Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari: Family Holiday  11 day itinerary

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari: Family Holiday

• Protea Hotel President - Protea Hotel President

• Oudtshoorn - Protea Hotel Riempie

• Courtyard - Protea Hotel Knysna Quays

• Bedroom - Kuzuko Lodge

Day 1 - Cape Town

Today, it’s about the seals, penguins and natural beauty of the Cape. A trip up Table Mountain’s cable car kick starts your day with the most breathtaking 360 degree views of the strikingly beautiful city of Cape Town.  Next, a fascinating trip to Seal Island brings you up close and personal with the seals which crowd on and around the island. Mere metres away from these whiskered friends of the sea, you get to view the creatures’ habitat and behaviour patterns.  Upon returning to shore, hop off and follow the scenic curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. After lunch (own account), it’s off to Boulders Beach, where you can stroll down the wooden walkway trail to the sea which is flanked by vegetation and penguin nests. This walk provides access to a superb view-site to watch a colony of penguins bray, waddle and do what penguins do in their natural habitat.

Overnight at Protea Hotel President (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.

Day 2 - Cape Town

Today you get to marvel at the plethora of sea life. From a menacing ragged tooth shark to a dainty Knysna seahorse; a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium is to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Situated at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the aquarium is home to over 3 000 sea creatures waiting to see curious noses pressed up against the 28cm thick glass. Once you have completed your underwater discovery, zip over to the Waterfront, where you are free to shop, eat and be entertained in the vast mall set alongside the vibrant, working harbour.

Overnight at Protea Hotel President (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 3 - Cape Town

The historically quaint town of Stellenbosch is the heart of the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by thriving wine estates, you enjoy a brief exploration of the galleries and appealing architecture of the town. Seeing as you are in the area, as an optional extra, you can visit the Cheetah Outreach facility where you’ll have the rare privilege of interacting closely with hand-raised cheetahs.  After the adrenaline subsides, a relaxing gourmet picnic on the tranquil lawns of Spier is in store, while the children tackle the playground.  After lunch, you’re introduced to two Owls and an Eagle – experienced bird handlers ensure that Wally, the Wahlberg’s Eagle, Fagan, the Barn Owl, and Sykes, the spotted Eagle Owl meet you under perfect conditions. Getting this close to these birds is an experience you’re unlikely to repeat, and therefore, forget.

Overnight at Protea Hotel President (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch.

Day 4 - Cape Town

Today is reserved for you to explore Cape Town at your leisure. The Mother City is bursting with opportunity to explore its surrounds. It’s highly recommended that you embark on a trip to Robben Island and get a real sense of the harshness Nelson Mandela faced for the good of his country. After a day of exploring, laze by the pool, stroll on the promenade, or visit the superb shopping malls in the city.

Overnight at Protea Hotel President (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 5 - Cape Town - Oudtshoorn

This morning, you set off on a journey along Route 62 to visit a place known as the ‘feather capital of the world’: Oudtshoorn. Outshoorn and its ostriches! The afternoon is yours to scout for a lunch spot. The little town of Barrydale on route to Oudtshoorn  offers a wide variety of coffeshops and restaurants, with  everything from Karoo lamb curry or Cape Malay Bobotie to Pot Pie or Venison.

Overnight at Protea Hotel Riempie (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 6 - Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves

An action-packed day lies ahead! The Cango Wildlife Ranch offers intriguing facts and fiction about crocs and cheetahs; an experience which is topped by an exploration of the famous Cango Caves. In the Caves, dripstone caverns provide a magical atmosphere, opening into vast halls of towering stalagmite and stalactite formations, geared to take your breath away.  If you’ve been itching to ride that ostrich, now’s your chance! At Safari Ostrich Farm, you’ll not only learn about the lives of these hardy, enigmatic creatures, but the brave can sit on one, and the adventurous can attempt to ride one!

Overnight at Protea Hotel Riempie (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch.

Day 7 - Oudtshoorn - Knysna

Today is filled with beautiful surrounds, a wealth of wildlife and a pinch of decadence! After a hearty breakfast, your day begins traversing the breathtaking Outeniqua Pass via the charming town of George to the romantic seaside resort of Knysna. Set in the heart of the famously picturesque Garden Route, Knysna is renowned for its delicious oysters...which, of course, you need to test and taste. A visit to the Elephant Sanctuary offers the opportunity to get close to these gentle giants. Tour the Birds of Eden , an internationally acclaimed free-flight bird sanctuary, within the huge, 2 hectare dome; the largest in the world. Next, a trip to Monkeyland! This free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary, allows you to amble around at your leisure, marveling at the cute and crazy antics of the many different species of monkeys and lemurs.

Overnight at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 8 - Knysna

A day of leisure awaits. You and your family, are free to take today at your own pace. We recommend a number of optional activities, from a serene cruise on the Knysna Lagoon enjoying the sight of the gigantic cliffs which form the Knysna Heads, to an organised excursion to the National Heritage Site of Featherbed Nature Reserve; home to the endangered blue duiker antelope. The day is yours.

Overnight at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 9 - Knysna - Addo Elephant National Park

Today is safari day! Your journey takes you eastward through the glorious indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. The Addo Elephant National Park boasts the Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard; so keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot them. Your evening’s accommodation, Kuzuko/Lalibela Lodge, is nestled within the park, adding to the possibility of viewing the wildlife of the area. Enjoy your African experience on a wildlife spotting game drive before retiring to your lodge.

Overnight at Kuzuko Lodge (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner.

Day 10 - Addo Elephant National Park

You won’t want to sleep in! A quick coffee, and you’re off to follow wildlife tracks. This glorious day in Africa (as usual) is filled with safari activities… and we’re on the trail of elephant...

Overnight at Kuzuko Lodge (Family room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner.

Day 11 - Addo Elephant National Park - Port Elizabeth

Rise and shine to a scrumptious breakfast this morning. Being the last day of your South African family safari, you’ll be transferred to Port Elizabeth airport for your flight homewards, carrying a few souvenirs, great photographs, and a whole lot of extraordinary memories to share with those back home.

*This tour departs every Saturday only.

(Family room) Meals included: Breakfast.

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari: Family Holiday Map