Western Cape Star 2025

Tour descriptions and prices 2025

Optional activities for the tour as PDF

In a small group with a maximum of eight participants, you will experience the highlights of the multifaceted Western Cape. Together with your German-speaking tour guide, you will discover Cape Town, the "Mother City" and the wine regions, the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn, the quaint, sleepy town of Graaf-Reinet, as well as the bizarre Karoo landscape with the Valley of Desolation.

You will also get up close and personal with the Big Five in the malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve, enjoy fantastic views and endless forests in Tsitsikamma National Park and along the beautiful beaches of the Garden Route, as well as the small town of Hermanus, which is not only a worthwhile destination in the whale season. We guarantee the tour for groups of 2 or more!

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 3x Cape Town
• 1x Robertson
• 1x Oudtshoorn
• 2x Graaff-Reinet
• 2x Ukhozi Lodge
• 2x Knysna
• 2x Hermanus

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category
• 13x breakfast, 2x lunch, 5x dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to the group size (Hyundai H1, Toyota Quantum or similar)
• Table Mountain cable car ticket
• Overnight stay at a winery
• Visit to an ostrich farm and the stalactite caves in Oudtshoorn
• 4 game drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle in the Kariega Game Reserve
• Visit to the Valley of Desolation
• Boat trip on the Knysna lagoon
• Excursions and entrance fees according to program
• German-speaking tour guide
• 24-hour hotline on site (English-speaking)
• Virtual meeting of the tour guide and the group before departure
• Travel insurance certificate
  

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Travel guide in German
• SA Travel bag
• Drinking bottle
• Luggage tag
• digital tour book

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Long-haul flights to the tour (optionally bookable)
• Drinks and meals not specified
• optional excursions
• other personal expenditureN
• Tips
• Travel insurance
  

ABOUT THIS TOUR

We start this small group tour, which we put together personally and accompanied by an experienced, German-speaking tour guide, from just two people. A maximum of eight people can take part and you travel in the same group from start to finish.

You will stay in selected privately run guesthouses and lodges in the Superior category ****. The warm hospitality of your hosts and the furnishings with attention to detail will make your stay a unique experience, so that you will literally feel "at home".

In a full 14 days on site, you will experience the authentic Western Cape of South Africa up close without stress and hectic.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA (about 15km)

Welcome to South Africa! After your individual arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be personally welcomed by a driver from our partner EZ Shuttle (English-speaking). You will then be taken to your centrally located accommodation in Cape Town and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Did you sleep well on the plane and are already full of energy? No problem - in our excursion program you will find suggestions for exciting tours in the surrounding area.

The "Mother City" Cape Town awaits you with all its highlights - WAMUKELEKILE!

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with breakfast at Head South Lodge in Cape Town

The Head South Lodge is an owner-managed boutique hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the beach promenade and Green Point Park. The V&A Waterfront can be reached on foot in approx. 20 minutes.

The 22 rooms of the city hotel with a modern room concept are equipped with an open bathroom, a separate WC, TV, air conditioning and a safe.

The lodge has a small plunge pool, free Wi-Fi, an honesty bar and 24-hour security.

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN & TABLE MOUNTAIN

After breakfast, you will be welcomed by your German-speaking tour guide. On a tour through the city of Cape Town, the tour guide will introduce you to the "Capetonian way of life". You will stroll through the Company's Garden, where Jan van Riebeeck once grew fruit and vegetables.

Numerous souvenirs are waiting to be discovered at Greenmarket Square and the 300-year-old Long Street with its restored Victorian houses attracts visitors with numerous pubs, trendy cafés and restaurants.

You will also climb the mighty and famous Table Mountain. You don't have to do this on foot, but use the cable car to reach the top in no time at all and enjoy the magnificent view. Thanks to the "skip-the-line" ticket, you can walk past the long queue in a relaxed manner.

You will return to your accommodation in the late afternoon with many new impressions.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with breakfast at Head South Lodge in Cape Town

The Head South Lodge is an owner-managed boutique hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the beach promenade and Green Point Park. The V&A Waterfront can be reached on foot in approx. 20 minutes.

The 22 rooms of the city hotel with a modern room concept are equipped with an open bathroom, a separate WC, TV, air conditioning and a safe.

The lodge has a small plunge pool, free Wi-Fi, an honesty bar and 24-hour security.

DAY 3: THE CAPE, PANORAMIC ROADS AND PENGUINS

You set off on a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. First stop in Muizenberg and marvel at the colorful little houses that can be found on every postcard. Along False Bay via Kalk Bay you reach Simon's Town, where you visit the famous penguin colony - cute snapshots guaranteed!

We continue to the Cape of Good Hope National Park with the Cape of Good Hope. A visit to the lighthouse, which opened on
May 01, 1860, is a must here! If you don't fancy the steep climb, you can take the "Flying Dutchman" (cable car) to the top.

We continue along Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, to Hout Bay with its small fishing harbor. You return to Cape Town in the early evening.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with breakfast at Head South Lodge in Cape Town

The Head South Lodge is an owner-managed boutique hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the beach promenade and Green Point Park. The V&A Waterfront can be reached on foot in approx. 20 minutes.

The 22 rooms of the city hotel with a modern room concept are equipped with an open bathroom, a separate WC, TV, air conditioning and a safe.

The lodge has a small plunge pool, free Wi-Fi, an honesty bar and 24-hour security.

DAY 4: WINE REGIONS (approx. 180km)

After breakfast, you will leave the Mother City and head to the wine regions of the Western Cape. Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, has a beautiful historic town center, which you will explore together with your tour guide. The numerous cafés, restaurants and stores in Cape Dutch style invite you to stroll and linger.

Everything has remained beautiful here for decades and a visit to Oom Samie se Winkel in Dorpsstraat at number 84 is a must. A corner store is not quite right here, however, because Oom means uncle, i.e. uncle-emma store.

In the afternoon you reach Robertson, which has developed into one of the most popular Cape Winelands towns with its numerous Jakaranda trees (blossom in November), oak avenues and many Victorian buildings.

End the evening with a delicious dinner at the Fraai Uitzicht winery, where you will also spend the night.

HOW TO STAY: Overnight stay with half board at Fraai Uitzicht 1798 near Robertson

The Fraai Uitzicht 1798 wine estate is remarkable in every respect: the restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the wider area, the fantastic four-star guest house is beautifully situated in the vineyards and wine has finally been produced again since 2006.

The 10 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, veranda and some have an outdoor shower. The guest house offers a pool, beautiful gardens, a restaurant and a wine cellar.

DAY 5: ROUTE 62 AND CANGO CAVES (approx. 280km)

Today we continue along the famous and scenically unique Route 62, the former connecting route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, which exudes a certain Wild West atmosphere, hence the similarity in name to the legendary Route 66.

Generations of ostriches ran through the enchanting Little Karoo before Oudtshoorn became the center of their breeding.
Here you will visit such an ostrich farm and learn about these large flightless birds and the history of their breeding (English-speaking, can take place with other, non-group participants). Your destination is a typical guest house in the Little Karoo near Oudtshoorn, where a delicious dinner awaits you.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with half board at Thorntree Country Lodge

The historic Thorntree Country Lodge in typical Klein Karoo style is located on a 17th century estate in the Schoemannshoek Valley between the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves.

The 19 rooms are equipped with a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and a safe. The guest house also offers a pool, a lounge and a garden.

DAY 6: GREAT KAROO (about 350km)

In the morning you will visit the unique stalactite cave landscape of the Cango Caves and marvel at the extensive stalactite formations of impressive size (English-speaking, can take place with other participants from outside the group).

Now continue through the Karoo semi-desert. Via Willowmore and Aberdeen you reach the fourth oldest town in South Africa: Graaff-Reinet. Founded in 1786, the town is rightly described as the jewel of the Karoo. A visit here is like walking through a living museum, as more than 200 buildings in the town are listed as historical monuments. Your destination is the Cape Dutch-style Drostdy Hotel in the heart of the town, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

HOW TO STAY: Overnight stay with breakfast at the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet

In the heart of the city, the charming boutique hotel impresses with a successful mix of Cape Dutch Victorian and typical Karoo architecture.

The 48 rooms all have a bathroom with WC, telephone, safe, air conditioning and WLAN.

The hotel's amenities include a lounge, a restaurant, three swimming pools surrounded by beautiful gardens, a small art gallery, a spa and a fitness room.

DAY 7: VALLEY OF DESOLATION

The town of Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the approximately 16,000-hectare Camdeboo National Park.

After a hearty breakfast, you will visit the Valley of Desolation. The drive along the steep mountain road offers spectacular views of the wonderfully bizarre karst landscape. At the end of the road, several easy hiking trails take you to various viewpoints. These views alone are worth the detour into the desert.

Continue along a specially designed circuit through the area, where you will also find zebras, buffaloes and various species of antelope. Marvel at the natural karoo landscape with its grasses and succulents.

Back in the city, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Take a walk through the town with your tour guide or relax in the hotel garden and pool.

HOW TO STAY: Overnight stay with breakfast at the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet

In the heart of the city, the charming boutique hotel impresses with a successful mix of Cape Dutch Victorian and typical Karoo architecture.

The 48 rooms all have a bathroom with WC, telephone, safe, air conditioning and WLAN.

The hotel's amenities include a lounge, a restaurant, three swimming pools surrounded by beautiful gardens, a small art gallery, a spa and a fitness room.

DAY 8: WILD ANIMALS IN THE KARIEGA GAME RESERVE (approx. 260km)

Your destination today is the Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape region at the eastern end or beginning of the Garden Route.

For this trip we deliberately decided against the state-run Addo Elephant National Park and opted for a private reserve, as only overnight guests have access here and game drives are only possible in open off-road vehicles with the park's own rangers.

The 10,000-hectare reserve offers a typical Eastern Cape landscape. Two beautiful rivers run through the pristine landscape of the Kariega Game Reserve: the Bushman's River in the eastern part and the Kariega River along the western border of the park. The park's exceptional location, nestled in lush riverine scenery, guarantees spectacular panoramas and remarkable biodiversity.

Now it's your turn, because in the late afternoon you will take part in a safari in an open off-road vehicle. Have your camera ready, as the reserve is not only home to the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos - but also many other African wild animals. Back at the lodge after many exciting animal sightings, you will enjoy a delicious dinner.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with full board at Ukhozi Lodge in Kariega Private Game Reserve

Ukhozi Lodge embodies the true romance and intimacy of Africa. With its hidden location in the bush, it offers its guests privacy and a panoramic view of a valley.

The ten suites offer a fantastic view over the vastness from their own viewing deck and refreshment with a small private pool. They are also equipped with air conditioning, tea and coffee maker, safe and telephone.

The lodge offers an additional pool, a boma, a restaurant and a bar.

DAY 9: ELEPHANTS, GIRAFFES, LIONS & CO.

Good morning African bush! Today it's time to get up early, because before the first rays of sunshine you will board the game drive vehicle again and set off in search of animals (English-speaking, can take place with other participants from outside the group).

After exciting observations, you return to the lodge in time for breakfast. You have free time until the afternoon and can enjoy the amenities of the lodge. Relax by the pool and let your mind wander.

Then it's off again for more game viewing (in English), before enjoying dinner at the lodge in the evening and discussing another exciting day in the African bush.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with full board at Ukhozi Lodge in Kariega Private Game Reserve

Ukhozi Lodge embodies the true romance and intimacy of Africa. With its hidden location in the bush, it offers its guests privacy and a panoramic view of a valley.

The ten suites offer a fantastic view over the vastness from their own viewing deck and refreshment with a small private pool. They are also equipped with air conditioning, tea and coffee maker, safe and telephone.

The lodge offers an additional pool, a boma, a restaurant and a bar.

DAY 10: TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK (approx. 280km)

After another morning game drive in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking) followed by a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the wild animals.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is located on the coast. The vegetation here is very lush and diverse. The dense forest with its old and tall trees is one of the last primeval forests in South Africa.

You make a short stop at the mouth of the Storms River and have the opportunity (if open) to walk across the famous Suspension Bridge. Hold on tight - it's going to be wobbly! Optionally, you can also take a boat trip on the Storms River (English-speaking, can take place with non-group participants). Keep your eyes peeled, as dolphins and seasonal whales can often be seen off the coast.

You will then marvel at the Big Tree, an ancient yellowwood tree that is more than 40 meters high. In the early evening, you will be warmly welcomed by your hosts Albert and JH at Parkes Manor Guest House and enjoy a delicious three-course meal.

HOW YOU LIVE: Overnight stay with half board at Parkes Manor in Knysna

The time-honored Parkes Manor with its special charm is situated in a large park-like garden with a view of the Knysna lagoon.

The 9 rooms have a bathroom/WC, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, fan and a minibar.

Parkes Manor offers a pool, a lounge, a bar and beautiful gardens.

DAY 11: KNYSNA

Sleep in and put your feet up is the motto today.

This day is at your leisure and you have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and pool at Parkes Manor. A stroll along the waterfront is also recommended.

Still full of zest for action? Take a look at our excursion program. There's bound to be something for you!

End the day together at sunset during a boat trip on the Knysna lagoon.

HOW TO STAY: Bed and breakfast at Parkes Manor in Knysna

The time-honored Parkes Manor with its special charm is situated in a large park-like garden with a view of the Knysna lagoon.

The 9 rooms have a bathroom/WC, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, fan and a minibar.

Parkes Manor offers a pool, a lounge, a bar and beautiful gardens.

DAY 12: CAP AGULHAS (about 500km)

Continue along the main N2 route between the Garden Route and Cape Town. After Swellendam, you leave the N2 and head back towards the coast.

You reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent. Cape Agulhas was first reached by Bartolomeu Diaz in 1488. Cabo das Agulhas is Portuguese for "Cape of Needles", as sailors probably gave it this name because of its numerous rocks and reefs. The meeting of different ocean currents often leads to high waves, which is why the waters around Cape Agulhas are considered very dangerous.

Continue to the whale capital of Hermanus. In the evening, try out one of the many restaurants in Hermanus (optional and for a fee). There is something for every taste here.

HOW TO STAY: Bed and breakfast at Auberge Burgundy in Hermanus

Auberge Burgundy is a charming Provençal-style boutique hotel & spa centrally located on the Hermanus seafront overlooking the picturesque old harbor and spectacular Walker Bay, famous for its natural beauty and whale watching. Surrounded by restaurants, markets, boutiques, galleries and quaint shopping centers, Auberge Burgundy offers the ideal base from which to explore.

The guest house is equipped with a breakfast restaurant, pool and pool deck, spa area and a romantic courtyard.
The 17 rooms and suites all have a bathroom/WC, TV, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, safe, hairdryer and balcony or terrace.

DAY 13: HERMANUS

After breakfast, you drive through the up-and-coming wine region (from January to April) around Hermanus and can taste some of the fine wines at a local winery (English-speaking, can take place with other, non-group participants).

In the whale season from July to November, you have the opportunity to take part in a whale watching tour by boat (optional and for a fee, can be done with non-group participants). This gives you the chance to experience the big sea giants up close. But beware: the rough wind on this coast often makes for a rough swell. If you are seaworthy, you will enjoy the tour more.

You will also visit the African penguins at Betty's Bay and enjoy a photo stop with a magnificent view over Walker Bay. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Explore the small town of Hermanus or hike along the Cliff Path, always with fantastic views of the sea.

HOW TO STAY: Bed and breakfast at Auberge Burgundy in Hermanus

Auberge Burgundy is a charming Provençal-style boutique hotel & spa centrally located on the Hermanus seafront overlooking the picturesque old harbor and spectacular Walker Bay, famous for its natural beauty and whale watching. Surrounded by restaurants, markets, boutiques, galleries and quaint shopping centers, Auberge Burgundy offers the ideal base from which to explore.

The guest house is equipped with a breakfast restaurant, pool and pool deck, spa area and a romantic courtyard.
The 17 rooms and suites all have a bathroom/WC, TV, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, safe, hairdryer and balcony or terrace.

DAY 14: SEE YOU IN SOUTH AFRICA

Even the most beautiful journey comes to an end and so it's time to say goodbye today.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will have some free time before returning to Cape Town via the R44 coastal road. You will reach the airport at around 1 pm and the center of Cape Town at 2 pm. Your round trip ends here and you say goodbye to your tour guide. Now it's time to say: "Goodbye to South Africa and Sawubona!"

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your departure airport in Cape Town. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, internet and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge).