Wonders of the Western Cape
Wonders of the Western Cape
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:
Tour code:
AFGRM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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, make your own way 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
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An expert Travel Director or Driver Guide
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Cherry picked hotels and lodges, all tried and trusted.
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
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Luxury air-conditioned coach
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Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply.
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Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
What's Not Included
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as e-bike rides, djembe drumming sessions, and guided walks are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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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
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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.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day, although conditions apply.
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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.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an expert Travel Director or Driver Guide will accompany you during the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes many meals, specifically 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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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
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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