The Ultimate Adventure in South Africa

Arrive into Cape Town Airport, where group transfers are organised at set times to take you to the stylish Kloof Street Hotel, centrally located in the city. We recommend arriving early to make the most of your time in Cape Town and to join the optional city orientation walking tour. After settling in, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travellers before exploring some of the city’s most iconic spots and hiking the short trail to Kloof Corner Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the city, Lion’s Head and the Atlantic Ocean. Return to the hotel to freshen up, then head to Gold Restaurant for an unforgettable 14-dish African tasting menu, complete with live drumming, storytelling and vibrant performances, a truly immersive welcome to the continent. As this itinerary allows limited time in Cape Town, you might find you want to arrive a day or two earlier to explore sights such as Table Mountain and Robben Island at your own pace.

After breakfast, set off from Cape Town along the breathtaking Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass to the charming naval settlement of Simon’s Town. Here, hop into a kayak and glide through the calm waters of False Bay, paddling past granite boulders and if you’re lucky, perhaps alongside the playful African penguins at Boulders Beach. It’s a rare chance to get close to these iconic creatures and soak up spectacular coastal views from the water. Next, treat yourself to a relaxed lunch at one of Simon’s Town’s seaside cafés before heading to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, nestled in Table Mountain National Park. Stretch your legs on a scenic hike through wild fynbos and rugged cliffs, leading to the legendary Cape Point Lighthouse and the south-westernmost point of Africa. From here, marvel at the dramatic meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the incredible biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way back to Cape Town, cruise along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, with its 114 sweeping curves and jaw-dropping ocean panoramas. Back in the city, take a breather before settling in for dinner at a handpicked local restaurant, rounding off the day with vibrant flavours and a toast to an unforgettable adventure.

This morning, swap the buzz of Cape Town for the wild beauty of the Cederberg, one of South Africa’s most under-the-radar wilderness areas, where you'll see few other visitors. En route, enjoy a scenic stop in the Winterhoek Mountains near Tulbagh, where a short hike leads you to a secluded waterfall tucked between rugged peaks. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve - a surreal landscape of weathered sandstone formations and ancient silence, unlike anywhere else in the country. Check into your cave suite, built right into the rock face, blending comfort with the raw drama of nature, which will be your base for the next two nights. As the sun dips, head out on a sundowner nature drive, learning about the reserve’s rare flora, resident wildlife and ancient San rock art sites. Tonight, dine under the stars and experience one of Africa’s clearest night skies. Far from any light pollution, Kagga Kamma offers a front-row seat to the cosmos, with constellations, planets and even the Milky Way on dazzling display. Telescopes and expert guides bring the sky to life in this truly magical, remote corner of the world.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, embark on a guided hike through the untamed beauty of Kagga Kamma. The trail winds deep into rugged valleys, past dramatic sandstone formations and over rocky outcrops, revealing the spirit of the Cederberg. Be prepared for some uneven terrain as you navigate the rock formations. Midway, pause for a picnic lunch in the stillness of nature. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s unique flora, geology and wildlife. In the afternoon, dive into the area’s rich cultural heritage on a captivating Rock Art Tour. Led by an expert guide, explore San rock art sites dating back over 6000 years. These ancient paintings offer a rare glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and daily lives of the early hunter-gatherer communities who once called this landscape home. Back at the lodge, enjoy a relaxed evening: unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool or indulge in an optional massage, all set against the backdrop of the Cederberg wilderness. Then, share a group dinner before settling in for your last night in the unique cave suite.

With breakfast finished, say goodbye to Cederberg and head south towards the lush Cape Winelands. As you approach Franschhoek, the landscape shifts into rolling vineyards, neat estates and towering mountains. This charming village, renowned for its wine and French heritage, is the perfect place to slow down and indulge after your time in the wild. Meet your local guide for a relaxed lunch at La Motte Wine Estate, then stretch your legs with a gentle walk through the vineyards and farms of Franschhoek Valley. You’ll visit a couple of boutique wineries, hear stories about the people and history behind the wines, and take in the beautiful scenery. It’s an easy 4-5km stroll, ideal for savouring good wine and great company. The day concludes at Grande Provence Wine Estate, where you can explore the art gallery, wander the gardens or enjoy one last glass of wine before heading to Stellenbosch. Your base for the next two nights is a cosy, modern hotel in the heart of town, perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Kick off the morning with a hearty breakfast before heading out on an active and scenic e-bike adventure in the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve - one of the Cape Winelands’ best-kept natural secrets. You’ll ride along gravel trails framed by towering peaks, waterfalls and fields of fynbos and roughly cover 25-30km, with a few uphill stretches made much easier thanks to the boost from your bike and rewarded by sweeping views over the valley. Midway through, hop off the bikes and continue on foot on a short guided hike into the quieter corners of the reserve, such as a secluded waterfall where you can enjoy a light picnic lunch. Back in Stellenbosch by early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose, join your guide for an optional walking tour through the historic heart of town, browse local galleries and artisan shops, or simply unwind with a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the town’s many inviting cafés.

Following an early breakfast, it’s time to hit the road for one of the longest drives of the trip, but also one of the most memorable. You’ll journey along Route 62, a quieter alternative to the main highway that winds through mountain passes, open countryside and small towns on the way to the coastal beauty of the Garden Route. To break up the drive, pause in Swellendam for a leg-stretch at Marloth Nature Reserve. A short, peaceful hike leads to Duiwelsbos Waterfall, a forested spot tucked among shady trees and mossy boulders. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, an eco-lodge perched above Sedgefield with sweeping views over hills, lagoons and the ocean beyond. Before dinner, explore the landscape with a guided Fynbos Walk, followed by the Strandloper Beach Hike - a relaxed wander along the shoreline. If the tide allows, you might reach Gerickes Point and take a dip in the clear rock pools. Those who make the short climb to the top are rewarded with one of the best views on the Garden Route. Wrap up the day with dinner overlooking the sea and settle in for a peaceful evening in this coastal haven.

After breakfast, head to nearby Plettenberg Bay for a Marine Eco Boat Cruise, an exhilarating ocean adventure with the chance to see the area’s marine life up close. Guided by expert skippers and marine biologists, you’ll explore the rich waters of the Bay of Legends, home to dolphins, seals, seabirds, a thriving Cape Fur Seal colony and in season (June to November) southern right and humpback whales. After your sea safari, continue to the Knysna Waterfront, a lively harbour hub lined with boutique shops, galleries and cafés overlooking the Knysna Lagoon. Take some free time to wander and enjoy lunch at your leisure, with plenty of great spots offering fresh seafood and local favourites. In the afternoon, return to the calmer side of Sedgefield for a gentle kayak excursion on Swartvlei Lake. Paddle across the still, protected waters of this estuarine system, with mountain views, forest fringes and abundant birdlife all around. Back at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, unwind before dinner, whether that’s relaxing in the infinity pool, enjoying the sea views with a sundowner or simply putting your feet up. Then enjoy a final evening of good food and coastal tranquillity.

Today starts early as you leave the Garden Route behind and journey east towards the game reserves of the Eastern Cape. On the way, stop at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park, where lush forest meets the Indian Ocean. Stretch your legs on a hike through fern-filled woodland to the Storms River Suspension Bridge. Then, gear up for a unique kayaking and lilo adventure, paddling through the river mouth into a narrow gorge flanked by cliffs before switching to an inflatable float to drift deeper into the canyon. Expect cliff jumping, swimming and time to simply absorb the untouched beauty of the landscape. After drying off, continue inland to Amakhala Game Reserve, arriving in the afternoon at Woodbury Tented Camp, a comfortable tented safari lodge overlooking the Bushman’s River. Settle into your en-suite tent and head out on your first afternoon game drive, tracking the Big Five and more with expert guides. End the day with sundowners in the bush and a warm dinner under the stars.

Wake to the sounds of the bush as the reserve stirs with life and begin the day with an early guided bush walk, where your ranger will help you interpret the finer details of the veld - animal tracks, bird calls, plant uses and the subtle signs often missed from a vehicle. After the walk, return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, then enjoy the late morning at your own pace. Relax on your private deck, take a refreshing swim, or simply watch the shifting light across the landscape as wildlife occasionally wanders by. In the afternoon, head out on another open-vehicle game drive - a definite highlight of any stay at Amakhala. As the heat of the day fades, animals become more active. Your expert guide will lead you through a variety of landscapes, open plains, riverine thickets, cliffs and dune forests, in search of the reserve’s impressive diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), as well as cheetah, hippo, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope. Return to camp for a farewell dinner under the stars, shared around the fire.

Squeeze in one last early morning game drive to round off your safari experience, a final chance to track wildlife as the bush comes alive with the sunrise. Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast and time to freshen up before check-out. You’ll then transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport (officially Gqeberha), with an expected drop-off by 12:00. Any onward flights should depart after 14:00. Most international travellers connect via Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) for evening flights to Europe or further afield. Alternatively, you may opt for a domestic flight back to Cape Town or continue exploring South Africa. That’s your Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure complete - until next time, sala kahle (go well)!