Magnificent Garden Route – South Africa

DAY 1

Cape Town – Mossel Bay

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, the third oldest town in South Africa, to Mossel Bay, from where the Garden Route extends to the Storms River in the east. Overnight in Mossel Bay.

Distance travelled today: 507 kms

DAY 2

Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, visit the Cape St Blaize Cave, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, known as the Cradle of Human Culture. We continue our journey to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. Visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine estate in the scenic choemanshoek Valley, before setting off on a tour of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Overnight in Oudtshoorn with dinner at your boutique guest house, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 155 kms

DAY 3

Oudtshoorn - Knysna

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 lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for a sumptuous lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon, alternatively enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Distance travelled today: 134 kms

DAY 4

Knysna – Port Elizabeth

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred (unescorted, driver only) to Port Elizabeth. You’ll head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Port Elizabeth, affectionately known as the “friendly city”. The tour ends on arrival in Port Elizabeth. [Breakfast]

Guests may disembark, on request, at Port Elizabeth Airport.

Distance travelled today: 274 kms

Accommodation at 4* Protea Hotel Kruger Gate or similar x 3 nights