South Africa trip | Round trip colourful Garden Route

The rugged Cape Peninsula stretches into the Atlantic Ocean and is the southwesternmost point of the African continent. It boasts pristine white sand beaches with steep mountains interspersed with quaint small coastal towns. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope can be found on the southern side of this spectacularly beautiful peninsula, while the northern tip is crowned by the world-famous Table Mountain that towers over the city of Cape Town. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities, including: hopping on a boat trip to Seal Island from Hout Bay, exploring the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and watching the colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. Don't miss the chance to take in the breathtaking views from the top of Table Mountain.

Kariega Private Game Reserve is located in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, in the beautiful Kariega River Valley. The reserve's landscape spans more than 10,000 hectares and offers impressive views of forests, savannah grasslands dotted with an abundance of flora and fauna and two rivers: the Kariega River and the Bushmans River. Here you will find the Big Five and a variety of other animals, including giraffe, eland, zebra, wildebeest and a host of bird species! There are many different activities to do in the area such as kayaking up the river or enjoy a game drive or river cruise to admire the reserve's abundant flora and fauna!

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, affectionately known to locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', has 11 official languages, and its people are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover Cape Town's gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the community of Soweto, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or taste some of the world's best wines at the numerous wine estates scattered across the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all, the untamed wilderness is amazing: wildlife roams freely across huge unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

The Eastern Cape is endowed with some of the best beaches in South Africa - long stretches of fine white sand backed by hills blanketed with lush subtropical vegetation and, for the most part, blissfully uncrowded. The Indian Ocean waters that fringe this coast are mild throughout the year and support a myriad of marine life, including a wide array of fish species that make the region an angler's mecca. South Africa's most legendary surfing destination is located along the Eastern Cape coast: Jeffrey's Bay, renowned for its long rides and world-class barrels.

The Eastern Cape is South Africa’s third-largest province. The province begins east of the Storms River and stretches as far as the Mtamvuna River, where the province of KwaZulu-Natal begins. In between lies a coastline some 1,000 kilometres long, featuring countless beautiful beaches, fishing villages and seaside resorts such as Port Elizabeth and East London. Many malaria-free game reserves are among the province’s tourist highlights. The Eastern Cape covers approximately 170,000 square kilometres; the province is almost half the size of Germany.
The many wars between the indigenous Xhosa people, the British, the Boers and the Zulus have left their mark throughout the province. There are countless forts, national monuments and historic buildings. The history of these wars is showcased in the many museums. The former Xhosa territories of Transkei (capital: Umtata) and Ciskei (capital: Bisho) were initially independent but have been part of South Africa again since 1994. The population still honours old traditions, and most of the land is even still owned by the Xhosa people. The Xhosa language is therefore the most widely spoken (85 per cent), followed by Afrikaans (9 per cent) and then English (3 per cent).

Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains' mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey's Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn's 60's Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.

Knysna lies at the heart of the Garden Route and is undoubtedly the jewel of the Western Cape and the Garden Route. The beach lies beside a lagoon with crystal-clear blue water and is bordered on the other side by mountains and dense forests. These forests are the oldest in the whole of South Africa and even extend right into the town centre. For spectacular views, you can walk along one of the two ‘heads’. These sandstone cliffs stretch all the way to the point where the lagoon flows into the Indian Ocean. From the head on the east side, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Knysna, the lagoon and Leisure Isle. On the west side lies the Featherbed Nature Reserve. But be sure to visit the marina and the centre of Knysna as well. The many boutiques and interior design shops selling wooden trinkets are certainly worth exploring.
Knysna is famous for its oysters and wild elephants. The oysters are loved worldwide for their distinctive flavour. Large herds of wild elephants once lived here, but their numbers have dwindled significantly due to hunting. Nowadays, it is very rare to spot one.

The Western Cape, perhaps the most scenic and diverse of South Africa's nine provinces, serves as a key spot for visitors to South Africa. Located in the south-western corner of the country, the province is blessed with beautiful coastlines, breathtaking mountains, indigenous forests, historic wine estates and scorched stretches of a strikingly beautiful semi-desert. Visitors can enjoy everything from the beautiful city of Cape Town with its iconic Table Mountain and the stunning surrounding Winelands, to the exciting outdoor activities and spectacular natural scenery of the Garden Route. Also be sure to visit the fynbos-covered sand dunes, white beaches and remote fishing villages on the less-discovered West Coast. The Western Cape is an absolute must when visiting South Africa!

Oudtshoorn lies in the heart of the Little Karoo. The town is known as the ‘feather capital’ of South Africa. The name dates back to the time when ostrich feathers were in high demand worldwide. Between 1900 and 1915, the feather boa was a fashion trend amongst the rich and famous, leading to a golden age for Oudtshoorn. Many ostrich farmers built large houses during this period, which were popularly known as ‘feather palaces’. The houses are often built of sandstone, which is abundant in the Langebergen. In the centre of Oudtshoorn, the C.P. Nel Museum is the most striking example of this architectural style. The museum, housing Charles Paul Nel’s private collection, displays a cultural and historical collection that documents Oudtshoorn’s all-important ‘feather years’.
However, there is much more to do and see in and around Oudtshoorn. Why not visit the Cango Caves, for example – spectacular limestone caves full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites? Or go on a spectacular 4x4 tour through the Swartberg Pass, a picturesque mountain pass offering breathtaking views and winding roads through the rugged Karoo landscape. Both attractions showcase the natural beauty of South Africa, perfect for adventurous travellers and nature lovers seeking unique experiences.

Bordering the Swartberg and Langeberg mountains in South Africa's Western Cape, the long valley of Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic, natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys a lush greenery that contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and the quaint ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn. Also worth a visit are the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to experiencing South Africa's rich heritage in its many historic towns. Moreover, animals such as the bat-fox, meerkats and barking geckos can be seen. One can also enjoy music, drama, art and excellent local food at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.

Route 62 is one of the most beautiful routes in South Africa and also the longest wine route in the world. The road starts in Oudtshoorn and winds its way through Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Barrydale, taking in the fertile wine valleys and semi-desert landscape of the Little Karoo.
Take the time for a photo stop along the way – it’s definitely worth it. Route 62 is almost as famous as Route 66 in the US, but has its own unique charm.

Hermanus is South Africa’s whale capital. Every year, from July to November, the Southern Right Whales, also known as ‘Southern Rights’, migrate to the Cape. This species of whale is on average 16 metres long and weighs 60 tonnes. By this time, they have travelled some 8,000 kilometres from Antarctica to the Cape to mate and give birth. What makes Hermanus special is that these mammals come within just a few metres of the coast, close to the cliffs. Nowhere else in the world are the whales so close to the shore.
A path along the rocks, dotted with viewing points, stretches along the coast. A ‘whale caller’ in the village provides the latest updates on the whales off the coast.
As well as the chance to see whales, Hermanus is also a charming village, with outdoor cafés, a market and lovely restaurants.

Close to the southernmost tip of Africa, just outside Cape Town, lies the Cape Whale Coast, a place that can easily be described as ‘heaven on earth’.
This stretch of unspoilt coastline, running from the coast of Rooiels in the west to Quoin Point in the east, is flanked by stunning mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
The main towns in this area are Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai, but in fact the Cape Whale Coast comprises a variety of villages, farms, rivers, bays and valleys, each with its own unique character. Discover the whales, sharks, wine routes, fynbos, birds, golf courses, walking trails and adventure activities in this beautiful region, the Cape Whale Coast.

Literally meaning 'over the mountain' in Dutch, the Overberg region stretches from the Hottentots Holland Mountains, east of Cape Town, to the start of the Garden Route near the historic city of George. It serves as the perfect base to explore the spectacularly scenic landscapes characterised by fertile farmland, a series of mountain ranges, huge plant diversity, including the unique South African fynbos and a rocky coastline that make it a haven for outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities, such as: 4x4 trails, kayaking, swimming, horse riding, sunset cruises, wine tasting and whale watching. Popular attractions include: Agulhas National Park at the southernmost tip of Africa; the rich birdlife in Bontebok National Park and the seaside resort of Hermanus, a mecca for whale watching.

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second-oldest town. It is a charming town in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
It was in 1679, almost 333 years ago, that the then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, left the familiar surroundings of the Cape for the very first time to search for new land. This followed the Cape colony coming under Dutch rule in 1652, when the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) established a supply station there.
On 8 November, he set up camp on the banks of the Eerste River. Van der Stel was so impressed by the surroundings that he decided almost immediately to establish a new settlement there, named after himself – the beginnings of Stellenbosch. This makes the town the oldest European settlement in South Africa, situated barely 50 kilometres from Cape Town.
Stellenbosch is still often referred to as the ‘City of Oaks’, and the reason for this is obvious. Most of the city’s avenues are lined with centuries-old oak trees. Some of them even date back to the 19th century. The many oak trees are a remnant of the great demand for oak timber in the early days of the wine farms. The winegrowers, who were originally from Europe, were accustomed to making their wine barrels from oak.
Even before the end of 1679, the first farms began to appear in the region. A proper village did not emerge until 1685, when magistrate Jan Mulder was appointed. At that time, thirty farms were established to help supply the mother city of Cape Town.
Some of these farms still exist to this day. Simon van der Stel personally oversaw the handover of the first residential properties in the town on 15 October 1686. The magistrate’s official residence, known as the drostdy, was completed in April 1687 and is the site where the Theological Seminary stands today.
On a stroll through the town centre, you’ll see the beautifully preserved Cape-Dutch houses lining the oak-lined streets. In the town museum, a number of houses from different centuries have been furnished and are open to visitors – definitely a lovely outing.
Stellenbosch is also home to a major university and, of course, Uncle Sammie’s shop – a general store, a real one-stop shop.
The icon of the town of Stellenbosch is the impressive Mother Church. The original church burnt down as early as 1710, and it took more than ten years for a new one to be built. In 1814, the church was extended, eventually taking on its final form some fifty years later. The church is now in the Neo-Gothic style and was designed by the German architect Carl Otto Hagar.

You’ll enjoy yourself to the full in the so-called ‘Cape Winelands’, which encompasses the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek regions. This region is home to some of South Africa’s finest vineyards, whose wines have been popular beyond South Africa’s borders for many years now.
Many vineyards have wine cellars where you can learn more about wine production and sample the wines. The wine industry in South Africa has a long history, dating back to April 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck set foot ashore in Table Bay and quickly realised that good wine could be grown here, thanks to the excellent climate. No sooner said than done: the first vines from France arrived by ship as early as 1659, and the first wine was produced. In 1679, the second town in the Cape, Stellenbosch, was founded; it is now the centre of the South African wine industry.

With the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lively yet relaxed, the city is like no other. It is often compared to Rio de Janeiro, Sydney and San Francisco. But many travellers agree: Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world. The location is fabulous, set amidst national parks of exceptional natural beauty. And the city is surrounded by two oceans, with beautiful, expansive beaches. It inspires countless visitors year after year. Cape Town’s fascinating 350-year history, its variety of historic and modern buildings, its multicultural flair, the city’s maritime character, the laid-back lifestyle of its residents and the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront all contribute to the city’s unique appeal.
Be sure to admire the mix of different architectural styles too. Nestled amongst the tall skyscrapers in the city centre are the old Victorian houses, most of which have been restored and are being preserved. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Narrow streets and the large Muslim community in the Bo-Kaap enhance the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Enjoy the sun on Camps Bay beach, or relax in one of the many cafés along the promenade – the perfect spot for people-watching amongst the city’s flamboyant residents.
A short distance from the city, you’ll find the colourful Kirstenbosch Gardens, repeatedly named one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. A visit to Cape Point and the penguins at Boulders Beach is also highly recommended.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, the local cuisine or simply a great place to shop, this beautiful city has it all!

The Garden Route in the Western Cape is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay in the west, via Wilderness and Knysna, and past Plettenberg Bay in the east, and is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa.
A brief explanation: the ‘Garden Route’ refers to an African ‘garden’, which cannot be compared to the neatly manicured and landscaped gardens of Europe. Here, alongside coastal areas and lush rainforests, you’ll also find beautiful beaches nestled amongst rocks, towering mountains and small hamlets scattered between the sea and the land. The mild, temperate, almost European Mediterranean climate is often compared to that of the Portuguese Algarve.