Compare Gardens Tour by Cape Insights vs Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Cape Town

On arriving at Cape Town, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to a haven of tranquillity nestling in the Constantia Valley, The Cellars-Hohenort where you can relax and unwind.

Get together for tea and a garden walkabout with the resident horticulturalist, before dinner with informative guests in one of the country’s top rated restaurants.

Day 2: The Cape Peninsula

By way of cable car get an eagle’s view of the Peninsula and Waterfront from the top of Table Mountain.

If the Cape Floral Kingdom is a biological treasure chest, then one of its most brilliant botanical gems is the Cape Peninsula that harbours a staggering 2,285 species – with 1,500 alone on the mountain,  just fewer than in all of Britain.

In the company of a horticulturalist, wind your way south along scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point, celebrated as the legendary meeting place of two oceans and one of the most dramatic viewpoints anywhere on earth, travelling back via the fishing village of Kalk Bay.

Dinner is at your leisure.

Day 3: Jewel In The Crown Of The Cape Floral Kingdom

Acclaimed as one of the world’s Magnificent Seven gardens, Kirstenbosch is also the first botanic garden in the world to be included in a World Heritage Site. It is the jewel in the crown of the Cape Floral Kingdom, with a huge indigenous collection that showcases South Africa’s floral wealth. Spend the day exploring it in a leisurely fashion with some botanical gurus.

Later, enjoy a walkabout with the owner of a very private jewel in an oh-so-sustainable garden.

Dinner follows at an award-winning restaurant set within indigenous gardens landscaped by Ann Sutton.

Day 4: More Cape Gems

Visit Stellenberg- a venerable Cape Dutch home, whose classical formal garden designed by internationally acclaimed David Higgs reflects the estate’s history dating back to the 17th century.

Walk round Green Point’s Biodiversity Park designed to be educational, inspirational and stimulating, that contains some 300 local Cape plant species, while hearing about the genesis of The Company’s Garden, the original vegetable garden laid out by the Dutch East India Company in 1652.

Lunch within The Waterfront – the Gateway to Africa, which holds a range of historical, cultural and maritime landmarks. The balance of the afternoon and the evening are at your leisure.

Some suggestions for independent sightseeing … or you can linger in the V&A Waterfront

A trip to Robben Island: It’s a World Heritage Site and tangible reminder of the past and pivotal symbol of triumph of the human spirit, where you get a first hand account of prison life from former inmates …

The ‘Museum Mile‘: Stroll along Government Avenue, a tree-lined boulevard that runs the length of The Company’s Garden, passing the power hub of the city – the Houses of Parliament, the Slave Lodge,  the SA Museum, the SA National Gallery and the SA Jewish Museum.

Day 5: The Winelands / Franschhoek

Leave Cape Town for Vergelegen, the country’s premier estate, with its gracious homestead and spacious gardens – awarded the International Camellia Garden of Excellence, 1 of 17 in the world – hearing from the independent conservationist heading its biodiversity project and lunching here.

Go on an exclusive walkabout of an emerging indigenous garden and studio of Dylan Lewis, a foremost South African sculptor. Continue through Stellenbosch, a university town in the heart of the Winelands with oak lined streets and Cape Dutch gables, toRustenberg, another 1600’s farm with luch gardens and a Chartres-style labyrinth. Head up to Delaire Graff, a contemporary estate straddling two major wine areas, with an enviable art collection and landscaping by Keith Kirsten.

Franschhoek means French corner, because Huguenots fleeing from religious persecution settled here in 1688, bringing their wine making expertise and customs with them.

Stay in the heart of this picturesque village at the Protea Franschhoek for 2 night, dining at The Tasting Room, featured in The World’s 100 Best Restaurants.

Day 6: Vineyards & Valleys / Franschhoek

Explore some renowned estates. At Babylonstoren, follow resident horticulturalist around gardens inspired by the Company’s Garden design and recreated by Patrice Taravella of Prieuré d’Osan fame. Spanning eight acres, it’s divided into fifteen clusters with over 300 edible varieties of plants, lunching here on farm-fresh-fare.

At Boschendal, a historic estate restored by Gwen Fagan, ”smell the roses” of many original species cultivated at the Cape and in the East Indies in the 17th century.

At Solms Delta, track stories about the valley that chronicle 8,000 years and hear about its precedent-setting land ownership initiative.

Over sunset drinks with uninterrupted valley views, find out what inspired the owners of Haute Espoir to become a Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI) and how they are transforming their habitat.

The evening is open, with an abundance of restaurants to choose from within this ”culinary capital”.

Day 7: Less Travelled Roads / Hermanus

Venture along less travelled roads, first stopping at Freshwoods, a rambling, romantic plantsman’s garden. Particularly valuable because of its conservation of old roses from the Cape and for preserving collections of wild roses, the World Federation of Rose Societies acknowledged its excellence with an Award of Merit.

Second stop overlooks a willow-clad dam, where a free-flowing country garden surrounds an historic house with the oldest cellar and watermill in the Overberg, where you’ll have an informal wine tasting before a light lunch. Last stop is the Hemel en Aarde valley, a highly regarded maritime wine district, before reaching Hermanus a sea side town with some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.

Supper is in a relaxed, modern-idiom restaurant overlooking Walker Bay, overnighting at The Marine. 

Day 8: The Flanks Of False Bay / Johannesburg

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a walk along the shoreline or perhaps a swim in the tidal pool, before leaving this whale-watchers paradise in mid morning.

In Betty’s Bay lunch and linger in The Harold Porter Botanical Garden, set between mountain and sea.

Winding along a scenic coastal drive you’ll have plenty of photo-ops before arriving at Cape Town airport in late afternoon, for your 2-hour flight flight to Johannesburg.

Check straight in to The Winston where chefs are on hand to create a tasty supper should you wish to relax and order in, since dinner is for your own account.

Day 9: Gallery & Garden Gallivant / Johannesburg

Constitution Hill is a historical landmark that tells the tale of South Africa’s difficult past and its remarkable transition to democracy. At The Constitutional Court hear about the genesis of its inspiring collection of artworks, all connected in some way to the highest court and its values.

Brenthurst Garden is rated as one of the finest in South Africa and placed among the great gardens of the world. It’s an oasis of calm where pioneer landscaper Joane Pim designed a European style garden for Sir Ernest and Lady Oppenheimer. Under Strilli Oppenheimer’s helming hands, there’s a new aesthetic of biodynamic and naturalistic gardening principles, though she has retained the original roses and link with The Quiet Garden Trust.

In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into a private showcase for an ‘insiders’ dinner.

Day 10: The Cradle Of Humankind / Johannesburg

A day with a different perspective – that unravels man’s span of evolution stretching back some 3.5 million years. Begin at The Origins Centre, a museum that showcases where and when things began.

Then head out to The Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site where forty per cent of the world’s human ancestor fossils have been found.

Wander around Nirox Sculpture Park, a high end cultural hub set among lush acres, landscaped by Patrick Watson, alighting on artworks in unexpected places while reveling in the gardens’ tranquility and creativity.

Celebrate your last night under African skies in the heart of The Cradle at the appropriately named Roots restaurant, a member of the distinguished Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Day 11: Onward Journey

Following a leisurely breakfast, airport transfers are arranged to suit your home bound flight or onward safari connection where you discover the magic and mystery of Africa.

Day 1 Johannesburg / Greater Kruger National Park

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure starts very early this morning to get you to Kruger for a late lunch. You'll arrive in the Greater Kruger National Park in the afternoon and after some time to settle in, you'll head off on a 3-hour game drive in open 4WDs through a private game reserve. Enjoy the thrill of spotting impalas, zebras, giraffes and lions among the brush. Half way through the safari, stop for drinks at one of the waterholes before continuing the game drive into the early evening. Tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers a little better in the intimate lodge setting?

Day 2 Greater Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa and is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. This morning you'll rise early, heading into prime game viewing areas to catch a glimpse of some of the Big Five. Have breakfast at one of the picnic spots then continue through the park – game viewing, bird watching and stopping off at the various waterholes. Leave the park in the late afternoon and return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.

Day 3 Greater Kruger National Park

Today is another full day of exploring Kruger National Park. Head out on game drives, look out for your favourite animals, soak in the atmosphere and excitement of a safari and take as many photos as your heart desires! Tonight, you'll spend another evening at your lodge. Why not relax around the fire, listening to the night sounds of Africa after dinner.

Day 4 Greater Kruger National Park

Spend the day at the lodge at your leisure today or take part in the optional drive along the Panoramic Route, viewing the Drakensberg Escarpment – some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer awaits. The sights on this drive can include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and some of the magnificent waterfalls within the Blyde River Canyon.

Day 5 Johannesburg

Rise early this morning and head out on a morning bush walk. Guided by a qualified nature guide, you'll learn about nature's finer details like bird, tree and spoor identification. Transfer back to Johannesburg in the early afternoon. There's plenty of time to stop and explore along the way and take in the amazing views at the viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. When you arrive, you'll be dropped at the Holiday Inn Rosebank where you'll spend the night. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and is also located next to the Mall of Rosebank.

Day 6 Cape Town

Check-out of the hotel after breakfast today and transfer to the airport. Fly to Cape Town and when you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Cape Town's stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape makes it one of Africa's most appealing cities for visitors. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, this is a very easy city to spend time in. You have a free afternoon here, so maybe take a stroll around the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, laze on one of the city’s popular beaches or sample your first taste of authentic South African cuisine while watching the sun set over the bay.

Day 7 Cape Town - Walking Tour & Cape Point Peninsula

Today, you'll drive along the peninsula and see the many natural highlights of the area before retracing 350 years of Cape Town’s history on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Starting on the Atlantic Seaboard, take in natural sights like Maiden's Cove, Sentinel Lookout and the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for local wildlife, walk up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point and see the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Carry on to Simonstown, the home of the South African Navy, and to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. See the prison where Nelson Mandela spent six years of his life then learn about the history of apartheid as you arrive into Cape Town's centre. Gain valuable insight into the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of modern-day South Africans. See historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites such as the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six Museum and the parliament buildings where apartheid laws were made and later repealed. End the day with a photo stop in Bo-Kaap.

Day 8 Cape Town - Winelands

Spend a full day travelling through Cape Winelands, visiting both old and new estates for a taste of the region’s best wines. You'll start off in the Fairview Estate for a wine and cheese tasting. On the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, this working farm is world-renowned for its wines, artisanal cheeses and the iconic goat tower. After, visit the Groot Drakenstein prison where Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990. Then, it's into the hills to Franschhoek. The view of the valley from here is lined with rows of manicured vineyards. Soak up the scenery and enjoy a glass of the region's finest from Rickety Bridge in the La Cabriere Estate. You can take the chance to lunch at the estate’s gourmet restaurant or visit one of the village’s many cafés instead. This afternoon you'll visit the college town of Stellenbosch to wander the boulevards and town center before heading to your final activity – a cellar tour at Hidden Valley Estate, which sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. You'll also indulge in a chocolate and wine pairing experience to elevate your time here. Later, return to the city for a free evening.

Day 9 Cape Town

Today is a free day in Cape Town to explore at your own pace. Maybe hit the beach for a full day of relaxation in the sun or hop on the revolving cable car and set off on one of the hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit. You could even strap on a harness and abseil down! Alternatively, you could head to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were detained or take in the atmosphere of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Tonight, unwind in the evening with an optional group dinner and another few glasses of the region’s best vino.

Day 10 Cape Town

Today is another free day to enjoy this great city. Perhaps take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour around Cape Town or take a kayaking tour in the morning of the city's gorgeous oceans.

Day 11 Cape Town

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time after check out. Additional accommodation can be booked if you’d like to extend your time in Cape Town, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.