Cape Town, Garden Route & The Big 5

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Cape Town Airport (CPT).

Arrive in Cape Town where you’ll be welcomed by our local guide at the airport. They'll assist with vehicle arrangements and address any queries.

Set out for Cape Town, nestled in the southwest of South Africa by Table Bay on the Atlantic. Iconic Table Mountain, along with Signal Hill, Lion's Head, and Devil's Peak, dominate the skyline.

The city seamlessly blends cosmopolitan flair, cultural richness, exceptional architecture, and natural splendour. Immerse yourself in Cape Town's allure, an enigmatic fusion of urban charm and breath-taking landscapes.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater or similar

Explore Cape Town at your pace today. Weather permitting, seize the chance to visit Table Mountain using the provided Cableway ticket. The cable cars' rotation offers a panoramic view during the ascent or decent.

Afterward, utilize the ticket for Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world. Nestled on Table Mountain's slopes, it encompasses 528 hectares and houses 2,500 plant species.

In the evening, enjoy a unique African experience at GOLD Restaurant, featuring a 14-dish taste-safari accompanied by Mali puppetry and drumming.

Please note the Table Mountain tickets are valid for any morning of your stay in Cape Town, and the Botanical Garden tickets is valid for the whole duration of your stay.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy another day exploring Cape Town. Consider a drive to Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine estate in Constantia. Known as "Groot" meaning great in Afrikaans, it's renowned for red wines like Merlot and Shiraz.

Later, venture to the iconic V&A Waterfront, nestled in the Southern Hemisphere's oldest working harbour. Its historical significance, abundant shops, and dining options make it an essential Cape Town experience. The two basins in Table Bay are named after Queen Victoria and Prince Alfred, honouring its royal heritage. Today, the V&A Waterfront is characterized by many shops, restaurants and is a must-see in Cape Town.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy your final Cape Town breakfast before heading to Albertinia.

For a taste of local liqueurs, consider a stop at Wildebraam Berry Estate in Swellendam.

Upon arriving at the malaria-free Garden Route Game Lodge, embark on a 3-hour afternoon game drive, seeking the Big Five and other wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffalo, white rhinos, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, and diverse antelope. The open game drive vehicle offers prime viewing opportunities so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera!

After an exhilarating outing, indulge in dinner amidst the wilderness.

Accommodation: Garden Route Game Lodge or similar - Luxury thatched chalets with patio

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today sees an early morning start to enjoy your last game drive in the reserve.

After breakfast, embark on a leisurely journey to Knysna, nestled between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean. Knysna is surrounded by world famous forests, beautiful lagoons, and pristine beaches, as well as a great waterfront with many shops for you to enjoy.

If you feel like exploring a little bit more, venture towards Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park, it’s known for its ancient forest, pristine coast and beautiful rivers.

Don’t miss Storms River Mouth. A boardwalk through coastal forest allows views of the sea, coast and river mouth and a 77m long suspension bridge crossing the Storms River Mouth, takes you to a pebble beach, before ascending steeply to a viewpoint over the coast – well worth the effort!

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriotr Knysna Quays or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, Hermanus is the main goal. Considered to be the whale capital, Hermanus is nestled between the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay. This beautiful location has grown from a small seaside resort to the world's most famous whale watching destination.

This city is also known for its natural scenic beauty, long stretches of pristine beaches and its excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Just outside of Hermanus is the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

On the way towards Hermanus travel along the stunningly picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley, which is a beautiful route and a perfect way to experience a different side of the Overberg. The Wine Route is also famous for its uninterrupted views of the valley from any one of the superb restaurants, deli’s or stalls, all of which give you the choice of world class wines and meals.

It was once said that “so high are the hills, which closely embrace the valley all around, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but Heaven and Earth”.

Accommodation: Windsor Hotel in Hermanus or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Stellenbosch, named after Simon van der Stel, was founded in 1679, making it the second oldest city in South Africa.

Located on the Eerste River, 111m above the sea and in a very fertile valley, it has become known as the centre of one of the best South African wine-growing regions and as the seat of the renowned Stellenbosch University.

Stellenbosch forms part of the well-known winelands located about 40 km to the east of Cape Town where you’ll find historic towns, Cape Dutch farmsteads and of course great vineyards. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are the most famous ones and are the backbone of the Winelands.

These valleys are the largest winemaking region in the country with grape cultivation that dates back to the 1600s. Which wine estate you visit is up to you. What about Boschendal Wine Estate or a chocolate wine pairing at Waterford? The choice is yours…

Accommodation: Spier Hotel in Stellenbosch or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today it is time to say goodbye.

After your last relaxing breakfast and morning in the winelands it is time to head to the airport for your onward journey.

Drop your car at the airport and board your flight back home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home. 

The best time to visit South Africa is from November through to March, although each season provide a different spectacle.
Summer rains in November & December provide lush greenery, new-born animals and excellent birding.
The dry winter period of April to September provides sparser vegetation which makes for better game viewing. During this period, wildlife congregates close to remaining water sources.
In July and August, the temperature is warm during the day and cold after sunset, around 5pm.
The destination of South Africa is available through Co-op Holidays all year around, except from 15^th December to 15^th January where it is on request, through our Tailormade team.

British citizens do not require a Visa to enter South Africa.

The chosen hotels are known to be malaria free but please consult the Government website for more information. 

In order to rent a Europcar in South Africa you need to have had a driving license for at least 3 years, and it needs to be unendorsed at the time of rental (without any points). An international driver license is recommended.
A security deposit by credit card will be taken at the time of collection of the car and returned after the drop off of the car, unless the there is any damage to the vehicle. The amount will be roughly R3000.00.

Rent of the car includes:

• Europcar Classic Wifi – Toyota Urban Cruiser Automatic Group C from/to Cape Town International Airport: Theft and Collision Damage Waiver
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Unlimited mileage
• Airport Surcharge
• Tourism Levy
• Value Added Tax at 15%
• Carbon Emissions Tax
• All Additional Drivers per rental
• Young Driver surcharge per day per driver
• Document Administration Fee
• Water and under-carriage damage to vehicles
• Damage due to Sandblasting
• Tyre and rim damage, hubcaps, Windscreen
• WIFI Router (that can be connected to smartphones, therefore no need to rent a GPS)

Excluded:

• E-tolling fees
• One way drop off charges within South Africa
• One way drop off charges outside South Africa
• Delivery and Collection fees
• Cross Border Charges
• Traffic Fine Handling Fee
• Claim Handling Fee
• Assessor's Fee
• GPS Unit

Other car upgrades are available through our Tailormade team.
Driving is on the left, as in the UK. Directions and bookings will be handed on arrival to be used in conjunction with your smartphones, therefore no driving instructions will be printed.

Usually, game drives are around 3 hours in open air game vehicles that can accommodate up to 9 passengers.
Morning game drives start at around 5/6am, afternoon game drives at around 3pm and night drives after sunset.