10-day First Trip to South Africa Private Tour
If you have never been to this spectacular country…this is the trip you should take as an introduction. We hit the must-see destinations of Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, and finish off with a Big 5 Safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. We say “first” trip to South Africa, because we know you will be back for more!
Tours includes:
- Services of a professional tour guide/driver
- Arrival airport transfer
- Private transport, as described in itinerary
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Introduction tour of Cape Town
- Return Table Mountain Cableway tickets
- Wine tasting at three different wine farms in the Cape Winelands
- Entrance to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
- Entrance to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach
- Two-night all-inclusive safari in the Eastern Cape
Itinerary for 10 Day “First Trip To South Africa” Private Tour
Day 1: Cape Town Arrival
Welcome to Cape Town! We will arrange a driver to meet & greet you at Cape Town International Airport, and take you to get settled into your accommodation. You have the rest of the day at leisure to shake of the jet lag, relax at your accommodation or to explore Cape Town and surrounding area on your own.
Day 1 highlights
| Included meals: | None |
Included activities:
Optional activities: | Airport transfer Add more food & culture: Welcome African Dinner Add more foodie: Food & Wine pairing dinner at Reverie Social Table |
| Approximate driving time: | +/- 30 minutes, 25 km |
| Overnight: | Cape Town 5-star: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel Cape Town 4-star: Parker Cottage Guest House Cape Town Economy: Antrim Collection |
Day 2: Cape Town City Tour & Table Mountain
This is a great way to get an introduction to “the Mother City,” Cape Town. Go for a tour in the city and surrounding area, including the city centre, Company’s Gardens, Cape Town Castle, the Bo Kaap, Signal Hill, and the V&A Waterfront. A big part of this tour is walking around the city with your guide getting to know the city, its different cultures, history, and geography. A highlight of the day is riding to the top of the famous Table Mountain in a cable car, for magnificent views over Table Bay, Robben Island, The Cape Peninsula and Lions Head.
Day 2 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
| Included activities: | Return Table Mountain Cableway Tickets Introduction tour of Cape Town |
Optional activities:
Approximate driving time: | Add more history: Robben Island Tour Add more nature: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Add more foodie: Lunch in the Bo-Kaap Add more art: Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa Add more adventure: Sunrise Lions Head or Table Mountain Hike Add more convenience: Upgrade to Fast track Table Mountain tickets (recommended in Peak seasons)
+/- 2 hours, 80 km |
| Overnight: | Cape Town 5-star: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel Cape Town 4-star: Parker Cottage Guest House Cape Town Economy: Antrim Collection |
Day 3: Cape Peninsula Tour
Join us on a spectacular journey to the Cape of Good Hope, including a visit to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We’ll explore Cape Point National Park on foot by taking a walk up to the lighthouse (or opt to take the “Flying Dutchman” funicular). We will then head to the Cape of Good Hope, the furthest southwestern point in Africa. Our day will include driving along the beautiful Atlantic seaside suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay, with views of the Twelve Apostles Mountains. We will also enjoy a spectacular coastal drive along Chapman’s Peak, to take in one of the best views in the region.
Day 3 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
| Included activities: | Entrance to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve Visit to the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach |
Optional activities:
Approximate driving time: | Add more adventure: Kayak near the Penguins Add more adventure: Snorkelling in the underwater kelp forest Add more foodie: Gourmet 6-course lunch, paired with herbal teas inspired by the local Cape floral kingdom Add more wine: Explore the Cape’s oldest wine region with a tasting in Constantia
+/- 3 hours, 130 km |
| Overnight: | Cape Town 5-star: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel Cape Town 4-star: Parker Cottage Guest House Cape Town Economy: Antrim Collection |
Day 4: Cape Winelands Tour
The Western Cape of South Africa is home to more than 500 wineries, and today we will visit a few of our favourites in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl. We typically visit three wineries, and we like to consult with our clients on the day to tailor the stops to their tastes. Some of our favourites are:
- Babylonstoren, at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain in the Franschhoek wine valley, with a fruit and vegetable garden of amazing beauty and diversity
- Boschendal, with its garden-to-table restaurant, historic manor buildings, garden picnics, and exceptional food & wine
- Waterford Estate, a classic in the beautiful Blaauwklippen Valley, offering a chocolate and wine pairing
- Muratie Wine Estate, a Stellenbosch farm dating back to 1685, one of the oldest estates in South Africa (with the cobwebs to prove it)
Day 4 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
| Included activities: | Wine tasting at three different wine farms |
| Optional activities: Approximate driving time: Overnight: | Add more adventure: Cycle or e-bike in the Cape Winelands Add more foodie: Farm-fresh picnic lunch at Boschendal Add more foodie: “Soil to fork” seasonal lunch at Werf at Boschendal, or Babel at Babylonstoren, or Faber at Avondale +/- 2.5 hours, 140 km Stellenbosch 5 Star: Lanzerac Wine Estate Stellenbosch 4 Star: Oude Werf Hotel Stellenbosch Economy: Roosenwijn Guest House |
Day 5: Stellenbosch – Mossel Bay - Wilderness
We depart Stellenbosch early, and make our way to the Garden Route. We enter the Garden Route at Mossel Bay, known as the landing site of the first European mariners to round the southern tip of Africa. There we can spend some time on the spectacular beaches, or hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, we can go straight through to Wilderness, to check into our seaside accommodation for the evening.
Day 5 highlights
| Included meals: | None |
Included activities:
Optional activities: | Mossel Bay or Wilderness exploration Add more history: Point of Human Origins Archaeological Tour Add more adventure: Ocean Zipline or Paragliding Add more booze: Gin tasting at the Cape Saint Blaize Distillery Add more nature: Wilderness National Park hiking or canoeing |
| Approximate driving time: | +/- 5.5 hours, +/- 460 km |
| Overnight: | Plettenberg Bay 5 Star: The Plettenberg Hotel & Spa Plettenberg Bay 4 Star: Christiana Lodge Plettenberg Bay Economy: Barrington’s Small Hotel |
Day 6: Wilderness – Knysna - Plett
Today we explore the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna. This stretch of coast is known for its lovely scenery, including indigenous forest, a large warm-water estuary, and the Outeniqua Mountains.
Day 6 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
Included activities:
Optional activities:
Approximate driving time: | None Add more wildlife: Whale Watching boat trip (in season, Jul – Nov) Add more nature: Featherbed Eco Experience or Paddle Cruiser Add more Instagram moments: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
+/- 1.25 hours, 85 km |
| Overnight: | Plettenberg Bay 5 Star: The Plettenberg Hotel & Spa Plettenberg Bay 4 Star: Christiana Lodge Plettenberg Bay Economy: Barrington’s Small Hotel |
Day 7: Plettenberg Bay
After many days on the road exploring, enjoy a morning at leisure. Your guide and tour vehicle are available for outings in the area. We suggest exploring the beautiful coastal town of Plettenberg Bay. You can relax on one of the beautiful beaches, enjoy lunch at one of the great restaurants, taste one of the local wines at an area winery, or get active with a hike on the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve.
Day 7 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
|
Included activities:
|
None Add more nature: Hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve or Tsitsikamma National Park |
|
Optional activities:
Approximate driving time: |
Add more wildlife: Whale Watching boat trip (in season, Jul – Nov) Add more nature: Keurbooms River Ferry Add more adventure: Kloofing with Africanyon Add more foodie: Luka Vineyards Add more local craft: Mungo Mill +/- 30 minutes, +/- 20 km |
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Overnight:
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Plettenberg Bay 5 Star: The Plettenberg Hotel & Spa Plettenberg Bay 4 Star: Christiana Lodge Plettenberg Bay Economy: Barrington’s Small Hotel |
Day 8: Plett - Eastern Cape Safari
This morning, we will leave the Garden Route, and make our way to the Eastern Cape for a malaria-free Big 5 safari. Check into your lodge in time for lunch, before heading out on a two to three hour afternoon game drive.
Day 8 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast & Dinner |
| Included activities: | Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park |
Optional activities:
Approximate driving time: | Add more adrenaline: Bloukrans Bungee Jump
+/- 3.5 hours, 310 km |
| Overnight: | Eastern Cape Safari 5 Star: Shamwari Eagles Crag Eastern Cape Safari 4 Star: Kariega Ukhozi Lodge Eastern Cape Safari economy: Amakhala Woodbury Tented Camp |
Day 9: Safari
Today is a full day to enjoy on safari. Go on morning and afternoon game drives on the private game reserve, hoping to spot the wildlife that Africa is famous for: lion, zebra, giraffe, hippo, and more. This area of the Eastern Cape is renowned for game viewing, and this is a great opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment.
Day 9 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast & Dinner |
| Included activities: | Morning & afternoon game drives |
| Approximate driving time: | 2 game drives, approximately 2-3 hours each |
| Overnight: | Eastern Cape Safari 5 Star: Shamwari Eagles Crag Eastern Cape Safari 4 Star: Kariega Ukhozi Lodge Eastern Cape Safari economy: Amakhala Woodbury Tented Camp |
Day 10: Safari + drop off in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
After one final morning game drive, guests will be transferred to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where tour services will end. We recommend booking late afternoon or evening flights from Port Elizabeth, in order to allow enough time to enjoy the full morning game drive.
Day 10 highlights
| Included meals: | Breakfast |
| Included activities: | Morning game drive safari |
| Approximate driving time: | +/- 1.5 hours, 85 km (plus 2–3-hour morning game drive) |
| Overnight: | n/a |
Pricing for private 10 Day First Trip to South Africa (September 2024 – August 2025):
Number of people (Cost per person) |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | single supplement | ||||||
| Tour including 5-star accommodation | HIGH SEASON | R164350 | R132200 | R121500 | R118250 | R114,600 | R112200 | R57450 | |||||
| LOW SEASON | R144700 | R112550 | R101850 | R98550 | R94950 | R92500 | R44900 | ||||||
| Tour including 4-star accommodation | HIGH SEASON | R109950 | R76450 | R65250 | R61850 | R58050 | R55550 | R21850 | |||||
| LOW SEASON | R102350 | R68850 | R57650 | R54250 | R50450 | R47950 | R15100 | ||||||
| Tour including economy accommodation | HIGH SEASON | R99400 | R64500 | R52850 | R49300 | R45350 | R42700 | R10500 | |||||
| LOW SEASON | R93950 | R59000 | R47350 | R43800 | R39850 | R37250 | R8300 | ||||||
Rates are indicative; final price varies by specific travel dates and room category availability. Please enquire for a fixed quote – our private tour consultants will be happy to advise on options to meet your group size, available dates & budget. High season: September – April, excluding peak season of 15 December – 15 January; Low season: May – August. Single supplements: for odd numbers of guests (1/3/5), one person will pay a single supplement for a single room. |
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Please read our Garden Route group tours terms and conditions
- DEPARTS ANY DAY
- STARTS & ENDS IN CAPE TOWN
- PRIVATE TOUR
