The Garden Route of South Africa

Awaken your senses on South Africa’s Western Cape, where ocean light meets wild landscapes alive with springtime colour – from the rich expanse of wine country to nature reserves carpeted with rare blooms. Walk the trails of Table Mountain, follow garden paths through Kirstenbosch’s floral kingdom, and gaze out from Cape Point’s rugged headland. Discover valley roads lined with vines and journey onward to Citrusdal and Skimmelberg, where wildflowers brighten South Africa’s sweeping hills.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Flight from London to South Africa
Depart London Heathrow for Cape Town.

Day 2: Table Mountain
Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to Table Mountain which we will ascend by cable car for panoramic views and a guided walk with insights into local flora. Transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink followed by a group dinner.

Day 3: Kirstenbosch and Cape Town
Spend the morning exploring the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Enjoy lunch at leisure at the V&A Waterfront, and free time to relax or explore Cape Town independently. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: Cape of Good Hope to Stellenbosch 
Travel along the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope. Ride the funicular for sweeping views, then continue to Simon’s Town and visit the penguins at Boulders Bay. Arrive in Stellenbosch for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Babylonstoren and Old Nectar Garden
Visit the historic Babylonstoren estate in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the beautifully landscaped Old Nectar Garden.

Day 6: Vergelegen and Harold Porter Botanical Garden
Tour Vergelegen Estate, including its heritage gardens and a wine tasting with lunch. Continue to Betty’s Bay to explore Harold Porter Botanical Garden.

Day 7: Little Karoo Desert National Park and Botlierskop Game Reserve
Explore the Little Karoo Desert National Park and its botanical gardens. Transfer to Botlierskop Game Reserve, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Day 8: Featherbed Nature Reserve and Knysna
Begin with a game drive. Then take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a scenic tour and buffet lunch. Continue to Knysna.

Day 9: Tsitkamma National Park and Knysna Elephant Park
Enjoy a forest walk in Tsitsikamma National Park, with trails tailored to your fitness level. Visit Knysna Elephant Park before returning for an evening at leisure.

Day 10: Knysna to Montagu
Drive to Montagu, through the historical town of Riversdale. We stop at Diesel and the Crème Diner for their world famous milkshake (own expense).

Day 11: Drive to Citrusdal
Drive to Citrusdal, via Robertson, Worcester and Tulbagh and have a wine tasting enroute.

Day 12: Skimmelberg Nature Reserve
Spend a full day at Skimmelberg Nature Reserve with a tea tasting and farm tour. We also visit the Ramskop Wildflower Garden.

Day 13: Arderne Gardens and departure
Morning visit to Arderne Gardens then enjoy a group lunch before transferring to the airport.

Day 14: Arrive at London Heathrow.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour is graded as moderate due to the amount of time of foot exploring each area. Some trails may be uneven, and muddy or slippery underfoot. Please visit the mobility page of our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town
• Thirteen nights’ accommodation in the following hotels: Southern Sun Cullinan, Cape Town– 2 nights, Protea Hotel Dorpshuis– 3 nights, Botlierskop Game Reserve– 1 night, Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (or similar)– 2 nights, Monta Vista Boutique (or similar)– 1 night, Piekenierskloof Mountain Lodge– 2 nights, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Five dinners and four lunches included as detailed in the itinerary
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Accompanied by tour expert David Hurrion

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £884
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Hotel Southern Sun Cullinan, Cape Town (2 nights)
Southern Sun The Cullinan is a luxurious four-star hotel near Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, offering elegant rooms, a pool, spa, and stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic.

Hotel Website

Protea Hotel Dorpshuis (3 nights) 
Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa Stellenbosch is a charming four-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Cape Winelands, blending antique Victorian elegance with modern comforts. It features individually decorated rooms, an outdoor heated pool, and the on-site Dorpshuis Spa and Oak Leaf Restaurant, all just steps from Dorp Street’s shops, museums, and vineyards.

Hotel Website

Hotel Botlierskop Game Reserve (1 night)
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is an eco‑luxury safari retreat on South Africa’s Garden Route, offering private tented suites and villas overlooking riverbanks and mountains. 

Hotel Website

Hotel Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (2 nights)
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays sits right on Knysna Lagoon’s waterfront, offering spacious, well‑appointed rooms with lagoon or ocean views, and a heated outdoor pool.

Hotel Website

Hotel Monta Vista Boutique (1 night)
Monte Vista Boutique Hotel in Montagu offers stylish "Afri-chic" rooms, lush gardens, two pools, and a tranquil setting near Route 62, perfect for exploring the town's art, hot springs, and natural beauty.

Hotel Website

Hotel Piekenierskloof Mountain Lodge (2 nights)
Perched atop the Piekenierskloof Pass near Citrusdal, Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is a modern yet cozy four‑star retreat boasting spectacular Cederberg vistas, two pools (indoor heated and outdoor), self‑catering chalets, a spa, and the on‑site Kloof Restaurant.

Hotel Website