The Southern Cape Explorer is a guided tour specifically created for Gap Year travel and young adults in the ages of 16 – 25 years old. This private tour will take you on a 4-week adventure along the Southern coast of South Africa from the city of Cape Town along the Garden Route to our end destination Port Elizabeth with many adventures, volunteering at local organizations and amazing places to experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town
We will welcome you at the airport or meet you at the accommodation around 15h00. Our first evening is spent getting to know the group, introductions and what we can expect.
Day 2: Cape Town
Exploring Cape Town On our first day in Cape Town we will discover the bustling city center by checking out some historic areas and visiting a few markets. We will also explore the colourful neighborhood of the Bokaap, Company Gardens, the Waterfront & Green Market Square. There will be so many smells and tastes you want to explore and lunch is at your own expense on this day, so try something new or enjoy one of the many restaurants and fast food options around.
Lionshead Hike This short but steep trail is very popular for both locals and tourists for sunsets as it winds around Lionshead next to Table Mountain and offers amazing views in all directions over the City Bowl, Seapoint, Robben Island and Camps Bay with the 12 Apostles Mountain peaks. We won’t be alone going up as many others will have the same great idea so we take it slow and easy.
Day 3: Cape Town
Cape Peninsula Tour The full day drive along the Cape Peninsula is arguably one of the most scenic in South Africa with amazing views winding along the Atlantic Ocean and several spots to stop and explore, such as the fancy beaches of Camps Bay, the winding road of Chapmans Peak Drive, Houtbay harbour, Kalk Bay with lots of quirky little shops, Simons Town to view the African Penguins and the surf beach of Muizenberg.
Day 4: Driving Day
On day 4 we head East and drive to Wilderness; this will take most of the day. Once settled, we will visit the beach.
Day 5: Wilderness
We explore the water ways of the Touws River for half the day. The afternoon is free time to relax.
Day 6: Natures Valley
Day 6 is spent travelling from Wilderness to Natures Valley. After the our short road trip, we take hike to the Secret Beach.
Day 7: Activities
Day 7 is a day for activities and fun! There is so much to choose from, we have listed our favorites for you in the Optional Activities section.
Day 8: Animal Sanctuaries
On day 8 we visit two of the animal sanctuaries listed below:
Day 9: Port Elizabeth (new name: Gqeberha)
Today we head to Port Elizabeth and along the way have a few optional activities to stop at:
Day 10: Port Elizabeth
Day 10 is introductions, welcoming and a tour of the city.
Day 11 – 14: Volunteering
4 Days of volunteering at one of the non profit organizations in Port Elizabeth. This would either be Izizwe Projects or Missionvale Care Centre.
Day 15: Addo Elephant National Park
Today we take a full day to explore the Addo Elephant National Park. It is the third-largest national park in South Africa, is home to the famous Big Five, which are the Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard. A day of slowly driving through the park with a picnic stop will hopefully show us some of the many elephants, zebras, and a variety of other animals such as different Antelope, Hyenas, Jackals and so much more
Day 16 : Explore
This is a day to explore the city. Optional activity for the day is a Whale & Dophin Safari with our friends at Raggy Charters.
Day 17-21: Volunteering
5 Days of volunteering at one of the non profit organizations in Port Elizabeth. This would either be Izizwe Projects or Missionvale Care Centre.
Day 22: Jeffreys Bay
We head to Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay) for a night to receive some surf lessons and a visit at Jan Se Gat (rock jumping).
Day 23: Jeffreys Bay
We receive more surf lessons and drive back to Port Elizabeth
Day 24 – 27
4 Days of volunteering at one of the non profit organizations in Port Elizabeth. This would either be Izizwe Projects or Missionvale Care Centre.
Day 28: Departure or Stay Longer
Day 28 is departure day or you can chose one of options to extend your stay.
