Cape Town And The Garden Route

2,742 Views

9 Days From

~~$1455~~

$1129

Cape Town And The Garden Route

9 Days Starting and ending in 54 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

Visiting: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Hermanus Region, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River, Eastern Cape, Route 62, Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

SAE1L

Recommended For:

Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1455 $1129 Operator discount: -$270 Travel Club discount: -$56 -22%

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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

Highlights

Explore some of the most scenic spots in South Africa on this 9-day Cape Town and the Garden Route tour! From the vibrant city of Cape Town and the spectacular Cape Winelands to the coastal towns of Hermanus and Mossel Bay, from the Tsitsikamma forest to the Karoo semi-desert, experience the diverse landscapes and unrivalled natural beauty of South Africa. Taste South African wine and cuisine, visit quaint towns and marvel at local wildlife. Choose from a range of adventure-filled optional excursions and enjoy unforgettable included activities.

Itinerary

tourhub | Expat Explore Travel | Cape Town And The Garden Route | SAE1L | Route Map

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Day 1: Start Of Tour In Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Dinner

Get ready for the first day of your South African journey! This adventure-filled itinerary starts in Cape Town, affectionately known as South Africa’s Mother City. Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel and set off on a tour of this vibrant city. Cape Town is the oldest city in the country and one of three capital cities. Visit Signal Hill, drive through District 6 and wander through the beautiful Company’s Gardens and the Bo-Kaap which is known for its bright, colourful houses. Learn more about the city’s fascinating history as you go. Enjoy a group dinner tonight and get a taste of authentic South African cuisine.

Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town

Day 2: Cape Town: Free Day - Peninsula Tour

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day to discover the many sights and sounds of Cape Town! Learn more about South African history at the District 6 Museum or take a short trip to the Constantia Wine Valley and sample some of South Africa’s superb varietals. Alternatively, join today’s Cape Peninsula optional excursion. This popular day trip includes a visit to the Cape Point Nature Reserve and a walk or funicular ride up to the Cape Point Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking ocean views. After, visit the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and the buzzing coastal suburb of Kalk Bay. It’s sure to be a day to remember!

Day 3: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch - Hermanus Region

Location: Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Hermanus Region

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the majestic Cape Winelands today. South Africa is home to many stunning vineyards which produce truly exceptional wine. Popular varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinotage, which is uniquely South African. Today’s first stop is Stellenbosch, a university town known for its many wineries and historic centre. Visit a local wine estate and enjoy a tasting of local wines while learning more about South Africa’s wines before sitting down for lunch. Then, spend some time exploring the town of Stellenbosch and enjoy another wine tasting! This afternoon, head towards the coastal town of Hermanus, which is known for its whale watching. Settle into the hotel for the evening or find a spot for dinner.

Taste South African wine in the Cape Winelands
Explore the historic university town of Stellenbosch
Visit Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast route

Day 4: Hermanus Region - Swellendam - Mossel Bay

Location: Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today the scenic journey through the Garden Route begins. Before departing Hermanus, take the opportunity to join the shark cage diving optional excursion and get up close with great white sharks - if you dare! Then, travel to Swellendam and stop at a farm stall for lunch on the way. Swellendam is known for its spectacular nature and Cape Dutch architecture. Next up is a visit to a Cape Aloe Vera factory near Albertinia. Sample some locally made products such as aloe tea and body creams. The last stop before arriving at tonight’s accommodation in Mossel Bay is Pinnacle Caves, an ancient site where human fossils have been discovered! Finally, settle in for the evening and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town
Explore an Aloe Vera Farm in the Hessequa region
Visit Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay

Day 5: Garden Route: Game Drive - Knysna - Tsitsikamma

Location: Garden Route, Knysna, Tsitsikamma

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, visit Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and look forward to a quintessential South African experience - a wildlife safari! Spot indigenous animals such as rhinos, elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeest and more. Then, travel onwards to Knysna and enjoy lunch in the heart of the Garden Route. Knysna is famed for its seafood and hosts an annual oyster festival! Later, why not discover more of the region’s incredible animals? Choose from two amazing optional excursions; spend time with monkeys at Monkeyland or see the world’s largest free-flight aviary and bird sanctuary. Dinner is included at tonight’s hotel in Tsitsikamma.

Embark on a Game Drive at Botlierskop Game Drive
Explore the beautiful Knysna Waterfront

Day 6: Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River - Eastern Cape

Location: Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River, Eastern Cape

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with the adrenaline-filled optional excursions on offer today. Embark on a zipline tour through the awe-inspiring Tsitsikamma forest or head to the Bloukrans Bridge to jump off the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge! Or simply explore the forest on foot and marvel at the flora and fauna. This afternoon, head to the Storms River Mouth which is home to South Africa’s longest suspension bridge. Cross the bridge for unforgettable views, join the optional to kayak through the Storms River Gorge or simply relax on the ground and enjoy the scenery. The evening is free to find a spot for dinner or enjoy a drink at a local pub.

Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and visit Storms River Mouth

Day 7: Route 62 - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves Experience

Location: Route 62, Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm, Cango Caves

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The tour makes its way from forest to desert today as we travel towards Oudtshoorn in the Karoo. Driving along Route 62 will reveal a completely different yet utterly mesmerising landscape complete with fruit and vegetable farms, craggy mountains and arid semi-desert scenery. Arrive in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, and embark on a tour of an ostrich farm to learn more about these fascinating birds. Later, visit one of the top things to see in the Karoo; the Cango Caves. Marvel at these 20 million-year-old dripstone caves and learn more about their history. Get a taste of hearty Karoo cuisine tonight with an included dinner at the hotel.

Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm
Explore the Cango Caves
Sit down for a traditional Great Karoo meal

Day 8: Oudtshoorn - Route 62 - Cape Winelands - Cape Town

Location: Oudtshoorn, Route 62, Cape Winelands, Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

It’s back to Route 62 this morning with a stop at a beloved roadstall in the charming town of Barrydale. Then, it’s on to Robertson for an included lunch in the “valley of wine and roses”! Speaking of wine, look forward to another wine tasting paired with local cheese in Paarl, another popular town in the Cape Winelands. Finally, travel back to Cape Town and relax at the hotel or, if you’re up for it, enjoy a night on the town.

Enjoy lunch in the Robertson; a beautiful wine-producing destination
Taste local cheese and wine in Paarl

Day 9: End Of Tour In Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a jam-packed 9-day Cape Town and Garden Route tour, the tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Don’t forget to swap contact details with your new travel buddies. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onwards and can’t wait to see you on tour with us again soon!

What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Meals

8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Tour Leader

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

What's Not Included

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.

All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

Mode of Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

Accommodation

8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - COACH tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Health and Fitness

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

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
Explore an Aloe Vera Farm in the Hessequa region
Visit 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

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

No, entrance fees are not included.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

All our tours are conducted in English.
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.

In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, Full air-conditioning
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
What is the maximum group size?

It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
What is the tipping policy?

Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
Children on tour?

Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 2005
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

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Sunday - Monday

Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025

~~$1455~~ $1129

Operator discount: -$270