Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Swim with Seals
Brave the refreshing Atlantic waters to swim with Cape fur seals.
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Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Drive Cape Town to the Garden Route
Self-drive from Cape Town, through the vineyards and mountains of the Cape to the dazzling oceans and scenery of the Garden Route. Finish with a wildlife safari for an exhilarating end to this South Africa holiday.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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2
Wine Tasting
Savour the oenological delights of the Cape vineyards.
3
Cape Ecosystems
Explore the coastal forest and endemic fynbos of the Knysna Heads.
4
Wildlife Safari
Spot predators and prey on a malaria-free Eastern Cape safari.
Why we like it
The flexible nature of a self-drive trip makes this journey ideal for all ages. From start to finish, there are options to suit young and old, active and relaxed. Each location is packed with activities and sights, whilst the beautiful hotels act as fantastic bases from which to explore.
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Days 1-3
Cape Town
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Days 4-5
Cape Winelands
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Days 6-8
Plettenberg Bay
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Days 9-10
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
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Day 11
Port Elizabeth
Days 1-3
Cape Town
Swim with Seals
Brave the refreshing Atlantic waters to swim with Cape fur seals.
Days 4-5
Cape Winelands
Wine Tasting
Savour the oenological delights of the Cape vineyards.
Days 6-8
Plettenberg Bay
Cape Ecosystems
Explore the coastal forest and endemic fynbos of the Knysna Heads.
Days 9-10
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
Wildlife Safari
Spot predators and prey on a malaria-free Eastern Cape safari
Day 11
Port Elizabeth
More details
Cape Town
Explore Cape Town and the surrounding area. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for spectacular views of the city, visit Robben Island for a poignant insight into South Africa’s dark history or visit the MOCAA for a taste of modern African art.
The city is also renowned for its gastronomy, with countless restaurants and cafes. Dine out on fresh seafood, brilliant French and Indian influenced dishes or menus inspired by the gardens of the cape.
The Cape Winelands
Not far from Cape Town lies the picturesque town of Robertson – boasting one of the area’s finest restaurants, which sources locally and delivers every time. Famous vineyards are found here and the buzzing town of Stellenbosch is not far away.
Join the tour at Babylonstoren to explore the extensive gardens or hop on and off the Franschhoek Wine Tram or Bus. If you are looking for something more active, then keep the family busy at Delvera Farm or Butterfly World.
The Garden Route
The drive from the vineyards to Garden Route unveils scenic passes and spectacular ocean views. Between George and Port Elizabeth lie a wealth of activities and excursions into nature. The Knysna Heads protect an abundant lagoon and a town resplendent in the arts. Plettenberg Bay’s golden beaches are the best swimming beaches in the Cape.
Kichaka Game Reserve
As one of the game reserves of the Eastern Cape, Kichaka is not only regarded as free from malaria but also home to the Big Five. The wonderful diversity of the beautiful Karoo landscapes and flora and fauna is what makes this area so different.
Here dedicated guides lead game drives through the bush in search of the reserve’s abundant wildlife. At night, try out a “cosmic safari”, identifying stars and constellations with a high powered telescope.
Accommodation
Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.
Kichaka Private Game Lodge £££££
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Safari and Wildlife Lodge
Located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province, Kichaka Private Game Lodge is set between two streams in a lush bushveld valley, overlooking a large water hole which attracts the big 5. Constructed entirely of stone and thatch thus blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings, Kichaka offers only 10 comfortable suites. Named after the indigenous vegetation each suite lies in a secluded setting ensuring privacy and space.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $2,590 Per person
When to travel
South Africa in January
A great time to visit around Cape Town and the Garden Route, as it is hot and dry. Further north in the Kruger, it is also hot, but there is a much greater chance of rainstorms.
South Africa in February
Peak season in the Cape continues, and it is often the hottest time. It is worth booking well in advance to get your preferred accommodation.
South Africa in March
It is an excellent time to visit all parts of the country, as the weather is still warm and the rain eases in the north. In the Kruger, it is lush and green after the rainy season.
South Africa in April
Visitor numbers drop, and lower temperatures make for ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg mountains. It is warm and dry across the country, making it a great time to explore multiple regions.
South Africa in May
A quieter time of year and a good time to visit, especially if you are not looking for balmy heat. The north and especially the Kruger enters its dry season, with cooler temperatures.
South Africa in June
Midwinter brings the rainiest time in the Cape, but it is still pleasantly mild in the day with the sun shining. The dry season in the north makes for excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around watering holes.
South Africa in July
Clear skies and crisp sunshine dominate in the north, as it is the driest month. It is low season so parks are generally quiet and it is easier to spot wildlife around the sparse waterholes.
South Africa in August
A fantastic time to see KwaZulu Natal as is one of the warmest places in the country at this time. In the Western Cape, it is starting to dry out in time for whale watching season.
South Africa in September
The West Coast springs into life as the flowers bloom and temperatures rise across the country. A chance to spot newborns and it is prime time for whale watching in the Cape.
South Africa in October
A great time to see both the north and south, as it is relatively dry everywhere. Flowers carpet the countryside as temperatures continue to rise.
South Africa in November
The start of the rainy season in the Kruger and the north, as temperatures heat up. Impressive thunderstorms become more regular in the afternoon. The last chance to see whales in the Cape, and a good time to see inland areas before they toast in the summer heat.
South Africa in December
Summer approaches and with it visitor numbers rise, especially in the south. If you want to travel around Christmas and New Year, you should book well in advance to secure the best spots.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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