Wonders of the Western Cape

Wonders of the Western Cape

19 Views
10 Days From

$2225

Wonders of the Western Cape

10 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa

Visiting: Cape Town, Hermanus, Cape Agulhas, Garden Route, Knysna

Tour operator:

Costsaver

Tour code:

AFGRM20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Safari Tours

From: $2225

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Wonders of the Western Cape" in South Africa. This tour offers a perfect blend of city exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters. Begin in vibrant Cape Town, where you'll enjoy a city orientation tour, including a visit to the iconic Table Mountain. Travel along the scenic route to Hermanus, renowned for whale watching, and explore the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. Experience the thrill of three safari game drives in a reserve home to the 'Big 5'. Discover the charm of Knysna and its picturesque lagoon, and enjoy a variety of choice experiences, from wine tasting to sunset cruises. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and many meals included, this tour promises an enriching and seamless adventure through South Africa's captivating Western Cape.

Highlights

  • City orientation tour includes Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope, with a visit to Table Mountain via Aerial Cableway.

  • Visit the whale watching capital of South Africa, Hermanus.

  • Explore the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Oceans meet.

  • Experience three safari vehicle game drives in a reserve home to the 'Big 5'.

  • Discover the Knysna Quays area and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on a traditional paddle steamer.

  • Visit Swellendam, the third-oldest town in South Africa, known for its Cape Dutch architecture.

  • Explore the rugged Cape Peninsula coastline, including the Twelve Apostles, Cape Point, and Boulders Beach with its colony of African penguins.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Protea Fire and Ice

Accommodation Name: Protea Fire and Ice

Meals Included: Dinner

Aweh (hey), Cape Town! Before exploring all the magnificent sights, sounds and flavours of the city, you’ll meet up with your Costsaver representative at the airport and be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. You’re staying in the midst of the buzz, so make the most of your time exploring before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner and trip briefing.

Day 2: Cape Town Orientation And Free Time

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Protea Fire and Ice

Accommodation Name: Protea Fire and Ice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ready for an exhilarating day, Cape Town style? Kick things off by exploring the suburb of Bo-Kaap, where rainbow-hued houses and facades turn the streets into works of art. Get your first dose of nature during a visit to the Company Gardens, before taking a spin around the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope. Then, leave the city below to catch a ride up Table Mountain, where the local furry residents (hyraxes) are the only things that may steal your attention from the view. Later, check out the golden beaches of the area on an optional e-bike ride, followed by a sunset beach braai (barbecue). For the musically-inclined, consider jamming your way through a djembe drumming session, followed by a delicious and traditional African feast.

Day 3: Cape Town - Hermanus

Location: Hermanus

Accommodation: Windsor

Accommodation Name: Windsor

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Put away your camera and just enjoy the ride as you wind your way along one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring drives from Cape Town to Hermanus. The Hottentots Holland mountains plunge dramatically into the Atlantic for most of the route, so you’ll want to simply stare out over the epic scenery. Arrive in Hermanus and enjoy lunch with stunning views of the ocean. Then, hit the water on a Choice  Experience Walker Bay or unleash your inner wine connoisseur on a visit to a renowned vineyard in the aptly named Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven-and-Earth) Valley.

Day 4: Hermanus - Garden Route Game Reserve

Location: Cape Agulhas

Accommodation: Garden Route Game Lodge, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Accommodation Name: Garden Route Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Before heading into the wild, expect to be wowed by the swirling waters of the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the Indian Ocean collides with the Atlantic. Then, get your game face on for your safari adventure at the Garden Route Game Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for the wonders of the African bushveld—glimpses of impala, zebra and giraffe are highly likely.

Day 5: Garden Route Game Reserve Safari Drives

Location: Garden Route

Accommodation: Garden Route Game Lodge, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Accommodation Name: Garden Route Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The one thought on everyone’s minds today: will you spot the Big 5? Rise with the Cape turtle doves and let their songs kickstart another magnificent day in South Africa. We’ll get out into the bush early to avoid the heat of the day, so after grabbing a cup of coffee, don your safari hat for a morning adventure through the fynbos-clad landscape in search of wildlife. You may be lucky enough to spot lions lazing in the shade of a tree, buffalo weavers stripping the trees to craft their nests or perhaps even a lonely dung beetle rolling his ‘treasure’ uphill. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast and afternoon siesta to recharge, before grabbing your binoculars for another safari late this afternoon.

Day 6: Garden Route Game Reserve - Knysna

Location: Knysna

Accommodation: Protea Knysna Quays

Accommodation Name: Protea Knysna Quays

Meals Included: Breakfast

You don’t need green fingers to enjoy South Africa’s lush Garden Route. Take a quick side trip to Victoria Bay and stretch your legs or soak in its refreshing salty waters. Your next stop is a bit of a tongue-twister. Knysna, pronounced ‘Naaisnah’ (the ‘k’ is silent), sits sheltered on the edge of a lagoon, shielded from the Indian Ocean by two mountainous outcrops, referred to as the Knysna Heads. With the rest of the day to do as you choose, perhaps opt to join a guided walk through lush, flora dense forests where hundreds of elephants once roamed. Or, if you want to relax until the evening, why not join a sunset dinner cruise on board a traditional paddle steamer, that will sail you along the tranquil waters of the lagoon.

Day 7: Knysna Free Day

Location: Knysna

Accommodation: Protea Knysna Quays

Accommodation Name: Protea Knysna Quays

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You’ll be grateful for an extra day to explore Knysna your way today. There’s plenty to do in this pretty town and its surrounds, but we’d recommend joining our boat ride across the Knysna Lagoon, to Featherbed Nature Reserve. Once here, buckle up and enjoy a 4x4 ride along the western headland, stopping along the way to appreciate the contrast of the bright blue sea, sandy beaches and lush green headlands. If a slower pace is more your vibe, take a stroll down Sedgefield beach with a Local Guide to learn about the Strandlopers, who once roamed these beaches to gather food.

Day 8: Knysna - Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Protea Fire and Ice

Accommodation Name: Protea Fire and Ice

Meals Included: Breakfast

End your epic journey in South Africa’s Fairest Cape the same way you started it, in what locals call the “Mother City”. You’ll return to Cape Town this morning, stopping in Swellendam, the third-oldest town in South Africa. The centre of a large farming community, Swellendam is particularly renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture – whitewashed walls, thatched roofs and the characteristic gable which makes them unmistakably Dutch in heritage.

Day 9: Cape Town Free Day

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Protea Fire and Ice

Accommodation Name: Protea Fire and Ice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get your final fix of Cape Town with a full day to spend your way. If you want to relax, consider kicking back at a craft beer tasting experience and tucking in to a beach braai (barbecue) at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. Keen to fit in one last adventure? Why not explore the rugged Cape Peninsula coastline, passing the Twelve Apostles, Cape Point and Boulders Beach to check out the colony of African Jackass penguins. However you choose to enjoy the day, you’ll have plenty of stories to share over our final dinner.

Day 10: Depart Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

The time has come to say totsiens (until we see each other again) as you prepare to return home after your soul-stirring visit to South Africa's fairest Cape.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director or Driver Guide

    An expert Travel Director or Driver Guide is included to enhance your travel experience.

  • Cherry picked hotels and lodges

    Stay in cherry-picked hotels and lodges, all tried and trusted.

  • Many meals and daily breakfasts included

    Enjoy many meals and daily breakfasts as part of the tour package.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach

    Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day, with conditions applying.

  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences

    Experience an extensive variety of Choice Experiences during the tour.

  • Hotels of similar standard and location

    On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

  • Meals

    The tour includes 4 dinners, 9 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.

  • City orientation tour

    A city orientation tour includes Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope, with a visit to Table Mountain via Aerial Cableway.

  • Whale watching capital visit

    Visit the whale watching capital of South Africa.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as e-bike rides, djembe drumming sessions, and guided walks are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout the tour. Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day, and the tour includes extensive Choice Experiences for a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Protea Fire and Ice in Cape Town, the Windsor in Hermanus, the Garden Route Game Lodge, and the Protea Knysna Quays. These cherry-picked hotels and lodges offer trusted quality and are centrally located for easy access to local attractions.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Essentials

  • City orientation tour includes Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. Visit Table Mountain via Aerial Cableway
  • Visit the whale watching capital of South Africa
  • Visit the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Oceans meet
  • Explore the Knysna Quays area
  • Three included safari vehicle game drives, in a reserve home to the 'Big 5'

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari drives?

    During the safari drives at the Garden Route Game Reserve, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including impala, zebra, giraffe, and possibly the Big 5, which includes lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day, although conditions apply.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels and lodges that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an expert Travel Director or Driver Guide will accompany you during the tour.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes many meals, specifically 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 1 lunch.

  • What activities are available in Knysna?

    In Knysna, you can join a guided walk through lush forests, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on a traditional paddle steamer, or take a boat ride across the Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a 4x4 ride along the western headland.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

ONE OF MY BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE!

12-Jan-2023

Travel Director Alberto and Driver Victor were providing excellent services and amazing travel experiences. Since I came back I strongly recommended to all my contacts how impressed I am with your Professional Team.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Definitely recommend

14-Dec-2022

Trip was planned well and the experience was great. Would definitely recommend and do another

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best trip ever!

20-Jan-2023

Our trip was absolutely outstanding, organized and just plain fun. Agnes is a wonderful tour-guide, knowledgeable and we never had to worry about anything. And Frank, our bus driver, always had a smile and gave us the smoothest bus ride ever! And I've been on buses around the world... If we ever go again (hopefully), Costsaver would be my first and only choice and hopefully we will get "team" Agnes and Frank again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best Travel Experience

05-Jan-2023

We have traveled to Europe many times but this time Spain was different. It was fantastic trip, our tour director was professional and informative.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

No hesitation recommending Costsaver

17-Jan-2023

I had the time of my life. It was an incredible experience.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Why I chose Costsaver

15-Jan-2023

1. The visited places were interesting. 2. A real value for money. 3. Super knowledgeable and friendly tour director 4. Secure and safe. 5. Comfortable bus. 6. Efficient hotel check-in experience. 7. Highly experienced driver. 8. Excellent coordination with hotels.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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