INSPIRATIONAL GARDEN ROUTE
DAY 1 : SATURDAY CAPE TOWN - HERMANUS (- / - / -)
Meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and set out on a stunning coastal drive to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. En route, we seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stony Point before arriving in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
DAY 2 : SUNDAY HERMANUS - OUDTSHOORN (B / - / -)
This morning we explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and gasp at the outstanding views of Walker Bay. During the months of July – November, the possibility of whale sightings could add further enhancement to our explorations. We depart late morning stopping for a late lunch (for own account) in the pretty village of Barrydale on the scenic “Route 62”, then onward to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world”, for a guided tour at an ostrich farm.
Distance travelled today: 380 kms
DAY 3 : MONDAY OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA (B / - / -)
Today we will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Cango Caves, filled with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Thereafter enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique wine estate, situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. We travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa.
Distance travelled today: 220 kms
DAY 4 : TUESDAY KNYSNA (B / L / -)
After breakfast, journey into the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold.
Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch, in the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden.
The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Forest Legends Museum, that exhibits tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the colourful Old Suzie steam engine, that was used to generate power, and the stately Old Forester’s House, home of forester David Ernest Hutchins, who was the first person to manage the indigenous forest in a sustainable manner.
Distance travelled today: 100 kms
DAY 5 : WEDNESDAY KNYSNA - TSITSIKAMMA (B / - / -)
We depart Knysna after breakfast and travel to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari (weather permitting). During the summer months we may encounter bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment.
During the winter months we may see southern right and humpback whales. For those brave souls amongst us, this afternoon you can attempt the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (for own account and weather permitting). We arrive late afternoon at the picturesque village of Storms River.
Distance travelled today: 130 kms
DAY 6 : THURSDAY TSITSIKAMMA – GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH) (B / - / -)
This morning we immerse ourselves in the splendour and tranquillity of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean (weather permitting).
We continue our journey to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) where the tour ends on arrival.
Distance travelled today: 190 kms
Bed and Breakfast
End of our services
Our services include :
- 6 Meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch including gratuities
- 5 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS :
- Visit to Harold Porter Botanical Garden and the African Penguin Colony at Stony Point
- Visit to Hermanus, famous for shore-based whale watching during the whale season (August – November)
- Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
- Wine tasting at a family-owned boutique wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley
- Immersive journey into the mythical Knysna Forests, discovering the legends build around woodcutters, elephants, steam trains and gold miners
- Visit Plettenberg Bay for a boat-based Ocean Safari
- Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
Our services do not include :
- All flights (international and domestic)
- Optional Touring excursions
- Meals and beverages where unspecified
- Gratuities where applicable (a gratuities guideline is available in the download section)
- Items of a personal nature
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Start |
Accommodation |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
Day 1 |
Misty Waves Boutique Hotel or similar |
HERMANUS |
B&B |
1 Night |
Day 2 |
La Plume Boutique Guest House |
OUDTSHOORN |
B&B |
1 Night |
Day 3 |
Knysna Hollow or similar |
KNYSNA |
B&B |
2 Night |
Day 5 |
Tsitsikamma Village Inn |
TSITSIKAMMA |
B&B |
1 Night |
South Africa, a country known for its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your South African adventure:
Cape Town :
Table Mountain: Take a cable car or hike to the top for panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
Robben Island: Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive.
Cape of Good Hope: Explore this iconic landmark at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula.
Garden Route :
Drive or take a guided tour along the Garden Route, known for its scenic beauty, lush forests, and charming coastal towns.
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for its dramatic landscapes and the Storms River Mouth.
Kruger National Park :
Embark on a safari adventure in one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves.
Spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros) and a variety of other animals.
Johannesburg :
Explore the Apartheid Museum to learn about South Africa's history.
Visit Soweto for a guided tour, showcasing the township's vibrant culture and history.
Durban :
Relax on the beaches of Durban, known for its warm Indian Ocean waters.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and sample Indian-influenced cuisine.
Drakensberg Mountains :
Hike or take scenic drives through the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg mountain range.
Discover San rock art at uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stellenbosch and the Winelands :
Tour the famous Stellenbosch wine region, sampling exquisite South African wines.
Enjoy picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and culinary delights.
Soweto :
Take a guided tour to understand the history, culture, and resilience of Soweto's residents.
Visit Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived.
Addo Elephant National Park :
Experience a malaria-free safari and witness a large population of elephants.
Explore the diverse landscapes, including woodland, savannah, and coastal dunes.
Practical Tips :
Best Time to Visit: South Africa is a year-round destination, but the dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for safaris.
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR).
Transportation: Renting a car provides flexibility, but domestic flights are also available between major cities.
South Africa's blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse cultures promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking a dynamic and enriching travel experience.