The Garden Route is a scenic stretch of coastline located along the southeastern coast of South Africa, extending from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The route covers approximately 300 kilometers and is characterized by its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities. In this amazing and unique tour we do not only explore the beauty of the coastline but also go in search of the forgotten gems on the back roads that lead back to Cape Town. Essentially the tour forms a loop from Cape Town back to Cape Town. Experience the “Mother City” and all it has to offer, travel to beautiful Hermanus and go in search of whales. Travel along picturesque Garden Route aptly named because of its unique splendor and Montane Forests. Go on the Addo National park and go on a Malaria Free Safari looking for the famous Big 5. Head back through the Baviaans Kloof, area is known for its rugged and scenic landscapes, with steep mountain passes, deep river valleys, and expansive vistas. Go on to experience little picturesque towns dotted along Route 62, visit distilleries and ostrich farms before ending the tour in the internationally famous wine area of Franschoek. Take in the beauty of this area whilst sipping on some of the most delicious wines South Africa has to offer. (On selected travel dates, this is a personalised small group tour with a maximum of 9 guests.)
Day 1 | Cape TownWe start this amazing journey in Cape Town. Cape Town is a must for anyone traveling to South Africa. Located on the southwestern coast of the country, Cape Town is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a diverse range of experiences, from stunning natural beauty to cultural attractions and world-class cuisine. Today we will start by visiting Table Mountain… Please note that activities in Cape Town may be liable to swop around according to weather conditions. |
Day 2 | Cape TownCape of Good Hope; Boulders Beach; Houtbaai; Chapmans Peak We will start our exciting day tour by visiting the Cape of Good Hope, renowned it is a scenic nature reserve located at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. It is approximately 60 km south-west of Cape Town and is one of the top tourist attractions in the area. Hout Bay is a suburb located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful beach and harbor. The area is known for its picturesque beauty and is a popular tourist destination, with many restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities such as visiting Seal Island by Boat. Then we head on to Boulders Beach, located in Simon’s Town, is known for its colony of African penguins. The beach is a protected area, and visitors can view the penguins from boardwalks and observation platforms. If travel conditions allow we will travel via the iconic Chapman’s Peak today, a scenic mountain pass located on the western coast of the Cape Peninsula, in Cape Town, South Africa. The pass runs along the Atlantic Coastline, between the suburbs of Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The drive along the pass is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
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Day 3 | Cape TownKirstenbosch Gardens, Groot Constantia, V & A Waterfront with an optional Robben Island Boat Trip We start this beautiful day with a trip to the majestical Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden which is a large botanical garden located in Cape Town, South Africa. It covers an area of 528 hectares on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and is renowned for its diverse flora, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Take in the fresh morning air and enjoy a hot cup of Coffee whilst wandering among the paths of beautiful plants. After our “Nature Kick” we will travel to the historical wine estate of Groot Constantia. Groot Constantia’s is testimony of how one man’s love for wine established South Africa’s first wine farm in 1685. Their wines are from rich African soil, crafted to perfection. Groot Constantia memories are part of literature and heritage and embodies the timeless endeavor to perfection. Their heritage stands for growth, life and beauty. It is alive and vibrant, like the vineyards they hold so dear. We will then give you time to explore the V & A Waterfront before leaving Cape Town behind tomorrow. A shopping mecca for local arts and crafts, it is the prefect place to pick up gifts for the family . The boat trips for the Robben Island visit also depart from the V & A Waterfront. |
Day 4 | HermanusWe leave the “Mother City”behind this morning and we start our journey on the wonderous Garden Route. Starting with Hermanus. Hermanus is a town situated on the southern coast of South Africa, about 120 km southeast of Cape Town. It is a popular holiday destination known for its stunning natural scenery, mild climate, and excellent opportunities for whale watching. The town is situated in Walker Bay, which is a breeding ground for Southern Right Whales, which migrate to the area from Antarctica between July and November each year. Whale watching is a major attraction in Hermanus, with visitors able to observe these magnificent creatures from land or by boat. In addition to its natural attractions, Hermanus has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and festivals throughout the year. The town also boasts a range of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering local cuisine and wines. |
Day 5 | KnysnaThe town is set around a large estuary, the Knysna Lagoon, which opens into the Indian Ocean. The lagoon is surrounded by indigenous forests and offers excellent opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Knysna is also known for its dramatic scenery, with the Knysna Heads, two towering sandstone cliffs, marking the entrance to the lagoon. The Heads offer breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline and are a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing. The town itself has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, craft markets, and festivals throughout the year. Knysna is also home to several excellent restaurants, offering a range of local and international cuisine, as well as a thriving nightlife. |
Days 6 | KnysnaFeatherbed; Monkeyland; Birds of Eden Today we will spend time visiting all the top attractions of the Knysna area. Starting with the Featherbed Co. that gives visitors to the Garden Route an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the ‘Knysna Heads’ – the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon. After ou refreshing outing on the water we will get back into ou vehicle and head towards the Crags area where we will visit the super popular Birds of Eden and Monkeyland
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Day 7 | Addo Elephant ParkWe return back from the island to Vilankulo on the mainland, sleep comfortable in one of the backpackers, take a warm shower en contemplate the experience we just had. Enjoy the relaxed feel of the backpackers or go on the prowl for a livelier bar/shebien/restaurant or disco in town.. |
Day 8 | Addo Elephant ParkAddo Elephant Park is home to over 600 elephants, as well as a variety of other animals such as lions, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes. You can drive your own vehicle through the park or take a guided game drive. There are also walking trails for visitors who want to explore the park on foot. |
Day 9 | BaviaanskloofAfter breakfast we will enjoy another Game Drive as we exit the park in hope of seeing some last extraordinary wildlife before we hit the rarely seen backroads and make our way to the Baviaanskloof. We will enjoy lunch together at the entrance of the cliffs before entering this rugged yet beautiful landscape towards our unique lodge in the heart of the Baviaans Cliffs. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional South African braai (BBQ) where we will only hear the whispers of the wind as she makes her way through the majestic cliffs. |
Day 10 | OudtshoornAfter a scrumptious breakfast we will 4×4 through the last section of the Baviaanskloof and make our way to Oudsthoorn. Oudtshoorn is known as the “ostrich capital of the world” because it is home to the largest ostrich population on earth. Here we will explore activities such as visiting the Cango Caves, a network of underground caves and tunnels, are located near Oudtshoorn and are a popular tourist attraction. We will also visit a unique Wine and Craft Brewery before we arrive at our spectacular lodge to do our unique Ostrich Farm Tour. |
Day 11 | RobertsonAfter breakfast this morning we will participate in the unique experience of feeding Giraffes, getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures before making our way to Robertson. We will have many exciting stops on the way such as Ronnie’s Sex Shop, the Road-side pub that has been owned by Ronny for 4 decades and you will still find him there with his platted ponytail and long white beard. The name Ronnie’s Sex Shop was Ronnie’s shop where he in the 1970’s decided to open a farm stall to sell fruit and Veggies to weary travelers till one day when he asked some mates to look after his shop while he was away and they decided to pull a prank on him and paint the word Sex on the wall where it remains to this day. |
Day 12 | FranschhoekAfter a delicious breakfast we say goodbye to Montagu and head into the heart of the Cape Winelands. The Franschhoek wine valley is one of the most popular wine-producing regions in the Cape Winelands. The fertile valley has an exceptional variety of wine estates that produce some of the finest wines in South Africa. |
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