10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation

(Unguided free-time day)  It’s the start of your Hotspots2c adventure – starting with your arrival in Cape Town (we always recommend arriving as early as possible to make the most of your time in Cape Town). Your driver will be waiting at the airport to collect you and take you to your accommodation. If you are already in country and do not need the airport transfer your guide shall pick you up and take you to your first night's accommodation.

The rest of the day is a ‘free day’, where you can choose what, when and how you would like to spend it. There is an array of optional activities that we can book for you in advance. Anything from paragliding to yacht cruise in Table Bay can be arranged before you even arrive.

There is also a multitude of free experiences to indulge in – take a walk through the city’s Company Gardens or catch a taxi to Camps Bay and enjoy cocktails right on the beach. If you’re a foodie, just take a walk along Bree Street; restaurants offering delicious cuisine are a dime-a-dozen here.

Please be aware that your arrival time in Cape Town will have an impact on which activities can be done. As this day is an unguided day, all transport to and from activities will be for your own account. Travel duration about 50km /1hr 

Overnight Accommodation in Cape Town ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on at Dorm/Saver Never@Home Backpackers or Deluxe Protea Hotel, Victoria Junction or similar.

(Unguided free-time day) Your included City Sightseeing bus ticket gives you the opportunity to travel free on three different bus lines, which explore the city of Cape Town and her surrounds. While your included return Table Mountain cable car ticket grant you priority access to one of the world’s seven natural wonders, please note that all entrance and activities that are not included in your City Sightseeing bus ticket will be for your own account.

The Red bus line takes you around the city, passing through Camps Bay and to Table Mountain (the perfect place to hop off and make use of your cable car ticket). There are 11 stops in total, and you can hop-on and off as many times as you like during the day. However, if you don’t hop-off at all, the tour is roughly 90mins long.

The Blue bus line runs in a circular route that takes you to many of Cape Town’s top attractions. As the activities along this route take time to enjoy, you are limited to three stops. Choose from world-class options like the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a waterfront harbour cruise and so much more.

The Purple line takes you along Cape Town’s own inner-city wine route in Constantia. There is the option to visit three top-tier wine estates; Beau Contantia, Eagles Nest, and Groot Constantia – which is also a National Heritage site. You’ll be able to hop-on and off as many times as you like, and the tour (with no hop-on and off) takes approximately 20 minutes, running in a circular route.

Overnight in Cape Town ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on at Dorm/Saver Never@Home Backpackers or Deluxe Protea Hotel, Victoria Junction or similar.

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 200km / 3hours  - Join the Cape Point + Penguins small group outsourced day tour.

The rugged mountainscape faces off with the crystal blue ocean of Hout Bay - your first stop of the day. This vibrant seaside community is a bustling hodgepodge of culture and is ready to welcome you to their Cape Town nook with open arms. Explore the local harbour market, or take an optional cruise to visit Duiker Island (own expense).

Considered one of the world’s most scenic drives, Chapman’s Peak twists and turns along the mountainside and allows incredible views of the icy Atlantic Ocean. Take advantage of the stops along the drive, where you can save its astounding views with your camera or mind.

When you arrive at the Cape of Good Hope, you arrive at the most south-westerly point of Africa. Water and wilderness collide at this national park; with handsome, imposing cliffs that are repeatedly battered by the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Wander along the many winding paths through the indigenous fauna while keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as ostriches, baboons, and various antelope species – including bontebok. You can also walk the stairs to the lighthouse where views synonymous with Cape Town await.

From Cape Point travel to Simon’s Town’s most famous beach, and home to a large colony of African penguins, Boulders Beach. Watch as these adorable birds waddle about their business until they dive into the water and become as graceful and poised as ballerinas. Walk along the boardwalks, or enter the reserve (own expense) to sit on the beach and marvel at the simplistic beauty of seeing a wild creature in its own, natural environment. You’ll arrive back in Cape Town by late afternoon.

Overnight in Cape Town ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on at Dorm/Saver Never@Home Backpackers or Deluxe Protea Hotel, Victoria Junction or similar.

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 200km / 3hours  - Join an outsourced Cape Winelands small group day tour to visit at least 3 wine estates: a selection of Dieu Donné, Simonsig, Mitre's Edge, MiddleVlei, Vergenoegd or similar -subject to your specific departure day.

Your guide will collect you from selected hotels in Cape Town city. This outsourced tour led by another supplierand tour company that specialise in wine day tours.

From Wednesdays to Sundays explore two amazing estates in the historic Stellenbosch region and enjoy a delightful traditional South African lunch paired with exceptional wines. Then you'll also visit another wine estate for a cheese and chocolate wine pairing in the cozy local homestead, followed by an informal cellar tour.

Only on selected days you'll also be able to  explore the Franschhoek region too; stroll through this charming town (led by your local wine guide) and after a delicious lunch in this self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa. 

After up to 12+ wine tastings, visiting no less than 3 different wine estates, your winelands day will come to an end, and you'll head back to arrive in the Cape Town region by late afternoon.

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Overnight in Cape Town ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on at Dorm/Saver Never@Home Backpackers or Deluxe Protea Hotel, Victoria Junction or similar.

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 400km / 6hours  - Adventure awaits during the next 5 days along the popular Garden Route region. Start this epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery on your first day’s drive from Cape Town to the Southern Cape.  Wind your way through mountain passes where lazy baboons line the roadside;  rolling farmlands and fertile microclimates with rows and rows of grapevines. 

Get ready for the famous Route 62, modeled after America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavour and the longest wine route in the world. The Route 62 is more than just a leisurely drive – showcasing local culture, food, larger-than-life local characters and world-class wines. Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop. Few things are more beautiful to behold than the innate majestic beauty of this Valley of Wine with a glass of wine in hand. 

Complete the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. 

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You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Either ask your guide to help you book a restaurant or taste local delights, such as ostrich "sosaties" (kebabs) and "pot brood" (bread cooked on open flames) at an optional 'braai' (bbq) experience and spend the evening around a crackling fire under the vast twinkling starry country sky.

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Overnight in Oudtshoorn  ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on - Subject to availability and your selected rate option, choose between: Saver Uthando Backpackers or Comfort Baron Van Reede Guest house or Deluxe Hlangana Lodge (ask us if you'd like to upgrade to Buffelsdrift Glamping at extra cost - if available)*

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 300km / 4hours  -Wake up in Oudsthoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colourful feather stalls on the way to town centre, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. 

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Head to the mountains to delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.  

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Along the way to your next stop, you’ll venture through Karoo country and along the back roads to a small-town gem to experience a real taste of tradition, served with heart and heritage. Visit a charming “padstal”-inspired restaurant-deli to tuck into a proudly South African treats tasting menu, handmade with love by locals… featuring  traditional dishes like “bobotie", “roosterbrood", “koeksisters", and “melktert". 

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As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region the dusty plains of the Klein  Karoo morphs into a greener horizon. This small citrus farming community lies in the Sundays River Valley surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains that offer some spectacular hiking and game viewing in a malaria free area. Tonight you'll stay overnight close to Addo National Park, making it east to be ready to go on safari first thing in the morning.

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Overnight in Addo ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on - Subject to availability and your selected rate option, choose between: Dorm/Saver Avoca Backpackers or Comfort Happylands Guest house or  Deluxe Addo Wildlife Lodge

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 300km / 4hours  - An early wake-up call might seem hard to take at first, but trust us, it’s worth getting to Addo Elephant National Park at dawn to see even more wildlife as the bush awakes.  Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five animals. 

From safari to surf; after the morning of safari adventures the journey continues towards the coast. The large white caps (or seahorses as the locals call the surf break) of Jeffreys Bay herald your arrival into South Africa’s quintessential ‘Surf City’. Hang ten with the locals and slip into a relaxed frame of mind at the beach while enjoying the warmer Indian ocean waters. Shopaholics can visit the JBay’s surf wear shoppers village or if you’ve always fancied surfing at this world famous surf spot ; then put your goofy foot forward and go for it. Opt to fill your afternoon with a choice of the following optionals: book Surfing equipment (or surf lessons if time permits) or Beach Horseback Riding to adventure along the sandy coastline.

End the day with dinner at your accommodation or a night out to a local seafood delicacy restaurant, as the gentle waves lap against the shore.

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Overnight in Jeffrey's Bay ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on: Subject to availability and your selected rate option, choose between: Dorm/Saver Island Vibe Backpacker cabins or Comfort Supertubes / Sea Whisper's Guest house or Deluxe On The Beach Guest house

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 300km / 4hours  - Lush green landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day... from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly-beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the "garden" of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenalin junkies: get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go? 

For a more relaxed thrill, Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides (the longest is 211 meters in length), zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge. 

This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed.  A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall and sandy beach is waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths. 

As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favourite with holiday goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests.

Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield, Wilderness. Take a walk along the uninterrupted sandy beach shores at sunset, this place oozes serenity, the ideal way to reset your inner calm. After your recharged stroll check out the rustic beach restaurant if you are in Sedgefield or venture into town for a more intimate dinner if you overnight in the Wilderness area. 

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Overnight in Sedgefield ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on:  Subject to availability and your selected rate option, choose between: Dorm/Saver Pili-pilli Backpackers or Comfort The Rex or Deluxe Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar

(Guided group tour) Travel duration about 500km / 6,5 hours  - Today start off strong with another beautiful and exciting trip passing oasis-like coastal towns along the ocean-lined route hugged by forested national parks.

Venture along the N2 national road as you return to the Cape and stop at a seaside village called Mossel Bay.  Choose to partake in an optional Botlierskop 4x4 Safari drive at this nearby private game reserve.

After all the excitement of the week; ticking off the region's bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route and beyond, you'll say your goodbyes as you reach Cape Town or Stellenbosch. End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation in evening about 8pm to 10pm, subject to traffic and your drop-off address.

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Overnight in Cape Town ( EXCLUDED ) optional add-on at Dorm/Saver Never@Home Backpackers or Deluxe Protea Hotel, Victoria Junction or similar.

(Unguided free-time day) Travel duration about 50km / 1hr  - This is a free day that will happen after the Garden Route Tour. Squeeze in a few more activities before you are transported to Cape Town International Airport. Depending on your flight departure time (we always recommend taking one of the late afternoon or evening flights out of the city if possible) there are still few hotspots left to visit! Skydiving, shark cage diving, additional wine-tasting and so much more can all be booked and organised with us to ensure a fuss-free day.

There are also plenty of places and things to do that don’t cost a thing. Spend some time on one of our many beautiful beaches; pick-up last-minute gifts at Canal Walk or in Green Market Square; or take a walk along the Sea Point Promenade.

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End with a free farewell airport transfer service to the Cape Town International Airport or your next stop in Cape Town region.