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)
This morning you will be met by your local tour guide and depart for the scenic Garden Route. 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 farmstall 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. [Dinner].
Distance travelled today: 550 kms.
Meal: Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Congo 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. [Breakfast].
Distance travelled today: 90 kms.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels 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. [Breakfast & Lunch].
Distance travelled today: 170 kms.
Meal: 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). [Breakfast].
Guests may disembark, on request, at Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport.
Distance travelled today: 274 kms.
Meal: Breakfast
• 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
•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.
Accommodation included:
4* La Plume Guest House 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 farmstall 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 Congo Caves and a guided tractor tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn.
• Wine tasting, sampling top quality wines of the Klein Karoo region.
• Afternoon sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
• Enjoy carefully chosen experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit.
• Meals included in this trip support sustainable food production with at least 30% of the food on the menu being sourced locally (within 50-80km) of where it’s prepared.