SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI , GARDEN ROUTE & CAPE TOWN Port Elizabeth is a coastal city on the Indian Ocean, located halfway between Durban and Cape Town. Apart from acting as a gateway to the Safari Reserves and the Garden Route, it is affectionately known as the friendly city. It has long sandy beaches, which are lapped by the warm current flowing southwards from Mozambique. It is a good place to relax and unwind from the overnight flight before heading north to the reserves or south to the Garden Route. Day 1: Depart UK on overnight flight to Johannesburg. Catch connector from there to Port Elizabeth. You will arrive in Port Elizabeth at midday. Afternoon to relax and take in the beach for a swim, or just a leisurely walk and then a sundowner around the pool. Overnight. Day 2: Rental car will be delivered to the hotel. Morning depart for Addo Elephant Reserve, which is the biggest Elephant Reserve in the world. After a tour around the reserve, you join the road for Kariega Game Reserve and arrive early afternoon. From when you arrive, the rangers will take over and provide you with a great 2 night safari experience with meals and game activities included. Day 4: After breakfast depart Kariega and follow the N2 highway south to the quaint and arty town of Knysna. This town is perhaps the most visually arresting resort, with its famous sandstone Heads guarding the sea entrance to its huge tidal lagoon, surrounded by deep green forests. Make Knysna your base for 3 nights, as there is plenty to do in the immediate surrounds like the Featherbed excursion, elephant sanctuary, Brenton on Sea and an Oudtshoorn day trip to include the world famous Cango Caves. Day 7: Depart Knysna and continue heading southwards for a 2 night stop over at the coastal town of Hermanus. This is considered the best land based whale watching site in the World. It is a small town and a great place to relax and walk around for 2 days. Day 9 Take a short drive over the Hottentots Holland mountain range and the stunning Sir Lowry’s pass. From here you get fantastic views of False Bay right across to Table Mountain on the other side. Once you have descended the pass, you pass through Somerset West and then veer inland to Stellenbosch. This is the second oldest town in South Africa and is characterized by the Cape Dutch architecture, University buildings and is also the premier wine growing region in the country. Spend 2 nights here. Day 11: Depart Stellenbosch after breakfast and take the short drive into Cape Town. Check into your hotel and the rental car will be collected. Spend 4 nights here. The Mother City is beautifully nestled at the tip of Africa and guarded over by the majestic Table Mountain. Because of its position it is lapped by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and boasts beaches with pristine white sand and gorgeous vistas. The City also has a rich history and this can be seen at the Houses of Parliament, Greenmarket Square (an open air cobble-stoned market) the lush company Gardens, the Malay Quarters and very close by the Castle of Good Hope. Robben Island, which is situated a few kilometers out to sea, has also played its part in this countries past. You can take a ferry excursion to the infamous prison and visit the cell that Nelson Mandela called home for almost two decades. Day 15: Last day to do some shopping. Late afternoon transfer to Cape Town International Airport, for your direct overnight flight back to the UK.  Print this page