10 Day Kwandwe, Garden Route and Cape Town

Overview

Highlights on this trip include a Big 5 safari, the spectacular fauna and flora of the garden route and many unique experiences along the way.

Your journey begins in the bustling city of Port Elizabeth. a place of relaxation with its numerous beaches and boardwalk entertainment complex. Your safari adventure begins as you travel approximately 2 hours to a pristine malaria-free Big 5 Game Reserve known as Kwandwe.

You then explore the garden route as you travel towards the coastline,  welcomed by a city of adventure, lush with indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, and golden beaches; Knysna.  Knysna offers romance, adventure, and exquisite cuisine.

Famous for ostrich farms, meerkat interactions, and the Cango Caves; Oudtshoorn is your next stop.

Finally, you journey onward to the vibrant city of Cape Town, better known as the “Mother City”. Cape Town offers adventure, scenery, Winelands, and culture.

The V&A Waterfront is a short walk away from your hotel and features a market, aquarium, a world-class shopping mall, historical walking tours and various dining options.

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• Opportunities to spot the Big 5 and other wildlife species while enjoying a stay at some of the best luxury accommodations in South Africa.
• Sunset cruises, jet skiing, kayaking, and many other water activities available at various stops.
• Opportunity to Bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge.
• Exploring caves and mountain passes, hike through the coastal forests, and so much more.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 3: Kwandwe Game Reserve

Today you arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport where you will collect your rental car and travel by road to Kwandwe Game Reserve. Depending on your time of arrival, you may venture out on your first-afternoon game drive in search of animals including the Big 5. In the early evening, you will return back to the lodge and enjoy a scrumptious meal served under a canopy of stars.

The next two days are spent exploring the African bush with early morning and late afternoon game drives. For the more adventurous safari-goer, you have the opportunity to venture out on a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, to see the big game on the reserve. This experience is exhilarating and is sure to heighten your senses. Enjoy the facilities of the lodge, African sunsets, and the various bush dining experiences.  

Accommodation: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Day 4 - 5: Knysna

This morning you venture out on your last safari in the African bushveld, followed by a warm heartening breakfast and then bid farewell to Kwandwe as you travel by road to the picturesque town of Knysna. You will have the next two days to explore the various attractions in this region. During your stay, be sure to experience a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, visit the Knysna Heads and Knysna Elephant Park.

Accommodation: The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 6: Oudtshoorn

This morning after breakfast, you travel inland along a scenic route heading towards the town of Oudtshoorn. You will check into your lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you will visit a local ostrich farm or walk with wild meerkats.

Accommodation: Rosenhof Country House

Day 7 - 9: Cape Town

This morning after a breakfast, you have the opportunity to visit the Cango Caves before traveling onwards to Cape Town. Once you arrive in Cape Town, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. We would recommend taking a walk down to the V&A Waterfront to enjoy some shopping, interaction with locals and a scrumptious dinner at one of the numerous restaurants.

You will have the next two days to explore the "Mother City" in all its awe and beauty. There are so many tours to choose from, so we do recommend that you consult with one of our travel experts for more information. Firm favorites include the Cape Peninsula, shark cage diving, and the Cape Winelands.  

Day 10: Depart Cape Town

After breakfast on day 10, a quick visit to the V&A Waterfront to purchase some last minute curios and gifts, you bid farewell to Cape Town as you transfer to Cape Town International Airport to catch your flight back home. You may leave with a heavy heart but the experiences you have had in South Africa stay etched in your memories for a lifetime.

More about the lodges

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is renowned for understated luxury, exquisite scenery, and pristine private wilderness. This vibrant, chic safari lodge will be your home for the next three days as you explore the African bush on open vehicle game drives and guided walking safaris. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife.

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is home for the next two days, boasting luxurious accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning panoramas, and a range of world-class facilities.

Situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn lies the renovated homestead called Rosenhof Country House. With its yellowwood beams and ceilings and a tasteful collection of antique furniture, Rosenhof exudes an aura of authenticity. Enjoy the day spent here visiting the nearby attractions, ending the day off in the cozy pub or in the warm lounge admiring some phenomenal South African art pieces.

The Cape Grace Hotel is inspired by the charm and wonder of South African and Cape Heritage. It is the perfect location from which to explore the beauty of this city for the next three days.