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Garden Route
Garden Route, Cape Town, wine, and safari
The coastal trip that has it all
This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience South Africa at their own pace, with a perfect mix of big cities, wine, nature, coastline, and safaris. The trip offers varied landscapes, charming small towns, and the freedom of a classic road trip.
The journey begins in Cape Town, one of the world's most beautifully situated cities, where majestic mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can explore Table Mountain, stroll along the Waterfront, visit Robben Island, and enjoy the city's wide range of restaurants, markets, and cultural experiences.
After visiting Franschhoek, the road trip continues east to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital. The journey then continues to Knysna along the Garden Route with its forests, lagoons, and coastal landscapes.
The trip ends in Sundays River Valley, just outside Addo Elephant National Park, where you have the opportunity to go on safari on your own with a rental car. A self-drive safari is both exciting and memorable, as you can explore the park at your own pace and look for wildlife. Addo is particularly known for its large herds of elephants, but there is also a rich variety of wildlife here, including all of Africa's Big Five.
We are happy to tailor the trip to your wishes.
Car rental is included every day, but can be replaced with private transfer
Includes
- Rental car for the entire trip (can be exchanged for private transfer)
- Meet & greet upon arrival
- Safari tours according to plan
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- Accommodation according to itinerary
- Meals according to itinerary
- Round-the-clock service during the journey
- Snacks and drinks during the safari tour
- Contributions to local projects
- Safe travel – we comply with the Package Travel Act and have provided a travel guarantee.
Tips
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date and have at least two blank pages.
- Swedish citizens do not need a visa for tourist trips to South Africa for up to 90 days.
- South Africa is in the same time zone as Sweden during winter time (no time difference). When Sweden is on summer time, South Africa is 1 hour ahead.
- The currency in South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). ATMs are available almost everywhere and cards are widely accepted.
- Tipping is common in South Africa. In restaurants, it is normal to tip around 10–15%, and it is also customary to tip guides and drivers after tours and safaris.
Days included in the package
Day 1 - Departure
Today, your adventure begins as you fly from your chosen airport to Cape Town. You can choose to book your international flight through us or arrange your own flights if you prefer.
- Meals on the flight
Day 2 - Welcome to South Africa
Today you arrive in fantastic Cape Town. At Cape Town Airport, you will be met by our local representative, who will be holding a sign with your name on it and will tell you about Cape Town and answer any questions you may have. Cape Town has so much to offer. There is something for everyone here. For those who are adventurous and want to go on an adventure, there is plenty to do.
At the airport, you will pick up your rental car, which you will use during your stay in South Africa and which is included in the price. If you would prefer private transfers with a driver, we can of course arrange this.
- Breakfast
Day 3 - 5 - Explore Cape Town on your own
During your stay in Cape Town, you will have time to discover a city that is consistently ranked as one of the most attractive in the world. Nature is always present, whether you are walking in the city, along the coast, or up in the mountains.
Cape Town offers a wonderful mix of experiences, from hiking on Table Mountain or Lion's Head to relaxing on the beaches. The city's history and culture are as fascinating as its nature, with places such as Robben Island and the colorful Bo-Kaap providing important perspectives on South Africa's past and present.
The food and wine scene is of a very high standard, with everything from trendy restaurants to local markets.
We are happy to help with personal tips on excursions, activities, and restaurants, so that you can make the most of your time in Cape Town based on your interests and preferences.
- Breakfast
Day 5 - The wine region
After breakfast, you will leave Cape Town and travel to the famous wine regions, located about an hour outside the city. This is a perfect contrast to the pulse of the big city.
You will arrive in the area around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which is the heart of South Africa's wine country and has a long tradition of wine production.
Here you will find incredibly beautiful landscapes and charming vineyards. During the day, you will have the opportunity to visit selected vineyards and participate in wine tastings, as well as enjoy the area's gastronomy, which is considered among the best in the country.
Day 6 - Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, you will leave the coast and continue inland towards Oudtshoorn, located in the heart of Little Karoo. The journey takes you along the scenic Route 62. During the day, the landscape changes from green coastline to drier semi-desert, surrounded by the mighty Swartberg Mountains. Once you arrive in Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, you will have the opportunity to visit an ostrich farm. If time permits, you can also explore the Cango Caves, an impressive cave system with dramatic limestone formations.
Day 7 - Knysna
After breakfast, continue your journey along the Garden Route towards Knysna, one of the coast's most popular small towns. The road offers beautiful views of the sea, forests, and lagoons. Knysna is beautifully situated on a large lagoon, surrounded by green hills and dense forests, and is particularly famous for its fresh oysters, which are served in many of the town's restaurants. You can, for example, take a boat trip on the lagoon, stroll along the waterfront, visit Knysna Heads where the cliffs meet the sea, or hike in the surrounding forests.
Day 8 - Knysna
Today you have a whole day in Knysna to enjoy at your own pace. For example, you can take a boat trip on the lagoon, stroll along the waterfront, or visit Knysna Heads, where the cliffs meet the sea and offer beautiful views. For those who wish, there is the opportunity to hike in the surrounding forests, shop for local crafts, or just relax and enjoy the view and the cozy atmosphere.
Day 9 - 12 - Addo National Park
In the morning and early afternoon, you can relax in Knysna and enjoy the surroundings before continuing your journey eastward at your own pace toward Sundays River Valley, which is located in a beautiful and varied landscape.
During these days, you will have the opportunity to visit Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa's most well-known national parks. Here you will go on a self-drive safari, which gives you the freedom to drive at your own pace, stop when you want, and experience wildlife up close. Addo is particularly famous for its impressive elephant herds, but the park is also home to many other animal species, including all of the Big Five.
During the day, there are plenty of opportunities to stop at waterholes and viewpoints where the animals often gather, especially during the cooler morning and afternoon hours.
For those who wish, there is also the opportunity to visit Bellevue Forest Reserve in Sundays River Valley. Here you can join a guided walking safari and hike among giraffes in an open and scenic landscape – an experience that gives a completely different perspective on wildlife.
Day 12 - Return journey
Today it's time to say goodbye to South Africa and drive to Cape Town Airport for your flight home.
- Breakfast
Day 13 - Return home
Today you will arrive home in Sweden after what we hope has been a fantastic trip. We hope you will take many wonderful memories with you to look back on.
- Meals on the flight
We are on site
Meet your travel advisors
Tania lives in Cape Town and loves showing travelers around her beloved South Africa. She is responsible for everything on site and makes sure that every detail of the trip is well thought out, that you have an authentic experience, and that everything runs smoothly. She will do everything and more to make you feel safe throughout your trip and ensure you have a fantastic journey!
Our tour guides are always ready to help with any questions you may have about your trip. They are knowledgeable and dedicated, and their goal is to make your experience as smooth and memorable as possible.
Contact us
Good to know
The security situation in South Africa varies depending on the area and time of day, and as in many other large countries, there are certain challenges. It is important to avoid walking alone in the dark or staying in deserted places in the evening.
The most popular tourist destinations, such as Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, the Garden Route, and safari areas such as Kruger, are well-visited and generally considered safe to travel to.
Some areas have high crime rates, but these are far from the areas where visitors usually travel.
If you follow standard safety advice and use common sense, the risk of something happening is very small, and most travelers find South Africa to be both safe and welcoming.
We are happy to help you book your airline tickets.
We have access to a system where we can compare a large number of flights and come up with several options based on your preferences, such as departure date, airline, number of stopovers, or departure city. We can book flights from most countries, not just Sweden.
If we find an option that suits you, we can also reserve the tickets, which means that the price is locked in for a short period while you consider your options. A reservation is not binding and can be canceled at any time if you decide not to proceed.
You are also welcome to book your own flight if you prefer.
- For a pure safari trip in Kruger combined with Cape Town, it is easiest to fly to Johannesburg and home from Cape Town, or vice versa.
- During certain periods in high season, we also have pre-booked airports on selected dates, which usually results in slightly cheaper prices.
- We usually book all domestic flights, but you can also choose to do this yourself.
Currency
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). USD is generally not accepted as payment, so the rand is used in everyday life.
Withdrawing money
There are plenty of ATMs in cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, along the Garden Route, and even in tourist areas around Kruger. It is not possible to exchange money for rand at all Swedish banks, so many choose to withdraw money immediately upon arrival.
Card payment
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, such as in restaurants, hotels, and shops. In smaller markets or more remote areas, cash may still be necessary, so always carry some cash with you as a backup.
Small bills
It is good to have small bills for tips, parking, small purchases at markets, or guided tours. Ask for smaller bills when withdrawing or exchanging money.
Bargain with consideration
At markets and in some shops, it is common to negotiate the price. Do so in a friendly and respectful manner, as this is often their main source of income.
South African cuisine is known for its great variety, reflecting the country's rich mix of cultures. Here, African, European, and Asian influences come together in flavorful dishes.
Typical ingredients and dishes
- Meat is a central part of the food culture. South Africa is known for its braais (barbecue evenings) where everything from beef and chicken to lamb and boerewors (the classic South African sausage) is grilled.
- Bobotie, a spicy minced meat dish with egg topping, is one of the country's most beloved national dishes.
- Seafood is common along the coast, especially in Cape Town, where grilled fish, mussels, and calamari are popular.
Wine and beverages
South Africa is one of the world's most prominent wine countries. The wine regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl produce internationally acclaimed wines, especially the unique Pinotage grape.
For beer lovers, there are several local varieties and microbreweries.
Fruit and vegetables
The country has a varied climate with good growing conditions. As a result, there is a wide range of tropical fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and passion fruit, as well as grapes, citrus fruits, and avocados, which are often used in cooking.
Every season has its own unique charm
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November - February
This is the South African summer and one of the most popular times to travel, especially to Cape Town, the wine regions, and the Garden Route. The weather is warm (around 30 degrees Celsius), sunny, and ideal for beach life, wine tastings, and excursions. In safari areas such as Kruger, there is rain, but usually in the form of short, intense showers that pass quickly. The landscape is green and lush, the wildlife is rich, and this is also the time when many animals have their young, which makes the safari extra special.
March - May
This is autumn in South Africa and a very pleasant time to visit. In April and May, temperatures begin to drop to around 25 degrees Celsius. The landscape gradually changes color and there are fewer tourists. In Kruger, there is less rain and the vegetation begins to open up, making it easier to spot animals. This is an excellent time for safaris as the animals are active, it is still warm, and the weather on the coast is still very pleasant with often sunny days.
June - August
This is a great season for those who want to focus on safaris in South Africa. In Kruger and other reserves, there are dry, clear days and minimal vegetation, which makes the animals much easier to see when they visit the waterholes. In Cape Town and along the south coast, it is winter, which means temperatures of around 12–16 degrees Celsius and a greater chance of rain. During this period, it is peak season for whale watching in Hermanus and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for wildlife, this is a good time to visit, but if you want to combine it with Cape Town, it is better to choose another period.
September - October
This is one of the best months for a combined safari and Cape Town trip. The safari areas are still dry, the animals are easy to spot, and the temperature is starting to rise. At the same time, Cape Town is heading into spring, which means incredibly beautiful blooming nature, pleasant weather, and a quieter tourist season. For whale watching in Hermanus, September is one of the best months.
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Make a booking request
Your request is not binding and you can of course change the number of days or make other requests. We will get back to you as soon as possible!
