New Page 1

Cape Town and the Garden Route

Noted by many as one of the must see destinations in the world, the exciting area has a wide variety of attractions and activities. Various trips can be done to the area, ranging from 1 day (also see day trips of Cape Town ), to 14 days or more, or combinations thereof. Certain activities are seasonal, however.

These trips can also start in Port Elizabeth or George, depending on where you would like to start, or end. Accommodation varies from basic self catering chalets in the park, to top lodges and guesthouses in and bordering the park. The trips all vary to ensure all the attractions are covered, and it is suggested you read the various itineraries to decide which tour would suit you. Any combination can be made up.

The most popular tours of these areas are: (Click Heading to view Tour)

The Relaxer-14 Days Cape Town and Garden Route to PE

Ideal for first time visitors to Cape Town who want to do a more relaxed tour of this well known area.

All the most popular places and activities are included.

The Garden Route Meander-6 Days Cape Town return

This tour is designed for the visitors who have already visited most Cape Town attractions, and only want to do the Garden Route . All the most popular places and activities are included.

The Southernmost Meander-8 Days Cape Town return

This tour is the same as the Meander route (tour two), and includes an extra trip and two night’s accommodation to the most southern tip of Africa, at Cape Agulhas .

The Wildlife Tour: Garden Route and Private Game Reserve-10 Days Cape Town to PE

Designed for persons who want to visit the Garden Route and a Private Game Reserve.

Tour One: The Relaxer-14 Days Cape Town and Garden Route to PE

Ideal for first time visitors to Cape Town who want to do a more relaxed tour of this well known area.

All the most popular places and activities are included.

Travel through some of the most popular tourist routes of the garden route, with time well balanced between scenic travel, and quality time at attractions and destinations. This exciting, yet very relaxed tour includes the following special activities and attractions whilst on route:

· Visit Table Mountain with its breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula .

· Full day trip of the Cape Peninsula , including a boat cruise to Seal Island , Chapman’s Peak, Cape point, African Penguin Colony at Simonstown and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens .

· Day trip to Cape Winelands , including a tour of a winery, and wine tasting.

· Tour of Cape Town City , and Robben Island . Free time in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

· Whale watching on route to Cape Town (seasonal)

· Visit to the Cango Caves and a working Ostrich farm in Oudshoorn.

· Steam train trip on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Choo between Knysna and George

· Exciting ferry trip on the Knysna Estuary, and hiking along the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

· 3-hour tree top canopy tour in the Knysna Forests.

· Spectacular scenes along the Garden Route, including Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikama Forest, The Big Tree and Fern forests, Dolphin Coastline, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Heads and more.

· Visit to 2 Game Parks near Port Elizabeth . (Malaria free areas)

· Free days on the beach at Mosselbay and Port Elizabeth .

· Quality meals at some of the most popular south African Restaurants.

· Many other scenic attractions on route.

Tour price per person sharing:

1 person: R 34,000

2 persons: R 21,400

3 persons: R 18,000

4-6 persons: R 16,500

The single supplement is R 3,000

The tour price includes:

All land transportation and transfers.

Services of a registered tourist guide on route.

13night’s accommodation in carefully selected guesthouses, hotels and lodges.

Daily South African breakfasts and dinners.

All entrance and conservation fees to National Parks.

Entrance fees to all attractions, activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.

The price excludes the cost of any flights, lunches, and beverages at mealtimes, telephone calls, gratuities, laundry services and items of a personal nature.

There is a variety of optional extras along the route which can be added to the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Please Note: Days can be added to the trip to include other places that guests would like to visit.

The trip can also be done in the reverse order, and flights can be arranged to domestic destinations.

During the whale season (August to December), an additional night can be added at Hermanus.

Day 01- arrival and Cape Town orientation tour: Distance for Day: 50 km

After your morning arrival in Cape Town you will be transferred to, check into the Portswood Hotel, situated in the Waterfront. It is ideally situated with excellent views of Table Mountain , but more important, within easy walking distance to all the attractions in the waterfront. Stay over at the Portswood Hotel for the next 4 nights. Dinners will also be at some of the popular restaurants of the city.

Time is allowed to check in, relax and freshen up after the long flight. If guests are up to it, and if the weather is good, we immediately go to Table Mountain . Take a trip up Table Mountain with the cable car. There are nice walks on top of the mountain, and a lovely restaurant to enjoy the view of the Cape Peninsula . If not, the mountain will be visited on one of the following days.

Relax at the hotel before a welcome dinner at the waterfront.

Day 2- The Cape Peninsula : Distance for Day: 180 km

Today is set out to experience the Cape Peninsula . We follow the beautiful coastal drive alongside the Atlantic Seaboard, passing through Sea Point, Bantry Bay , Clifton , Camps Bay , Bakoven and Llandudno. View the 12 Apostles from the Caps Bay beachfront. After this scenic drive, we arrive in the fisherman’s village of Hout Bay.

Enjoy a 40 minute cruise to " Seal Island ", where thousands of Cape Fur Seals can be seen in their natural habitat, after which time is allowed to explore the fish market, and the wide variety African Craft shops surrounding the harbour area.

We continue with the scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive towards the Cape Peninsula National park , where we visit the Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope . Time is allowed to explore these beautiful sights on foot, and have lunch.

Departing the Cape Peninsula National Park , we now drive along the False Bay side of the Peninsula towards Simonstown, where the next stop is at Boulders Beach , to see the protected African Jackass Penguin colony. Our last stop of the day is at the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, home of some 3 500 species of Southern African fauna and flora. We return to the hotel at about 17h00, having experienced some of the best the Cape has to offer. Enjoy dinner at the waterfront.

Day 3- Wine, wine and more wine: Distance for Day: 150 km

The Cape is well known for its variety of excellent wines. Today is set out to do wine and cheese tasting on at least three farms of the wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek. There is a wide variety to choose from, as well as restaurants on the farms. The scenery on route is also very beautiful. We also explore the towns of Franschoek and Stellenbosch before returning to Cape Town . Instead of dinner, guests may choose to enjoy lunch at one of the wine farms.

Day 4- Robben Island and the V+A waterfront: Distance for Day: Nil

Enjoy the morning ferry trip and guided tour of Robben Island , a world heritage site, and famous for its role in the history of South Africa . Return after 3 hours to enjoy the rest of the day exploring the V+A Waterfront, with all its wonderful attractions. These attractions include (at own cost) , the Cape Town Aquarium, boat cruises of harbour, helicopter tours of the peninsula, craft markets, shopping malls and many more. The last dinner in Cape Town will be at one of the top restaurants in town.

Day 5-Scenic drive towards the Garden Route : Distance for Day: 400

We depart today towards the Garden Route . The route is very scenic, and travels through beautiful valleys and little towns and farming communities, before arriving in the coastal town of Mosselbay .

Check into the Protea Hotel Mosselbay for the next two nights. The Hotel is well situated, with good views of the beautiful bay below, and easy to walk and explore town from it. Dinners for the two nights will be at well known restaurants. (Seafood recommended).

Day 6- The Klein Karoo and its surprises- Distance for Day: 200 km

We do a casual but very scenic drive over the Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudshoorn. The countryside changes dramatically across the mountain, and is known as the Little Karoo. Here we spend the morning doing a 1 hour tour inside the world famous Cango Caves , as well as visiting a working Ostrich farm. We return in the afternoon to Mossel Bay to relax at the beach. The town also has interesting museums which can be visited.

Day 7- Something different and relaxing: Distance for Day: 50 km

After enjoying breakfast, we do a short, casual drive towards the town of George . This is where you where you embark on the morning Outeniqua Choo-Choo train trip towards Knysna. It is a wonderful 3 hour trip by steam train along coastline, forests and towns along the way.

After disembarking in Knysna, we check into the Knysna Quays hotel for two nights. The hotel is situated on the Knysna waterfront area, with various restaurants and tourist attraction on the doorstep. Enjoy dinner at one of the popular restaurants of the area.

Day 8- Knysna and surrounds: Distance for Day: Nil

A day set out to explore South Africa ’s Town of the year. It has many interesting attractions which can be done on foot. Explore all the various arts and craft shops and museums. Enjoy a4 hour trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This includes a ferry trip on the Estuary, guided drive to the top of the mountain, and hiking through the forests. This is followed by a beautiful seafood buffet before returning to the waterfront by ferry. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or exploring more of the town.

Day 9- Scenic Garden Route : Distance for Day: 250 km

We continue along the Garden Route, visiting popular sights such as Nature’s Valley, , Plettenberg Bay, Blaaukrans Bridge (Highest Bungi Jump in the World), and the big tree forest, before arriving at the Tsitsikama National Park. This area is one of South Africa ’s finest coastal reserves and heritage sites, with a variety of activities and attractions. We check into the Tsitsikama Village Inn for 2 nights. Again, ideally situated, surrounded by the natural forests. Enjoy dinners at the restaurant.

Day 10- The Tsitsikama Forest experience: Distance for Day: 50 km

A day for activities in the surrounding areas. We visit the Storms River Mouth for a pleasant hike to the hanging bridge across the river. Enjoy the coastal beauty of the area, before participating in a 3 hour tree top canopy tour. Explore the forest 30 metres above the ground. Gently slide on steel cables amongst these giant trees to view the beauty. (Again, it is one of the must do’s).

Day 11- Scenic meander towards Port Elizabeth : Distance for Day: 200 km

Today we set off towards Port Elizabeth . Enjoy the last scenic views of the Garden Route as we continue along the coastline, before arriving in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth . We do a city tour before we check into the First Avenue Guesthouse for three nights. It is situated on the beachfront, and within walking distance to a variety of excellent restaurants.

Day 12- Addo Elephant Park and Scotia Safaris: Distance for Day: 200 km

Today we focus on the wildlife of the Eastern Cape . A one- hour drive takes us to the Addo Elephant Park . Spend most of the day at Addo, before the 30-minute drive to Schotia Game Reserve.

At Schotia you can enjoy a 4-hour afternoon game drive of the reserve on open-air vehicles. Schotia is well known for the viewing of lions. After the game drive, dinner is served in an open-air Lapa.

We return after dinner to the guest house in Port Elizabeth .

Day 13- Relaxation on the beach:: Distance for Day: Nil

Relax on the beach or at the guesthouse. Farewell dinner is at a well known seafood restaurant in town.

Day 14- Sadly, its all over: Distance for Day: 30 km

Last morning breakfast to reflect on the past 13 day’s adventure of the Garden Route . Enjoy the last few hours relaxing before being transferred to the airport for flights to home destinations. Sadly, this is the end of tour, or additional days can be added.

To book this tour, or for more info: Click Here

[Top]

Tour Two: The Garden Route Meander-6 Days Cape Town return

This tour is designed for the visitors who have already visited most Cape Town attractions, and only want to do the Garden Route . All the most popular places and activities are included.

This exciting, yet relaxed tour includes the following special activities and attractions whilst on route:

· Scenic drive along route 62, the alternative route to the garden Route.

· Visit to the Cango Caves and a working Ostrich farm in Oudshoorn.

· Steam train trip on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Choo between Knysna and George

· Exciting ferry trip on the Knysna Estuary, and hiking along the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

· Spectacular scenes along the Garden Route, including Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikama Forest, The Big Tree and Fern forests, Dolphin Coastline, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Heads and more.

· Quality meals at some of the most popular south African Restaurants.

· Many other scenic attractions on route.

· Whale watching on route to Cape Town (seasonal)

· 3-hour tree top canopy tour in the Knysna Forest . (Optional).

Tour price per person sharing:

1 person: R 17,700

2 persons: R 10,700

3 persons: R 9,200

4-6 persons: R 8,200

The single supplement is R 1,000

The tour price includes:

All land transportation and transfers.

Services of a registered tourist guide on route.

5 night’s accommodation in carefully selected guesthouses and hotels.

Daily South African breakfasts and dinners.

All entrance and conservation fees to National Parks.

Entrance fees to all attractions, activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.

The price excludes the cost of any flights, lunches, and beverages at mealtimes, telephone calls, gratuities, laundry services and items of a personal nature.

There is a variety of optional extras along the route which can be added to the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Please Note: Days can be added to the trip to include other places that guests would like to visit.

During the whale season (august to December), an additional night can be added at Hermanus.

Day 01- Scenic Route 62 towards Oudshoorn: Distance for Day: 400 km

We depart on the very scenic route 62. This popular takes us through mountain ranges, the wine farming countryside, via Worcester and Barrydale towards the Town of Oudshoorn . It is situated in the Little Karoo, with very different geography, climate and agricultural areas, and known as the Ostrich capital of the world.

Check into the Opstal Lodge for the next two 2 nights. This wonderful lodge is situated in the picturesque Schoemanshoek valley, with beautiful views of the mountains surrounding it. Time to relax; enjoy the pool area, or walks in the lush gardens. Dinners for the two nights will be at well known restaurants of the area.

Day 02- The Klein Karoo and its surprises- Distance for Day: 100 km

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast either inside or out in the gardens, it’s time to start the day’s activities. A short 20 minute drive takes us to the Cango Caves , to participate in the 1 hour tour of these world famous caves. Another 30 minute drive takes us to one of the Ostrich farms, where a guided tour will give guest more insight of these large birds. Enjoy lunch in the town, with time set aside to explore some of the museums, and interesting shops in town. Again, it’s only a short drive back to the lodge for some more relaxation time. For those interested, we can also visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch, which have a large variety of local and exotic animals on display. (Optional)

Day 03- Something different and relaxing: Distance for Day: 100 km

After enjoying breakfast, we continue the journey across the Outeniqua Mountains . After crossing over the spectacular pass, with stops to view the valley and ocean below, we arrive in the town of George . This is where you where you embark on the morning Outeniqua Choo-Choo train trip towards Knysna. It is a wonderful 3 hour trip by steam train along coastline, forests and towns along the way.

After disembarking in Knysna, we check into the Knysna Quays hotel for the next three nights. The hotel is situated on the Knysna waterfront area, with various restaurants and tourist attraction on the doorstep. Enjoy dinners at some of the popular restaurants of the area.

Day 04- Scenic Garden Route : Distance for Day: 300 km

The day is set out to explore the Garden Route, visiting popular sights such as Nature’s Valley, , Plettenberg Bay, Blaaukrans Bridge (Highest Bungi Jump in the World), and the big tree forest, before arriving at the Tsitsikama National Park. This area is one of South Africa ’s finest coastal reserves and heritage sites, with a variety of activities and attractions. We visit the Storms River Mouth for a pleasant hike to the hanging bridge across the river. Enjoy the coastal beauty of the area, before starting the return journey towards Knysna, arriving back in the late afternoon.

Optional extra activity: Participating in a 3 hour tree top canopy tour. Explore the forest 30 metres above the ground. Gently slide on steel cables amongst these giant trees to view the beauty of the forest.

Day 05-Knysna and surrounds: Distance for Day: Nil

Day 06- Return journey to Cape Town : Distance for Day: 450 km

Following a different route towards Cape Town , explore the last of the garden route. It is a very scenic drive, via many smaller towns. We travel along rolling hills and vast wheat fields, and then fruit and wine farming areas, before crossing over the last mountain pass to see the views of Cape Town below. (If it is during the whale season, the route will also include travelling along the coastline to view the Southern Right Whales that frequent this coastline.) Arrive in Cape Town in the mid to late afternoon.

To book this tour, or for more info: Click Here

[Top]

Tour Three: The Southernmost Meander-8 Days Cape Town return

This tour is the same as the Meander route (tour two), and includes an extra trip and two night’s accommodation to the most southern tip of Africa, at Cape Agulhas .

Tour price per person sharing:

1 person: R 22,000

2 persons: R 13,000

3 persons: R 11,000

4-6 persons: R 10,000

The single supplement is R 1,500

Days 01 to 05- same as tour Two:

Day 06- Knysna to Cape Agulhas Distance for Day: 300 km

The day’s relaxing drive takes us the most Southern point of Africa . On route, we visit the towns and museums of Mosselbay and Swellendam. After enjoying lunch in Swellendam, we enter the Overberg region, turning off the main road. Its mainly agricultural area, with rolling hills of vast wheat fields, and where the Blue Crane (our national bird) can be seen amongst the fields. We visit more interesting towns on route before arriving at the coastline of Struisbaai. Here we check into the Agulhas country Lodge for the following two nights. Dinners are at the lodge, and in town. Rest of the day is spent relaxing, swimming at the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach in SA, or hiking one of the local trails.

Day 07- Cape Agulhas region: Distance for Day: 100 km

The day is set out to explore the area. It includes a visit to the De Hoop nature Reserve and Marine protected area, the southern most tip of Africa , the Agulhas Lighthouse, and the beautiful beaches surrounding the area. During the whale season, whales can be seen in the bay. It’s a relaxing day, with plenty of time for self exploration, or just relaxing.

Day 08- Return journey to Cape Town : Distance for Day: 250 km

Staying along the coastline, we return towards Cape Town . It is a very scenic drive, via many smaller towns along the coastline. These include, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay , Gordon’s Bay and the Strand . Arrive in Cape Town in the mid to late afternoon.

To book this tour, or for more info: Click Here

[Top]

Tour Four: The Wildlife Tour: Garden Route and Private Game Reserve-10 Days Cape Town to PE

Designed for persons who want to visit the Garden Route and a private game reserve.

· Scenic drive to Garden Route .

· Visit to the Cango Caves and a working Ostrich farm in Oudshoorn.

· Steam train trip on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Choo between George and Knysna.

· Exciting ferry trip on the Knysna Estuary, and hiking along the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

· 3-hour tree top canopy tour in the Knysna Forests.

· Spectacular scenes along the Garden Route, including Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikama Forest, The Big Tree and Fern forests, Dolphin Coastline, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Heads and more.

· 2 days and nights at a private game reserve near Port Elizabeth . (Malaria free area)

· Quality meals at some of the most popular south African Restaurants.

· Many other scenic attractions on route.

Tour price per person sharing:

1 person: R 28,000

2 persons: R 18,000

3 persons: R 15,500

4-6 persons: R 14,000

The single supplement is R 2,800

The tour price includes:

All land transportation and transfers.

Services of a registered tourist guide on route.

9 night’s accommodation in carefully selected guesthouses, hotels and lodges.

Game viewing activities at private game reserve.

Daily South African breakfasts and dinners.

All entrance and conservation fees to National Parks.

Entrance fees to all attractions, activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.

The price excludes the cost of any flights, lunches, and beverages at mealtimes, telephone calls, gratuities, laundry services and items of a personal nature.

There is a variety of optional extras along the route which can be added to the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Please Note: Days can be added to the trip to include other places that guests would like to visit.

The trip can also be done in the reverse order, and flights can be arranged to domestic destinations.

During the whale season (August to December), an additional night can be added at Hermanus.

Day 1-Scenic drive towards the Garden Route : Distance for Day: 400

We depart towards the Garden Route . The route is very scenic, and travels through beautiful valleys and little towns and farming communities, before arriving in the coastal town of Mosselbay .

Day 2- The Klein Karoo and its surprises- Distance for Day: 200 km

Day 3- Something different and relaxing: Distance for Day: 50 km

Day 4- Knysna and surrounds: Distance for Day: Nil

Day 5- Scenic Garden Route : Distance for Day: 250 km

Day 6- The Tsitsikama Forest experience: Distance for Day: 50 km

Day 7- Scenic meander towards Lalibele Game Reserve: Distance for Day: 300 km

Enjoy the last scenic views of the Garden Route as we continue along the coastline, via Port Elizabeth to Lalibele Game Reserve. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your hosts, and the wildlife experience begins.

Activities include morning and evening game drives on open vehicles, game walks accompanied by rangers, 3 meals, and more.

Day 8-Lalibele Game Reserve: Distance for Day: Nil

Daily activities at the private game reserve.

Day 9- Lalibele to Port Elizabeth : Distance for Day: 100 km

After the last morning’s game drive, enjoy breakfast. You will again be picked up for the 1 hour drive towards the friendly city of Port Elizabeth . We do a city tour before we check into the First Avenue Guesthouse for the last night on tour. It is situated on the beachfront, and within walking distance to a variety of excellent restaurants. Relax on the beach or at the guesthouse. Farewell dinner is at a well known seafood restaurant in town.

Day 10- Sadly, its all over: Distance for Day: 30 km

Last morning’s breakfast to reflect on the past 9 day’s adventure of the Garden Route . Enjoy the last few hours relaxing before being transferred to the airport for flights to home destinations. Sadly, this is the end of tour, or additional days can be added.

To book this tour, or for more info: Click Here

[Top]

South African Tourism

Kruger Park

Cape Town

Sun City

Golden Gate

Namaqualand

Johannesburg