12-Night South Africa Adventure: Cape Town to Kruger National Park Safari

Day 1: Explore Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Truth Coffee Roasting

Enjoy a unique steampunk-themed café famous for its artisan coffee and a variety of delicious breakfast options to fuel the day.
ZAR60, 1h0m

9:30am

Table Mountain Cableway

Take a scenic cable car ride up Table Mountain for panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean. Opens 8:00am - 7:00pm.
ZAR360, 2h0m

11:45am

Explore Company's Garden

Enjoy a peaceful walk among historical statues and indigenous plants in this lush garden located in the city center.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Pot Luck Club

Dine at one of Cape Town's top restaurants offering contemporary small plates with incredible harbor views. Reservations recommended.
ZAR300, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Robben Island Museum

Take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront for a guided tour of the historical prison where Nelson Mandela was held. Tours run from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
ZAR600, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gold Restaurant

Experience authentic African cuisine paired with live cultural performances and storytelling.
ZAR650, 2h0m

Day 2: Cape Town & Surrounds

Cape Town, South Africa on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jason Bakery

Savor freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee to start the day early.
ZAR80, 1h0m

9:00am

Day Trip to Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)

Tour some of South Africa's finest wineries, enjoy tastings, and explore charming towns with mountain views.
ZAR1200, 7h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Delaire Graff Estate

Lunch at a stunning wine estate offering gourmet cuisine and incredible views over vineyards and mountains.
ZAR450, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Cape Town

Relax after the day’s exciting wine tour and prepare for dinner.
Included in tour price, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kloof Street House

Enjoy innovative cuisine in a cozy Victorian house setting with an extensive wine list.
ZAR400, 2h0m

Day 3: Culture & History

Cape Town, South Africa on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room

Charming little spot with great breakfast favorites to start your day comfortably.
ZAR80, 1h0m

9:30am

District Six Museum

Learn about the forced removals during apartheid and the rich cultural heritage of District Six.
ZAR50, 1h0m

11:00am

Bo-Kaap Walking Tour

Explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and discover its Malay heritage and vibrant street art.
ZAR150, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bo-Kaap Kombuis

Taste authentic Cape Malay dishes in a cozy environment within the Bo-Kaap area.
ZAR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit V&A Waterfront

Browse shops, enjoy the harbor views, and maybe visit the Two Oceans Aquarium (opens till 7pm).
ZAR160, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Harbour House

Dine on fresh seafood with picturesque views over the harbor.
ZAR450, 2h0m

Day 4: Cape Town Nature

Cape Town, South Africa on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Origin Coffee Roasting

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee paired with healthy breakfast options.
ZAR70, 1h0m

8:30am

Cape Point and Boulders Beach Tour

Visit Cape Point for breathtaking ocean views and see the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Opens 7:00am to 5:30pm.
ZAR350, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Cape Town

Relax at your accommodation or stroll the beach front.
Included in tour price, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Codfather

Savor fresh seafood dishes in Camps Bay with excellent sunset views.
ZAR500, 2h0m

Day 5: Winelands Discovery

Stellenbosch, South Africa on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Cape Town to Stellenbosch

Travel about 45 minutes east to the heart of the Cape Winelands region.
ZAR250 (car rental), 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Terroir Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast paired with a glass of wine on a scenic vineyard estate.
ZAR220, 1h0m

10:45am

Wine Tasting at Spier Wine Farm

Sample award-winning wines and tour the beautiful vineyard estate. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
ZAR120, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Delaire Graff Estate

Luxurious lunch with exquisite views and fine wines to complement.
ZAR450, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Stellenbosch Village Museum

Discover the 300-year history of Stellenbosch through preserved houses and artifacts. Opens 9:00am to 5:00pm.
ZAR50, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check in at local guesthouse

Relax and prepare for dinner.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Jordan Restaurant

Dine on farm-to-table cuisine complemented by Jordan wines in scenic surroundings.
ZAR600, 2h0m

Day 6: Winelands & Culture

Stellenbosch, South Africa on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Basic Bistro & Kitchen

Casual breakfast featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and great coffee.
ZAR90, 1h0m

9:30am

Wine Tasting and Tour at Rust en Vrede Estate

Explore the historic estate with renowned red wines. Booking recommended. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
ZAR150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Paparazzi Restaurant

Enjoy Italian-influenced cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients in Stellenbosch town.
ZAR250, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Stellenbosch Town

Stroll through oak-lined streets, visit art galleries, and browse boutique shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Lanzerac Wine Estate

Relax with a glass of wine at this iconic estate while watching the sun go down.
ZAR100, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Overture Restaurant

End the day with contemporary South African fine dining in a beautiful setting.
ZAR700, 2h0m

Day 7: Garden Route Journey

Knysna, South Africa on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Stellenbosch to Knysna

A scenic 5-hour drive east along the Garden Route with beautiful landscapes en route.
ZAR350 (car rental), 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at East Head Café

Enjoy fresh seafood with lagoon views right at Knysna Waterfront.
ZAR300, 1h30m

2:30pm

Knysna Elephant Park

Interact with rescued elephants in an ethical sanctuary. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
ZAR460, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in at Knysna Lodge

Relax before dinner and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at 34 South

Upscale dining on fresh seafood and local dishes overlooking the Knysna lagoon.
ZAR450, 2h0m

Day 8: Garden Route Nature

Knysna and Tsitsikamma, South Africa on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Gannet

Start the day with creative breakfast dishes made from local ingredients.
ZAR120, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park

About a 45-minute drive to explore this spectacular coastal forest and ocean reserve.
ZAR140 entrance fee, 45m

9:45am

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour

Zipline through the indigenous forest canopy with stunning views. Tours typically run 9am - 4pm.
ZAR650, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Relax with hearty pub fare and craft beer in this cozy spot near the park entrance.
ZAR150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Suspension Bridge Trail

Experience the famous suspension bridge over the Storms River in the national park.
Included in park fee, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Knysna

Wind down back at your lodge after an active day.
Included in car rental, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Olive Tree

Delight in Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a warm, inviting setting.
ZAR400, 2h0m

Day 9: Travel to Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Drive or Flight to Kruger National Park

Travel from Knysna to Kruger either via flight from George to Nelspruit (2 flights approx 6 hr total with transfers) or long scenic drive (~8-9 hours).
ZAR1500 approx flight, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route or upon arrival

Depending on your travel choice, enjoy lunch at the airport café or lodge restaurant upon arrival.
ZAR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check in at Safari Lodge

Settle into your accommodation inside or near Kruger National Park in preparation for safari activities.
Varies, N/A

4:30pm

Evening Game Drive

Heads up for your first safari experience with an expert guide to spot wildlife like lions, elephants, and rhinos. Typically 3-4 hours long starting late afternoon.
Included in lodge package, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a buffet or set menu of local specialties after your game drive.
Included in lodge package, 1h30m

Day 10: Kruger Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa on June 5, 2025

6:00am

Morning Game Drive

Start early for the best chances to see active wildlife. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Tours last around 3-4 hours.
Included in lodge package, 4h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast after the morning game drive.
Included, 1h0m

11:30am

Relax at Lodge / Optional activities

Enjoy lodge amenities such as pool, spa, or a bush walk if available.
Varies, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Light lunch before afternoon safari.
Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Explore different areas of the park as the animals become more active at dusk.
Included, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing meal recounting the day's adventures.
Included, 1h30m

Day 11: More Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa on June 6, 2025

6:00am

Morning Game Drive

Early morning outing to experience the wildlife and birdlife in cooler temperatures.
Included, 4h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy breakfast nestled in nature after your exciting morning.
Included, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Nearby Conservancy or Bush Walk

Participate in a guided walking safari or visit a local conservancy to learn more about conservation efforts.
ZAR300, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Lodge

Casual midday meal with stunning views.
Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Another chance to spot the Big Five and other wildlife with your guide.
Included, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Indulge in fine dining with local flavors to conclude the day.
Included, 1h30m

Day 12: Final Safari Day

Kruger National Park, South Africa on June 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Morning Game Drive

Last opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the park before departure.
Included, 4h0m

10:30am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy your final breakfast and prepare for your onward journey.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Drive or Transfer to Nelspruit Airport

Travel to the airport for flights home or onward travel.
Varies, 1h0m