Itinerary
Day 1
Port Elizabeth to Knysna via Tsitsikamma Forest (+-265km)
Molo! Hello and a friendly welcome to the Garden Route. This morning you will be collected from your Port Elizabeth hotel by our tourist guide, head south towards Knysna via Storm’s River and the beautiful and ancient Tsitsikamma Forest, the heart of the Garden Route. The Garden Route is a gorgeous coastal area featuring lush forests, blue ocean waters and rugged mountain peaks, and was named for its ecologically vast indigenous fynbos and other plant species.
Our first stop brings us to Storms River. Take in the dramatic views on the suspension bridge at Storms River mouth where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Enjoy lunch (own account) in the Tsitsikamma Forest area, an indigenous forest where once the majestic Knysna elephant roamed freely.
This forest is home to centuries old trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Ironwood.
A short journey further south brings us to the small, beautiful town of Knysna, meaning ‘place of wood’ in the Khoikhoi. On arrival, check into your hotel before embarking on a Sunset Knysna Oyster Cruise.
This informative and interactive cruise introduces you and your taste buds to the wild Knysna Oyster while enjoying a drink in the natural surrounding beauty. Tonight we dine out (own account). Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar – bed and breakfast
Day 2
KNYSNA to PLETTENBERG BAY and back (±60km)
After breakfast we make our way to Plettenberg Bay or Plett as its fondly known by the locals, where the warm Agulhas current meets the temperate Benguela current which adds to its mild climate.
Plett was first named Bahia Formosa (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers and sailors and with its beautiful craggy peninsula, lagoons and golden beaches it’s not difficult to see why. From Lookout Beach you will be taken on an Ocean Safari (weather permitting).
The Ocean Safari is dedicated to observation and conservation and allows for extensive and memorable whale, dolphin and seal watching. Following our marine excursion, we enjoy a relaxing lunch in Plettenberg Bay (own account). In the afternoon we take a guided tour of the Qolweni Township, school and crèche.
This is a community enrichment programme that sees the proceeds of its tours going into the education of the young children of Qolweni. Guests are welcome to donate pencils, books and other stationary.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar – bed and breakfast
Day 3
KNYSNA to OUDTSHOORN via WILDERNESS (±125km)
Depart after breakfast and start today’s journey to Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, via Wilderness and over the Outeniqua Pass. Our first scenic stop is in Wilderness. Surrounded by the complete natural beauty of the ocean, mountains, and lagoons, Wilderness is a wonderful location. Enjoy photo opportunities and unspoilt views at Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting) before continuing on our journey through the Outeniqua Pass.
The Outeniqua Pass, in the Outeniqua Mountains, bridges the lush Garden Route and the semi-arid Klein Karoo. The pass takes you through incredible views of cinematic mountain vistas with its delicate covering of restored indigenous fynbos.
Oudtshoorn, is the principal town of the Klein Karoo and the ostrich capital of the world, which gave rise to great wealth and its grand Feather Palaces. It is also home to the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, an annual festival that enjoys immense popularity and attendance and is the second biggest festival of its kind In South Africa.
Lunch (own account) at an ostrich farm in the Cango Valley on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn before taking a tour of the farm that will introduce you to these large, flightless and exotic birds. For the daring, enjoy an optional ostrich ride. Following our ostrich farm tour we drive to our evening’s accommodation.
Once at the lodge, freshen up and enjoy some leisure time, or participate in an optional game drive (own account). Enjoy a dinner of local fare in this quaint, rural lakeside setting. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge or similar – dinner, bed and breakfast
Day 4
OUDTSHOORN to CAPE TOWN via ROUTE 62 (±420km)
Today our trip takes us from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town via the Cango Caves and the iconic Route 62. After breakfast you will have the rare opportunity to experience an elephant interaction as well as being able to feed the African elephants that were all raised at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge.
Leaving these gentle giants behind us, we make our way to the Cango Caves. The Caves discovered in 1780 and have evidence to suggest they provided shelter to early humans for over 80 000 years.
The gold and vermillion dripstone stalagmites and stalactites are a lead feature of the caves.
Departing this world wonder, we travel along the much beloved Route 62 which is the picturesque route encompassing the contrasting regions of the Western and Eastern Cape. With its ever changing landscapes, this route will transport you from the dramatic mountain vistas and the unique beauty of the semi-arid Klein Karoo, to the tranquil winelands region.
Enjoy lunch (own account) en route and the gorgeous views of the Tradouw Valley, followed by a traditional Mampoer tasting (included). Continue our scenic journey onto the Mother City, the majestically beautiful Cape Town.
Your tour will end, with a late afternoon arrival, at your Cape Town hotel or Cape Town International airport. Here we’ll say hamba kahle, good bye.
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