11-Day Affordable Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route
On this 11 Days Affordable Cape, Whale Coast & Garden Route you will experience the best of Cape Town, the Whale Coast, Garden Route and the Eastern Cape while staying in beautiful accommodations.
Start your South Africa Safari journey in Cape Town and the charming Welgelegen House. Cape Town has plenty to keep you enthralled. A rich and storied past for the history buff, picturesque city beaches, award-winning restaurants and wines for the food and wine lovers. There are array of adventurous activities for the adrenaline seekers, and the city and its surroundings provide plenty of family-friendly outings for all ages.
Enjoy a romantic stay on the cliff-top just outside the coastal town of Hermanus where you will be able to observe southern right whales from your balcony. Just next door to Hermanus is Gansbaai – world renowned for large numbers of great white sharks where you will go for thrilling shark – cage diving expedition.
Your journey continues along the coast on the beautiful Garden Route to Knysna where you will stay on a small island on the idyllic Knysna Lagoon and enjoy a canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Finish off in the in the Eastern Cape with an authentic Big 5 safari with a stay in the Bayethe Tented Lodge in the beautiful Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Highlights of 11 Days Affordable Cape, Whale Coast & Garden Route
Days 1-3: Explore Cape Town – The Mother City
Days 4-5: Experience the Whale Coast
Days 6-7: Explore the Garden Route
Days 8-10: Search for Big Game in Shamwari
Day 11: Say Goodbye to South Africa
Detailed itinerary of 11 Days Affordable Cape, Whale Coast & Garden Route
Days 1-3: Explore Cape Town – The Mother City
Your South Africa Journey begins on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. You will be collected by a Petnah Africa Tours representative (your driver-guide) and drive to your hotel in Cape Town.
Settle in and get ready to explore the Mother City: visit the beaches of Cape Bay and Clifton, cool off with a sea-view cocktail afterward and take a drive down the dramatic peninsula to Cape Point, stopping off at the colorful towns of Kalk Bay or Simons Town for lunch and a stroll along the seafront into working harbors.
Also, you can enjoy fantastic views of the City from the top of Table Mountain or go on a boat cruise around the harbor, and don’t forget visiting the historic Robben Island which is just a ferry ride away. A stroll down the Sea Point Promenade with an ice cream in hand is another way to enjoy the stunning sea views and sunset before dinner at one of Cape Town’s top’s many top-class restaurants.
Spend these three nights at Welgelegen House, a charming boutique hotel situated close to fashionable Kloof Street at the heart of the city.
Main Destination: Cape Town Central, South Africa
Accommodation: Welgelegen House
Meal Plan: Full Board
Days 4-5: Experience the Whale Coast
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, head out on a scenic drive to the Whale Coast.
Relax on the all-weather conservatory and seafront deck and enjoy 180-degree views as you sip on a glass of wine and settle in your hotel. In the Whale Season that is July to October, peaking in September, you will be able to see southern right whales as they roll and display in the waters not too far from the shore.
The following day offers the opportunity for more adventure, included in your tour is a shark-cage diving excursion bringing you close to the ultimate predator-great white sharks. It is an extraordinary water experience to share the water with these terrifying yet magnificent creatures. After this heart-pumping experience, unwind with a leisurely horseback ride, a round of golf or a visit to one the nearby wine farms.
Spend these two nights at The Cliff Lodge, situated close to Hermanus – the epicenter of the Whale Coast, and just outside the old fishing town of Gansbaai. This lodge boasts elegance, style and incredible views over the vast Indian Ocean.
Main Destination: Whale Coast, South Africa
Accommodation: The Whale Coast
Meal Plan: Full Board
Days 6-7: Explore the Garden Route
Today, your journey continues as you drive along the stunning ever-popular Garden Route to the holiday town of Knysna. Head to its large lagoon and check in at your lodge.
Take a stroll in the calm and beautiful surrounding. Alternatively you can either relax at the lodge or swim in the lagoon. Head down to one of the beautiful local beaches or take a short drive to Noetzie where you will find some of the country’s most incredible beaches.
Also included in your tour is a canopy tour in the idyllic Tsitsikamma Forest where you will experience this indigenous forest and its wildlife from above, and to finish off. You can perhaps spend an afternoon browsing the town’s art galleries and shops or taking a walk around the small harbor.
Main Destination: Knysna, South Africa
Accommodation: The Leisure Isle Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Days 8-10: Search for Big Game in Shamwari
Continue along the Garden Route and cross the Bloukrans Bridge, a famous bungee jump spot, into the Eastern Cape. Arrive at your final accommodation on this tour.
Go on game drives and other exciting game viewing activities in the restocked and rejuvenated Shamwari’s thousands of animals including lion, rhino, buffalo and elephants roaming this diverse and fascinating reserve. You will also enjoy the information and stories delivered by your expert rangers who will tell you everything you need to known about this piece of wilderness.
You will be staying at Bayethe Tented Lodge in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the perfect location to enjoy a luxurious Big 5 safari experience.
Main Destination: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Accommodation: The Leisure Isle Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Say Goodbye to South Africa
After your breakfast, depart Shamwari reserve for Gqerberha – formally known as Port Elizabeth where you will be dropped off and catch your flight home.
End of 11 Days Affordable Cape, Whale Coast & Garden Route
