Magnificent Garden Route
Overview
The Garden Route is a journey of exploration, of discovery and the chance to see why this part of the world is renowned for its beguiling diversity. This stretch of coastline connects Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth and has sandy beaches, lovely lakes and lagoons, lush, evergreen forests, and protea-studded slopes. You will start in Cape Town and go to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the true meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. You will then spend time in Oudtshoorn, where ostriches are the main source of tourism, as well as the Congo Caves. Knysna is the next stop, which features a gorgeous lagoon and mythical forests. Your adventure comes to an end in the friendly city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests. Departure Day - Monday, selected departure dates. ROUTING: CAPE TOWN – GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)Escorted Experience
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Guaranteed Departures
- Fixed Dates
- Professional Guide Throughout
- Modern Airconditioned Vehicle
- First Class Hotels
Itinerary
You will be met by your local tour guide and depart on a long drive today. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass, with its magnificent views, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop en route at a farm stall packed with locally produced products from the area. Our journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored, with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa. After this thrilling experience, we continue via historic Swellendam and the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and the famous Route 62. Continue to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Enjoy dinner at an Ostrich Farm, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Distance travelled today: 550 kms.
Meal Plan: Only Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Join a fun-filled interactive guided tractor tour at a working Ostrich Farm, followed by a wine tasting, sampling top quality wines of the region. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Distance travelled today: 90 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth-oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the King Edward VII Library building, said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George. This museum offers a unique experience of the Garden Route’s railway history, showcasing a vast collection of vintage vehicles, locomotives and other transport related artifacts. The tour continues via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort, to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a delicious lunch enroute of traditional cuisine and local treats. The remainder of the day is at leisure until you join an afternoon sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
Overnight in Knysna. Distance travelled today: 170 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred (unescorted, driver only) to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). You’ll head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), affectionately known as the “friendly city”. The tour ends on arrival in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Guests may disembark, on request, at Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport. Distance travelled today: 274 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
• 5 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, including gratuity
• 3 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
Exclusions
•International airfares.
•Optional activities.
•Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program.
•Travel insurance, Gratuities.
•Voluntary tips for guides or drivers.
•Travel and medical insurance.
•Any items not mentioned as included.
Notes
Accommodation included:
4* La Plume Boutique Hotel or similar x 2 nights
4* Rex Hotel or similar x 1 night
Transportation:
Transportation is in air-conditioned touring vehicles appropriate to the requirements of the tour
• 2 guests will travel in a sedan vehicle
• 3-10 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicle
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a farm stall packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
• Visit Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
• Travel via the scenic Tradouw Pass
• Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tractor tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
• Wine tasting, sampling top quality wines of the Klein Karoo region
• Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum
• Afternoon sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon
• Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit.
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests
LANGUAGE: English commentary on all departures.
Prices are subject to alteration without prior notice. Prices are also subject to adjustment in the event of changes in government-imposed taxes, fuel prices, airfares, hotel charges, tourism levies and the introduction of national, regional or local taxes or levies of whatever nature.
Departure from Cape Town on Monday.
