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South Africa On The Road: From Garden Route to Kruger
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South Africa Garden Route Tour
The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, and it comes with so many incredible experiences. From riding along the cliff sides and enjoying the amazing views to exploring the penguins sanctuary and tasting delicious local wines, it truly doesn’t get any better. And then there’s the Kruger Reserve, home to some of the continent’s most incredible wildlife.
From spotting the Big 5 to getting up close with majestic creatures, there’s so much to enjoy there. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure!
South Africa Garden Route Tour
The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, and it comes with so many incredible experiences. From riding along the cliff sides and enjoying the amazing views to exploring the penguins sanctuary and tasting delicious local wines, it truly doesn’t get any better. And then there’s the Kruger Reserve, home to some of the continent’s most incredible wildlife.
From spotting the Big 5 to getting up close with majestic creatures, there’s so much to enjoy there. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure!
Highlights
Tour Description
South Africa On the Road Adventure
Please note that we suggest to purchase your inbound flight to Cape Town and outbound flight from Johannesburg.
Contact us to check availability and ask for a quotation for families and private groups based on your special needs.
Passport with at least six months of validity is mandatory; One Life Journeys does not provide any service and assistance related visa requirements and processing.
We highly recommend purchasing a personal travel insurance at the time of booking.
Flexibility: Possibility to change dates, name of participant or tour until 75 days before departure (a supplement cost might be requested during high season, or for flight quotations if requested)
Reservation: 40% deposit at confirmation. Full payment is due 75 days prior departure.*
*For the complete policy, refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Tour Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Cape Town
Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transferred by your guide/driver to your centrally located hotel. You will have time to rest until we meet for our welcome dinner. Night in Cape Town
Day 2 – Cape Town and Table Mountain
Today you will start the day with a guided city tour of Cape Town. Your guide will show you all the highlights of this vibrant city. In the afternoon, you will take a ride on a cableway to the top of Table Mountain, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. You will enjoy a spectacular view and learn all about its flora enormous biodiversity. Night in Cape Town
Day 3 – Good Hope Cape and Boulder Beach
This morning you will enjoy a scenic drive to Good Hope Cape and Boulders Beach. Be on the lookout for penguins, ostrich, and antelopes and scan the ocean for whales during the Cape’s whale season! Night in Cape Town
Day 4 – Robben Island and Wine Tasting Safari
This morning you will catch a ferry from Cape Town to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in 1964 and would spend there 18 of his 27 prison years. You will join a guided tour of the island with a local guide. After returning back to Cape Town, you will enjoy an amazing drive through breathtaking sceneries and beautiful wine estates to Stellenbosh for a special three-hour wine tasting safari through the 120-hectare Estate. Night in Stellenbosh
Day 5 – Whale Watching in Hermanus
This morning you will leave for Hemanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa due to its perfect location on the windswept coast of Walker Bay, famous for seeing migratory southern right whales (your luck of spotting these gentle animals is greater between June and November). You will then proceed to Cape Aghulas, the southernmost tip of Africa and visit its lighthouse, the third oldest of South Africa and still in use today. After lunch you will enjoy a penguin feeding experience at the penguin sanctuary. Tonight you will enjoy an unforgettable sunset while sipping a glass of local wine. Night in Cape Aghulas
Day 6 – Mossel Bay, the Dias Museum, and oyster experience in Knysna
Today you will drive to Mossel Bay, also known as the Western Cape, the official starting point of the serendipitous Garden Route, a 300-km stretch of coastal road meandering between the Indian Ocean and the adjoining mountain ranges, creating contrasting, yet stunning views on either side. Mossel Bay offers so much to do either you are up to some beach and outdoor activities, or to a more relaxing pace or cultural sites among them the Dias Museum. Afterwards, you will join Knysna and enjoy a lovely minicruise and an unforgettable oyster experience. Night in Knysna
Day 7 – Keurbooms River Cruise and Plettemberg Bay
Today you will drive just outside Plettemberg Bay to board on a cruise along Keurbooms River. An expert local guide will inspire your way with stories and facts to give you a complete picture of the surroundings such as an ancient indigenous forest housed in the Keurbooms nature reserve. Upon arrival in Plettemberg Bay, you will have time to visit Robberg Nature Reserve, a world heritage site rooted in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts. Inside the reserve lies Cape Seal Lighthouse which is worth visiting. Night in Plettemberg Bay
Day 8 – Cathedral Rock and Tsitsikamma National Park
This morning we will make a stop at a nearby beach and at Cathedral rock, one of the most dramatic rock formations along the south African coast. Part of the Garden Route National Park, the Tsitsikamma National Park is a perfect place to experience a combination of breathtaking coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forests, and delicate Fynbos (indigenous plants) rolling down to the sea in unspoilt, verdant carpets. If you are a bungee jumping maniac, you will have the chance to do it here! You will spend tonight at the evocative Storms River village. Night in Storms River
Day 9 – Port Elizabeth
Today you will reach Port Elizabeth, the Eastern Cape, the end of the Garden Route. Also named “the Friendly City”, it is characterized by colorful murals and artwork hidden under bridges and it is home to a new generation of homegrown artists. In the afternoon, you will be taken to visit the lighthouse and Grysbok Nature Reserve on a 4×4 and will end this day with a special treat at sunset. Night in Port Elizabeth
Day 10 – Port Elizabeth and flight to Johannesburg
This morning you will have the chance to wander a little more around Port Elizabeth before heading to the airport where you will catch a domestic flight to Johannesburg. Night at Johannesburg Airport Hotel
Day 11 – Transfer to Kruger National Park
Today it will be a long drive to reach your lodge at Kruger Park. You will travel across the park highveld to Drakensberg Escarpment. After lunch, you will enjoy a fisrt game safari into a private reserve. Afterwards, you will have some time to rest before starting your full-day safari in the morning. Night at Kruger Park Lodge
Day 12 – Full Day Safari at Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is well-known for its boundless opportunities to spot the famous African Big Five – Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and of course Lion. Today you will enjoy a full day safari experience on board of a 4 x 4 safari vehicle, starting with a sunrise game safari. You will be absorbed into South Africa’s natural beauty, capture boastful wildlife photographs and have amazing African wildlife encounters. Night at Kruger Park Lodge
Day 13 – Half Day Safari and Blyde River Canyon Reserve
Before breakfast, you will be taken to a guided nature walk through the savannah. Afterwards, you will reach Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga where you will enjoy scenic waterfalls and stunning panoramic views and discover more about the biodiversity of the area characterized by over 1.000 flora species. You will then be transferred back to Johannesburg for your farewell dinner. Night at Johannesburg Airport Hotel
Day 14 – Fly Back Home
Today you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home. If you have an afternoon flight, we can organise a visit for you at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg in the morning.
*The program of activities and excursions might be subject to changes due to weather conditions. In case, alternatives will be offered.
⇒ Airport transfer at arrival and departure
⇒ All accommodations in charming boutique hotels
⇒ All breakfasts and one meal per day
⇒ All transportations as per itinerary
⇒ Professional driver/tour leader throughout the tour
⇒ Guided Tour of Cape Town
⇒ Cableway to Table Mountain
⇒ Round-trip ferry and guided tour on Robben Island
⇒ Winetasting Experience in Stellenbosh
⇒ Whale watching experience (when in season)
⇒ Penguin feeding experience
⇒ Oyster tasting experience (minicruise)
⇒ Entrance to Dias Museum in Mossel Bay
⇒ Cruise on Keurbooms River
⇒ 4×4 Experience in Port Elizabeth at sunset
⇒ Domestic flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
⇒ 3-day Luxury Eco Lodge Safari
⇒ All entrances and experiences as per itinerary
⇒ Professional travel consulting before and throughout the trip
Χ International flights (book your flight INTO Cape Town and OUT OF Johannesburg)
Χ Travel insurance and local taxes
Χ Meals and transfers NOT mentioned
Χ Tips to your tour leader, driver, and local guides
Χ All that is NOT mentioned in “Included”
Tour Map
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What Our Fellow Travelers Said
" Since 2014 I have worked and travelled on 4 different tours with Betta, they have all been amazing, all customized to what my group enjoys to do. I don’t have to tell her our preferences any more, they are just understood.
On each trip we are treated to special tours that you would not see with a large tour company. She personally makes each trip a pleasure and we all feel that we are with a family member when we get together with her. Can’t wait for our next trip."
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
" Having been on group trips to Northern & Southern Italy, Sicily, Portugal & Spain led by Benedetta, we can recommend her enthusiastically.
For our private trips, she made all our rail, air, private car & hotel arrangements, chosen based on the quality we requested; selected knowledgeable and informative guides to assist us at multiple locations; & stitched it all together into a cohesive itinerary from beginning to end. The trip was a delight. Besides her professional side, Benedetta is an upbeat “foodie” with a mind for fun, & she’s flexible, on the client’s side & doesn’t push an agenda. Finally, as we’ve traveled abroad, we’ve known she’s had our back should help be needed while away."
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
" Thank you One Life journey!!! My wife and I had a life time trip in Italy (from Sicily to Alba and its truffles) thanks to you. The level of service you provided was the highest. Your travel experience, knowledge, understanding and passion made the trip truly unforgettable. Can’t wait for next summer with other one."
Arash Malekzadeh, Sydney Australia
Arash Malekzadeh
Sydney, Australia
" Your professionalism and attention to every and each single details was above and beyond any expectations. Betta and Ray tailored the trip based our personal agenda and preferences, it was the best travel experience we have ever had. Looking forward to our next trip with you.
"
Asia Spilotros, USA
Asia Spilotros
USA
"Betta was our Tour Manager on my trip to Croatia and Slovenia and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her! She was outstanding in every way – professional, prepared, passionate, friendly, approachable, and informative. Our journey was a stress-free experience and she made us feel completely safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip.
Betta was very organized and a great manager of our schedule but was flexible and accommodating enough to balance the prescribed schedule against different things members of the group wanted to see or experience. She went out of her way to make sure we saw not only the tourist sites, but also several that were off the beaten track as well. Betta was always there for us if we had any questions, and the group engaged in many interesting conversations. You cannot go wrong if Betta is your Tour Manager!"
Karen, Chicago
"When traveling, you’ll need a generous amount of good humor, patience and flexibility while expecting the unexpected. There will always be a need to alter plans on the fly. The key to success when traveling is managing these usually stressful surprises. And this is where Betta shines. After three separate tours with Betta, I can cite numerous occasions where I saw her planning and attention to detail in evidence. Daily schedules were well communicated and, always with smiles, Betta kept the tour group together for our various comings and goings. However, Betta’s real talents were displayed when needed to improvise. More important than simply planning, Betta would easily “roll with the punches” when required or asked to deviate from her original plans. She could do this based on her intimate knowledge of several options she could utilize to meet the needs of the moment. Betta’s personality to be much more than pleasant."
Carl Robbins - USA
"Ray helped us organising our family vacation to Sardinia and it was amazing! It was everything we were looking for: great location, stunning seaside, closeness to the beach and comfortable and cozy hotel and also the food was to die for! Our expectations were definitely exceeded. We are going to contact One Life Journeys again for our next holiday!"
Anna, Milan, Italy
"Hi, my name is Bob, and my wife Elizabeth and I want to highly recommend Betta. We traveled with Betta as our tour director on two Italian tours. She is wonderful, always upbeat, and very professional, a pleasure to be with. An excellent communicator, Benedetta was always well prepared and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
Every day she provided us with extraordinary experiences. Betta was able to adjust the day’s schedule and activities to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. She also managed special dietary requests with patience. We both look forward to traveling with Betta again soon."
Bob