Ultimate South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Gondwana Game Reserve & Knysna Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Cape Town, South Africa on July 7, 2025

5:00pm

Arrive in Cape Town & Pick up Rental Car

After your flight, pick up your rental car at the airport and check into your accommodation to rest and prepare for your adventure.
ZAR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pot Luck Club

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring eclectic small plates and stunning views of the city in this trendy rooftop restaurant.
ZAR350, 1h30m
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Day 2: Table Mountain & V&A Waterfront

Cape Town, South Africa on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jason Bakery

Start your day with artisanal pastries and fresh coffee in this popular bakery known for its quality and innovation.
ZAR100, 1h

9:30am

Table Mountain Cableway

Take a cable car ride up Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town and surrounding oceans. The cableway operates from 8am to 7pm in winter.
ZAR380, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at V&A Food Market

Explore various food stalls offering local and international dishes in the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
ZAR150, 1h

1:30pm

Explore V&A Waterfront

Walk around the shopping area, harbor, and visit the Two Oceans Aquarium (open 9am-7pm) for insight into marine life.
ZAR170, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Karibu Restaurant

Taste authentic South African cuisine with spectacular harbor views. Karibu is open until 10pm.
ZAR300, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cape Winelands Tour

Cape Town, South Africa on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Truth Coffee

Enjoy some of the best artisan coffee in the world paired with hearty breakfast dishes in a steampunk-style cafe.
ZAR100, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Stellenbosch

Travel about 45 minutes to the heart of the Cape Winelands, famous for its vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture.
ZAR0, 45m

9:30am

Wine Tasting at Spier Wine Farm

Enjoy award-winning wines and walk among historic buildings; tastings available from 9am to 5pm.
ZAR80, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Delaire Graff Estate

Dine in a luxury setting with excellent cuisine and spectacular views of the vineyards and mountains.
ZAR400, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Franschhoek Village

Drive 30 minutes to Franschhoek, famed for its French heritage and boutique shops, before enjoying a dessert tasting or chocolate factory visit.
ZAR0, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Cape Town

Drive back to Cape Town and rest before dinner.
ZAR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Test Kitchen

Savor South African fine dining at this world-renowned restaurant (reservation required).
ZAR700, 2h
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Day 4: Cape Peninsula Tour

Cape Town, South Africa on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room

Casual breakfast spot known for their pancakes and classic breakfast fare.
ZAR120, 1h

8:30am

Drive Cape Peninsula via Chapman’s Peak

Enjoy one of the most scenic routes in South Africa with breathtaking coastal views.
ZAR60, 2h

10:30am

Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve

Explore this beautiful reserve with dramatic cliffs and lighthouse; open 7am to 6pm. Walking trails and stunning views over oceans.
ZAR385, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Two Oceans Restaurant

Overlooking the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.
ZAR250, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

See the famous African penguins up close in a protected beach reserve; open 7:45am to 7pm.
ZAR160, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Cape Town

Drive back along the coast and enjoy sunset views.
ZAR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pot Luck Club

Enjoy creative dishes and sharing plates in a hip setting revisted for a casual night out.
ZAR350, 1h30m
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Day 5: Robben Island & City Tour

Cape Town, South Africa on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Truth Coffee

Fuel up with excellent coffee and baked goods in this energetic café.
ZAR100, 1h

9:00am

Robben Island Tour

Take the ferry from the V&A Waterfront for a 3.5-hour tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison (departures from 9am to 2pm).
ZAR700, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Harbour House

Enjoy seafood with views of the harbor, located at the V&A Waterfront.
ZAR300, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

Walk the colorful streets of this historic area with multi-colored houses and learn about Cape Malay culture.
ZAR0, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Castle of Good Hope

Tour the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa; open 9am to 5pm.
ZAR60, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gold Restaurant

Experience a 14-dish tasting menu highlighting African flavors with live performances.
ZAR650, 2h
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Day 6: Free Day & Leisure

Cape Town, South Africa on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Company’s Garden Restaurant

Known for lovely garden views with both indoor and outdoor seating in historic location.
ZAR120, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Explore one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens showcasing indigenous flora; open 8am-7pm.
ZAR100, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Moyo Kirstenbosch

Enjoy African-inspired dishes within the garden grounds offering a unique setting.
ZAR250, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Camps Bay Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon walking or sunbathing on this picturesque beach lined with cafes.
ZAR0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Codfather Seafood & Sushi

Fine seafood and sushi restaurant right on Camps Bay strip open till 10pm.
ZAR400, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cape Town to Gondwana

Cape Town to Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Early breakfast at your accommodation and prepare for drive to Gondwana Game Reserve.
ZAR120, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Gondwana Game Reserve

Drive along the scenic Garden Route, taking about 5.5 hours. Stop for lunch en route in Mossel Bay for a fresh seafood meal.
ZAR0, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ocean Basket Mossel Bay

Enjoy affordable and fresh seafood near the coast, open 11am to 9pm.
ZAR180, 1h

4:00pm

Arrive & Check-in at Gondwana Game Reserve

Check into your lodge and relax before your game experience begins.
ZAR0, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Safari Game Drive

Enjoy your first guided safari drive looking for the Big Five and other wildlife; duration approximately 3 hours including sundowners.
ZAR800, 3h

9:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Dine at the lodge’s restaurant with local cuisine and fresh ingredients.
ZAR350, 1h
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Day 8: Gondwana Safari Day

Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa on July 14, 2025

6:30am

Morning Safari Game Drive

Early morning game drive offers best chances to see active wildlife in cooler temperatures; includes breakfast in bush.
ZAR800, 4h

11:00am

Brunch at Lodge

Return to lodge for a leisurely brunch by the pool or terrace.
ZAR250, 1h30m

1:00pm

Relax & Optional Spa Treatments

Enjoy the lodge’s amenities or book spa treatments for rest and rejuvenation.
ZAR700, 3h

4:30pm

Afternoon Safari or Guided Nature Walk

Choose between another game drive or a nature walk guided by rangers to learn about local ecology.
ZAR400, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Dinner featuring regional flavors served at the lodge.
ZAR350, 1h30m
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Day 9: Gondwana to Knysna

Gondwana Game Reserve to Knysna, South Africa on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Morning Drive

Have a last early breakfast at the lodge and depart for Knysna (approx. 2.5 hours drive).
ZAR120, 3h

11:00am

Arrive & Check-in to Knysna Accommodation

Relax and get acclimated in your hotel or guesthouse.
ZAR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at 34° South

Enjoy waterfront dining specializing in oysters and fresh seafood with beautiful lagoon views.
ZAR300, 1h

2:00pm

Knysna Waterfront & Lagoon Walk

Stroll the lively waterfront, browse boutiques and art galleries, and enjoy the natural beauty of the lagoon.
ZAR0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Knysna Heads Viewpoint

Drive to the iconic Knysna Heads to witness breathtaking views over the ocean inlet.
ZAR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at East Head Cafe

Overlook the bay and indulge in fresh seafood and cocktails to end your day.
ZAR300, 1h30m
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Day 10: Knysna Nature & Adventure

Knysna, South Africa on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Retro

Start the day with hearty breakfast and excellent coffee in this cozy, funky café.
ZAR90, 1h

8:30am

Featherbed Nature Reserve Tour

Take a ferry and guided tour of this stunning nature reserve including hikes and spectacular views (tours operate 8:30am - 3pm).
ZAR450, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Timberlake’s Restaurant

Relax with a meal at this rustic yet elegant venue with views over the Knysna Lagoon.
ZAR280, 1h

2:30pm

Knysna Elephant Park

Meet and interact with rescued elephants in a natural environment; park open from 10am to 4pm.
ZAR340, 2h

5:00pm

Return & Relax

Relax back at your accommodation or explore local shops.
ZAR0, Unscheduled

7:00pm

Dinner at The Olive Tree Restaurant

Sample Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere with excellent wines.
ZAR320, 1h30m
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Day 11: Knysna to Cape Town

Knysna to Cape Town, South Africa on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Check-out

Have breakfast and prepare for the long drive back to Cape Town (approx. 5.5 hours).
ZAR120, 1h

8:30am

Drive To Cape Town

Enjoy scenic drive back with stops for photos and refreshments.
ZAR0, 6h

2:30pm

Arrive & Check-in to Cape Town Accommodation

Rest and freshen up after your journey.
ZAR0, 1h

4:00pm

Relax or Optional Visit to Greenmarket Square

Browse arts, crafts, and souvenirs markets in central Cape Town; perfect for picking gifts.
ZAR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Signal Restaurant at the V&A Waterfront

Enjoy sophisticated dining featuring fresh seafood and fine wines with harbor views.
ZAR400, 1h30m
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