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South Africa: Wildlife encounters & mountain abseiling
Abseil down Table Mountain, swim with playful seals and stay in a luxury safari lodge with bush walks and open-top game drives
About your trip
Wine, wildlife and abseiling adrenaline. Give up 13 days and you’ll get the best of South Africa in return.
What we love about this trip is that it’s an adventure of contrasts. You’ll channel your inner daredevil with an exhilarating abseil down Table Mountain, before sipping on some of the celebrated wines produced in Stellenbosch.
Yes, you’ll encounter lions and elephants on a breathtaking safari, but you’ll also sunbathe with penguins on beautiful beaches.
Sound like your dream adventure? Ours too.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 Flashpackers
- Atol protected
- Private airport transfers
Remember, international flights aren't included. We're happy to help you find the best ones for you.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
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Day 01 Touch down in Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa’s breezy port city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Your private transfer will take you to your harbourfront hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and dedicated guide. Head out together for welcome cocktails, just in time for sunset. Dinner tonight will be served at a waterfront restaurant, with sweeping views of Table Mountain – which you’ll be conquering tomorrow.
*Adrenaline junkie? You can opt for an additional day of shark cage diving, just before this adventure starts. The cost includes an airport transfer and one night in a Cape Town hotel – with a very early start the following morning to encounter the Great Whites.
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Day 02 Abseil down Table Mountain
Today’s agenda: conquering Table Mountain. One of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks, this flat-topped mountain (hence its name) towers majestically at 1,086 metres. It’s a steep trek, but the views from the top are worth every breath, as you see Cape Town and beyond unfolding before you. Then you’ll make your way down – by stepping off the edge of the mountain and walking down the cliff-face (fully harnessed, of course). Back at sea level, spend the rest of the evening exploring Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife with your fellow travellers.
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Day 03 Paddle-boarding on the Cape Peninsula
Today you’ll head for the Cape Peninsula, a region of pristine beauty where the Atlantic Ocean meets Africa’s most southwestern extremities. Glide into the ocean on a fleet of stand-up paddle boards, then it’s time for you to meet the locals: penguins. This is the only place in the world where you can encounter African penguins, in the sandy comfort of their natural habitat. Get to know your new friends, then you’ll return to Cape Town for the evening.
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Day 04 An afternoon in Stellenbosch
Providing the weather is on your side, this morning will see you head over to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. Here, you’ll learn about the island’s history, with a former political prisoner to talk you through the experience. After your boat trip back to Cape Town, you’ll go to Stellenbosch, known for its mountainous nature reserves and famous vineyards. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this charming university town at leisure. Our suggestion? Settle into your new surroundings with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Day 05 A taste of Stellenbosch’s vineyards
No trip to Stellenbosch is complete without a visit to its vineyards, and no trip to a Stellenbosch vineyard is complete without tasting the wine – and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing today. Begin your day with a short, scenic hike through Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, exploring these vast winelands nestled beneath the mountains. Wine-lovers among you will be in your element, as you pause for tastings along the route, drinking in the terroir of this landscape. This evening is yours to explore Stellenbosch’s lively nightlife, with bars and cafes that spill into the pavements into the early hours.
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Day 06 Whale-watching in Hermanus
Hear the call of the whales this morning, as you head along the coastline to Hermanus. At one of the best whale-watching spots in the world, you’ll be well-placed to admire these gentle giants leaping above the waves. Then, catch your transfer to Oudtshoorn, a six-hour drive away, where you’ll check into your farm hotel.
*The optimum season for whale-spotting is June to November. If your adventure falls outside this season, your guide will take you along the inland route to Swellendam, where you’ll enjoy lunch in a rustic restaurant.
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Day 07 Swim with the dogs of the ocean
Your farm offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a pre-dawn (one-off) encounter with meerkats. It’s an optional extra which will be paid directly to the farm, so it’s entirely up to you (we won’t tell the meerkats if you’d rather stay in bed). Then, head over to Plettenberg Bay, where the rest of the day is yours to swim alongside playful seals. Often described as the dogs of the ocean, these intelligent, inquisitive creatures are great fun to swim with, and you’ll find them all too eager to share the water with you. Then, catch your transfer to the seaside town of Knysna, which will be your new base for a day of surfing tomorrow.
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Day 08 Ride the waves of Knysna
This morning is all about catching Knysna’s majestic waves. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – today’s surfing class will accommodate for all levels of experience. With the South Atlantic waves rolling in, this is a fantastic place to hone your surfing skills. Then, your afternoon will see you explore the Garden Route. A stretch of coastline running from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, this is a region of rugged cliffs and pristine beaches – perfect for a gentle hike. Along the way, you’ll pass the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you’ll find the world’s highest commercial bungee jump. Feeling brave?
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Day 09 A free day in Knysna
Today is yours to spend at your own leisure. There are plenty of sights to explore in this region, from rugged horse trails to a nearby elephant sanctuary. Your guide will be full of recommendations – but you could equally take this opportunity to unwind by the pool (guilt-free).
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Day 10 Safari sights in the Eastern Cape
Make the journey to the Eastern Cape this morning, where you’ll enjoy welcome drinks at your elegant safari lodge. Located in the South African bush, your new hideaway boasts characterful chalets that blend seamlessly into the environment. Once you’ve checked in, hop onto a fleet of jeeps and enjoy an afternoon game drive with expert rangers. Keep an eye out for elephants, big cats and giraffes as you settle into your new safari surroundings.
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Day 11 Safari time in a luxury lodge
You’re off to an early start this morning, as you head out for a quiet sunrise safari over the grasslands. Watch as the misty sunlight reveals the wakening giraffes and elephants. Return to your lodge for brunch, before spending a few hours relaxing. In the afternoon, it’s back into your jeep for an afternoon game drive.
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Day 12 A final game drive and farewell cocktails
Savour your final game drive this morning, before checking out of your safari lodge and heading to the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. The rest of the day is yours to explore its lively waterfront and soft white beaches, with plenty of seaside bars to keep you well hydrated (thirsty, anyone?).
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Day 13 Until next time, South Africa
Your South African adventure has come to an end. It’s now over to you to make your own way to the airport. Not done with Africa? We suggest extending this escape by crossing the border into neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Our Favourite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favourite hotels, for a flavour of where you may stay on this trip.
Radisson Red Hotel, Cape Town
Design-led hotel on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
This contemporary hotel leads the way for modern interiors and bold pops of colour.
Why we stay here
We love the rooftop bar for yoga and cocktails. With a central location and live music and art exhibitions often hosted here, this hotel is well-placed for exploring Cape Town’s best sights.
De Zeekoe Guest Farm, Oudtshoorn
Rustic log cabins on the Garden Route
Simple cabins and cottages nestled in the South African veld, with views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, a fire pit and a swimming pool.
Why we stay here
For the optional sunrise meerkat visit, where you’ll be taken to a nearby burrow, given a cup of coffee and a chair and allowed to sit and watch these playful, nosy mammals.
Important Notes
Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and fly out of Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ).
It is best to arrive into Cape Town before 4pm, if possible, and at the end of your adventure you can book your flight home from Port Elizabeth at any time.
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
Our Promise
Joining the Flash Pack community comes with a few special guarantees...
The People
Our trips are for like-minded people in their 30s and 40s – and 98% of them join us solo. It’s almost a given you’ll make friends.
The Trips
We know the world’s best bits, so your adventure will always be immersive and authentic, and your accommodation hand-picked.
The Guides
Our guides on the ground know their destinations better than anyone, so expect unprecedented access to local living and cultural secrets.
The Ease
We take all the hassle out of travel planning for you. Unique accommodation? Activities? People? Sorted.
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