Affordable Cape, Whale Coast & Garden Route

A$6,840 - A$7,890

per person sharing

Overview

Discover South Africa’s most diverse landscapes on this immersive 12-day journey through Cape Town, the Whale Coast, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape. Enjoy stylish accommodation, breathtaking scenery, and a wide variety of memorable experiences along the way.

Your adventure begins in Cape Town with a stay at the elegant Welgelegen House. The Mother City offers something for everyone—fascinating history, scenic city beaches, award-winning cuisine and wines, thrilling outdoor activities, and plenty of family-friendly attractions set against a spectacular natural backdrop.

Next, travel to the Whale Coast for a romantic cliff-top escape near the seaside town of Hermanus. During whale season, southern right whales can often be spotted from your balcony. Nearby Gansbaai adds an element of adventure, where you can head out to sea for an exhilarating shark-cage diving experience in one of the world’s most famous great white shark habitats.

Continue east along the iconic Garden Route to Knysna, where you’ll stay on a peaceful island surrounded by the calm waters of the Knysna Lagoon. Here, enjoy a treetop canopy tour through the lush Tsitsikamma Forest, offering a unique perspective of this pristine natural environment.

Your journey concludes in the Eastern Cape with a classic African safari at Bayethe Tented Lodge in the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Encounter the Big 5 in an authentic wilderness setting, providing a thrilling and fitting finale to your South African adventure.

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Explore Cape Town - The Mother City | 3 Nights

Welgelegen House | Cape Town Central, South Africa

Itinerary Information
Your South African adventure begins at Cape Town International Airport, where you’ll collect your rental vehicle and drive to Welgelegen House, a stylish boutique guesthouse near Kloof Street. This charming accommodation will be your base for the next three nights, placing you in an ideal location to explore the city’s highlights.

Spend your days discovering Cape Town’s natural beauty and cultural gems. Relax on the golden sands of Camps Bay or Clifton Beach, enjoy a refreshing cocktail with an ocean view, or take a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, stopping at quaint seaside towns like Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town for lunch and harbour walks.

For stunning city views, take the Table Mountain cable car, cruise around the bustling harbour, or visit Robben Island via ferry for a touch of history. A sunset stroll along the Sea Point Promenade, with an ice cream in hand, offers the perfect way to wind down before dining at one of Cape Town’s many excellent restaurants.

Welgelegen House Information

  • Boutique guesthouse in a peaceful city neighbourhood

  • Ideal location for exploring Cape Town

  • Friendly staff to assist with planning your activities

  • Within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and cafés

  • Bed & Breakfast

Days 4-5: Experience the Whale Coast | 2 Nights

Cliff Lodge | Whale Coast, South Africa

Itinerary Information
After breakfast at Welgelegen House, enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Whale Coast to The Cliff Lodge, located near Hermanus and just outside the charming town of Gansbaai. Perched on the cliffs above the Indian Ocean, this elegant lodge offers stunning panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere for your two-night stay.

Take in the 180-degree ocean vistas from the seafront deck or conservatory while enjoying a glass of wine. Between July and October, you may spot southern right whales as they breach and play in the waters offshore, with September typically offering the peak sightings.

For adventure seekers, a shark-cage diving experience brings you face-to-face with the awe-inspiring great white shark, a thrilling encounter that is safe and unforgettable. Afterward, unwind with a horseback ride along the coast, a round of golf, or a visit to a nearby wine farm to soak in the region’s tranquillity.

Cliff Lodge Information

  • Located in prime whale-watching territory

  • Spectacular cliff-top views over Walker Bay

  • Friendly, personalised service

  • Rooms with private patios and sea views

  • Close to shark-cage diving, beaches, and ocean excursions

  • Bed & Breakfast

Days 6-7: Explore the Garden Route | 2 Nights

Leisure Isle Lodge | Knysna, South Africa

Itinerary Information
Today, continue your journey along South Africa’s famed Garden Route to the charming town of Knysna. Nestled on the edge of a large lagoon, your accommodation for the night is The Leisure Isle Lodge, a boutique property set on a small island in the middle of the tranquil waters.

Leisure Isle Lodge Information

  • Intimate boutique lodge on a private island in the lagoon

  • Beautiful views of the Knysna Heads and surrounding waters

  • Easy access to local beaches and lagoon activities

  • Ideal base for exploring the Garden Route

  • Award-winning in-house restaurant

  • Bed & Breakfast

Itinerary Information
Enjoy a final morning at Bayethe Lodge, taking in the serene surroundings one last time. After breakfast, depart Shamwari Private Game Reserve and drive to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Here, you will return your rental vehicle and board your flight home, carrying memories of your unforgettable South African adventure.