Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 15:20
Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 15:20
1 out of 7 - Easy
Encompassing some of the most majestic scenery in Africa, the journey between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town ranks among the finest coastal routes in the world. Pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs and gorges, fairytale forests and lively seaside towns adorn this shoreline. Starting at the secluded Amakhala Safari Lodge, game drives in the vast reserve will be complemented with time to relax in your private plunge pool. Along the way, we sample local wines and cuisine in Stellenbosch, look out for southern right whales as they come close to shore (in season) and enjoy nature walks to discover the abundant flora and fauna of South Africa. Our adventure ends at the stylish Blackheath Lodge, the perfect place to relax and take in magnificent Cape Town.
Highlights
We have graded this trip Activity Level 1 (Easy) as we base ourselves in premium accommodation and there are no strenuous activities. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This is primarily a vehicle-based trip, although there are a few opportunities to go on walks in the Tsitsikamma National Park and in Cape Point Nature Reserve. All walking is optional. At Cape Point Nature Reserve, we walk along good paths to the lighthouse and along the boardwalk. Both walks take about two hours. The Tsitsikamma walk to the Storms River mouth is along a boardwalk and around one-hour long. There are many optional walks in the park that are a little longer and more strenuous. Travelling from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, rather than doing a round trip, allows us to visit more places at a more leisurely pace with less driving and no need to backtrack.
Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 14
Depart London.
Welcome to South Africa. We gather at the airport and take a one-hour drive to Amakhala, a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. The Amakhala crew will welcome you and help you settle into this spectacular safari lodge. In the late afternoon, we embark on our first game drive for a chance to see the spectacular wildlife and topography of Amakhala. During the drive, we stop for a cheese and wine sundowner, a quintessential safari experience to round off your first day.
Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (four-star)
Amakhala Game Reserve is spread across 18,000 acres (7,280ha), hosting five of the seven biomes in South Africa and a large diversity of wildlife. Sightings here may feature lions, buffalos, rhinos, elephants and leopards, plus giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest and many species of antelope. Using open-air 4WD safari vehicles, we begin with an early morning game drive to search for wildlife at the time when the reserve is most active. There will be moments to relax and enjoy the incredible facilities at the lodge over lunch as well as visit the spa or take a dip in your private plunge pool overlooking the bush. Later, we head back into the reserve for an afternoon game drive, searching for species we may not have encountered yet. Another wine and cheese sundowner will feature on this afternoon’s game drive. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional braai (South African barbecue) under the southern hemisphere night sky (weather permitting).
Premium accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve (four-star)
Our day begins with a final game drive in Amakhala before we head west to the official start of the Garden Route – Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Getting its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water’ and encompassing land and sea, Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse wilderness of lush forest, epic canyons and magnificent coastal views. In the park, we enjoy a walk in the forest and along boardwalks and suspension bridges. This is a great opportunity to encounter abundant birdlife, with sea, forest and scrubland species all present. Our accommodation is a short transfer away in the relaxed seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, where there are great restaurants close to our lodge for dinner.
Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (four-star)
Today is about enjoying the Plettenberg Bay area. A short drive away is Robberg Nature Reserve, a peninsula of rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and scenic hiking trails that we have the morning to explore. As a World Heritage site and National Monument, this is one of the quintessential Garden Route destinations and home to seals, dassies (rock hyraxes) and abundant bird life. The rest of the day is free to relax at our beautiful lodge, enjoy local cuisine in one of the many excellent restaurants or explore the nearby white-sand beach.
Premium accommodation: Christiana Lodge, Plettenberg Bay (four-star)
Continuing along the Garden Route, we visit one of its most picturesque points, Knysna Heads – a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a channel separating the calm waters of Knysna Lagoon from the turbulent Indian Ocean. Our next stop is for lunch at Mossel Bay, a quaint coastal town home to The Post Office Tree, a landmark where seafarers once left letters to be taken home by Portuguese sailors. We end today’s journey at De Hoop Nature Reserve and will arrive at our secluded accommodation within the reserve this afternoon, leaving time to discover this amazing setting before dinner.
Classic accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (three-star)
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a World Heritage site and home to 86 mammal species, more than 260 bird species, and the smallest and most threatened plant kingdom on the planet: the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve stretches some 84,000 acres (34,000ha) and includes 3mi (5km) of marine reserve, one of the largest in Africa. This is one of the best locations in South Africa to see migrating southern right whales from shore (from late August to November) and is far less busy than nearby Hermanus. We have the day to discover this unspoilt environment and enjoy some of the many optional activities on offer, such as a guided eco-boat tour, an interpretative marine walk, birdwatching, and mountain biking. In the afternoon, we walk along the beach boardwalk to a lookout point that is a great place for whale watching in season.
Classic accommodation: De Hoop Collection, De Hoop Nature Reserve (three-star)
A short transfer takes us to Cape Agulhas, a rocky headland that is officially the southernmost point in Africa. We continue to Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of South Africa, where southern right whales arrive from Antarctica between late August and November to calve in the sheltered waters. After lunch, we walk from the harbour and along the cliff edge, hopefully spotting these magnificent animals as they come close to shore. Heading inland, our destination for the day is the historic town of Stellenbosch, at the heart of the South African winelands.
Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (four-star)
In the Western Cape, Stellenbosch has fertile soil and a temperate climate – the perfect winemaking conditions. Our day will feature two of the best wine estates in Stellenbosch. We begin at the Waterford Estate, where we pair the regional cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with dark and milk chocolates. Next is the Middelvlei Estate to pair their chardonnay, merlot and pinotage with Boerebraai tapas. In the afternoon, we return to our accommodation to unwind in the pool or gardens and take in the wonderful views of the Stellenbosch mountains and vineyards.
Premium accommodation: Cultivar Guest Lodge, Stellenbosch (four-star)
After a relaxing start to the day, we make our way down to Simon’s Town in time for lunch at a restaurant next to Boulders Beach. At the beach is a colony of approximately 2,000-3,000 African penguins, a protected species that is sadly endangered. The granite boulders offer shelter from the elements and the beach falls under a protected area that is part of the Table Mountain National Park, making this a haven for the colony. This is the only place in the world where you can get close to African penguins in this way, and it makes for a heart-warming experience. After time to enjoy the colony, surrounding dunes and boardwalks, we have a short drive to our centrally located hotel next to the harbour.
Superior accommodation: Quayside Hotel, Simon’s Town (four-star)
We start early today and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve for a two-hour walk along this ruggedly beautiful coastline. Starting with the Old Lighthouse, a short climb is rewarded with panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our route follows the boardwalk along the coast, past hidden beaches and jagged cliff faces, before reaching the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve is home to elands, bonteboks, grysboks, springboks, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches, and we may be lucky enough to see a few of them. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is our next stop. After lunch, we have the afternoon to discover the abundant bird and plant life of this highly acclaimed botanical garden, as well as appreciate its full grandeur from the canopy walkway. Our day ends in Sea Point, an upmarket suburb of Cape Town between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park.
Premium accommodation: Blackheath Lodge, Cape Town (four-star)
The Cape Town skyline is one of most recognisable in the world with Table Mountain towering over the city. The views from the top of this 3,495ft (1,065m) mountain are spectacular. Fortunately, there is a cable car to take us there, saving us a hike up the steep mountain slopes. Looking out from the summit is the best way to appreciate Cape Town; from here it is possible to see Lion’s Head, Robben Island and the city centre. The rest of the day is free to stroll along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, join a township tour or learn about Nelson Mandela’s incarceration on a visit to Robben Island.
Premium accommodation: Blackheath Lodge, Cape Town (four-star)
Depending on flight schedules, there may be additional time to explore Cape Town or simply unwind in the beautiful grounds of our hotel. If you’d like a bit more time in this captivating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Arrive London
Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics.
On nights 5 and 6, we use Classic three-star accommodation in a wonderful location rather than a Premium property, and on night 9 we stay in a Superior hotel in Simon’s Town.
Amakhala Safari Lodge (four-star), Amakhala Game Reserve. Two nights.
Christiana Lodge (four-star), Plettenberg Bay. Two nights.
De Hoop Collection (three-star), De Hoop Nature Reserve. Two nights.
Cultivar Guest Lodge (four-star), Stellenbosch. Two nights.
Quayside Hotel (four-star), Simon’s Town. One night.
Blackheath Lodge (four-star), Cape Town. Two nights.
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Single supplement from £ 795
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included.
The food you’ll encounter on this trip is very similar to the kind of food you’ll be used to at home. There may be the opportunity to try some more unusual meats such as ostrich, kudu or eland.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally coming from bore-holes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps reduce plastic consumption.
We use a minibus for this trip. Each is fitted with forward-facing seats and tows a luggage trailer. They have large windows for good views while touring.
Summer months are from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25C to 30C (77-86F). The average night-time temperature is 10C-20C (50F-68F). The winter months are from May to September and average temperatures are colder at this time of year. In general, however, the Cape Town climate is quite mild. The summer months are typically dry and warm, but the southeasterly wind can blow up to 43mph (70kph) at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things, but can be a little unpleasant if one is walking in exposed areas. Most of the rainfall is in the winter but it is frontal rain, which comes off the Atlantic. Therefore, it can rain solidly for two days, and in between there will be warm sunny days. Due to the proximity of the ocean to the mountains and winds, it is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains. Our programme is flexible enough to accommodate any major changes in weather, and yet still make it enjoyable.
Cape Town
Start point: Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
Recommended arrival time: Typically before midday (please check arrival time of group flights with your sales representative)
The start hotel is approximately an hour’s drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport, which also picks up those meeting at the pre-tour hotel in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The group then travels to Amakhala Lodge, so it is essential everyone catches this transfer, either at the airport or the pre-tour hotel.
You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport or the pre-tour hotel before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Flying via Johannesburg
If you are travelling on the Exodus-booked flight from London, UK, via Johannesburg, please note you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Port Elizabeth (and even if you are told by airport staff that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight – you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight.
There’s one group transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Port Elizabeth
Location end: Cape Town
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
South Africa's electricity: Plug types M (three round pins), N (three round pins) and C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
ATMs are available throughout this trip but not necessarily every day so please advise your leader in advance if you’re going to want to use ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted
All prices listed are subject to change.
Plettenberg Bay
De Hoop
Cape Town
Please note that the Table Mountain cable car closes during winter for its annual maintenance. We advise checking their website for exact dates: https://www.tablemountain.net/
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions, or to give your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally be divided between drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the Tour Leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest approximately 80-100 South African rand (US$4.70-US$5.80) per person per day.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.