GARDEN ROUTE
HIGHLIGHTS
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14 DAYS
South Africa
This itinerary includes all the highlights of the Garden Route, and while this is a popular tourist “route”, we have carefully chosen accommodation options and locations that are private and intimate, so you never feel like you’re a part of the herd! Enjoy everything from Cape Town’s city sights and exceptional wine-tasting to world class beaches, unforgettable hikes, and phenomenal scenery. Not to mention getting up close and personal to the elephants of Addo!
This is simply an example itinerary that can be tweaked and changed to suit your needs. This is also why we don’t put prices on our itineraries – we specialize in tailor-making our trips for each individual client. If you like the sound of this itinerary, then send us a direct email enquiry, or fill out the detailed enquiry form below.
TIP
There is so much to do and see on the Garden Route, and often we find travellers try to fit everything in, instead of picking and choosing what locations and experiences really suit them. The good news is that we’re here to help! Don’t feel the pressure to visit Hermanus or Knysna just because you’ve read that they are “must see” destinations. There are other smaller, more intimate and less “touristy” towns and destinations to visit or stay in, so just let us know exactly what type of experience you’re after, and we’ll gladly assist!
GET EXCITED
ABOUT
Cape Town’s dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Whale watching (seasonal).
Phenomenal views on the Swartberg Pass.
Knysna’s Buffels Beach.
Lord-of-the-Rings-type forests in Tsitsikamma National Park.
Addo’s famous elephant herds.
IN A NUTSHELL
DAY 1-3 – Cape Town
DAY 4-5 – Hermanus
DAY 6-7 – Oudtshoorn
DAY 8-10 – Knysna
DAY 11-12 – Tsitisikamma
DAY 13-14 – Addo Elephant Park
DAY 15 – Walmer Airport, Port Elizabeth
THE DETAILS
14 Days (not including end travel day)
DAY 1-3: Cape Town
Cape Town has so much on offer, so deciding what to leave out can be tricky! Go on a breathtaking Peninsula tour with a private guide – visit small seaside towns, Africa’s only penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach, see Cape Point, and stop for a fantastic seafood lunch in Hout Bay. Visit Robben Island, go up Table Mountain, or just enjoy the sights, beaches and restaurants of Cape Town as you wish.
DAY 4-5: Hermanus
(whale-watching season July – November)
Your private transfer will collect you after breakfast and take you on a scenic drive to Hermanus via the Stellenbosch winelands, where you’ll enjoy a tailor-made wine-tasting tour to suit your palate; followed by a delicious lunch at an historic wine farm.
Check into your boutique guest house in Hermanus and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming seaside town. Go on a whale-watching tour via boat or kayak, hike in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, or go on a wine-tasting tour of the exceptional Hemel-en-Aarde Valley vineyards; or simply while away the time in a quaint coffee shop with a view of the ocean.
DAY 6-7: Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, travel along the charming “Route 62” through vineyards, fruit farms and small Karoo towns. Stop for lunch at Barrydale and arrive at your charming boutique guest house in Oudtshoorn in the early afternoon.
Spend your time here relaxing in the beautiful gardens; visit an ostrich farm, and a tour of the Cango Caves is a must. There is also mountain biking, star-gazing tours and visits to wildlife sanctuaries on offer.
DAY 8-10: Knysna
via The Swartberg Pass
After breakfast, travel over the Swartberg Pass towards Prince Albert. This is considered one of the most impressive mountain passes in the world – an untarred road that winds to the summit over 5000 feet above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn – built by “road gangs” (convicts) in the 1800s.
Enjoy lunch in the charming town of Prince Albert before continuing to Knysna through the beautiful sheer cliffs of the Meiringspoort Pass. Arrive at your boutique guest house in Knysna in the late afternoon.
Explore the many trails in Knysna’s surrounding indigenous forest with the chance of seeing the elusive Knysna elephants; go up the estuary on a guided boat trip; visit the Knysna “Big Tree” – a short trail leading to Knysna’s largest Yellowwood tree; enjoy some relaxing beach time on the blue-flag rated Buffels Bay; or simply stroll around the vibey town center and enjoy a great seafood lunch!
DAY 11-12: Tsitsikamma
Travel along the coast to the stunningly-beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Spend the rest of the day exploring the forests around your guest house or go straight to Storm’s River Mouth for a hike along one of their many breathtaking rugged-coastline trails.
Relax and soak up the beauty of this pristine coastal habitat – go on a birding walk, or kayak up the Storm’s River mouth for a bit of adventure. You can also bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge if you’re that way inclined! This magical part of South Africa is an unspoiled wilderness that shouldn’t be rushed, or missed!
DAY 13-14: Addo Elephant Park
After breakfast, set off towards Addo Elephant Park, which lies deep within the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. This finely-tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
Stay outside the Park in a wonderful, boutique guest house and enjoy game drives into the Park each day. Or stay further afield in the beautiful Zeerberg Mountains with spectacular views and utter peace and tranquility.
DAY 15: Walmer Airport, Port Elizabeth
Enjoy a morning game drive and delicious breakfast before you make your way to Port Elizabeth airport for your onward flight. Or extend your trip and visit Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, or Mozambique!
WHAT NOW?
If you’re interested in this itinerary, then please help us tailor-make it for you by checking the specific details below. This will help us create your perfect adventure. If you’d like to fill out a generic Safari Builder enquiry form, then please click here, and we’ll plan your safari from scratch!
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