consider the South Africa Escape tour – click here.
- Discover vibrant Cape Town as well as the beautiful Cape winelands and Hermanus
- Explore the stunning Garden Route, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park
- See African wildlife on an exciting Game Drive at Botlierskop
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DAY 1: Start of tour in Cape Town
Wamkelekile eKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother City is South Africa’s oldest city and one of three official capital cities. After meeting your tour leader at the hotel, join them and the tour group on a Cape Town City Tour! The city is a bustling metropolis with an array of sights and attractions. This exciting driving tour will reveal beautiful and important sights such as Signal Hill, District 6 and the Castle of Good Hope. Set foot in the Company’s Gardens (the oldest garden in SA!) and the colourful Cape Malay Bo-Kaap region before heading back to the hotel. This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner!
Experiences
Take a driving and walking tour of Cape Town: This Cape Town city tour showcases the historic heart of the city. It’s a place with many influences that include Cape Malay and Xhosa communities, as well as a Dutch colonial heritage. The afternoon drive shows off some of Cape Town’s most scenic landmarks. The Atlantic coast and Table Mountain National Park are very beautiful at this time of day.
Welcome dinner: Enjoy an included welcome dinner this evening – the perfect opportunity to get to know your Expat Explore tour leader and fellow travellers from all over the world!DAY 2: Cape Town: Free Day – Peninsula Tour
Cape Town is yours to explore today! Choose from a variety of optional activities – Cape Town has something for every kind of interest. A popular option is to join a day trip to Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula. Here, visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, the Cape Point Lighthouse, the most south-western point of Africa, and see beautiful landscapes filled with Cape Fynbos. Also make stops at Kalk Bay and Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. More activities include visiting the District 6 Museum, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Constantia Wine Valley – which is a short 20 minute drive from Cape Town and home to a number of award-winning wine estates!
On Tour Excursions
Cape Peninsula Day Trip
Enjoy a scenic trip along the Cape Peninsula. Visit Cape Point, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and sit down for lunch in Kalk Bay.
R 2350DAY 3: Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch – Hermanus Region
Today it’s off to the Cape Winelands! South Africa has 100,000+ hectares of vineyards and the wine industry is the world’s oldest outside of Europe. Top wine varieties include Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinotage, which is unique to SA. After breakfast, drive to Stellenbosch, a beautiful university town that is full of charm and history! Here, enjoy a special wine tasting. A wine specialist leads a tasting of local wines and tells us about South African varietals. Then, enjoy a tasty lunch in the vineyards. After lunch, explore the Cape Dutch architecture, boutiques and art galleries. Before leaving, enjoy one more wine tasting. Finally, visit the coastal town of Hermanus before heading to the hotel for the night.
Experiences
Cape Winelands wine tasting:
Enjoy two wine tastings including lunch at a wine farm in the famous winelands region of the Western Cape.
Explore Stellenbosch: Take some free time to explore the historical university town, admire the mix of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, the tree-lined streets and relaxing coffee shops.
Visit Hermanus: Savour the stunning coastal views as the tour makes its way to Hermanus. Enjoy free time to explore this delightful town on the Cape Whale Coast Route – if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to spot whales from the beach!DAY 4: Hermanus Region – Swellendam – Mossel Bay
This morning, enjoy free time before heading for the Garden Route! Join an optional shark cage diving experience to see great white sharks up close! En route to Swellendam, enjoy a lunch stop in Riviersonderend. In Swellendam, explore the town’s incredible architecture. Outside Albertinia, visit a Cape Aloe Vera factory. Try aloe tea and body products made from this medicinal plant and learn about its many uses. Next stop, Mossel Bay, a popular coastal village. On the way to the hotel, stop at Pinnacle Caves. Fossils of 170 000+ years have been found at this ancient site. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.
Experiences
Discover Swellendam: Enjoy some free time in the third oldest town in the Republic of South Africa. Check out the incredible architecture of the Dutch Reformed Church – a striking mix of Italian Baroque and French Gothic influences, with an Eastern dome and Cape Dutch facades.
Visit an Aloe Vera farm: Stop at one of the original aloe factories in the Hessequa region. Sample various Aloe Vera products, walk around in the indigenous garden (with 17 species of aloe) and drink some Aloe tea!
Explore Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay: Visit Pinnacle Point Caves, a Provincial Heritage Site where human bones of between 40,000 and 170,000 years ago have been discovered. The discoveries have led to further studies by the Institute of Human Origins.
On Tour Excursions
Shark Cage Diving
Get up close with Great White sharks in Gansbaai! Have no fear, experts will be with you every step of the way.
R 1700
Marine Eco Big 5 Trip
Spot the Marine Big 5 including whales, sharks, seals, penguins and dolphins on this exciting excursion!!
R 2500DAY 5: Garden Route: Game Drive – Knysna – Tsitsikamma
A South African wildlife experience awaits at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Here, enjoy the chance to see wildebeest, rhinos, giraffes, elephants and lions on a real-life safari with the group! Spend lunch time in Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route. Get dropped off at the harbour where you can explore or eat at a local restaurant. The local seafood, especially the famous Knysna oysters, are highly recommended! After lunch, enjoy some more animal encounters! Choose between two optional excursions: roam free with the monkeys at Monkeyland, or visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary.
Experiences
Botlierskop Game Drive: Get to know the Garden Route wildlife on an open vehicle safari truck in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Sightings include buffalo, zebra, giraffe, golden wildebeest, hippos, rhinoceros, lions and more than 200 bird species!
Explore Knysna: Experience the laid-back yet stylish vibe of Knysna, a quaint town known as “the beating heart” of the Garden Route. Get off at the Knysna waterfront – an idyllic location with unique and trendy stores, water activities and the most divine dining options.DAY 6: End of tour in Johannesburg
And so the last day of your South African wildlife & scenery trip has arrived. Have one last breakfast together to say bon voyage. Guests are welcome to stay on to explore Jozi, as the locals call Johannesburg, and enjoy one of the optional activities available such as a half day tour of Soweto!
On Tour Excursions
Monkeyland
Visit Monkeyland and watch primates in their natural habitat!
R 410
Birds of Eden
Discover over 200 species of birds throughout an expansive forest in Plettenberg Bay.
R 410DAY 6: Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River – Eastern Cape
Get adventurous and spend time outdoors in the Garden Route National Park! The Tsitsikamma forest is filled with rivers, gorges and mountains. There are lots of exhilarating things to do in this beautiful place. Take a zipline tour through the trees or bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge – the highest commercial bungee jump in the world! Or, stay on the ground to learn more about the region’s fauna and flora. Drive to the Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park where you can hike through the forest, take a seaside stroll and cross the breathtaking suspension bridge. Enjoy free time this evening to relax, or grab a beer from the local microbrewery or pub in Storm’s River.
Experiences
Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth: A suspension bridge and lookout trail that meanders along the most spectacular ocean and forest landscapes. The highlight of the walk is a famous 77m long suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth. As you walk, keep an eye out for the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otter and dolphins.
On Tour Excursions
Woodcutters Trail Drive
Embark on a trail drive along the Storms River Pass. Admire the stunning scenery and learn more about the region’s history and flora and fauna.!
R 600
Tree Canopy Zip-Lining
Travel along a zipline and admire the spectacular scenery, flora and fauna of the Tsitsikamma rainforest.
R 890
Kayak & Lilo Adventure
Explore the depths of Tsitsikamma and Storms River Gorge aboard a kayak!
R 880
Bloukrans Bungy Jump
Take a leap with the Bloukrans Bungy – the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge!
R 1850DAY 7: Route 62 – Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm – Cango Caves Experience
A whole new landscape unfolds as the tour heads into a semi-desert area today. The Karoo is a unique place known as the ‘land of the thirst’. The scenic Route 62 takes the coach through Langkloof. Here, have a look at the many fruit and vegetable farms along the road and among the foothills of the epic Kouga and Tsitsikamma mountains. In Oudtshoorn, visit a working ostrich farm to take a tour and learn more about the world’s biggest birds. Next, it’s time to take a heritage tour of the magnificent Cango Caves. These dripstone caverns are over 20 million years old! This evening brings a delicious Karoo dinner at the lodge.
Experiences
Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm: Take a guided tractor tour which covers the history of ostrich farming, farming practices and the breeding cycle of these special Karoo ostriches. See ostriches and adorable chicks up-close! A delicious traditional lunch is also included in this experience.
Visit the Cango Caves: Enjoy a visit to the historic Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn. The caves are one of South Africa’s hidden treasures and are millions of years old. See the large chambers and learn more about the caves’ cultural and historical heritage.
Karoo Dinner: Eating and drinking in the Karoo is an experience in itself! On the menu tonight are a variety of dishes prepared the traditional way: Braaivleis (BBQ), boerewors (South African sausage), potato salad, fresh seasonal veg and an iconic South African dessert. You might also get to taste true Karoo lamb. It has a distinctly herby flavour due to the fragrant shrubs and grasses sheep naturally feed on in this region. Either way, this is sure to be a sensational culinary experience!
On Tour Excursions
Oudtshoorn Stargazing
Marvel at the clear night skies with this stargazing excursion in Oudtshoorn.
R 750DAY 8: Oudtshoorn – Route 62 – Cape Winelands – Cape Town
After breakfast, travel down Route 62 and take in the scenery along the way. After a quick comfort stop at a quirky road stall along the way, enjoy an included lunch in the Robertson area, known as the valley of wine and roses! Then, head to Paarl for another culinary adventure of cheese and wine tasting at a local vineyard. After a full day in the spectacular winelands, head back to Cape Town and settle into the hotel for the evening.
Experiences
Lunch in Robertson: Experience this stunning wine-producing region. It’s known as the valley of wine and roses and sits at the heart of the Route 62 wine route.
Cheese and wine tasting in Paarl: Sample some of South Africa’s most delicious cheese and wine during a stop in Paarl in the Cape Winelands!DAY 9: End of tour in Cape Town
This is the last day of this wonderful tour of Cape Town and the Garden Route. Enjoy one last breakfast with your new tour buddies at the hotel. Be sure to swap contact details so that you can stay in touch once you are back at home. Don’t forget to share your amazing tour memories with us using the hashtag #ExpatExplore!
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Accommodation
- 8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
16 Experiences!
- Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town
- Taste South African wine in the Cape Winelands
- Explore the historic university town of Stellenbosch
- Visit Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast route
- Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town
- Visit an Aloe Vera Farm in the Hessequa region
- Explore Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay
- Embark on a Game Drive at Botlierskop Game Drive
- Explore the beautiful Knysna Waterfront
- Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and visit Storms River Mouth
- Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm
- Explore the Cango Caves
- Sit down for a traditional Great Karoo meal
- Enjoy lunch in the Robertson; a beautiful wine-producing destination
- Taste local cheese and wine in Paarl
DEPARTURE DATES AND RATES
Start Date / End Date Status Price Per Person 13 Apr 2025 – 21 Apr 2025 SOLD OUT! 27 Apr 2025 – 05 May 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,29511 May 2025 – 19 May 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,18525 May 2025 – 02 Jun 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,38508 Jun 2025 – 16 Jun 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00722 Jun 2025 – 30 Jun 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00706 Jul 2025 – 14 Jul 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00720 Jul 2025 – 28 Jul 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00703 Aug 2025 – 11 Aug 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00717 Aug 2025 – 25 Aug 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,06631 Aug 2025 – 08 Sep 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,29514 Sep 2025 – 22 Sep 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,23528 Sep 2025 – 06 Oct 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,06612 Oct 2025 – 20 Oct 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,17326 Oct 2025 – 03 Nov 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,06609 Nov 2025 – 17 Nov 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,12507 Dec 2025 – 15 Dec 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,415Now $1,00704 Jan 2026 – 12 Jan 2026 SOLD OUT! 18 Jan 2026 – 26 Jan 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28501 Feb 2026 – 09 Feb 2026 SOLD OUT! 29 Mar 2026 – 06 Apr 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28512 Apr 2026 – 20 Apr 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28526 Apr 2026 – 04 May 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28510 May 2026 – 18 May 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28524 May 2026 – 01 Jun 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23507 Jun 2026 – 15 Jun 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23521 Jun 2026 – 29 Jun 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23505 Jul 2026 – 13 Jul 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23519 Jul 2026 – 27 Jul 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23502 Aug 2026 – 10 Aug 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23516 Aug 2026 – 24 Aug 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23530 Aug 2026 – 07 Sep 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23513 Sep 2026 – 21 Sep 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23527 Sep 2026 – 05 Oct 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,28511 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23525 Oct 2026 – 02 Nov 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23508 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $1,480Now $1,23522 Nov 2026 – 30 Nov 2026 SOLD OUT! 06 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026 SOLD OUT!
