Overview

Experience the beauty of both Cape Town and the Garden Route before enjoying a malaria-free Big 5 safari in the Eastern Cape’s Kwandwe Reserve on this 10-day luxury retreat.

Start your self-drive adventure in the spectacular and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town as you spend three days exploring her many attractions. Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and soak up the amazing views, enjoy a slow drive down the spectacular Cape Peninsula to Cape Point via the penguin colony of Boulders Beach and don’t forget to have a stroll around the ever-popular V&A Waterfront.

Then it’s time to head for the Cape Winelands and the historic town of Franschhoek to indulge in the gourmet delights of South Africa’s fine food capital. Enjoy great wine tasting and award-winning cuisine.

Continue east along the Garden Route to the coastal town of Knysna, at the heart of this famous holiday region. Spend a few days in this pretty little town as you explore indigenous forests or nearby beaches.

Finish your journey in the exclusive Kwandwe Game Reserve at The Great Fish River Lodge. Sit back and relax as you take in wonderful views during the search for the Big 5 on expertly-led and informative game drives.

Itinerary Highlights

• Enjoy central accommodation in Cape Town
• Self-drive your way to Cape Town’s highlights
• Take the cable car up Table Mountain
• Relax in style at a country estate
• Sample fine food & wine at Franschhoek
• Cruise the Garden Route at your own pace
• Enjoy spectacular views of Knysna lagoon
• Spot the Big 5 in malaria-free Kwandwe Reserve

Day to day itinerary

Day 1

Arriving in Cape Town

Once you have arrived in the Mother City, as Cape Town is known to the locals, pick up your hire car and drive to The More Quarters Apartment Hotel, a gorgeous boutique hotel situated at the heart of the city bowl and close to the city’s main attractions.

Days 2-3

Exploring the Mother City

The next two days are yours to explore this vibrant city and all that it has to offer. Why not kick off with a slow drive down the rugged Cape Peninsula to see the penguins at Boulders Beach before visiting Cape Point Nature Reserve?

Finish your first day with a delicious dinner in ever-fashionable Camps Bay as you watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
You could spend the next day wandering the landscaped gardens of Kirstenbosch before lunch at the historic wine estate of Groot Constantia. Return later to the city to take the cable car up Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and a spectacularly picturesque sunset.

Day 4

Relaxing in Franschhoek

This morning you’ll drive to the charming Cape Winelands town of Franschhoek and a restored manor house – The Franschhoek Country House. The rest of the day will be yours to settle in and enjoy the casual atmosphere of this historic French Huguenot town.

Visit a boutique wine farm, browse through the town’s many galleries and craft shops, or simply relax on your hotel’s beautiful grounds and enjoy the views of Franschhoek’s surrounding mountains.

Days 5-6

Taking a sunset cruise in Knysna

Continue east after breakfast as you drive along the iconic Garden Route to its epicentre, the coastal holiday town of Knysna. Located on Kanonkop Hill, Kanonkop House offers you breathtaking views of Knysna Lagoon.

Enjoy two luxurious days in Knysna as you relax in the tranquility of the Garden Route.
Set out on a romantic sunset cruise on the Lagoon, take a walk through sun-dappled indigenous forests, or drive to one of several pristine beaches in the immediate area to soak up the African sun.

Days 7-9

Searching for the Big 5 in Kwandwe

Have a final breakfast in Knysna and continue making your way along the striking Indian Ocean coast past the towns of Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. This exclusive conservation area is situated at the heart of the Eastern Cape safari experience and offers complete privacy and wonderful views.

During the next few days you’ll be heading out on morning, afternoon and early evening game drives to track down the famous Big 5 as well as other classic African big game species. Between game drives you’ll have the chance to explore the rolling hills and grassy plains of Kwandwe on nature walks with an expert guide.

Day 10

Ending your tour in Port Elizabeth

After a final game viewing activity and breakfast, say goodbye to Kwandwe and drive back to Port Elizabeth for your scheduled onward flight. Your adventure ends once you’ve dropped off your hire car at the airport.