Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then dive into the subterranean, enchanted realm of the Cango Caves, which are approximately 20 million years old. Even if you’re worried about claustrophobia, the expansive Van Zyl’s Hall, measuring 107 meters long and 54 meters wide, offers plenty of space to explore comfortably.

Back on the surface, we journey through the beautiful Karoo, passing charming villages such as De Rust and De Vlugt. Along the way, we traverse a section of Prince Alfred’s Pass, the longest publicly accessible mountain pass in South Africa, offering stunning vistas and a glimpse into the region’s rugged beauty.

Our route continues to the coastal town of Keurboomstrand, where you can enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at a beachfront restaurant, savoring the coastal views and fresh sea air. After lunch, we wander into the misty, primeval forests of Tsitsikamma, where elephants once roamed. These ancient forests, rich with history and biodiversity, were once a haven for San hunter-gatherers. Tsitsikamma, a San word meaning “place of abundant water,” is home to towering yellowwood, pear, and stinkwood trees, creating a diverse ecosystem teeming with wildlife and vibrant birdlife.

Feel the ancient power and tranquility of the forest as we conclude our day in Storms River Village, enjoying a delightful dinner and warm local hospitality amidst the serene ambiance of this unique natural setting.

Enjoy breakfast and spend the morning leisurely exploring the unique forest village of Storms River on foot. You have the option to join a guided forest walk through the lush surroundings, such as the 2km Goesa Hiking Trail (at your own expense and subject to availability).

Late in the morning, we depart the village and head to the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park. Here, we’ll embark on a walk across the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge, which consists of a series of three bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and the ocean, making it a truly memorable experience.

Leaving the forest behind, we take a short drive to the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay for lunch (at your own expense). After enjoying the local cuisine, we continue our journey to Knysna, a town renowned for its inland waterways and the Knysna Heads, the majestic sandstone cliffs that tower over the entrance to a vast lagoon.

Spend the afternoon exploring Knysna, visiting its fine art galleries, craft markets, gin distillery, and motorcycle museum, among other attractions. The Thesen Island marina is an ideal spot to enjoy the town’s relaxed pace.

Conclude the day with a delightful cruise on the lagoon, tasting fresh oysters and watching dolphins near the river mouth as kingfishers hover and dive for fish. Listen to the haunting cry of the African Fish Eagle, a resident of the wetlands. As the day winds to a close, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation you’ve experienced.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then embark on a short drive to Mossel Bay, passing through the charming town of Wilderness and the Map of Africa viewpoint, where the Kaaimans River forms a natural map of the continent. Mossel Bay, renowned for having the mildest year-round climate, as noted in the Guinness Book of Records, is a picturesque seaside town with a rich history.

Explore the town’s heritage with a visit to the Bartholomew Dias Museum, home to the 500-year-old Post Office Tree. This living relic was used by sailors to leave letters in a shoe for others to find. If available, board the replica of the ship sailed by Bartholomew Dias, the first European to round the Cape of Good Hope.

After a morning of discovery, enjoy lunch in town (at your own expense) before continuing to Albertinia, the aloe capital of South Africa. Here, you can relax and prepare for the thrill of an afternoon safari in an open game-viewing vehicle. Keep your binoculars handy as you search for lions resting in the shade and the endangered white rhino roaming the plains alongside towering elephants and herds of buffalo. You might also spot a cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal. The reserve, located near the Langeberg Mountains, is a bird lover’s paradise with 207 different species, including Rock Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Booted Eagles, and the Blue Crane.

As the day ends, return to our lodge beneath a star-studded African sky, reflecting on the incredible wildlife and scenic beauty you’ve experienced.

The day begins early with the excitement of a game drive in an open safari vehicle. As the sun rises, the plains come alive with a riot of birdsong and the sight of animals making their way to watering holes. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Big 5’ as you add to your animal checklist.

After breakfast, we journey through fertile farmlands, cross rivers, and pass fields dotted with aloes and proteas on our way to Swellendam. Here, you can sample the town’s famous youngberries and blackberries, and try a berry liqueur or taste the export-quality citrus fruits, peaches, and plums (all at your own expense).

From Swellendam, enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque seaside village of Arniston. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring this vibrant locale, known for its white beaches and brightly painted fishing boats bobbing on the turquoise sea. Discover the enormous sea cave, “Wagon House Cliff” (Waenshuiskraal), which is large enough to hold a wagon and a span of oxen. The town, originally named Waenshuiskraal, was renamed after the ship “The Arniston” wrecked on its rocks in 1815. With its natural beauty and whitewashed cottages, Arniston is a paradise for artists.

End your day with a relaxed dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the breathtaking scenery.

After breakfast at the hotel, we make the most of our last day with a visit to Cape Agulhas National Park. This expansive park stretches along 200 kilometers of coastal plain between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai, covering 20,959 hectares.

At the southernmost tip of the African continent, you’ll see the official line that divides the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans at the Map of Africa Monument. Explore the historic lighthouse and its museum at Cape Agulhas, also known as the “Cape of Needles.” Named by Portuguese navigators, this is the point where the compass needle always points to true north.

Our journey then takes us to Hermanus, a town famed for its whale watching and stunning natural beauty. Nestled against the majestic Overberg Mountains and with its shores touching the Indian Ocean, Hermanus offers a serene and picturesque escape. Depending on the season, we may even spot whales in the bay.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Hermanus (at your own expense), savoring the local cuisine and the town’s charming atmosphere. After lunch, we head back to Cape Town, bringing our grand exploration to a memorable close.