Garden Route featuring the Liz McGrath Collection

Duration
12 Days
Price from
$2,835 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
Main Building View

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning Garden Route views
  • LGBTQ+ welcoming hotels
  • Wine tour in Constantia Valley

What's Included

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Fully insured rental car
  • Internal flight

A scenic self-drive adventure along South Africa’s stunning southeast coast

Thoughtfully designed with LGBTQ+ travellers in mind, this trip with The Liz McGrath Collection is full of elegance and genuine warmth. These award-winning hotels offer more than just luxury and incredible hospitality - they create a truly inclusive space where every guest is welcome.

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic and beloved journeys, stretching along the southeastern coast through lush forests, golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns. Known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, this itinerary offers everything from wine tasting to whale watching, making it the perfect road trip for those seeking both relaxation and discovery.

Tamara, our South Africa specialist, says:
"I’ve spent many years in South Africa, and the Garden Route is still one of the most magical journeys I know - open roads, dramatic scenery, beautiful coastal towns, and incredible food and wine. The country is one of the most progressive in Africa when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and people find this particular area especially safe, welcoming, and open-minded. So whether you’re up for adventure or just want to take it slow, it’s a trip where you can really take your time getting from A to B, and soak up all the amazing views along the way."

Your adventure begins in Cape Town, where mountains meet the sea and creativity pulses through every neighbourhood. At The Cellars-Hohenort, mornings start with birdsong in the leafy Constantia Valley, surrounded by gardens, vineyards, and mountain views. Spend your days hiking Table Mountain, wandering Bo-Kaap’s colourful streets, watching penguins waddle along Boulders Beach, and tasting wines beneath ancient oaks. In the evenings, enjoy intimate dinners in Cape Town’s buzzing culinary scene, where modern African flavours blend with global influences.

While in Hermanus, stroll the scenic cliff path hand-in-hand, browse local markets, or just unwind with a drink as the waves roll in. If you’re lucky, you might even spot southern right whales breaching in the bay, all from the comfort of your sea-view room - no binoculars needed!

Your trip then culminates on the endless golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay, where the rhythm of the ocean sets the pace. Fill your days kayaking alongside playful dolphins, exploring vibrant forest trails, or simply unwinding poolside while soaking up the panoramic coastal views.

At Far & Wild, we’re proud members of IGLTA - the world’s leading network of LGBTQ-welcoming tourism businesses - and are committed to partnering with others who share these values. The Liz McGrath Collection is among our favourite hotel partners, offering not only luxury and style, but a meaningful commitment to inclusivity.

Whether you’re adventurers, culture lovers, or simply in need of quiet moments together, this curated Garden Route journey offers the best of South Africa’s coast in a way that’s thoughtful, memorable, and invites you to come as you are.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to South Africa

Upon landing in Cape Town, collect your rental car and take a short scenic drive to The Cellars-Hohenort, your home for the next three nights. Nestled in the lush Constantia Valley - the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wine region - this tranquil property is just 15 minutes from the vibrant V&A Waterfront. You’ll stay in a Luxury Double Sea View Room with breakfast included, surrounded by centuries-old gardens, sweeping views, and understated elegance.

Day 1 - 5 Enjoy Cape Town

Penguins Cape Town

Spend your time soaking in all that Cape Town has to offer - hike or cable car up Table Mountain, enjoy a beach day at Camps Bay, and see the famous penguins at Boulders Beach.

Enjoy a tour through the Constantia Valley - the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere - to sample world-class wines, then cap it all off by exploring Cape Town’s renowned culinary scene, from fine-dining restaurants to relaxed bars.

Day 5 - 7 Hermanus

Day 7 - 8 Swellendam

Day 8 - 12 Plettenberg Bay

Day 12 Home time

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When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. The Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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