
The Mbuni - 17 Days
This 16 Night self-drive and guided tour will take you to all the most popular areas that South Africa has to offer for first time visitors. After arriving in Johannesburg a short two- hour flight will bring you to Cape Town rated one of the most beautiful cities in the world located at the foot of Table Mountain. After four days of exploring the city and surrounds a self-drive along the rugged coastline will bring you to Hermanus known for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Hereafter we head inland along the famous Route 62 to the ostrich capital of South Africa for a full day of exploring this historical town. Knysna along the Garden Route of South Africa is one of the most popular holiday destinations and offer many activities which will be chosen to suit your personal interests. A short flight will bring you to your safari destination in the Kruger National Park for 3 full days of the best game viewing in the famous Sabi Sands. We end this tour with a three day visit to the breathtaking Victoria Falls located in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Your stay here will Include a full day Chobe safari to Botswana.
- Cape Town – One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the sheer natural beauty of this South African capital will take your breath away.
- Hermanus – Easily accessible via some of the most beautiful routes in the Western Cape, Hermanus is just 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town and known for the best land-based whale watching in South Africa
- Route 62 – Known as the world’s longest wine route, it’s lined by rugged mountains, clear streams, orchards and plenty of port and wine cellars.
- Knysna – The beautiful Garden Route town of Knysna is by far one of South Africa’s most scenic and wonderful towns to explore, with many activities on offer.
- Sabi Sands – The Sabi Sand is a privately owned game reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, and together the two areas make up some of South Africa’s most incredible and pristine game reserves.
- Victoria Falls – The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world.
- Chobe safari – Famed for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory.
Best time to travel
Best | Optional |
January | Febuary | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Route






Cape Town – 4 Nights
Day 1
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain where slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top. Mother Nature surpassed herself when crafting the Mother City. Whether jogging along Sea Point Promenade, climbing up Lion’s Head in the dawn light, clambering over giant boulders at Sandy Bay or driving the amazing coastal roads down to Cape Point, it never fails to soar your spirits with her breathtakingly beautiful vistas. Eye See Africa will meet you at Cape Town International airport for your 20-minute transfer to the Radisson Blu which offers stunning views of the bustling marina and South Africa’s majestic landmark, Table Mountain. Rest of the afternoon at your own leisure.
Day 2
After breakfast we wind our way through the scenic, shrub-dotted landscape which form part of the Cape Floral Region protected areas to Table Mountain. These protected areas are a World Heritage Site and an estimated 2,200 species of plants are confined to the mountain – more than exist in the whole of the United Kingdom. The Table Mountain Cableway will take us to the plateau at the top of the mountain which offers stunning views overlooking Cape Town, Table Bay and Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south. Hereafter we head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden which is acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. After lunch at Kirstenbosch we head to the inner city of Cape Town to explore the Company Gardens and the many points of interest it has to offer. High tea at the Mount Nelson hotel is optional before we head back to your hotel. Dinner will be booked at one of our restaurant recommendations.
Day 3
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula 60 km south-west of Cape Town, lies Cape Point, a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park. Our journey to this declared Natural World Heritage site will take us past pristine white beaches at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains, mesmerizing Hout Bay with its bustling fishing harbour and over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. Cape Point is a nature enthusiast’s paradise! The views are amazing, and during the winter months, you may also see Southern Right whales. A few minutes from Simonstown is the fishing village of Kalk Bay which is packed with antique stores, coffee shops, galleries, second-hand bookstores and restaurants. A stroll down the main road is a must and after lunch at our favourite spot in the Kalk Bay harbour we visit a colony of endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach – Simonstown. The penguins provide endless photo opportunities from Foxy Beach, where newly constructed boardwalks take visitors to within a few meters of the birds. An easy and scenic hour’s drive will bring us back to Cape Town.
Day 4
After breakfast you will be collected by our in-house sommelier for a full day of visiting one the most popular wine areas of South Africa. It’s only a short scenic drive from Cape Town but the Cape Winelands feel like a different world. There are rolling vineyards, towering mountains and historic wine estates. Cape wine enjoys an international reputation and the winelands are home to most of South Africa’s premier wine estates. We first visit Oom Samie se Winkel in the town of Stellenbosch which is the second oldest European settlement in the province after Cape Town and undoubtedly the most scenically attractive and historically preserved town in Southern African history. Oom Samie se Winkel is a Victorian style store that operates the same way now as it did back in the Victorian era. The store has been a Stellenbosch institution since 1904 and is now a national monument, offering all sorts of bric a brac and delightful foods and products. Hereafter our drive takes you over the scenic Helshoogte pass to the beautiful Franschoek Valley. On your way stop for lunch at Dellaire Graff nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Here striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and the views are breath-taking. Our first wine tasting will be at the award-winning Tokara wine estate down the road. Hereafter we make our way to another two wine estates that will be chosen with your input to suit your personal wine preferences. Lunch will be at one of the many award-winning restaurants available in the town of Franshoek. This town is a favourite with tourists and although we prefer to take our clients to less touristy locations a stroll down the street with the many art galleries is highly recommended. This afternoon on our way back to Cape Town we will stop at Babylonstoren for a drink and a stroll through the beautiful gardens. Babylonstoren is an exceptionally well-preserved farm dating from 1690. The farm with vineyards and orchards is surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Drakenstein Valley. You are allowed to sample any of the fruits that is ripe on the trees and it is a great place to end the day before heading back to Cape Town. This evening dinner is booked at La Colombe who has consistently received world-wide acclaim and is positioned amongst the top restaurants in the world.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Radisson Blue – View Property
The five-star Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront Cape Town is situated along the curve of Granger Bay just adjacent to the V&A Waterfront. Guests can take a five-minute walk to the reputable shopping centre or can opt to wait for the hourly complimentary shuttle provided by the hotel. On the opposite side, the Mouille Point and Sea Point promenade, a greenway perfect for jogging, walking and dog-watching, stretches out alongside the Atlantic.
Activities Included
Table mountain
Kirstenbosch
Private full day Cape Point tour
Boulders penguins
Private full day winelands tour
Activities Optional
See our blog of “50 Things to do in Cape Town”
Hermanus – 1 Night
Day 5
A late morning departure will bring you within two hours to the Whale Route town of Hermanus via . Champagne air, Fynbos covered mountains, sparkling sea vistas, a rich marine life and the best land-based whale watching in the world, make Hermanus one of the most magnificent and desirable eco-destinations in the country. Quaint boutiques, art galleries, open-air cafes, restaurants and craft markets provide a creative, cosmopolitan and hospitable framework to complement the natural attractions. During the whale season a boat trip to see the whales up close will be included in your itinerary. Dinner will be booked at a favourite local restaurant.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Harbour House – View Property
Harbour House Hotel in Hermanus enjoys the most prominent of positions in the heart of the old harbour area, flanked by the seaside and the bustling centre of this holiday town. There is a wine bar and an outdoor pool. The hotel is in easy walking distance of the town’s top attractions, whale watching sites, markets, restaurants, street cafés and an abundance of reserved natural splendour.
Activities Included
Whalewatching boat trip
Activities Optional
Beer tasting at local brewery
Hiking
Wine tasting
Shark cage diving
Canooing
Oudtshoorn – 2 Nights
Day 6
After breakfast leave for the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Your journey will take you via Route62 and the Tradouw pass to the Klein Karoo. A CNN Travel poll, as voted by tourists and travel journalists, puts the scenic and fun-filled road between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn as the top road trip destination in the world, beating out a host of legendary global grand tours including Canada’s Alcan Highway and the Ticlio Pass in Peru. While Route 62 primarily connects Cape Town to Oudtshoorn, and ultimately the Garden Route further east, a host of attractions and activities along the road, and off its beaten path, incorporate smaller towns in the area, including Montagu, Barrydale and Ladysmith. Lunch is recommended in the quaint town of Barrydale. After arriving at your guest house settle in before dinner at one of the town’s popular restaurants which we will book for you.
Day 7
The Greater Oudtshoorn area is nestled at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo region, Western Cape, South Africa. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system. With over 330 sunshine days a year, Oudtshoorn is a great place for outdoor activities from crawling and climbing in the Cango Caves to zip lining and mountain trails. A visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch, a Meerkat encounter as well as an ostrich farm can be included for a full day of fun.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Rosenhof – View Property
Rosenhof Country House is situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn en route to the Cango Caves and Ostrich Farms. The carefully renovated homestead (Circa 1852), with its Yellowwood beams and ceilings and a tasteful collection of antique furniture, exudes an aura of authenticity. The lovely rose garden, which gave Rosenhof its name, leads to stylishly decorated bedrooms, each individually furnished. All rooms provide air-conditioning, under-floor heating, satellite television, telephone, mini bar and tea trays.
Activities Optional
Cango caves
Cango wildlife ranch
Elephant interaction
Meerkat adventures
Ostrich farm tour
Olive farm tour
Hiking
Game viewing
Camel riding
Knysna – 3 Nights
Day 8-10
After breakfast we will leave for the town of Knysna. The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon, which is fed by the Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. popularly known as “The Heads”. They have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters. Only a short drive from your accommodation will bring you to an area known as The Crags where you will find Monkeyland, The Elephant Sanctuary and Birds of Eden. All our tours are planned to take your personal preferences into consideration and we will make sure that you make the best of your two full days in this very popular holiday destination in South Africa.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Lofts Boutique Hotel – View Property
The Lofts Boutique Hotel is situated on the water’s edge of the Knysna Lagoon where you can enjoy the tranquility and relaxed environment of the hotel or jump into fun activities in and around Thesen Islands and the Garden Route.
Activities Included
Elephant interaction
Activities Optional
Monkeyland
Birds of Eden
Boating Knysna lagoon
Kruger National Park – 3 Nights
Day 11-13
This morning a short flight will bring you to the best safari destination in South Africa. Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sites – this is the real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve located within the greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of those very special places in the world and is the ultimate African safari destination. Spend two full days of morning and evening game drives looking for the big five as well as over 150 mammal and 500 bird species. Your accommodation chosen will meet Eye See Africa’s high criteria and will be chosen taking your budget into consideration. Your stay here will be fully inclusive of all meals, selected drinks and activities.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Singita Boulders Lodge – View Property
Resting on the banks of the Sand River in the game-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the luxurious, five star, Singita Boulders Lodge. Built around an enormous boulder, hence its name, Singita Boulders offers magnificent wrap around views of the rich bushveld and Sand River wildlife activity. Singita Boulders boasts twelve magnificent, glass fronted suites with two double suites available for families.
Activities Included
Game drives
Game walks
Swimming
Stargazing
Activities Optional
Spa treatments
Victoria Falls – 3 Nights
Day 14
After breakfast a short transfer and flight will bring you to Livingstone, Zambia. You will be collected at the Livingstone airport for your transfer to the Thorntree River Lodge (or alternative hotel) situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river. On 16 November 1855, David Livingstone first laid eyes on the waterfall that would define his life story, and that of an entire country. Visible from over 30km away, the Kololo people with whom he had travelled downriver called it Mosi-oa-Tunya the smoke that thunders. As the first European to witness this magnificent site, he decided to name it Victoria Falls in honour of his Queen. After settling into your room lunch will be served with great views over the river. In the late afternoon you will be collected for The Zambezi Sunset Cruise which is almost a compulsory outing when at Victoria Falls and suitable for the whole family. It is an ideal way to end your day, providing an opportunity to unwind and relax in the timeless environment while enjoying complimentary sundowner drinks and light snacks. This evening dinner will be served at the lodge listening to the sound of hippos leaving the water to graze on your doorstep.
Day 15
This morning you will be collected at 9h00 by our In-House sommelier Lara for your wine tour. It’s only a short scenic drive from Cape Town but the Cape Winelands feel like a different world. There are rolling vineyards, towering mountains and historic wine estates. Cape wine enjoys an international reputation and the winelands are home to most of South Africa’s premier wine estates. First visit Oom Samie se Winkel in the town of Stellenbosch which is the second oldest European settlement in the province after Cape Town. Undoubtedly the most scenically attractive and historically preserved town in Southern African history it reflects the neo-Dutch, and modern-Victorian architecture that encompasses simple lines, fine detail and elegant proportions. Oom Samie se Winkel, meaning “Uncle Sammy’s Shop”, is a Victorian style store that operates the same way now as it did back in the Victorian era. The store has been a Stellenbosch institution since 1904 and is now a national monument, offering all sorts of bric a brac and delightful foods and products. Hereafter our drive takes us over the scenic Helshoogte pass to the beautiful Franschoek Valley. On your way stop for lunch at Delaire Graff nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Here striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection on display through- out, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. Lunch will be at La Petit Ferme, listed as one of the top 15 best value establishments in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. The cuisine incorporates international methods and flavours, made from the freshest locally sourced produce. This afternoon on your way back to Cape Town stop at Babylonstoren for a drink and stroll through the beautiful gardens. Babylonstoren is a Cape Dutch farm with vineyards and orchards surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Drakenstein Valley. It has an exceptionally well preserved werf dating from 1690. A fruit and vegetable garden of botanical diversity supplies a remarkable restaurant.
Day 16
Your last day in Cape Town will be at your own leisure. There are so many options of things to do and the day will for sure be too short to do everything that is possible. Eye See Africa have a blog post of the most popular things to do in Cape Town and we will help you plan the day. Cape Town has many great beaches, from the popular Clifton and Camps Bay beaches to the long stretches of Noordhoek and Muizenberg. Another option is to do some last-minute shopping at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Nestled between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa’s most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views it offers exciting shopping and entertainment options. Visitors to the Two Oceans Aquarium will enjoy a fascinating underwater world. The Maritime Museum focuses on the history of shipping from prehistoric times to the present day. Boat trips around the harbour and along the coast are also popular and helicopter flips provide a broader perspective of the Cape Peninsula. This evening we have booked dinner at La Colombe, one of South Africa’s top 10 restaurants.
Day 17
After breakfast we will do a last drive up Signal Hill to have a last view over the beautiful city before leaving for the airport and your flight homebound.
Accommodation
Accommodation – Thorntree River Lodge – View Property
Beautifully designed Thorntree River Lodge graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Seamlessly blending into the tranquil river-side setting, this eco-conscious haven draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of local African culture but with contemporary influences throughout. Just 20 min upstream from Victoria Falls, the lodge is perfectly positioned to enjoy the cascading spectacle nearby with a range of water-based activities.
Activities Included
Guided tour of falls
Lookout Cafe
Sunset cruise on Zambezi
Full day Chobe safari
Activities Optional
Helicopter flight
Microlight flight
Whitewater rafting
Elephant interaction
Devils pool
Itinerary Includes:
16 Nights accommodation with breakfast and some lunches and dinners
Activities specified
Internal flights
All transfers
All park & entrance fees
All conservation fees
Itinerary Excludes:
Gratuities
Items of personal nature
International flights
Activities & meals not specified