At a Glance
Feel every bit of magic as you journey from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on this 12-day South Africa discovery along the iconic Garden Route. Unearth wonders in Amakhala Private Game Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stellenbosch and more. Witness nature at its finest as you encounter an astonishing variety of wildlife and plant life, striking peaks, pristine beaches, luscious wines and cuisines and breathtaking landscapes.
Your adventure begins in Port Elizabeth, where you’ll venture on a 1-hour drive to the private game reserve of Amakhala for thrilling game drives. Journey west to the Garden Route for a forest walk in Tsitsikamma National Park. Explore Plettenberg Bay by traversing the Robberg Nature Reserve. Visit the Knysna Heads and onto one of the largest reserves in South Africa, De ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 9 nights accommodations on a twin share basis
- 12x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner
- Tips for local staff
- Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- All transport and listed activities
Itinerary
 |
Hello South Africa! Make your own way to Port Elizabeth Airport where you’ll gather together to begin a 1 hour drive to Amakhala, a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The Amakhala crew will welcome and help you settle into this breathtaking safari lodge. This intimate 4-star lodge is a splendid oasis nestled in nature’s ambience in the Amakhala Game Reserve, surrounded by indigenous bush and the sights and sounds of Africa’s most majestic creatures. Unwind with a relaxing lap in the glimmering waters of the outdoor swimming pool. Later in the afternoon, we go for our first game drive to see stunning wildlife and the topography of Amakhala. During the drive, we stop for a cheese and wine sundowner, a quintessential safari experience to round off your first day. |
Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve 
Dinner |
The spectacular Amakhala Game Reserve spreads across 18,000 acres (7,280 ha), hosting five of seven biomes in South Africa and a huge diversity of wildlife. Sightings here may include lions, buffalos, rhinos, elephants, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and several antelope species. This morning after a hearty and filling breakfast, we head out on an adventure quest. For our early morning game drive, we use open-air 4WD safari vehicles to search for wildlife at this time when the reserve is most active. |
|
 |
There will be breaks to relax and enjoy the incredible facilities at the lodge over lunch, visit the spa, or take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the bush. Afterwards, we head back into the reserve for an afternoon game drive, searching for species we may have yet to encounter. Enjoy another wine and cheese sundowner on this afternoon's game drive. This evening, we relish a traditional braai (South African barbecue) under the southern hemisphere night sky if the weather permits. |
Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game ReserveBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
We begin our day with a final game drive in Amakhala before heading west to the official start of the Garden Route - Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Deriving its name from a local word meaning 'place of abundant water' and covering land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, impressive canyons and stunning coastal panoramas. Arriving at the park, we traverse the forest along boardwalks and suspension bridges where you can take a glimpse of the frothy waters of the Storms River below. This is the perfect opportunity to behold abundant birdlife, with the presence of sea, forest and scrubland species. Learn the unique features of the surrounding nature while you are here. |
|
 |
Our accommodation is a short transfer away in the peaceful seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, Christina Lodge, a private and luxurious 4-star boutique hotel poised on a hillside using the glimmering waters of the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. Settle into one of the elegant suites that showcases a seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation, emphasising the warmth of African-inspired design elements. Relax and unwind with a dip in the private plunge pool or soak in the serene views at the terrace. In the evening, venture out to one of the nearby restaurants to indulge in a delicious platter of fresh seafood or an array of local cuisine, your choice. Pair your meals with some of the best wines, with Plettenberg Bay being home to one of the best wine estates in South Africa. |
Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay Breakfast, Lunch |
We're dedicating today to enjoying the Plettenberg Bay area. Named after the Baron governor of the Cape colony in the 18th century. This rich land is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, wildlife and thrilling outdoor activities. We embark on a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve, exploring this peninsula of craggy cliffs, remote beaches and scenic hiking trails. As a World Heritage site and National Monument, it is one of the quintessential Garden Route destinations and home to seals, dassies (rock hyraxes) and abundant bird life. You have the rest of the day to relax at our beautiful lodge, enjoy delicious local cuisine in one of the many fantastic restaurants or explore the nearby white-sand beach. Saunter the calming sands of the beach or take it further and dip your toes in the soothing waters of the Indian Ocean. |
Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg BayBreakfast |
Wake up to a platter of delicious breakfast entrees before continuing along the Garden Route. Along the way, visit one of its most scenic points, Knysna Heads. It is a pair of sandstone cliffs that create a channel that splits the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Behold these two stunning watermarks and the Outeniqua mountain in the distance. We stop at Mossel Bay for lunch—this scenic coastal town is home to The Post Office Tree, a landmark where seafarers once left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. Today's journey ends at De Hoop Nature Reserve where your accommodation awaits. You’ll stay at a De Hoop Collection in the charming Cloete Suites. Unwind in your picturesque suites with some boasting views of the grasslands where bontebok, eland and mountain zebra are often seen grazing. Relax by the quaint boules courtyard, take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a game at the tennis court. You'll have time to explore the spectacular setting before dinner. |
De Hoop Collection, Cloete Suites, De Hoop Nature ReserveBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a wildlife paradise. This World Heritage site houses 86 mammal species, more than 260 bird species, and the smallest and most threatened plant kingdom on the planet: the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve covers some 84,000 acres (34,000 ha) and includes 3 mi (5 km) of marine reserve, one of the largest in Africa. It is one of the best locations in South Africa to see migrating southern right whales from shore (from late August to November) and is way less busy than nearby Hermanus. We have the whole day to explore this preserved environment and try out some optional activities, such as a guided eco-boat tour, an interpretative marine walk, birdwatching and mountain biking. Later in the afternoon, we trek along the beach boardwalk to a lookout point that is perfect for whale watching in season. |
De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature ReserveBreakfast, Dinner |
We go on a short transfer to Cape Agulhas, a jagged headland, officially the southernmost point in Africa. We proceed to Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of South Africa, where southern right whales arrive from Antarctica between late August and November to calve in the sheltered waters. |
|
 |
After a sumptuous lunch, we trek from the harbour and along the cliff edge, hopefully sighting these gorgeous animals as they come close to shore. Today's destination is the historic town of Stellenbosch, at the heart of the South African Winelands. On arrival, we head to our home for the next two days, Cultivar Guest Lodge. Located in a hidden gem nestled right in the heart of the lush Cape Winelands, creating an immersive and picturesque setting. Settle in one of the 16 uniquely designed spacious guest rooms that offer an escape from reality. After setting down, we convene for a dinner featuring mouth-watering delights with African-infused flavours. |
Cultivar Guest Lodge, StellenboschBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
In the Western Cape, Stellenbosch has the ideal winemaking conditions: fertile soil and a temperate climate. Today, we will visit two of the best wine estates in Stellenbosch. We start at the Waterford Estate, where we pair the regional cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with dark and milk chocolates. Afterwards, we visit the Middelvlei Estate to enjoy the pairing of their chardonnay, merlot and pinotage with Boerebraai tapas. In the afternoon, retreat back at your lodge to unwind in the pool or gardens and soak in gorgeous views of the Stellenbosch mountains and vineyards. |
Cultivar Guest Lodge, StellenboschBreakfast, Dinner |
We enjoy a slow start to the day before heading down to Simon's Town in time for lunch at a restaurant next to Boulders Beach. This beach houses a colony of approximately 2,000 - 3,000 penguins, a protected and endangered species. The granite boulders provide shelter from the elements, and the beach falls under a protected area of Table Mountain National Park, making this a haven for the colony. This is the only place in the world to enjoy the soul-stirring experience of getting close to African penguins. |
|
 |
After exploring the colony, neighbouring dunes and boardwalks, we go on a short drive to our centrally situated hotel next to the harbour. Quayside Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel that exudes a historic charm alongside contemporary designs with modern amenities and offers breathtaking views over False Bay and the majestic Simon’s Kloof mountains. Tonight, you can venture to the hotel’s restaurant on your own to indulge in delectable European cuisine from the à la carte menu. |
Quayside Hotel, Simon's TownBreakfast, Lunch |
We begin the day early and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve for a two-hour walk along this gorgeous coastline. We start with a short climb up the Old Lighthouse and are rewarded with scenic vistas of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our route takes us through the boardwalk along the coast, past secluded beaches and craggy cliff faces, before reaching the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve houses elands, bonteboks, grysboks, springboks, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches, and we may be lucky enough to behold a few. Our next stop is the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Following lunch, we take the rest of the afternoon to discover the abundant bird and plant life of this famed botanical garden as well as appreciate its magnificence from the canopy walkway. The day ends in Camps Bay, a prosperous suburb of Cape Town between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park. |
|
 |
Our home for the rest of the trip is the Ocean View House. This 4-star family run guest house is situated on the Bakoven side of Camps Bay facing its stunning rock beaches, utilising the calming sounds of the ocean in the background. Once you are settled in, put on your swim wear for a relaxing time in the hotel’s solar-heated swimming pool. |
Ocean View House, Cape TownBreakfast, Lunch |
The Cape Town skyline with Table Mountain towering over the city is well-known worldwide. The vistas from this 3,495 ft (1,065 m) mountain are awe-inspiring. Fortunately, we can get there by cable car, saving us from hiking up the steep mountain slopes. The best way to appreciate Cape Town is to look out from the cliff; you can see the Lion's Head, Robben Island and the city centre. You have the rest of the day to stroll the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, join a township tour or learn about Nelson Mandela's incarceration on a visit to Robben Island. |
Ocean View House, Cape TownBreakfast |
Savour a delightful breakfast and depending on flight schedules, you may have some time to explore Cape Town or relax on the stunning grounds of our hotel. Bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Port Elizabeth
- The finish point is Cape Town
- Flights provide convenient access to Port Elizabeth. The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth or the nearest major international airport is Cape Town International Airport. From Cape Town Airport it takes about 8 hours drive or under 1.5 hours flight.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in Port Elizabeth Airport making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Summer months are from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25C to 30C (77-86F). The average night-time temperature is 10C-20C (50F-68F). The winter months are from May to September and average temperatures are colder at this time of year. In general, however, the Cape Town climate is quite mild. The summer months are typically dry and warm, but the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things, but can be a little unpleasant if one is walking in exposed areas. Most of the rainfall is in the winter but it is frontal rain, which comes off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days, and in between there will be warm sunny days. Due to the proximity of the ocean to the mountains and winds, it is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains. Our programme is flexible enough to accommodate any major changes in weather, and yet still make it enjoyable.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 1 Leisurely.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
This is primarily a vehicle-based trip, although there are a few opportunities to go on walks in the Tsitsikamma National Park and in Cape Point Nature Reserve. All walking is optional. At Cape Point Nature Reserve, we walk along good paths to the lighthouse and along the boardwalk. Both walks take about two hours. The Tsitsikamma walk to the Storms River mouth is along a boardwalk and around one-hour long. There are many optional walks in the park that are a little longer and more strenuous. Travelling from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, rather than doing a round trip, allows us to visit more places at a more leisurely pace with less driving and no need to backtrack.
Additional activities at additional cost. All prices listed are subject to change.
Plettenberg Bay
- Dolphin watching: 600 rand (US$34)
- Whale watching: 850 rand (US$48)
- Township tour: 300 rand (US$17)
- Robberg walk: 400 rand (US$23)
- Sea kayaking: 400 rand (US$23)
De Hoop
- Birdwatching walk: 200 rand (US$30)
- Boat cruise: 400 rand (US$23)
- Nature drive: 400 rand (US$23)
- Marine walk: 300 rand (US$17)
- Mountain biking: 200 rand (US$30)
- Vulture watching: 600 rand (US$34)
Cape Town
- Robben Island: 600 rand (US$34). Please note, if you would like to book this excursion then please advise your sales representative at least four weeks before travel, ideally when you book on the trip. We will take all names and the tickets will then be payable locally – this is to avoid disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up, we cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc).
- Township tour: 1,000 rand (US$57)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
