Magical Garden Route Tour
DAY 1 CAPE TOWN/HERMANUS
Today you depart Cape Town and travel along the N2 to Gordon’s Bay. This beautiful, coastal drive stretches from Gordons Bay, hugging the wild turquoise Cape coastline all the way to the tiny, seaside village of Rooi Els, where it suddenly turns inland and rises steeply up to the coastal plateau, and later rejoins the coast at Betty’s Bay. Passing well known landmarks like Kogelbaai and various well known angling spots. There are many safe places to stop along the route which provide expansive views over False Bay. On a clear day you will be able to see Cape Point on the western side of the bay, which is packed with marine life including seals, dolphins, sharks and whales. Whale season is from June to December. Arrive in Hermanus mid-afternoon and take the opportunity to explore this seaside resort and walk along the cliffs looking out for the whale in Walker Bay. There are many restaurants within walking distance of your hotel.
Overnight: Whale Rock Luxury Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
The Marine Hotel on a Bed and Breakfast basis
Day 2 HERMANUS/BOTLIERSKOP GAME RESERVE
Breakfast at the hotel followed by check- out. You head via Swellendam towards Mossel Bay to reach the Botlierskop Game Reserve for an early afternoon check-in followed by an afternoon game drive at approximately 15h00 with sundowners in the bush. Return to the lodge to freshen-up before dinner
Overnight: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve (Full board – 2 game drives)
DAY 3 MOSSEL BAY
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. This morning you can enjoy a lovely gamedrive on the Reserve. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon game drive followed by dinner
Overnight: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve (Full board – 2 game drives)
Day 4 BOTLIERSKOP/KNYSNA
This morning you depart for the renown Garden Route and the area of Knysna. One continues along the N2 freeway towards Knysna. Knysna Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast’s best known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon – it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is a privately owned nature Reserve – Featherbed Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports a oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses material relating to the history of the town, and includes artefacts once owned by George Rex. The Knysna Forest is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage. Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today.
Overnight: The Loft Boutique Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: St. James of Knysna on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 5 KNYSNA
Explore the surrounding area of Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma Forest. A visit to the Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Jukani Sanctuary and the Knysna Elephant Park is also a highlight of this area. Exploring Knsyna itself with its Oyster beds, the Waterfront and the various boat trips ( a day trip to the Featherbed Reserve is also a highlight) on offer is also a good option.
Overnight: The Loft Boutique Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: St. James of Knysna on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 6 KNYSNA/OUDTSHOORN
After breakfast check-out and head back to George then proceed over the Quteniqua Mountain pass – connects George and the Garden Route coastal plain with Oudtshoorn and the Little Karoo. The towns of Oudtshoorn and De Rust are in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system visits to the Cango Caves and the Ostrich Farm is a highlight of this area.
Overnight: De Zeekoe on a Bed and Breakfast basis
Overnight: De Opstal Guest House Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 7 OUDTSHOORN/CAPE AGULHAS
This morning after a hearty breakfast you depart to the Southern most tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas. From Knysna you proceed along the N2 freeway to just pass Swellendam the turn off to Cape Agulhas to most southerly point of Africa. Travelling along the R319 passing the towns of Bredasdorp, Napier and Strusibaai. Arrival in the afternoon so you can visit the Lighthouse and the beach front area with it’s plague with details of the most southerly point of Africa..
Overnight: Agulhas Country Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
DAY 8 CAPE AGULHAS/ CAPE TOWN
After breakfast depart Agulhas and head back to Bredasdorp then taking the R316 until the turn off to Stanford (R326) and travel along the coastline via Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Gordons Bay and return to the N2 freeway heading back to Cape Town. Arrive late afternoon in Cape Town to check-in for your over night or for your flight home.