Cape Town to Johannesburg
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Welcome to South Africa
Welcome to vibrant Cape Town! Fresh off the plane and ready to dive into your adventure, you’ll soon check into your guesthouse where you can either chill out by the pool or jump straight into exploring. A visit to the iconic Table Mountain is a must. Whether you hike up in a couple of hours or take the quick four-minute cable car ride, it’s totally worth it! Afterward, why not wander through the city streets and catch some local street performers showing off their moves? Cape Town’s got something for everyone, so no chance of getting bored!
Day 3 – Cape Malay cooking class
For most travelers, the vibrant houses in Bo-Kaap are just a cool spot to take a travel picture, but there’s a whole history behind them. This area used to be home to South Asian slaves, and now their descendants, the Cape Malays, live here, still keeping their culture and traditions alive. You can really taste it in the food – think biryanis and samosas. Today you will join a local cooking class, and you’ll get to meet them, hear their stories, learn about the spices they use, and ofcourse you whip up some of those delicious dishes yourself.
Day 4 – Explore the city on your own: Waterfront and Robben Island
You’ve got all day to explore the city at your own pace! The V&A Waterfront is a great spot to hang out in the evening, with tons of restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or want to take a sunset cruise to enjoy the views of the water and Table Mountain, it’s all here.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can also catch a tour to Robben Island from the waterfront, where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned. The tours are led by former inmates, offering a unique and personal insight into the history of Cape Town and South Africa.
Day 5 – On the road to the wine region
Today, you’ll pick up your rental car and head out to South Africa’s wine region. The drive to Stellenbosch isn’t too long, so no rush—you can take it easy and maybe even make a few stops along the way. When you get to Stellenbosch, you’ll notice the old Cape Dutch-style buildings, which might look familiar if you’ve ever been to the Netherlands!
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, take some time to wander around and explore the area. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the many great restaurants. And don’t forget to ask which wine pairs best with your meal—you’re in South Africa’s wine country, after all!
Day 6 – Biketour through the vineyards
Today, you will join a local guide on a biketour throught the vineyards. In the morning you’ll be picked up and taken to the starting point of your tour, which is great because you won’t have to worry about driving back—super useful after a few wine tastings! You’ll leave the main roads behind and cycle through the vineyards, with your guide stopping here and there to explain the winemaking process, even showing you the grape bunches up close. You’ll visit three wineries and a brandy distillery to try their specialities. The route takes you along peaceful paths, away from the busy traffic, with a few hills to climb. Along the way, you’ll get some stunning views of the surrounding mountains and False Bay—so make sure to bring your camera!
Day 7 – Bumpy gravel roads to De Hoop Nature Reserve
After breakfast, you’ll check out and make your way to De Hoop Nature Reserve, which is an adventure on its own! The reserve is tucked away in the Western Cape, and you’ll have to tackle a bumpy gravel road to reach it, so get ready for a bit of a rough ride. But once you arrive, the incredible views will make it all worth it. You’ll be greeted by wide-open landscapes, towering sand dunes, unique rock formations, and a coastline full of amazing wildlife and plants. The next few nights you will stay in a cozy cottage right in the heart of the park, with everything you need for a relaxing getaway: a pool, spa, tennis court, and restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to unwind far from the hustle and bustle!
Day 8 – Hiking in De Hoop Nature Reserve
Today, you’ve got plenty of ways to explore the park, whether you’re in the mood for a scenic hike or something more challenging like a bike ride. For a closer look at the unique fynbos landscape and local wildlife, it’s a good idea to join an early morning guided walk with a local ranger. It’s also a great opportunity to spot some of the many birds in the area.
If coastal walks are more your thing, the Interpretive Marine Walk is a solid option. It takes you along the beach, and between June and December, you might even spot some whales in the bay. In the afternoon, you can try a guided mountain bike ride or a quad tour.
Day 9 – Along the Garden Route to Knysna
Today, you’ll be exploring the beautiful Garden Route. As you drive, you’ll pass through lush green forests, deep gorges, and winding roads framed by rocky cliffs and vibrant flowers. It really does feel like driving through the “gardens” of Africa! You’ll arrive in Knysna, a charming town set around a large lagoon – the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and soak up the good life. You’ll be staying in a cosy guesthouse with a pool, ideal for unwinding after exploring. Why not pop open that bottle of wine you might have picked up during your bike tour a few days ago and enjoy the moment?
Day 10 – Trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve
Your guesthouse is located on a hill, so you will wake up with stunning views over the lagoon. In Knysna we have planned a great tour to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This starts at around 8am at the harbour. As you head further out from the shore, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the town, nestled peacefully along the hills. But the real adventure kicks off once you start your hike through Featherbed Nature Reserve.
At the Knysna Heads, where towering cliffs divide the lagoon from the Indian Ocean, you’ll follow a scenic trail along the rugged coastline for about an hour and a half. The path winds through lush green vegetation, with occasional glimpses of the bright blue ocean. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the entire lagoon. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and forget everything else for a while.
Day 11 – On the road to Plettenberg Bay
After a nice breakfast with a great view, you’ll head to Plett, the local name for Plettenberg Bay. This charming destination is perfect for those who enjoy long walks on wide sandy beaches. Plett also has a good selection of restaurants, and you might want to try one of the beachside fish spots for some fish ‘n chips. For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a charming guesthouse in a great location. The rooms are bright and modern, and the hosts are very friendly. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales from the terrace.
Day 12 – Snorkeling with seals in the Robberg Nature Reserve
Get ready for an exciting day on your second day in Plett! After enjoying breakfast, you’ll join a small group and hop onto a boat that will take you to Robberg Nature Reserve, home to approximately 6,000 fur seals. As you make your way along the coast, you’ll start spotting seals relaxing on the rocks. When you reach your destination, it’s time to get into your wetsuit, put on your mask, and take the plunge into the cool water. You’ll be greeted by playful seals swimming right up to you, turning your outing into an unforgettable snorkeling experience. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss during your time in South Africa! The entire excursion lasts about 1.5 hours, which includes the boat ride. In the evening we recommend one of the many fish restaurants where you will be served freshly caught fish.
Day 13 & 14 – Hire car drop of and flight to Johannesburg
The next day you will drive to Port Elizabeth where you will stay one night. After this night you will drop off your hire car at the airport and jump on a flight to East South Africa. Once you’ve arrived, there will be another hire car ready for you at the airport. Now you are fully set to start your South Africa safari experience. On the way to your accommodation, it is worth stopping in Hazyview to experience some of the most spectacular scenery of the country.
You’ll be staying the next two nights in a charming little lodge on the Panorama Route, decorated in an African style. There’s a pool that’s perfect for lounging and unwinding. In the evening, you can kick back with a glass of wine on the terrace and enjoy the end of the day.
Day 15 – Explore the Panorama Route
The next morning, it’s time to hit the road and start your self-drive adventure along the Panorama Route! This route is packed with incredible natural wonders that are all pretty close to each other. The Blyde River Canyon is a must-see, with its deep gorge that drops up to 700 meters, and you’ll definitely want to stop at the various lookout points to take it all in, especially the unique Bourke’s Luck Potholes formed by the water. If the weather’s a bit foggy when you start your day, no worries—just plan to visit the canyon later in the afternoon when things usually clear up. You don’t want to miss those stunning views.
Next up, make sure to swing by the ‘Three Rondavels.’ If it’s a clear day, you can see all the way across Kruger National Park and even into Mozambique! As you soak up the scenery, you’ll quickly see why they call this spot ‘God’s Window.’ There are tons of hiking trails around, so throw on your hiking boots and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes along the Panorama Route. After an amazing day of adventure, you can head back to your lodge for a relaxing night.
Day 16 & 17 – Safari adventure in a Private Reserve
Arrive at the Bush Lodge, beautifully situated in a private reserve near Hoedspruit, where your first safari in South Africa is on the agenda- now the real fun begins! You’re in the heart of the African bush, close to the Big 5 areas of Thornybush and the Manyeleti Game Reserve, not far from the Orpen gates of Kruger. Get ready to embark on a search for the Big 5 with a ranger and other guests. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll have a better chance of spotting these animals. They can track footprints and often know where the wildlife is likely to be. You’ll spend the night in one of our favourite bush camps, providing a unique experience in the wild. This is the perfect way to discover the incredible wildlife of South Africa!
Day 18 – Self-drive tour through Kruger National Park
Today, it’s time for your own safari adventure in Kruger National Park. With the tips you got from the local guides at the private reserve, you’ll have a great shot at spotting some wildlife as you cruise through the park. Make sure to grab a map at the entrance—it’ll help you find the best routes that go by the waterholes where animals love to hang out. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out of the park through one of the southern gates and take a short drive to your lodge. You’ll be staying in a charming little spot not far from the park entrance, in the peaceful towns of Komatiepoort or Malelane. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your last day in South Africa.
Day 19 – Flight back home
Enjoy one last breakfast basket on your veranda before loading up the car and starting your journey back to Johannesburg. Your diverse trip filled with safaris, bike tours, panoramic views, and swimming with seals has come to an end. Totsiens, as they say in Afrikaans.
Accommodation
