Western Cape Star 2027

Tour Descriptions and Prices for 2027

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’ll 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 historic town of Swellendam and Hermanus, the whale-watching capital. We guarantee the tour will take place with as few as 2 people!

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 3x Cape Town
• 1x Robertson
• 1x Oudtshoorn
• 2x Graaff-Reinet
• 2x Kariega Game Reserve
• 2x Knysna
• 1x Swellendam
• 2x Hermanus

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 14x overnight stay in the Superior category
• 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
• 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 Tour on the Knysna Lagoon, Including a BBQ Dinner
• Whale-Watching Tour in Hermanus
• 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 expenses
• 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".

During your full 15 days on site, you'll experience the authentic Western Cape of South Africa up close, without any stress or hustle and bustle.

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 you already raring to go? Take a stroll along the promenade to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Here, you’ll find a lively atmosphere with great restaurants and numerous shops.

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

Overnight Stay with Breakfast: Winchester Boutique Hotel in Cape Town

The Winchester is located right on the boardwalk in the Sea Point neighborhood.

Built in the 1920s in the traditional Cape Dutch architectural style, the hotel stands out for its “Shoreditch” restaurant, personalized service, spectacular location, and stylish elegance.

The rooms are equipped with a bathroom (bathtub or shower), toilet, TV, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, hair dryer, and safe.

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.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast: Winchester Boutique Hotel in Cape Town

The Winchester is located right on the boardwalk in the Sea Point neighborhood.

Built in the 1920s in the traditional Cape Dutch architectural style, the hotel stands out for its “Shoreditch” restaurant, personalized service, spectacular location, and stylish elegance.

The rooms are equipped with a bathroom (bathtub or shower), toilet, TV, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, hair dryer, and safe.

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!

Continue to the Cape of Good Hope National Park with the Cape of Good Hope. A visit to the lighthouse, which began operating on May 1, 1860, is a must! 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.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast: Winchester Boutique Hotel in Cape Town

The Winchester is located right on the boardwalk in the Sea Point neighborhood.

Built in the 1920s in the traditional Cape Dutch architectural style, the hotel stands out for its “Shoreditch” restaurant, personalized service, spectacular location, and stylish elegance.

The rooms are equipped with a bathroom (bathtub or shower), toilet, TV, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, hair dryer, and safe.

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.

Overnight Stay with Half Board: Fraai Uitzicht 1798 (Superior Garden Suite) in Robertson

The Fraai Uitzicht 1798 Winery is remarkable in three ways. The restaurant, owned by Sandra Papesch, is undoubtedly one of the best in the wider area.

This wonderful four-star guesthouse is set in an idyllic location among the vineyards. For the past 15 years, winemaker Karl-Uwe Papesch has been crafting remarkable wines. The nine suites and cottages are spread across the spacious grounds and all feature a bathroom with toilet, air conditioning (except in the Vintage Cottages), a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a private entrance with a terrace and seating area.

The Superior Garden Suites accommodate two people. The Vintage Cottages are located in the historic wine cellar building and accommodate four people. The Luxury Cottages are very spacious and also feature a lounge area with a fireplace and an oversized bathroom. The guesthouse is set in a large garden overlooking the vineyards and features a pool, an outdoor terrace, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

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 roamed the enchanting Little Karoo before Oudtshoorn became the center of ostrich farming.
Here, you’ll visit an ostrich farm and learn about these large, flightless birds and the history of ostrich farming (in English; may include other participants not in your group).

Your destination is the beautiful Surval Olive Estate. Here, you'll enjoy an olive tasting in a stunning setting with magnificent views.

In the evening, you can look forward to a delicious dinner here in a relaxed Karoo atmosphere.

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF-BOARD: SURVAL BOUTIQUE OLIVE ESTATE IN OUDTSHOORN

Located about 10 kilometers outside of Oudtshoorn in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley, with a view of the Swartberg Mountains, this upscale lodge is situated on a working olive farm.

The 31 modern rooms all feature a bathroom with a toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, an outdoor seating area, and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two bedrooms. The spacious Honeymoon Suite also features an oversized bathtub.

The lodge features a restaurant, a bar, a large outdoor area with a pool, and the following activities (some of which may incur a fee): kayaking and rowing on a reservoir, mountain bike rentals, and various hiking trails.

DAY 6: CUTE ANIMALS IN THE GREAT KAROO (about 350 km)

It’s an early start today, because you’ll get to experience the sunrise in a very special atmosphere! In the quiet expanse of the Little Karoo, you’ll observe wild meerkats in their natural habitat.

As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape, the curious animals emerge from their burrows and begin their day—a unique experience in nature that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

Afterward, you’ll have breakfast at your lodging before continuing on through the Karoo semi-desert. Passing through Willowmore and Aberdeen, you’ll reach South Africa’s fourth-oldest town: Graaff-Reinet.

Founded as early as 1786, this town is rightly called the jewel of the Karoo. A visit here is like walking through a living museum, as more than 200 buildings in town are designated historic landmarks.
Your destination is the Drostdy Hotel, built in the Cape Dutch style, in the heart of town.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast: 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.

Overnight Stay with Breakfast: 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.

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD: UKHOZI LODGE IN THE 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! It’s an early start today—before the first rays of sunlight, you’ll board the game drive vehicle once again and set out in search of wildlife (conducted in English; may include other participants not in your 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.

Afterward, you’ll head out again for more wildlife viewing (in English) before joining the group for dinner at the lodge in the evening and sharing stories about another exciting day in the bush.

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD: UKHOZI LODGE IN THE 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’ll make a brief stop at the mouth of the Storms River, where you’ll have the chance (if it’s open) to walk across the famous suspension bridge. Hold on tight—it gets wobbly! Keep your eyes peeled, because dolphins are often spotted off the coast, and whales can be seen there seasonally as well.

Next, you’ll marvel at the Big Tree, an ancient yellowwood tree that stands more than 40 meters tall. You’re sure to be awestruck! In the early evening, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your hosts, Albert and JH, at Parkes Manor Guest House, where you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF-BOARD: PARKES MANOR IN KNYSNA

You'll stay at the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor guesthouse, a stately estate set in a 12,000-square-meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon.

The Waterfront or downtown Knysna is about a 15-minute walk or a few minutes' drive away. The nine individually decorated suites all feature a shower/toilet with a separate bathtub, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar, and a safe.

The guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, a lounge with a fireplace, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view of the lagoon, a large garden with a pool, a summer pavilion, a golf driving range with a putting green, and secure on-site parking.

DAY 11: KNYSNA

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 energy? Then why not choose one of the following optional excursions:

Meet the Locals (49 EUR per person)
On a guided township tour in Knysna, you’ll delve deep into the moving history and daily life of the local community.
Together with a guide and a local resident, you’ll meet people in the community, visit various facilities, and experience their way of life firsthand.
These authentic experiences open up new perspectives on South Africa—shaped by history, encounters, and understanding.

Robberg Hike (105 EUR per person)
Look forward to an unforgettable nature experience in the Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay.
On this approximately 5.5-kilometer hike, you’ll enjoy spectacular ocean views, fresh sea air, and—with a little luck—encounters with seals, dolphins, or even whales.
The impressive combination of rugged coastline, unspoiled nature, and fascinating wildlife makes this tour a special highlight along the Garden Route.

End the day together as the sun sets during a boat ride on the Knysna Lagoon, where you’ll enjoy a wonderful BBQ.

BED AND BREAKFAST: PARKES MANOR IN KNYSNA

You'll stay at the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor guesthouse, a stately estate set in a 12,000-square-meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon.

The Waterfront or downtown Knysna is about a 15-minute walk or a few minutes' drive away. The nine individually decorated suites all feature a shower/toilet with a separate bathtub, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar, and a safe.

The guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi, a lounge with a fireplace, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view of the lagoon, a large garden with a pool, a summer pavilion, a golf driving range with a putting green, and secure on-site parking.

DAY 12: SWELLENDAM (about 270 km)

Goodbye, Knysna—and we continue a little further along the coast. Beyond George, the landscape opens up more and more: vast pastures, fynbos vegetation, and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains accompany us in the distance, while the N2 winds leisurely through the fertile hinterland.

The further west we drive, the more unspoiled the landscape becomes. Small farms, endless fields, and the tranquil expanses of the Overberg region give you the feeling that you’re leaving everyday life behind, kilometer by kilometer.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Swellendam—South Africa’s third-oldest town and a place steeped in history, charm, and warm hospitality. Our stylish lodging, the Schoone Oordt Country House, welcomes us with elegant serenity and thoughtful touches.

We round out the day with a cozy sundowner on the beautiful terrace. In the warm light of the setting sun, with a glass of South African wine in hand and a view of the idyllic garden, we enjoy the tranquility of this special place—the perfect start to a delightful evening and an exquisite dinner.

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF-BOARD: SCHOONE ORDT COUNTRY HOUSE IN SWELLENDAM

Nestled amid lush gardens in the historic town of Swellendam, the charming Schoone Oordt Country House combines Victorian elegance with warm hospitality.

This lovingly restored country lodge captivates guests with its luxurious rooms, excellent cuisine at the Conservatory Restaurant, romantic gardens, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger. A stylish retreat for connoisseurs, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates authentic luxury combined with personalized service.

The 11 individually decorated rooms feature a bathroom with toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, a coffee and tea station, and a terrace.

The Country House features a restaurant, a pool with a sun deck, and a magnificent 5,000-square-meter garden.

DAY 13: CAPE AGULHAS (about 250 km)

After a delicious breakfast, we head toward the rough sea and coastline.

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.

BED AND BREAKFAST: 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: HERMANUS

In the morning, you’ll take part in a whale-watching tour by boat (conducted in English; may include participants from other groups). This gives you the chance to see these giants of the sea up close. But be warned: the strong winds along this coast often cause rough seas. If you have a strong stomach, you’ll enjoy the tour more.

You’ll also visit the spectacled penguins at Betty’s Bay, and during a photo stop, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of Walker Bay.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Explore the small town of Hermanus or hike along the Cliff Path, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the ocean the whole way.

BED AND BREAKFAST: 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 15: 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).