Cultural tour: local guide
12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
21 meals
included
Embark on an unforgettable 13 day guided journey through South Africa from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park, where vibrant cities, sweeping coastlines, lush vineyards and untamed wilderness of the big five come together to create a truly remarkable adventure. In Cape Town, Table Mountain stands guard over a city steeped in history and culture. Stroll past grand colonial buildings and wander through the historic Company Gardens, before heading to colourful Bo-Kaap, with its steep, cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. Scenic drives along Signal Hill, Clifton and Camps Bay reveal the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea, while the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offer a serene escape beneath towering peaks.
Travel along the rugged Cape Peninsula, where cliffs plunge into the Atlantic and sunlight glints off turquoise waters. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve unfolds in wild beauty, with windswept beaches, rocky outcrops and curious African penguins waddling along sandy shores. Inland, the fertile valleys of the Winelands open into a patchwork of vineyards, dotted with Cape Dutch estates and rolling hills, where the aroma of oak barrels mingles with the scent of wildflowers and the promise of a perfect vintage.
Journey further into the semi-arid Klein Karoo, where ochre hills, ostrich farms and dramatic mountain passes give way to the Outeniqua Mountains, framing Oudtshoorn's unique charm. Here, meerkats emerge at sunrise, delicate limestone formations shimmer in the Cango Caves and the stillness of the Karoo invites quiet reflection. Follow the lush forests and sparkling lagoons of the Garden Route, before venturing into the African bush of the Kruger National Park, where the vast savannahs come alive with elephants, lions and a symphony of birdsong.
This journey is a seamless blend of culture, nature and wildlife, offering an intimate connection with South Africa's landscapes and people, leaving memories that linger long after the sun sets on the African plains.
Arrive into Cape Town Airport where you will be met by your guide who will take you to the hotel (approximately 30 minutes drive). After check in at the hotel, you have the rest of the day to relax.
You stay at City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront.
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Set on Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, City Lodge Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base in one of the city’s most iconic districts. With harbour views and easy access to shops, restaurants and attractions, it blends modern simplicity with relaxed charm, perfectly placed for exploring Cape Town.
Explore the vibrant heart of Cape Town City, where Table Mountain towers over a city rich in history and heritage. Begin with a stroll with your guide past the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall and Parliament Buildings, before visiting the Iziko South African Museum in the historic Company Gardens, home to fascinating collections of natural history, archaeology, cultural heritage and a planetarium.
Next, wander through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, once the Malay Quarter, exploring its colourful streets steeped in history, then take in Cape Town's most stunning sights: Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Clifton and Camps Bay, where mountains meet the Atlantic. Weather permitting, ascend Table Mountain via the cableway, or conclude with a drive along the Atlantic Seaboard along Cape Town's western coastline. Finish with a peaceful visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, set against the iconic mountain backdrop.
Dinner included.
You stay at City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront.
HairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafeTea/coffee
Set on Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, City Lodge Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base in one of the city’s most iconic districts. With harbour views and easy access to shops, restaurants and attractions, it blends modern simplicity with relaxed charm, perfectly placed for exploring Cape Town.
Enjoy a full day's exploration to Cape Point. First stop is Maiden's Cove near Camps Bay, capturing stunning photos of Lions Head, a distinctive mountain peak, with the 12 Apostles mountain range and sparkling shoreline below. Continue to Hout Bay, a charming seaside village with a lively waterfront.
Drive along the breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive, where 114 curves reveal dramatic views of the Atlantic Seaboard from Hout Bay to Noordhoek Beach. Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve - you can walk to Cape Point lighthouse or ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular for panoramic vistas. End the day at Boulders Beach, home to adorable African penguins.
You stay at City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront.
HairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafeTea/coffee
Set on Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, City Lodge Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base in one of the city’s most iconic districts. With harbour views and easy access to shops, restaurants and attractions, it blends modern simplicity with relaxed charm, perfectly placed for exploring Cape Town.
Leaving Cape Town behind, head to Franschhoek (approximately 1 hour 15 mins), to explore the heart of the Cape Winelands, a South African treasure stretching from the West Coast and Klein Karoo to Hermanus and the Overberg. Nestled among quaint Cape Dutch houses, vineyards and majestic mountains, it feels like a world apart from the city, yet radiates its own charm. Explore the famed wine regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, where wine farms offer tastings, gourmet experiences and serene picnic style settings. Whether relaxing in nature-focused restaurants or wandering the vineyards, the Cape Winelands promises unforgettable wine, food and scenery.
You stay at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa.
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Nestled in the rolling vineyards and dramatic peaks of the Cape Winelands, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers an elegant countryside escape. Blending classic Cape Dutch charm with contemporary comfort, it provides a serene base for exploring local wineries, gourmet dining and the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the picturesque village of Franschhoek.
Today you can choose from one of three captivating full day tours, each offering a unique glimpse into the Western Cape's wine heritage and cultural charm. Wander the historical streets of Stellenbosch, before enjoying a wine tasting at a local estate. In Franschhoek, stroll through the picturesque village, tour the Haute Cabriere cellar and sample exquisite wines. Alternatively, discover Paarl, view Nelson Mandela's former prison and savour a wine and cheese tasting at Fairview Estate, with the chance to purchase your favourites. Each tour immerses you in the beauty, history and flavours of South Africa's most celebrated wine regions, promising a day of discovery and indulgence.
You stay at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa.
ShopsPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
Nestled in the rolling vineyards and dramatic peaks of the Cape Winelands, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers an elegant countryside escape. Blending classic Cape Dutch charm with contemporary comfort, it provides a serene base for exploring local wineries, gourmet dining and the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the picturesque village of Franschhoek.
Journey from the charming winelands of Franschhoek into the heart of South Africa's scenic interior, where vineyards give way to rolling hills, rugged mountains and patchwork farmlands. The journey winds through one of the world's most picturesque drives, past orchards, quaint villages, and dramatic mountain passes. Along the way, the landscape shifts from lush greenery to the semi-arid beauty of the Klein Karoo, dotted with ancient ostrich farms and rustic homesteads. Approaching Oudtshoorn, the majestic Outeniqua Mountains rise on the horizon, framing a region rich in wildlife, local culture and the unique charm of South Africa's southern landscapes (approximately 4.5 hours drive).
You stay at La Plume Boutique Hotel.
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Situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, La Plume Boutique Hotel offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the Klein Karoo’s dramatic landscapes. Blending contemporary style with cosy comfort, it is perfectly placed for exploring the region’s famous ostrich farms, Cango Caves and scenic mountain vistas.
You're in for a treat this morning, with a Meerkat adventure where you will observe these curious animals in their own habitat, as they emerge into the sunshine to forage and play - a rare opportunity to witness nature up close.
Nearby, explore the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, one of Africa's most spectacular limestone caverns. Wander through vast grottos adorned with delicate stalactites and stalagmites, admiring formations like the Glass Flower Fantasy that resembles an intricate, crystalline flower. The first six halls and the African Drum Room are accessible via gentle paths and a few stairways, offering a magical subterranean adventure in the heart of the Garden Route.
You stay at La Plume Boutique Hotel.
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Situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, La Plume Boutique Hotel offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the Klein Karoo’s dramatic landscapes. Blending contemporary style with cosy comfort, it is perfectly placed for exploring the region’s famous ostrich farms, Cango Caves and scenic mountain vistas.
Journey from the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn to the coastal charm of Knysna (approximately 2.5 hours), traversing South Africa's iconic Garden Route. As you drive through rolling hills, valleys and forests, witness the changing landscapes that make this route so captivating. Arrive in Knysna, renowned for its sparkling lagoon, lush forests and vibrant waterfront and enjoy the town's celebrated fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses.
Dinner included.
You stay at Knysna Hollow Country Estate Hotel.
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Situated in the lush forests and near the tranquil waterways of Knysna, Knysna Hollow Country Estate Hotel offers a serene countryside retreat. Blending elegant comfort with natural charm, it is ideally placed for exploring the Knysna Lagoon, nearby beaches, and the scenic beauty of South Africa's Garden Route.
Embark on a scenic journey from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, including the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve. Perched on the Western Head of Knysna, it is only accessible by ferry and boasts breathtaking views of the Knysna coastline. Your three hour group excursion combines a ferry cruise, 4x4 drive and an optional 2.2km nature walk, allowing you to explore the reserve's pristine landscapes. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will share insights into the region's history, flora and fauna. The experience concludes with a spectacular outdoor buffet, weather permitting, offering a perfect end to a memorable outing.
Dinner included.
You stay at Knysna Hollow Country Estate Hotel.
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Situated in the lush forests and near the tranquil waterways of Knysna, Knysna Hollow Country Estate Hotel offers a serene countryside retreat. Blending elegant comfort with natural charm, it is ideally placed for exploring the Knysna Lagoon, nearby beaches, and the scenic beauty of South Africa's Garden Route.
Transfer to George Airport for your flight to Kruger (approximately 1.5 hours) via Johannesburg. The Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest and most famous game reserves and comparable in size to Wales, is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The stars of the park are, of course, the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - with over another 135 mammals and 500 bird species. With ever changing habitats across the vast reserve, each game drive brings new encounters, making every safari an unforgettable experience.
Dinner included.
You stay at Kruger Gate Hotel.
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Located on the doorstep of Kruger National Park, Kruger Gate Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient safari retreat. Combining modern comfort with warm hospitality, it is perfectly placed for exploring the park’s abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes and iconic game drives, providing an ideal base for an unforgettable South African safari experience.
Rise early for a full day safari in the Kruger National Park, where the thrill of the African bush comes alive. Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the park's expansive landscapes, from open savannah to dense riverine forests, each teeming with wildlife, keeping your eyes peeled for the Big Five, as well as giraffes, zebras and hippos, and a dazzling array of birdlife such as birds of prey, woodland and wetland birds and songbirds. Stop mid-morning for a bush breakfast or coffee, soaking in the sounds and sights of the wild. As the day unfolds, discover hidden waterholes, watch predators in action and capture unforgettable photographs. Return to your lodge as the African sun sets, leaving you with memories of a remarkable day immersed in nature's drama.
Dinner included.
You stay at Kruger Gate Hotel.
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Located on the doorstep of Kruger National Park, Kruger Gate Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient safari retreat. Combining modern comfort with warm hospitality, it is perfectly placed for exploring the park’s abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes and iconic game drives, providing an ideal base for an unforgettable South African safari experience.
Relax at your accommodation, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the bush or spotting wildlife from the deck. Alternatively, there's the option of an additional half day safari (payable locally) and another chance to view elephants, lions and giraffes or to spot the elusive leopard. Return to the hotel for a tranquil afternoon, perhaps with a refreshing swim, a nature walk nearby or simply soaking in the savannah views.
Dinner included.
You stay at Kruger Gate Hotel.
ShopsPoolHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Located on the doorstep of Kruger National Park, Kruger Gate Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient safari retreat. Combining modern comfort with warm hospitality, it is perfectly placed for exploring the park’s abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes and iconic game drives, providing an ideal base for an unforgettable South African safari experience.
We take you to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and bid farewell to South Africa with life long memories.
The above prices do not include any travel.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Cultural tour: local guide
12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
21 meals
included
