Itinerary
Day 1 | Sunday
PORT ELIZABETH to KNYSNA via TSITSIKAMMA FOREST (±265km)
Once your tour guide collects you from your hotel, you will head West 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. It was named for its ecologically vast indigenous fynbos and other plant species.
Your first stop brings you to Storms River.
After a short walk, 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 the Knysna Elephant once roamed freely.
This forest is home to century old trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Ironwood. A short journey further West brings you to the small, picturesque town of Knysna.
Upon 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 whilst enjoying a drink in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
This evening’s dinner can be enjoyed next to the Knysna Estuary (own account).
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar – bed and breakfast
Day 2 | Monday
KNYSNA to PLETTENBERG BAY and back (±60km)
After breakfast, make your way to Plettenberg Bay or “Plett” as its fondly known by the locals.
From Lookout Beach you will be taken on an ocean safari (weather permitting), dedicated to observation and conservation and allows for extensive and memorable whale, dolphin and seal watching.
Following your marine excursion, enjoy a relaxing lunch in Plettenberg Bay (own account). In the afternoon, 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 stationery.
Take the scenic drive back to your Knysna hotel and have leisure time to either relax or explore the village of Knysna. In the early evening, make your way to the Knysna Waterfront for a leisurely dinner at one of the numerous restaurants (own account).
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar – bed and breakfast
Day 3 | Tuesday
KNYSNA to OUDTSHOORN via WILDERNESS (±125km)
After breakfast, you will journey to Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, over the Outeniqua Pass via Wilderness.
Your first scenic stop is in Wilderness, where you will find yourself surrounded by the captivating beauty of the ocean, mountains and lagoons. Enjoy photo opportunities and unspoilt views at the Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting).
Continue on your journey through the Outeniqua Mountains which bridges the lush Garden Route and the semi-arid Klein Karoo. Oudtshoorn is the principal town of the Klein Karoo and the ostrich capital of the world, with over 400 ostrich farms, as well as several Feather Mansions.
Lunch (own account) at an ostrich farm before taking a tour of the farm and learning about the birds, their industry and then dare to ride the world’s biggest bird species. Participate in an optional game drive (time permitting and own account). Enjoy dinner of local fare in this quaint setting.
Surval Boutique Olive Estate or similar – dinner, bed and breakfast Day 4 | Wednesday
Day 4 | Wednesday
OUDTSHOORN to CAPE TOWN via ROUTE 62 (±420km)
Today your trip takes you 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, we make our way to the Cango Caves.
Departing this world wonder, we travel along the renowned Route 62.
With its ever changing landscapes, this route will transport you from the dramatic mountain vistas and the unique splendour of the semi-arid Klein Karoo, to the tranquil winelands region. Enjoy a traditional Witblits tasting (own account) and the gorgeous views of the Tradouw Valley. Lunch will be en-route (own account).
Your tour will end with a late afternoon arrival, at your Cape Town hotel.
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