Ultimate South Africa: Coastline, safari and beach
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 – Half-day city tour
Today, you will meet your guide for a half-day city tour, the perfect introduction to this exciting and vibrant city. Explore the various neighbourhoods and highlights such as St. George’s Cathedral (the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu), Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap]. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa and continue on to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top by the revolving cable car and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day, it is even possible to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, on one side and Cape Point on the other.
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. Hiring a car in South Africa is easy, and self-driving allows you to travel at your own pace. If you’re still a bit nervous about the idea, read our self-drive inspiration page or speak to your travel specialist. 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 – Snorkelling 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 off and flight to Johannesburg
The next day, you will drive to Port Elizabeth, where you will stay for one night. After this night, you will drop off your hire car at the airport and jump on a flight to Johannesburg, where you will catch a charter flight direct to the private Sabi Sabi airstrip. On arrival, you will be picked up and whisked off to a luxury safari lodge that will be your home for the next 3 nights. We have carefully selected atmospheric safari lodges where you can experience the ultimate safari feeling and what life is truly like in the African bush. You will arrive in time for a quick refreshment and head out of your first evening game drive.
Day 15 & 16 – Safari in the Sabi Sands reserve
The following days will be full of exciting game drives and wildlife viewing while you enjoy superb hospitality, delicious food and extremely comfortable surroundings. The lodges will offer additional activities such as game walks and conservation activities depending on the time of year so there is plenty to keep you occupied, or if you prefer, you could take a more relaxed approach with a dip in the pool and snooze in the sun!
Day 17 – Final morning safari and flight out of the bush
On your final day in Sabi Sand, you will enjoy one final game drive and a sumptuous breakfast before being taken back to the airstrip and catching a charter flight back to Johannesburg and heading to the sandy shores of Mauritius.The island of Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting for you who will take you to your hotel in just over an hour. We have carefully chosen an atmospheric hotel in the Eastern part of the island. You can drive to Grand Baie in fifteen minutes if you want to visit some of the shops and restaurants or enjoy the views at the hotel, where the swimming pool looks out over the beach and bay.
Day 18 – Discover Mauritius by catamaran
Today is sure to be a highlight of your stay in Mauritius as you will spend the day on a catamaran exploring the island by sea. Your group will sail south along the east coast of Mauritius from Trou d’Eau Douce to the mouth of the Grand River South East, which pours into the sea in a mighty waterfall. Along the way, there will be a barbecue and a stop for a swim.
On the way back north, the boat stops at Île aux Cerfs. The island offers all the amenities tourists need and offers excellent water sports. But even here, there are still virtually untouched spots. If you follow the west side of the island a little further north, you’ll come to a beach that’s free of loungers or umbrellas and that you’ll usually have completely to yourself.
Day 19 – Explore independently
Today will be at leisure so you can choose to venture out and explore the island or simply lounge on the beach, enjoying the sun and getting stuck into a good book. You might take a dip in the clear, turquoise water and discover the rich underwater world with a mask and snorkel or try your hand at the huge variety of watersports on offer in such an idyllic setting.
Day 20 – Flight back home
Today is your final day in paradise. Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps relax by the pool or have a final dip in the sea. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport. We advise a window seat on the plane because Mauritius is also magnificent from the air. Totsiens, as they say in Afrikaans.
Accommodation
