Spectacular South Africa: Cape Town, Knysna, Kapama Private Game Reserve & More

On arrival in Cape Town, you are warmly welcomed by your representative and transferred to your boutique style guest house. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, restaurants, and colourful craft markets. The remainder of the day is at leisure (unescorted). Enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

After breakfast you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and set out to the picturesque Winelands, where century old vineyards are surrounded by awe inspiring mountain scenery. With extraordinary wine estates from Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your highly knowledgeable tour guide will discuss the many possibilities and tailor-make a memorable Winelands experience.

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

This morning we ascend one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature - majestic Table Mountain (weather permitting), for unrivalled views of Cape Town. Thereafter we drive along Millionaires Mile to Camps Bay, heading towards the charming working harbour at Hout Bay. We wind along legendary Chapman's Peak Drive (if open) hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views. After lunch (for own account) we visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

We depart Cape Town after breakfast. A stunning coastal drive brings us to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. En route, we seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stoney Point before arriving in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus.

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

This morning we explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and gasp at the outstanding views of Walker Bay.
During the months of July - November, the possibility of whale sightings could add further enhancement to our explorations. We depart late morning stopping for a late lunch (for own account) in the pretty village of Barrydale on the scenic "Route 62", then onward to Oudtshoorn, known as the "feather capital of the world", for a guided tour at an ostrich farm.

Distance travelled today: 380 kms

Today we will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Cango Caves, filled with wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Thereafter enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique wine estate, situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. We travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa.

Distance travelled today: 220 kms

After breakfast, journey into the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants.

Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch, in the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Forest Legends Museum, that exhibits tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the colourful Old Suzie steam engine, that was used to generate power, and the stately Old Forester's House, home of forester David Ernest Hutchins, who was the first person to manage the indigenous forest in a sustainable manner.

Distance travelled today: 100 kms

We depart Knysna after breakfast and travel to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari (weather permitting). During the summer months we may encounter bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment. During the winter months we may see southern right and humpback whales. For those brave souls amongst us, this afternoon you will have the opportunity to attempt the world's highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (for own account and weather permitting). We arrive late afternoon at the picturesque village of Storms River.

Distance travelled today: 130 kms

This morning we immerse ourselves in the splendour and tranquillity of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean (weather permitting). We continue our journey to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for our onward flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban we will be met and transferred to our accommodation for the evening, on the tropical North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

After breakfast head north to the tiny village of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa's wilderness treasures. A cruise on the St Lucia Estuary (depending on favourable weather conditions) affords us wonderful photographic opportunities as we may encounter large pods of hippos, the occasional Nile crocodile and prolific birdlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the heart of Big Five territory. After winding down with sundowners, we marvel at the spectacular sunsets and continue our search for elusive nocturnal creatures.

Distance travelled today: 350 kms

This morning will be an early start with tea, coffee and rusks after which we set out on an early morning safari in search of the Big Five, enjoying the delightful scenery and excellent safari opportunity. After breakfast we set our sights north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland), a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Arrive in the afternoon at our luxury lodge set in a beautiful, secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains.

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

After breakfast we visit a chief's village to gain an insight into the fascinating traditional Swati culture and the residents invite us to participate in the cultural practices. Afterwards, we cross the border back into South Africa for an afternoon arrival in the lush Sabie River Valley.

Distance travelled today: 330 kms

Today we traverse the glorious Panorama route taking in the spectacular God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels at Blyde River Canyon. Our safari adventure continues at Kapama Private Game Reserve described as an African Eden. The reserve is a wilderness paradise. After checking in, we depart on an open vehicle safari accompanied by a ranger and tracker. We go in search of a diverse range of animal and bird species and hope to encounter the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

The day starts with an early morning safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Return to the lodge for a few hours of relaxation. In the afternoon we will gather for high tea, before heading out for the afternoon safari. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge.

Distance travelled today: 90 kms

Enjoy a final early morning open vehicle safari, before returning to the lodge for brunch. Upon checking out, you will be transferred to nearby Hoedspruit's Eastgate Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg.