The Garden Route & Cape Wonders (south Africa) Tour

The Garden Route & Cape Wonders (South Africa) Tour

Scheduled lodge tour | minimum 2, maximum 10 people

Included: transport in an air-conditioned minibus| professional, English-speaking guide | 7 nights’ stay in lodges and guesthouses (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked) | meals according to the itinerary | activities as per itinerary | all national park fees

Excluded: flights (international and domestic) | meals not indicated in the itinerary | alcoholic and soft drinks | optional activities | tips | personal expenses | visa fees | travel insurance

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 |Welcome to the Garden Route - George – Wilderness

Driving distance approx. 30 km, driving time approx. 30 minutes

After your arrival at the airport in George, your Garden Route adventure begins. You will be greeted by your transfer driver and taken to the Mes Amis Guest House in Wilderness. After your check-in you will have time to rest and relax. The guest house offers private access to the sandy beach of Wilderness and you are welcome to go on an extensive beach walk in the afternoon. Together with your guide and fellow travellers, you will dine at a restaurant with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean (optional at own cost).

Day 2 | Wilderness

Today is for you to enjoy at leisure. Seize the opportunity to take another stroll along the lovely beach or go hiking along the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail. Your guide will gladly accompany you. The trail leads you through the dense forest of the Wilderness National Park to a beautiful waterfall. Take a refreshing dip in the cool water before heading back. Alternatively, you can of course just sit back and unwind! Make yourself comfortable at the beach or enjoy the stunning panoramic views from your veranda over the sea. With a bit of luck, you might be able to observe dolphins playing in the water and riding the waves. Round the day off with a delicious dinner (optional). You will spend another night at the Mes Amis Guest House

Breakfast

Day 3 | Wilderness – Tsitsikamma National Park

Driving distance approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 2-3 hours

You set off to Knysna after breakfast. Together with your guide, you will explore this charming town nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. Two impressive sea cliffs, the Knysna Heads, guard the entrance to the tranquil lagoon from the surging ocean. A viewpoint on the East Head offers you panoramic vistas of Knysna, its lagoon and the Indian Ocean. You then continue your journey and drive via Nature’s Valley to the Tsistikamma National Park. Whether you choose to hike along the first leg of the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, or cross the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge – spectacular views are guaranteed! Enjoy the impressive panorama of the precipitous coastline and the strong contrast of the vivid green land with the deep blue sea. In the late afternoon, you will finally reach the At the Woods Guest House. Dinner will be at an excellent restaurant in town.

Breakfast

Day 4 | Storms River – Oudtshoorn

Driving distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 hours

After a hearty breakfast, you leave the coast behind. You drive on the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, arriving around midday. In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Cango Caves. Parts of this extensive cave system were inhabited by the San more than 10,000 years ago. Today, you can discover the caves on different tours and admire the towering dripstone formations. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Thabile Lodge.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5 | Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

Driving distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5 hours

Oudtshoorn is famous for ostrich farming. During a farm tour in the morning, you will learn interesting details about these huge birds as well as the trade of ostrich products. Afterwards you continue through beautiful landscapes to Hermanus, located on the so-called Cape Whale Coast. Between the months of June and November, Hermanus is world-renowned for incredible whale watching opportunities. But even outside of whale season, this quaint former fishing village is well worth a visit. You will spend the night at the Auberge Burgundy Guest House.

Breakfast

Day 6 | Hermanus – Stellenbosch

Driving distance approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 2 hours

During whale season, take a walk along the Cliff Path in the morning. The views of the Walker Bay are truly amazing, and the cliffs offer the perfect spot to watch the gentle giants from land. Depending on the swell, you can alternatively choose to go on a whale watching boat trip to get even closer to these incredible creatures (optional). You then make you way to South Africa’s most famous wine region around Stellenbosch. Travelling along the picturesque coast, you will stop en route to visit a colony of African Penguins. Here you will have the chance to observe these little fellows as they go about their daily activities. Arriving in Stellenbosch, you first explore this lovely town before heading to a beautifully located wine farm. During a wine tasting you can enjoy their best wines which have matured beautifully. In the evening, you dine at a fine restaurant (optional). Your home for tonight is the Auberge Rozendal.

Breakfast

Day 7 | Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

Today starts with a visit to a typical Cape farm which is idyllically located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. After the past days of long driving, this is your chance to be more active. Take a walk to a viewpoint to enjoy splendid views over the entire False Bay to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you might even see Cape Point in the far distance. At lunchtime, you need to get ready to be surprised! After lunch, you make your way along the scenic coastline to the Cape Peninsula. The quiet and quaint village of Noordhoek is renowned for its miles of sandy beach, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Cape. Strolling along the beach is a must! You will stay at the De Noordhoek Lifestyle Hotel.

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8 | Cape Peninsula – Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1 hour

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. Back in the day, the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering above the stormy sea were the sailors’ first sight of land after their long journey from Europe. Take in the panoramic views from the famous viewing platform around the base of the old lighthouse at Cape Point and feel the wind in your hair. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the centre of Cape Town. Having a remarkable journey behind you, it’s time to say goodbye. See you again soon in South Africa!

Breakfast