Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure
Experience Overview
Encompassing some of the most majestic scenery in Africa, the journey between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town ranks among the finest coastal routes in the world. Pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs and gorges, fairytale forests and lively seaside towns adorn this shoreline. Starting at the secluded Amakhala Safari Lodge, game drives in the vast reserve will be complemented with time to relax in your private plunge pool. Along the way, we sample local wines and cuisine in Stellenbosch, look out for southern right whales as they come close to shore (in season) and enjoy nature walks to discover the abundant flora and fauna of South Africa. Our adventure ends at the stylish Blackheath Lodge, the perfect place to relax and take in magnificent Cape Town.
Profile
— Accommodation: 8 Premium nights (hotels), 1 Superior night (hotel), 2 Classic nights (hotel) — Travel by private minibus — No long drives
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 8 Premium nights (hotels), 1 Superior night (hotel), 2 Classic nights (hotel) — Travel by private minibus — No long drives
Trip For You
We have graded this trip Activity Level 1 (Easy) as we base ourselves in premium accommodation and there are no strenuous activities. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
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.
Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included.
The food you’ll encounter on this trip is very similar to the kind of food you’ll be used to at home. There may be the opportunity to try some more unusual meats such as ostrich, kudu or eland.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally coming from bore-holes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps reduce plastic consumption.
Transportation
We use a minibus for this trip. Each is fitted with forward-facing seats and tows a luggage trailer. They have large windows for good views while touring.
Joining Instructions
Start point: Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
Recommended arrival time: Typically before 12pm (please check arrival time of group flights with your sales representative)
Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on the Exodus-booked flight from London, UK, via Johannesburg, please note you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Port Elizabeth (and even if you are told by airport staff that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
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.
Spending Money
All prices listed are subject to change.
Plettenberg Bay
— Dolphin watching: 650 rand (US$35) — Whale watching: 970 rand (US$53) — Township tour: 350 rand (US$19) — Robberg guided walk: 460 rand (US$23). Entrance only: adults - 60 rand (US$3.30), children under 12 - 40 rand (US$2.15) — Sea kayaking: 400 rand (US$23)
De Hoop
— Birdwatching walk: 195 rand (US$11) — Boat cruise: 450 rand (US$25) — Nature drive: 450 rand (US$25) — Marine walk: 295 rand (US$16) — Mountain biking: 295 rand (US$16) - Mountain bike hire 350 rand (US$19) — Vulture watching: 595 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). — Cape Town Township & Robben Island tour 1600 rand (US$86) per person — Township half day tour: 850 rand (US$47)
Please note that the Table Mountain cable car closes during winter for its annual maintenance. We advise checking their website for exact dates: https://www.tablemountain.net/
Tipping
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions, or to give your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally be divided between drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the Tour Leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest approximately 80-100 South African rand (US$4.70-US$5.80) per person per day.
Highlights
— Experience the best of Cape Town and the Garden Route, while staying in premium accommodation — Enjoy two nights and four game drives at Amakhala Safari Lodge – each lodge includes a private plunge pool — Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and De Hoop Nature Reserve on foot — Visit two Stellenbosch wineries for a day of wine tasting with food pairings — Encounter African penguins among the granite rocks of Boulders Beach — Enjoy stunning views from the summit of Table Mountain
Trip Details
Product Code: 4136
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: touring.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AJP
Starts: Port Elizabeth, Cape Town
Finishes: Port Elizabeth, Cape Town
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners — All accommodation — Tips for local staff — Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback — All transport and listed activitiesAccommodation
Hotels and LodgesUnwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics. On nights 5 and 6, we use Classic three-star accommodation in a wonderful location rather than a Premium property, and on night 9 we stay in a Superior hotel in Simon's Town. Amakhala Safari Lodge (four-star), Amakhala Game Reserve. Two nights. 11 premium suites with private plunge pools and separate lounge areasLocated in a valley of indigenous bush at the northern boundary of Amakhala Game ReserveThe view from the safari suites and lounge area is of a waterhole where antelope and zebra quench their thirst Christiana Lodge (four-star), Plettenberg Bay. Two nights. A short walk from Robberg BeachPrivate balconies with views of the nature areaSpacious lounge and dining area, plus a swimming pool De Hoop Collection (three-star), De Hoop Nature Reserve. Two nights. Individually designed suites in a reserve with hiking and biking trailsFig Tree restaurant serving local cuisine from head chef, Marcia TyobekaChance to see southern right whales from the shore (late August to November only) Cultivar Guest Lodge (four-star), Stellenbosch. Two nights. Guest lodge with 16 elegant roomsSpectacular views over the Stellenbosch mountainsFacilities include a swimming pool, roof terrace and spacious garden Quayside Hotel (four-star), Simon’s Town. One night. Centrally located next to the harbourRooms either look out over False Bay or the Simon’s Kloof Mountains Blackheath Lodge (four-star), Cape Town. Two nights. In upmarket Sea Point, home to excellent bars, restaurants and beaches18 luxury rooms and suites in a Victorian propertyStylish lounge with wood fireplace, plus a swimming pool and sundeck The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,930 ($744 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to South Africa. We gather at the airport and take a one-hour drive to Amakhala, a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The Amakhala crew will welcome you and help you settle into this spectacular safari lodge. In the late afternoon, we embark on our first game drive for a chance to see the spectacular wildlife and topography of Amakhala. During the drive, we stop for a cheese and wine sundowner, a quintessential safari experience to round off your first day. Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (four-star)
Amakhala Game Reserve is spread across 18,000 acres (7,280ha), hosting five of the seven biomes in South Africa and a large diversity of wildlife. Sightings here may feature lions, buffalos, rhinos, elephants and leopards, plus giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and many species of antelope. Using open-air 4WD safari vehicles, we begin with an early morning game drive to search for wildlife at the time when the reserve is most active. There will be moments to relax and enjoy the incredible facilities at the lodge over lunch as well as visit the spa or take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the bush. Later, we head back into the reserve for an afternoon game drive, searching for species we may not have encountered yet. Another wine and cheese sundowner will feature on this afternoon’s game drive. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional braai (South African barbecue) under the southern hemisphere night sky (weather permitting). Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (four-star)
Our day begins with a final game drive in Amakhala before we head west to the official start of the Garden Route – Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Getting its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water’ and encompassing land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, epic canyons and magnificent coastal views. In the park, we enjoy a walk in the forest and along boardwalks and suspension bridges. This is a great opportunity to encounter abundant birdlife, with sea, forest and scrubland species all present. Our accommodation is a short transfer away in the relaxed seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, where there are great restaurants close to our lodge for dinner. Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (four-star)
Today is about enjoying the Plettenberg Bay area. A short drive away is Robberg Nature Reserve, a peninsula of rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and scenic hiking trails that we have the morning to explore. As a World Heritage site and National Monument, this is one of the quintessential Garden Route destinations and home to seals, dassies (rock hyraxes) and abundant bird life. The rest of the day is free to relax at our beautiful lodge, enjoy local cuisine in one of the many excellent restaurants or explore the nearby white-sand beach. Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (four-star)
Continuing along the Garden Route, we visit one of its most picturesque points, Knysna Heads – a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a channel separating the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Our next stop is for lunch at Mossel Bay, a quaint coastal town home to The Post Office Tree, a landmark where seafarers once left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. We end today’s journey at De Hoop Nature Reserve and will arrive at our secluded accommodation within the reserve this afternoon, leaving time to discover this amazing setting before dinner. Classic accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (three-star)
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage site and home to 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 stretches some 84,000 acres (34,000ha) and includes 3mi (5km) of marine reserve, one of the largest in Africa. This is one of the best locations in South Africa to see migrating southern right whales from shore (from late August to November) and is far less busy than nearby Hermanus. We have the day to discover this unspoilt environment and enjoy some of the many optional activities on offer, such as a guided eco-boat tour, an interpretative marine walk, birdwatching, and mountain biking. In the afternoon, we walk along the beach boardwalk to a lookout point that is a great place for whale watching in season. Classic accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (three-star)
A short transfer takes us to Cape Agulhas, a rocky headland that is officially the southernmost point in Africa. We continue 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 lunch, we walk from the harbour and along the cliff edge, hopefully spotting these magnificent animals as they come close to shore. Heading inland, our destination for the day is the historic town of Stellenbosch, at the heart of the South African winelands. Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (four-star)
In the Western Cape, Stellenbosch has fertile soil and a temperate climate – the perfect winemaking conditions. Our day will feature two of the best wine estates in Stellenbosch. We begin at the Waterford Estate, where we pair the regional cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with dark and milk chocolates. Next is the Middelvlei Estate to pair their chardonnay, merlot and pinotage with Boerebraai tapas. In the afternoon, we return to our accommodation to unwind in the pool or gardens and take in the wonderful views of the Stellenbosch mountains and vineyards. Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (four-star)
After a relaxing start to the day, we make our way down to Simon's Town in time for lunch at a restaurant next to Boulders Beach. At the beach is a colony of approximately 2,000-3,000 African penguins, a protected species that is sadly endangered. The granite boulders offer shelter from the elements and the beach falls under a protected area that is part of the Table Mountain National Park, making this a haven for the colony. This is the only place in the world where you can get close to African penguins in this way, and it makes for a heart-warming experience. After time to enjoy the colony, surrounding dunes and boardwalks, we have a short drive to our centrally located hotel next to the harbour. Superior accommodation: Quayside Hotel, Simon’s Town (four-star)
We start early today and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve for a two-hour walk along this ruggedly beautiful coastline. Starting with the Old Lighthouse, a short climb is rewarded with panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our route follows the boardwalk along the coast, past hidden beaches and jagged cliff faces, before reaching the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve is home to elands, bonteboks, grysboks, springboks, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches, and we may be lucky enough to see a few of them. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is our next stop. After lunch, we have the afternoon to discover the abundant bird and plant life of this highly acclaimed botanical garden, as well as appreciate its full grandeur from the canopy walkway. Our day ends in Sea Point, an upmarket suburb of Cape Town between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park. Premium accommodation: Blackheath Lodge, Cape Town (four-star)
The Cape Town skyline is one of most recognisable in the world with Table Mountain towering over the city. The views from the top of this 3,495ft (1,065m) mountain are spectacular. Fortunately, there is a cable car to take us there, saving us a hike up the steep mountain slopes. Looking out from the summit is the best way to appreciate Cape Town; from here it is possible to see Lion's Head, Robben Island and the city centre. The rest of the day is free to stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, join a township tour or learn about Nelson Mandela’s incarceration on a visit to Robben Island. Premium accommodation: Blackheath Lodge, Cape Town (four-star)
Depending on flight schedules, there may be additional time to explore Cape Town or simply unwind in the beautiful grounds of our hotel. If you’d like a bit more time in this captivating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Nigel Turner - Traveled, March 2024
Very varied, comfortable and fun! Although it’s only twelve days, there’s lots of variety in this trip. There’s time on safari, some nice coastal walks, some bird watching, a relaxing wine tasting Sunday, a great city break in Cape Town and penguins! There are only really two travel days and the accommodation is indeed premium. The main stops (2 nights) were all great, especially Amakhala and De Hoop which have real style. Stellenbosch is very good and has plenty of space for relaxing after all the wine tasting. We had a good group and a great guide. And the food and drink in south Africa is great too. Most Inspirational Moment - When the rhino appeared during sundowners on the first day! - The Point walk in Robberg nature reserve; see below - Cape Town from Table Mountain Thoughts on Group Leader Petro was great. Friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Also great planning - based on the weather forecast, she tweaked the itinerary so that when we went up Table Mountain we had sunshine and views instead of cloud and rain! Advice for Potential Travellers South Africa is quite a long way for 12 days. We asked Exodus to add an extra night in Cape Town (Blackheath Lodge is a great hotel). Cape Town is easy to get around in if you use Uber and there is plenty to see. We then added our own additional week away. With Joburg being a hub airport, it's easy to go somewhere else in or near Africa if you have the time. We chose to go to St Helena in the South Atlantic which was on my bucket list! Suggestions - Amakhala exceeded expectations: we saw rhino, lion, cheetah, elephants, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, wild boar and lots of antelope types! The lodge was as good as others we have stayed in and the food was excellent. - This is a 'leisurely' trip. With all the great food and drink, we wanted to ensure we still did plenty of walking. At Robberg, we chose to do the full 'Point' walk. It was great; a bit strenuous with a lot of climbing over rocks but the scenery coming back along the beach was super. Don't forget your suntan lotion as it takes four hours. We also did the walk to the Cape of Good Hope, followed the path around the top of table mountain. These need sturdy walking shoes. Also, on our extra day in Cape Town, we hired a guide to take us up the Lion's Head which had the most amazing views of Table Mountain and the city below.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Gillian B - Traveled, November 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure A very well organised, enjoyable trip, which covered all the sights we wanted to see. Our guide, Petro, was extremely knowledgeable, personable and friendly. Most Inspirational Moment "Amakala was amazing - accommodation, game drives, guides, food - all of it. Loved everything about the nature reserve. Making it up Table Mountain." Thoughts on Group Leader A most competent leader and very likeable too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Christine G - Traveled, November 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Very good organisation, great guide, lovely hotels, beautiful country Most Inspirational Moment "Cape of good hope Game park Cape Town: table mountain Lodge at the first location" Thoughts on Group Leader Petro was an excellent guide and driver, very committed that we have a good time and very interested that we get a complete impression of South Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Susan C - Traveled, October 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Excellent accommodation, well organised, fabulous experiences . Our guide, Petro, was fantastic, not only making sure all arrangements in order but also sharing with us her in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s history & culture Most Inspirational Moment All but especially Amakhala Game Reserve & Stellenbosch. Accommodations at Stellenbosch, Amakhala & Cape Town were excellent Thoughts on Group Leader Petro was a fantastic group leader and would do anything to help. She had everything well organised & gave us a wonderful insight into the culture & history of South Africa. She socialised with the group & made it such a fun, interesting trip. A great asset to Exodus
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
David M - Traveled, October 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Petro was a fantastic CEO and took care of all our needs. The weather caused washouts thru out South Africa and Petro always found other interesting things to experience Most Inspirational Moment Our CEO and the whole garden route Thoughts on Group Leader We could not ask for a better leader the Petro.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Stuart L - Traveled, August 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Well organised and interesting trip. Basically delivered on what was sold. The local guide Petro, really made the trip with her orginasation and knowledge. Most Inspirational Moment Safari Thoughts on Group Leader Thoroughly recommend Petro!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Bansi P - Traveled, August 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure Excellent guide (Petro) with great knowledge, well organised trip whilst being adaptable, really enjoyable trip Most Inspirational Moment Brilliant guide, excellent route (garden route), lovely accommodation, good food Thoughts on Group Leader Brilliant guide, excellent knowledge of local regions/country, friendly & approachable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Laura L - Traveled, September 2023
Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure All the accommodation was amazing. Petro, our guide was so knowledgeable and couldn’t do enough for us and the experience was just brilliant. Most Inspirational Moment Amakahla game reserve
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
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