3 Concise Cape Town Itineraries

Day 1: Explore the City and its Landmarks

Morning:

• Table Mountain: Start your day with a trip to Table Mountain. Take the cableway to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city, Robben Island, and the surrounding ocean.
• Bo-Kaap: Head to the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Wander through the colourful streets and learn about the area’s rich history at the Bo-Kaap Museum.

Afternoon:

• V&A Waterfront: Spend the afternoon at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Explore the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don’t miss the Two Oceans Aquarium for a fascinating look at marine life.

Evening:

• Sunset Cruise: End the day with a sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront. Enjoy the beautiful views of the city and Table Mountain as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 2: Natural Beauty and History

Morning:

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Begin your day with a visit to these stunning gardens located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Take a leisurely walk and explore the diverse plant life.

Afternoon:

• Robben Island: Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island. The guided tour provides a deep insight into the island’s history, including the prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

Evening:

• Long Street: Head to Long Street for dinner and a night out. This bustling street is known for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to experience Cape Town’s nightlife.

Day 3: Scenic Drives and Beaches

Morning:

• Cape Peninsula Tour: Embark on a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula. Stop at Chapman’s Peak Drive for breathtaking views. Continue to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope to explore the rugged cliffs and spot some wildlife.

Afternoon:

• Boulders Beach: Visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to see the famous colony of African penguins. Enjoy the beach and take some time to relax and watch these charming creatures.

Evening:

• Camps Bay: Conclude your trip with a visit to Camps Bay. Walk along the beautiful sandy beach, take in the views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and dine at one of the beachfront restaurants. Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean to cap off your Cape Town adventure.

This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of Cape Town’s top attractions, blending natural beauty, history, and vibrant city life.

Day 1: Stellenbosch Exploration

Morning:

• Stellenbosch Wine Estate Tour: Start your day with a visit to the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. Begin with a guided tour of a well-known wine estate such as Spier Wine Farm or Warwick Wine Estate. Enjoy a wine tasting session and learn about the winemaking process.

Afternoon:

• Dorp Street: Head to Dorp Street in the heart of Stellenbosch for lunch. This historic street is lined with beautiful oak trees, charming cafes, and restaurants. Consider dining at a spot like De Warenmarkt, which offers a variety of local dishes and wine pairings.

Late Afternoon:

• Stellenbosch Village Museum: Visit the Stellenbosch Village Museum, which consists of four restored historic houses and gardens, showcasing different periods of the town’s history.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Wine Estate: End your day with a delightful dinner at one of the local wine estates, such as Rust en Vrede or Delaire Graff Estate, known for their exquisite dining experiences paired with fine wines.

Day 2: Franschhoek Delights

Morning:

• Franschhoek Wine Tram: Head to Franschhoek, a charming town known for its gourmet food and wine. Start your day with the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which offers a hop-on-hop-off tour of the area’s best wine estates. Choose from several lines to visit estates like La Motte, Dieu Donné, and Rickety Bridge.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Wine Estate: Enjoy lunch at one of the wine estates along the tram route. Many estates, such as La Petite Ferme or Haute Cabrière, offer beautiful views and delicious food paired with their wines.

Late Afternoon:

• Franschhoek Motor Museum: Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. It’s a fascinating stop for automobile enthusiasts.

Evening:

• Dinner in Franschhoek: Conclude your day with a dinner in Franschhoek. Consider dining at a renowned restaurant like Le Quartier Français or Reuben’s for a gourmet experience.

Day 3: Constantia Valley

Morning:

• Groot Constantia: Start your day in the Constantia Valley, the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit Groot Constantia, a historic wine estate with beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting.

Afternoon:

• Constantia Glen: Head to Constantia Glen for lunch. This boutique wine estate offers stunning views of the Constantia Valley and the distant mountains. Enjoy a leisurely lunch paired with their exceptional wines.

Late Afternoon:

• Eagle’s Nest: Visit Eagle’s Nest for a more intimate wine tasting experience. The estate is known for its cool-climate wines and picturesque setting.

Evening:

• Dinner at Steenberg Estate: End your wine tour with a dinner at Steenberg Estate. The estate’s restaurant, Bistro Sixteen82 or Tryn, offers contemporary cuisine in a stylish setting, complemented by Steenberg’s renowned wines.

This wine-focused itinerary provides a comprehensive experience of Cape Town’s wine regions, from the historic estates of Constantia to the gourmet delights of Franschhoek and the charming vineyards of Stellenbosch.

Day 1: Cape Town to Hermanus to Mossel Bay

Morning:

• Drive from Cape Town to Hermanus: Start your journey early and head to Hermanus, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Cape Town.

Late Morning:

• Hermanus: Arrive in Hermanus, renowned for whale watching (especially from June to November). Stroll along the Cliff Path for scenic views and possible whale sightings. Visit the Old Harbour Museum to learn about the town’s maritime history.

Lunch:

• Hermanus: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the seaside restaurants, such as Bientang’s Cave or The Marine Hotel’s restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Mossel Bay: After lunch, continue your drive to Mossel Bay, approximately 3.5-4 hours from Hermanus. Arrive in the late afternoon.

Evening:

• Mossel Bay: Check into your accommodation and relax. Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant, such as The Sea Gypsy Café.

Day 2: Mossel Bay to Knysna

Morning:

• Mossel Bay Activities: Visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex to learn about early explorers. Relax at Santos Beach or Diaz Beach.

Late Morning:

• Drive to Knysna: Head towards Knysna, about a 1.5-2 hour drive.

Afternoon:

• Knysna Heads: Visit the iconic Knysna Heads, the striking sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon. Enjoy the view from the viewpoints.
• Knysna Waterfront: Explore the Knysna Waterfront with its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Have lunch here.

Evening:

• Featherbed Nature Reserve: Take a ferry trip to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a guided tour. The reserve offers stunning views, walking trails, and opportunities to see local flora and fauna.

Day 3: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay

Morning:

• Drive to Plettenberg Bay: A short 30-minute drive from Knysna.

Afternoon:

• Robberg Nature Reserve: Spend the afternoon hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve. Choose from various trails offering breathtaking coastal views and the chance to spot seals and marine birds.

Late Afternoon:

• Beaches: Relax at one of Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful beaches, such as Central Beach or Lookout Beach.

Evening:

• Dinner in Plettenberg Bay: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as The Fat Fish.

Day 4: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park

Morning:

• Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park: Head to Tsitsikamma, approximately 1 hour from Plettenberg Bay.

Afternoon:

• Storms River Mouth: Explore the Storms River Mouth area. Walk across the famous suspension bridge and take in the stunning views.
• Kayaking: Optionally, go on a kayaking and lilo tour up the Storms River Gorge for an adventurous experience.

Late Afternoon:

• Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour: Experience a thrilling canopy tour through the Tsitsikamma forest, zipping between ancient trees.

Evening:

• Overnight in Tsitsikamma: Stay in the park’s accommodation or nearby lodges. Enjoy a rustic dinner at the park’s restaurant or a local eatery.

Day 5: Tsitsikamma to Oudtshoorn via Wilderness

Morning:

• Drive to Wilderness: Begin your day with a drive to Wilderness, approximately 1.5 hours away.

Afternoon:

• Wilderness National Park: Enjoy activities like canoeing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the lakes and rivers.
• Lunch in Wilderness: Have lunch at a local café, such as Serendipity Restaurant.

Late Afternoon:

• Drive to Oudtshoorn: Continue your journey to Oudtshoorn, which is about 2 hours from Wilderness.

Evening:

• Oudtshoorn: Check into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional South African dinner, perhaps at a local ostrich farm restaurant.

This 5-day Garden Route itinerary provides a mix of scenic drives, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters, ensuring a memorable journey through one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.