A Journey through Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, and the Amakhala Game Reserve
Welcome to South Africa!
Your adventure begins with a three-night exploration of Cape Town's attractions, which includes a guided hike up Table Mountain, a relaxing afternoon at the V&A Waterfront, and a Peninsula tour to visit the penguins and baboons at Cape Point.
Following a visit to the Cape Winelands, you'll collect your rental car and embark on a six-day self-drive journey along the Garden Route, with stops in the quaint town of Oudtshoorn, the picturesque beachfront village of Wilderness, the charming lagoon-side town of Knysna, and the stunning Oyster Bay beach.
Finally, your adventure concludes with a glamping safari at Amakhala Game Reserve, where you'll spend four nights immersed in nature while enjoying the comfort and luxury of glamping. This glamping safari will offer you the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation before your departure from Gqeberha.
As you are welcomed by your driver and taken to your cozy accommodation at Parker Cottage (B&B). This charming guesthouse is located in the historic Tamboerskloof neighborhood, close to many attractions and restaurants.
Parker Cottage
www.parkercottage.co.za
3 Carstens Street Tamboerskloof Cape Town South Africa
Tel +27 (0)21 424 - 6445
On your first day, you will join a guided hike to the summit of Table Mountain, the iconic landmark that dominates the city skyline. Enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean, the city, and the surrounding mountains as you reach the top, where you can take the cable car down to the lower station.
You'll have a relaxing morning on Day 2 at the V&A Waterfront, a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can explore the many shops and markets, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, or hop on the Cape Wheel for a bird’s eye view of the harbor. In the afternoon, you will embark on a public tour to Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were incarcerated. Learn about the history and legacy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you visit the cells, the lime quarry, and the museum.
On Day 3, you will head down the scenic Cape Peninsula to meet the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach. Watch them waddle and swim in their natural habitat, and learn about their conservation efforts. You will also stroll through the quaint seaside towns of Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, where you can admire the colorful houses, the fishing boats, and the surfers. On your way back, you will drive along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, a winding road that offers stunning views of the cliffs and the ocean.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast Only
Today, you will leave Parker Cottage, a region renowned for its exquisite wines, cuisine, and scenery. At the end of the day you'll check in at Oude Werf (B&B), the oldest hotel in South Africa, located in the heart of Stellenbosch. This hotel offers a unique blend of modern luxury and vintage charm, with spacious rooms, a splendid restaurant, and a cozy lounge and bar. You will spend one night here on a bed and breakfast basis.
Oude Werf
www.oudewerf.co.za
30 Church street, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tel +27 (0)21 887 4608
You will visit some of the most famous wine estates and taste their award-winning products, paired with local delicacies such as cheese, chocolate, and olives. You will also explore the charming towns and villages that dot the landscape, such as Franschhoek, the culinary capital of South Africa, and Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country. You will marvel at the architecture, history, and culture of these places, and enjoy the views of the mountains and vineyards.
On your way you'll pay a visit to Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, a non-profit organisation that provides a safe and loving home for rescued captive-bred big cats, such as lions, tigers, leopards, and caracals. You will learn about the plight of these animals and their conservation efforts, and see them up close in their natural environment.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Your initial destination will be Oudtshoorn, a town in the semi-arid Karoo area that gained fame during the ostrich feather boom of the 1920s. You'll spend the night at De Zeekoe (B&B), a functioning ostrich ranch offering comfortable lodging, delectable cuisine, and a range of activities, including ostrich tours, meerkat safaris, and stargazing.
De Zeekoe
www.dezeekoe.co.za
Seekoegat Farm just off the R328, towards Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel +27 82 551 3019
On Day 5 of your trip, you'll collect your rental car in Stellenbosch and embark on a picturesque journey along the Garden Route, a renowned tourist route showcasing the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure options in the Western Cape region.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Your accommodation will be at Escape to the Beach (B&B), a charming guesthouse with views of the Indian Ocean and convenient access to the beach, lagoon, and national park. You can enjoy activities like canoeing on the Touw River, beach walks, or paragliding from nearby sand dunes.
Escape to the Beach
www.escapetothebeach.co.za
You'll explore the magnificent Cango Caves, an underground marvel featuring limestone formations, chambers, and tunnels. Afterward, you'll head east to Wilderness, a coastal town surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Continuing your journey from Wilderness, you'll reach Knysna, a lively town on the edge of a sizable lagoon, renowned for its oysters, festivals, and waterfront. You'll spend two nights at Amanzi Island Lodge (B&B), a luxury retreat offering breathtaking views of the lagoon, ocean, and mountains.
Amanzi Island Lodge
www.amanzilodge.co.za
31-33 Cearn Drive Leisure Isle, Knysna South Africa
Tel +27 (0)44 384 1236
You'll have ample time to explore Knysna's attractions, such as the Knysna Heads, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Thesen Island Harbour Town, and Knysna Elephant Park. Additionally, you can take a stroll around the Robberg Peninsula, a nature reserve and marine protected area inhabited by seals, birds, and fossils.
You might also choose to visit some of the boutique vineyards in the region, including Bramon Wine Estate, Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, and Packwood Wine Estate, to sample their award-winning wines. Alternatively, you can opt for a yacht charter across the lagoon to savor the scenery and wildlife from the water.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Your final night on the Garden Route will be at Oyster Bay Lodge (B&B), a 4-star lodge situated on a natural coastal reserve, offering a secluded and peaceful getaway.
Oyster Bay Lodge
www.oysterbaylodge.com
Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay, Oyster Bay
Tel +27 (0) 42 297 0150
Here, you can enjoy activities such as beach horse rides, picnicking in expansive sand dunes, visiting a working African dairy farm, and concluding the day with a traditional South African braai under the starry sky.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
You’ll be staying under canvas at Quatermain's 1920s Safari Camp (DLB&B) which is an authentic recreation of safari camps during the period of colonial exploration. The camp has six en-suite tents, each with a private deck and a view of the bush. All your meals will be served to you outside deep in the bushveld, where you can enjoy the fresh air and the sounds of nature. You’ll also have access to a communal lounge, a library, and a fire pit where you can relax and share stories with other guests.
Quatermain's 1920s Safari Camp (DLB&B)
www.quatermainscamp.co.za
Tel +27 (0) 79 307 6640
You’ll take a slow drive today further east into the Eastern Cape where you’ll find the large private reserve of Amakhala. The reserve covers an area of 18,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the "Big Five".
During your stay you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, such as zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as hundreds of bird species. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of the region, as well as the conservation efforts of the reserve.
After a day of guided drives and walks through the spectacular wilderness, you’ll fall sleep in your comfortable tent, listening to the sounds of the wildlife all around you.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Where It All Began is committed to crafting active adventures that not only thrill but also preserve the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Southern Africa.
Our mission is to provide sustainable adventure travel experiences that connect travellers with off the beaten track experiences in this diverse region through cycling, hiking, sailing, diving, off-roading and other low-emission methods of travel.
Through responsible tourism practices, we aim to leave a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and cherish the places where it all began.
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Travelling to Southern Africa is truly a return to the source of humankind, to Where It All Began.