Tours Africa Tours Cape Town and the Garden Route

Cape Town and the Garden Route

Countries: 1 Days: 9 Per Day: US$ 131
Start Point:Cape Town
End Point:Cape Town
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 1,455
From US$ 1,185
check-greenFlexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Quality tours at affordable prices
  • Experienced and passionate tour leader
  • Clean & comfortable accommodation
  • Modern air-conditioned private coach
  • Private game drive

Summary

This tour of sunny South Africa hits all the high notes. Start with a 2-night stay in iconic Cape Town. Seek out the Winelands, explore the city. Perhaps add a trip up Table Mountain or Robben Island to the list. Spot whales and sharks and stop over in southern coast hamlets like Hermanus and Mossel Bay. See the African wildlife and more in Knysna and hit the trails in Tsitsikamma. Encounter the arid beauty of the Karoo and up the ante with adrenaline activities along the way. This is RSA at her best!

If you'd like to experience South Africa's incredible wildlife in the Kruger National Park, in addition to Cape Town and the Garden Route, consider the South Africa Escape tour - click here.

Highlights

  • Discover vibrant Cape Town as well as the beautiful Cape winelands and Hermanus 
  • Explore the stunning Garden Route, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park 
  • See African wildlife on an exciting Game Drive at Botlierskop

Start Point

StayEasy City Bowl Cape Town | Check in from 02:00 PM

End Point

StayEasy City Bowl Cape Town | 10:00 AM - After breakfast
DAY 1: Start of tour in Cape Town

Wamkelekile eKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother City is South Africa's oldest city and one of three official capital cities. After meeting your tour leader at the hotel, join them and the tour group on a Cape Town City Tour! The city is a bustling metropolis with an array of sights and attractions. This exciting driving tour will reveal beautiful and important sights such as Signal Hill, District 6 and the Castle of Good Hope. Set foot in the Company's Gardens (the oldest garden in SA!) and the colourful Cape Malay Bo-Kaap region before heading back to the hotel. This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Cape Town

Wamkelekile eKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother City is South Africa's oldest city and one of three official capital cities. After meeting your tour leader at the hotel, join them and the tour group on a Cape Town City Tour! The city is a bustling metropolis with an array of sights and attractions. This exciting driving tour will reveal beautiful and important sights such as Signal Hill, District 6 and the Castle of Good Hope. Set foot in the Company's Gardens (the oldest garden in SA!) and the colourful Cape Malay Bo-Kaap region before heading back to the hotel. This evening, enjoy an included welcome dinner!

Experiences

Take a driving and walking tour of Cape Town: This Cape Town city tour showcases the historic heart of the city. It’s a place with many influences that include Cape Malay and Xhosa communities, as well as a Dutch colonial heritage. The afternoon drive shows off some of Cape Town's most scenic landmarks. The Atlantic coast and Table Mountain National Park are very beautiful at this time of day. 

Welcome dinner: Enjoy an included welcome dinner this evening - the perfect opportunity to get to know your Expat Explore tour leader and fellow travellers from all over the world!

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Cape Town: Free Day - Peninsula Tour

Cape Town is yours to explore today! Choose from a variety of optional activities - Cape Town has something for every kind of interest. A popular option is to join a day trip to Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula. Here, visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, the Cape Point Lighthouse, the most south-western point of Africa, and see beautiful landscapes filled with Cape Fynbos. Also make stops at Kalk Bay and Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. More activities include visiting the District 6 Museum, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Constantia Wine Valley - which is a short 20 minute drive from Cape Town and home to a number of award-winning wine estates!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch - Hermanus Region

Today it’s off to the Cape Winelands! South Africa has 100,000+ hectares of vineyards and the wine industry is the world’s oldest outside of Europe. Top wine varieties include Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Pinotage, which is unique to SA. After breakfast, drive to Stellenbosch, a beautiful university town that is full of charm and history! Here, enjoy a special wine tasting. A wine specialist leads a tasting of local wines and tells us about South African varietals. Then, enjoy a tasty lunch in the vineyards. After lunch, explore the Cape Dutch architecture, boutiques and art galleries. Before leaving, enjoy one more wine tasting. Finally, visit the coastal town of Hermanus before heading to the hotel for the night.

Experiences

Cape Winelands wine tasting: Enjoy two wine tastings including lunch at a wine farm in the famous winelands region of the Western Cape.

Explore Stellenbosch: Take some free time to explore the historical university town, admire the mix of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, the tree-lined streets and relaxing coffee shops.

Visit Hermanus: Savour the stunning coastal views as the tour makes its way to Hermanus. Enjoy free time to explore this delightful town on the Cape Whale Coast Route - if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to spot whales from the beach!

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: Hermanus Region - Swellendam - Mossel Bay

This morning, enjoy free time before heading for the Garden Route! Join an optional shark cage diving experience to see great white sharks up close! En route to Swellendam, enjoy a lunch stop in Riviersonderend. In Swellendam, explore the town’s incredible architecture. Outside Albertinia, visit a Cape Aloe Vera factory. Try aloe tea and body products made from this medicinal plant and learn about its many uses. Next stop, Mossel Bay, a popular coastal village. On the way to the hotel, stop at Pinnacle Caves. Fossils of 170 000+ years have been found at this ancient site. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Experiences

Discover Swellendam: Enjoy some free time in the third oldest town in the Republic of South Africa. Check out the incredible architecture of the Dutch Reformed Church - a striking mix of Italian Baroque and French Gothic influences, with an Eastern dome and Cape Dutch facades.

Visit an Aloe Vera farm: Stop at one of the original aloe factories in the Hessequa region. Sample various Aloe Vera products, walk around in the indigenous garden (with 17 species of aloe) and drink some Aloe tea!

Explore Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay: Visit Pinnacle Point Caves, a Provincial Heritage Site where human bones of between 40,000 and 170,000 years ago have been discovered. The discoveries have led to further studies by the Institute of Human Origins.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Garden Route: Game Drive - Knysna - Tsitsikamma

A South African wildlife experience awaits at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Here, enjoy the chance to see wildebeest, rhinos, giraffes, elephants and lions on a real-life safari with the group! Spend lunch time in Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route. Get dropped off at the harbour where you can explore or eat at a local restaurant. The local seafood, especially the famous Knysna oysters, are highly recommended! After lunch, enjoy some more animal encounters! Choose between two optional excursions: roam free with the monkeys at Monkeyland, or visit Birds of Eden, the world's largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary.

Experiences

Botlierskop Game Drive: Get to know the Garden Route wildlife on an open vehicle safari truck in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Sightings include buffalo, zebra, giraffe, golden wildebeest, hippos, rhinoceros, lions and more than 200 bird species!

Explore Knysna: Experience the laid-back yet stylish vibe of Knysna, a quaint town known as "the beating heart" of the Garden Route. Get off at the Knysna waterfront - an idyllic location with unique and trendy stores, water activities and the most divine dining options.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River - Eastern Cape

Get adventurous and spend time outdoors in the Garden Route National Park! The Tsitsikamma forest is filled with rivers, gorges and mountains. There are lots of exhilarating things to do in this beautiful place. Take a zipline tour through the trees or bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge - the highest commercial bungee jump in the world! Or, stay on the ground to learn more about the region's fauna and flora. Drive to the Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park where you can hike through the forest, take a seaside stroll and cross the breathtaking suspension bridge. Enjoy free time this evening to relax, or grab a beer from the local microbrewery or pub in Storm’s River.

Experiences

Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth: A suspension bridge and lookout trail that meanders along the most spectacular ocean and forest landscapes. The highlight of the walk is a famous 77m long suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth. As you walk, keep an eye out for the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otter and dolphins.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Route 62 - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves Experience

A whole new landscape unfolds as the tour heads into a semi-desert area today. The Karoo is a unique place known as the 'land of the thirst'. The scenic Route 62 takes the coach through Langkloof. Here, have a look at the many fruit and vegetable farms along the road and among the foothills of the epic Kouga and Tsitsikamma mountains. In Oudtshoorn, visit a working ostrich farm to take a tour and learn more about the world’s biggest birds. Next, it’s time to take a heritage tour of the magnificent Cango Caves. These dripstone caverns are over 20 million years old! This evening brings a delicious Karoo dinner at the lodge.

Experiences

Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm: Take a guided tractor tour which covers the history of ostrich farming, farming practices and the breeding cycle of these special Karoo ostriches. See ostriches and adorable chicks up-close! A delicious traditional lunch is also included in this experience.

Visit the Cango Caves: Enjoy a visit to the historic Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn. The caves are one of South Africa's hidden treasures and are millions of years old. See the large chambers and learn more about the caves’ cultural and historical heritage.

Karoo Dinner: Eating and drinking in the Karoo is an experience in itself! On the menu tonight are a variety of dishes prepared the traditional way: Braaivleis (BBQ), boerewors (South African sausage), potato salad, fresh seasonal veg and an iconic South African dessert. You might also get to taste true Karoo lamb. It has a distinctly herby flavour due to the fragrant shrubs and grasses sheep naturally feed on in this region. Either way, this is sure to be a sensational culinary experience!

Meals

BreakfastLunchDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Oudtshoorn - Route 62 - Cape Winelands - Cape Town

After breakfast, travel down Route 62 and take in the scenery along the way. After a quick comfort stop at a quirky road stall along the way, enjoy an included lunch in the Robertson area, known as the valley of wine and roses! Then, head to Paarl for another culinary adventure of cheese and wine tasting at a local vineyard. After a full day in the spectacular winelands, head back to Cape Town and settle into the hotel for the evening.

Experiences

Lunch in Robertson: Experience this stunning wine-producing region. It’s known as the valley of wine and roses and sits at the heart of the Route 62 wine route.

Cheese and wine tasting in Paarl: Sample some of South Africa’s most delicious cheese and wine during a stop in Paarl in the Cape Winelands!

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: End of tour in Cape Town

This is the last day of this wonderful tour of Cape Town and the Garden Route. Enjoy one last breakfast with your new tour buddies at the hotel. Be sure to swap contact details so that you can stay in touch once you are back at home. Don’t forget to share your amazing tour memories with us using the hashtag #ExpatExplore!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners 
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard 

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

16 Experiences!

  • Take a driving and walking tour of the city of Cape Town
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town
  • Taste South African wine in the Cape Winelands
  • Explore the historic university town of Stellenbosch 
  • Visit Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast route
  • Discover Swellendam; South Africa’s third-oldest town
  • Visit an Aloe Vera Farm in the Hessequa region
  • Explore Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay
  • Embark on a Game Drive at Botlierskop Game Drive
  • Explore the beautiful Knysna Waterfront
  • Explore Tsitsikamma National Park and visit Storms River Mouth
  • Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm 
  • Explore the Cango Caves
  • Sit down for a traditional Great Karoo meal 
  • Enjoy lunch in the Robertson; a beautiful wine-producing destination
  • Taste local cheese and wine in Paarl

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Cape Town, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Cape Town

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
19 Jan 2025 - 27 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-01-19Book now with low depositUS$1,455 US$1,185
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Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre .

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

19 reviews
M
Martie Verified Buyer 2024-11-14
Amazing
Beautyfull country. An amazing experience. Saw placed I haven't seen in over 30years.
N
Nicole Verified Buyer 2024-11-13
Cape Town Tour
I absolutely loved this tour. It was amazing. Our tour guide, Jenni, was amazing. Benny, the individual over our transportation was amazing as well.
B
Beely Verified Buyer 2024-10-04
Once in a lifetime
Going to South Africa was our 4th Expat tour. We leave soon for our 5th. We truly love the design of these tours, the tour leaders, and how much it takes off our plates to plan. We show up and enjoy. For anyone considering this trip you will not be disappointed. There are penguins, birds, monkeys, the Big Five, history, beauty, and extremely kind people everywhere. The mountains and oceans alone are stunning. Whether you get up and personal with sharks, go ziplining, or jump off the tallest bungee in the world, this trip has it all. Our tour leader, Matt, was organized, funny, and full of history and amazing stories about his homeland. You will not leave disappointed or without being educated in African culture, some government, the people, the generations, and a good sense of what this country has lived through. I cannot say enough about Matt or our driver Benny. Both were professionals but like one of the family by the end of the tour. This is how every Expat tour is. It's hard to sa
N
Neil Verified Buyer 2024-04-21
Unique, fun, entertaining and complete
This tour ticks all the box's, there were a wide variety of activities (all optional), and this encompassed fun, leisure and culture in lots of different physical ways.
N
Nodee Verified Buyer 2024-04-08
Cape Town Garden Route Tour
It was an amazing experience,., tour guides very friendly and knowledgeable. I was able to see some of hidden gems in my own country that I didn't know... Co-travellers were very friendly. The tour exceeded my expectations .

Why this tour?

This Cape Town Garden Route tour combines the best of South Africa’s tourist spots, showing off treasured local gems along the way. Spend 9 days being captivated by the magnificent landscapes, the tranquillity of the wildlife, and the vibrant city life. 

You’ll start your trip to Cape Town, where you can explore the Mother City in all her glory. Take a city tour on your first day and discover the oldest garden in the country along with Cape Malay culture, and stop in at the Castle of Good Hope. Then, enjoy a free day and tick off all the must-see attractions that grab your fancy, from the Two Oceans Aquarium to the Boulders Beach penguin colony and everything in between. 

After an exciting Cape Town tour, you’ll head out to the Winelands, where Stellenbosch will entice you with its locally-made wines. Spend a night in Hermanus, the best place to catch sightings of whales. Afterwards, make your way through the small town of Swellendam to the coastal Mossel Bay. This is where your Garden Route tour really begins. 

The Garden Route officially starts in Mossel Bay, so it makes for the perfect beginning to this leg of the tour. Carrying on along the coast, you’ll discover wildlife in Knysna, trek through the Tsitsikamma Nature reserve, and even go bungee jumping - if you dare! 

Your Garden Route itinerary will then take you down the Fruit Route, where you’ll visit the Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm. Enjoy the Karoo’s rugged beauty and visit the well-known Cango Caves while here. The tour ends in George, where you’ll get one last look at the gorgeous Garden Route.

This is an action-packed Garden Route tour from Cape Town that offers everyone the chance to encounter this captivating area of South Africa. Every moment offers a new experience, so book your guaranteed spot before you miss out!