14 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: COASTAL DELIGHTS

Baie welkom in Suid-Afrika, Nayimkelekile eMzantsi Afrika, Welcome to South Africa!'As you step out of Cape Town International Airport, the warm welcome and buzz of the city greet you instantly. Pick up your rental car—it’s time for your adventure to begin! Your first drive offers a vibrant first glimpse of Cape Town before you settle into your hotel. From tomorrow, you're in full road-trip mode, exploring at your own pace. The beauty of self-driving? Total freedom! Choose what to see, when to go, and how long to stay. And with our handy travel guide and list of local eats and must-stop spots, you're all set for an unforgettable journey!

Accommodations:

• Silver City Lodge Hotel - VA Waterfront
• Gold Cape Heritage Hotel
• Platinum The Bay Hotel

Where the edge of the world meets the sea – that's where you find Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and second-largest city, filled with endless highlights! From Robben Island and the Castle of Good Hope for history buffs, to Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden for nature lovers. Boulders Beach with its clumsy penguin colony and Hout Bay with its lazy seals melt your heart, and for cultural highlights, you'd best head to the colourful Bo-Kaap for a free walking tour. Afterwards, the V&A Waterfront is your place to be: not just for food and wine, but also for a shopping spree and a tour on the Cape Wheel... or even a sunset cruise with an invigorating glass of champagne!

Accommodations:

• Silver City Lodge Hotel - VA Waterfront
• Gold Cape Heritage Hotel
• Platinum The Bay Hotel

Swellendam, South Africa’s third-oldest town, charms visitors with its rich history, ancient oak-lined streets and iconic whitewashed Cape Dutch homesteads. Founded in 1743 by the Dutch East India Company, it was named after Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel and his wife, whose maiden name was Damme. With over 50 national heritage sites, the town's fascinating past comes alive on a heritage walk through its historic heart. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Marloth Nature Reserve and Bontebok National Park offer scenic hikes and hidden waterfalls.

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Accommodations:

• Silver De Oude Pastorie
• Gold Swellendam Country Lodge
• Platinum De Kloof Heritage Estate and Spa

Oudtshoorn, nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo (small Karoo) and framed by the majestic Swartberg Mountains, is a must-visit along the scenic Route 62. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, it boasts around 200,000 birds spread across more than 500 farms – so yes, feathered giants are kind of a big deal here! But Oudtshoorn offers far more than just birds. Head to the Cango Wildlife Ranch for a fun, family-friendly encounter with everything from big cats to crocodiles, or explore the awe-inspiring Cango Caves – a 20-million-year-old labyrinth of limestone chambers and Africa’s largest cave system. Nature lovers will be thrilled by the region’s unique biodiversity, and for a true taste of the wild, book yourself an unforgettable bush safari at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.

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Accommodations:

• Silver De Denne Country Guest House
• Gold Rosenhof Country House
• Platinum Surval Boutique Olive Estate

Perched along the sunny shores of South Africa’s Western Cape, Mossel Bay is a harbour town that is known as the starting or end point of the famous Garden Route. Craving a lazy day? You’ve struck gold. With over 60 kilometres of sandy white beaches, a lively harbour and more than its fair share of sunshine, it’s made for kicking back and letting the world drift by. But it’s not all about the beach towel – here you can climb the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and wander through its lush botanical gardens, or explore the UNESCO-listed Point of Human Origins, where ancient caves whisper stories between the crashing sounds of the waves.

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Accommodations:

• Silver African Oceans Manor on the Beach
• Gold The Point Hotel and Spa
• Platinum The Village Lodge @ Botlierskop

Framed by forested hills and endless stretches of sand, Wilderness is a seaside gem that lives up to its name - wild, beautiful, and blissfully unhurried. Start with a few lazy hours on the beach, then follow the shoreline to a peaceful lagoon where you can drift along in a canoe or take a scenic cruise on the Touw River. The town centre is small but full of charm, with cosy cafés, artisan shops, lively retaurants and a friendly buzz. Nature lovers will adore the Wilderness section of the Garden Route, where they can explore lush walking trails like the Kingfisher Trail, while those with a camera in hand shouldn’t miss the Map-of-Africa viewpoint - a twist in the river that really does look like the continent from above.

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Accommodations:

• Silver Fairy Knowe Hotel
• Gold The Ocean View Guest House
• Platinum Escape to the Beach

Knysna is a coastal treasure where forest trails, white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage meet. The town’s story is deeply tied to the Houtunqua people, but today it’s also known for its mix of adventure and relaxation. Start with the iconic Knysna Heads – two dramatic cliffs guarding the lagoon’s mouth – perfect for breathtaking views and an obligatory sundowner. The next day, take a ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a walk or kayak trip through its shallow waters. Spend some time on the pristine shores of Buffalo Bay, and wrap up your visit at the bustling Waterfront, where boutique shops and mouth-watering eateries keep the vibe lively well into the evening.

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Accommodations:

• Silver Premier Resort The Moorings
• Gold Knysna Hollow Country Estate
• Platinum Pezula Nature Retreat

Plettenberg Bay – or ‘Plett’ as the locals like to call it – is where golden beaches, lush forests, enchanting lagoons and the dramatic Robberg Nature Reserve all meet in one postcard-perfect scene. Ocean lovers will be in their element here: snorkel colourful reefs, swim alongside playful Cape Fur Seals, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding the waves. From July to December, the bay turns into a prime whale-watching stage. And here’s an insider secret: Plett is South Africa’s smallest wine region, with 57 kilometres of boutique vineyards dotting the coast from Packwood to the Crags. Order a crisp local white, sink your toes into the sand, and let the good life come to you.

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Accommodations:

• Silver The Kingdom Resort
• Gold The Robberg Beach Lodge
• Platinum The Plettenberg

The Tsitsikamma National Park encompasses 80 kilometres of untamed coastline, dotted with glorious beaches, fynbos and evergreen coastal forest. Today the thrills don’t come from spotting lions (although you might see whales from June to November), but from conquering epic hikes, walking the 2 kilometres long suspension bridge over the Storms River, plunging into waterfalls and trying exhilarating outdoor activities... scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and tubing to name a few. And the adrenaline lovers among us can do the highest bungee jump in the world or an exciting tree-top canopy zip-line tour. Adventures galore!

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Accommodations:

• Silver Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
• Gold The Fernery Lodge and Spa
• Platinum Misty Mountain Reserve (Misty Domes)

Jeffreys Bay – or J-Bay to the locals – is a legendary surf town best known for its prime beaches, epic waves and laid-back surfers vibe. With world-renowned surf spots like Supertubes, Point and Kitchen Window, it’s a mecca for surfers chasing fast, powerful breaks reaching up to 12 feet. But there’s more: go sandboarding, stroll nature reserves, or visit the shell museum. J-Bay is also famous for its handmade leather goods, shell art and surf-inspired fashion (go shopping in Surf Village!) - plus a cool craft beer brewery to match the scene. And don’t leave without trying the local calamari, fresh from the ocean and straight to your plate.

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Accommodations:

• Silver The Ocean Bay Luxury Guesthouse
• Gold On the Beach Guesthouse
• Platinum Canal Guest House - Waterfront Accommodation

All good things come to an end. This is your last day, and it's time to catch your flight home from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Sad to leave…? Not to worry! You can also hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town or Tshwane (Pretoria) and add a few days to your holiday. How about exploring (and tasting) world-class wines, hiking the Table Mountain and diving into the rich history of the country? Let us know your wishes, and we will gladly organise a holiday extension to help you explore other parts of South Africa.

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