14 Day Garden Route Experience

Your adventure begins when you touch down at Cape Town International Airport, the gateway to one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A short transfer takes you to your city-center guesthouse, where you can settle in and get a first impression of the vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, you will meet your guide and fellow travelers for a comprehensive trip briefing. The night kicks off with a get-to-know-you dinner (own cost) before resting at the central Bayflowers Guest House.

You will be exploring Cape Town today. Depending on the weather, you will begin by visiting Table Mountain. At more than 1000 meters above sea level, you reach the landmark of the “Mother City” by cable car. You will be treated to an amazing view of Cape Town and the seemingly endless ocean, as well as the Cape Peninsula. You will then be guided by a local guide through the history of the city. Particular attention is paid to District Six, which used to be known for its vibrant multicultural character. District Six was forcibly removed and relocated in townships during the Apartheid years, while its houses were torn down. In addition, you will visit Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Visit the old harbour and be enchanted by its unique charm and bustling activities. A second night will be spent at Bayflowers Guest House.

In the morning, with your bags packed, you set out for Cape Point. You arrive at the Cape of Good Hope after traveling along the pristine coastline. In addition to its rough waters, the Cape of Storms, as it was known among sailors, is also renowned for its remarkable natural beauty. Take in the panoramic views across the vast Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse and various viewing points along the way. From there, you continue the journey towards Simon’s Town. The Boulders Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by granite boulders that is home to African penguins. View the little guys as they waddle along the beach, play in the cold waters, or simply nap. In conclusion of your tour of the Cape Peninsula, your final destination for the day is Stellenbosch, the country’s most important wine region.  Prepare for two nights of tranquility at the charming Cultivar Guest Lodge nestled just outside Stellenbosch. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and unwind after a day of exploration with a delightful dinner at a nearby wine farm (at your own cost) – what a wonderful way to round off an exciting day!

Stellenbosch is one of the oldest cities in South Africa, along with Cape Town. Explore the historical city center with its white Cape Dutch buildings while on a walking tour. Crossing the picturesque Helshoogte Pass, you reach Franschhoek. Discover its small-town appeal with its cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. On a wine tasting tour at an idyllic wine farm nearby, you explore the flavours of local wines. At the nearby restaurant you can enjoy an excellent lunch (at your expense). Finally, you return to Stellenbosch. After another wine tasting, you return to your hotel. Visit one of the excellent restaurants in town for dinner (at own cost). You will stay one more night at the Cultivar Guest Lodge

The day begins with breakfast, followed by a visit to a typical Cape farm located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains. After a short hike, you reach a viewpoint from which you can see all the way to Table Mountain across False Bay. It is possible to see Cape Point on a clear day. Such a sight will leave you breathless. Following your hike, a delightful meal awaits you. You continue along a picturesque coastal road until you arrive at the small town of Hermanus. Enjoy the magnificent ocean views as you stroll along the cliff path during your leisurely afternoon. At Bamboo Guest House, you will be staying for two nights.

In Hermanus and the surrounding area, you can begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Get up close and personal with the monsters of the ocean on a whale-watching boat cruise (optional) during whale season. Take a walk through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve when there are no whales about, and you will discover the fascinating fynbos ecosystem while enjoying panoramic views across Walker Bay.  Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Overberg region. Your knowledgeable guide can take you on a scenic drive along the Rotary Way, offering stunning panoramic views of Hermanus and the verdant Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (“Valley of Heaven and Earth”). This picturesque region boasts numerous award-winning wineries, charming restaurants, and delightful farm stalls, inviting you to savor the local flavors and immerse yourself in the beauty of the South African countryside. Alternatively, relax and unwind on the pristine white sand beaches of Hermanus. In the evening, indulge in a delectable seafood feast at one of the town’s renowned fish restaurants (at your own cost). Conclude your day with another restful night at the charming Bamboo Guest House.

Leaving the coast behind, you will make your way inland today. Swellendam, a small, picturesque town nestled among beautiful landscapes, is your first stop. Visit the Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture on this historical walking tour. After traversing the scenic Tradouw Pass, you will reach the Klein Karoo. Around lunchtime, you arrive in Barrydale – perfect time to stop at a little bistro serving delicious homemade food (at own expense). As you travel along Route 62, you arrive at Oudtshoorn. We will have dinner together at Thabile Lodge, your home for the evening.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure today as you embark on a scenic drive along the renowned Swartberg Pass, one of South Africa’s most breathtaking mountain passes. This iconic pass traverses the majestic Swartberg Mountain range, separating the Little Karoo from the Great Karoo. Prepare for a thrilling journey as the smooth tarmac transitions into a winding dirt road, revealing breathtaking vistas and countless photo opportunities at every turn. Immerse yourself in the unique flora, fauna, and geological wonders of this awe-inspiring region.

Your journey culminates in the charming town of Prince Albert, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore its historic buildings and soak in the warm hospitality of its friendly locals. Browse through quaint shops and art galleries and savor a delightful lunch at one of the town’s charming cafes or restaurants (at your own expense). For the return leg, prepare to be mesmerized by the picturesque Meiringspoort Gorge, a narrow canyon carved by the Groot River amidst the towering Swartberg Mountains. Be awestruck by the sheer cliffs adorned with impressive rock formations as they flank your path. If you’re feeling adventurous, your guide will gladly lead you on a short walk to the captivating Meiringspoort waterfall.

After a scenic drive through the quaint town of De Rust, you’ll return to the welcoming embrace of Thabile Lodge, where another night of tranquility awaits.

In addition to the breeding of ostriches, Oudtshoorn is home to the Cango Caves. You will be able to learn how nature formed these bizarre and fascinating formations over a period of thousands of years when you tour these impressive limestone caves in the morning. A visit to an ostrich farm while in Oudtshoorn is not to be missed. On a guided tour of the farm, the visitor will learn about these large, cursorial birds. You will now make your way to Wilderness, crossing Outeniqua Pass and enjoying beautiful mountain views as you proceed. The remainder of the afternoon may be spent at your leisure. There is direct access to many kilometers of white sandy beaches from your accommodation. Your home for the next two nights will be the Mes Amis Guest House

You will enjoy a morning tour of the stunning Wilderness area of the Garden Route National Park. Explore the Touw River’s clear, calm waters in a canoe. As you reach a landing spot further up the river, you haul your canoes ashore and proceed on foot for about two kilometers. A beautiful waterfall lies at the end of the path. We encourage you to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool if the weather permits. Take some time to admire the serene environment in which you find yourself. The canoe is slowly paddled back to its starting point upon returning to it. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure. You can relax at the Mes Amis Guest House. or enjoy the beautiful Wilderness beach.

Your journey today is to Knysna. You explore this charming town with your guide. The town is located near a lagoon. Hence the name Knysna Heads, which, by the way, are steep sandstone cliffs that separate the tranquil lagoon from the rough ocean waters. Great views of the lagoon, the town, and the Indian Ocean are available from a viewpoint on the easterly cliff. After lunch (at your own expense) you travel to Plettenberg Bay. Following lunch, you begin a hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve, which is situated on a peninsula south of Plett. In addition to wooden planks, sand, and stone, you will also encounter rugged cliffs, deep-blue seas, and seals swimming in the water. You return to your vehicle and drive to Storms River. You will be staying at Tsitsikamma Village Inn.

The Tsitsikamma National Park promises a day of discovery for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. You will experience a refreshing breeze and hear the surf splash against the shoreline as you cross Storms River Mouth on a suspension bridge. You may choose to linger at the viewpoints along the way. Along various hiking trails, you have the opportunity to explore the rugged mountain and coastal landscapes with your guide. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and then embark on the next leg of your journey, driving towards the renowned Addo Elephant National Park via Port Elizabeth. As the afternoon unfolds, you’ll arrive at the welcoming De Old Drift Guest Farm, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance. Perhaps, as you drift off to sleep, you’ll be dreaming of the majestic elephant herds that await you on your exciting safari tomorrow.

You are in for another memorable experience today. Spend the day exploring the Addo Elephant National Park, searching for wildlife in South Africa. A game drive in an open safari vehicle provides an opportunity to experience close proximity to animals. There are many elephant herds residing in the park, often standing side by side at the waterholes. In addition to rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and leopards, you can also see rhinos, lions, and leopards. There are zebras, giraffes, antelopes, birds, and different species of antelopes in this third-largest national park in South Africa. In the afternoon you return to De Old Drift Guest Farm following an exciting day of game viewing. Your guide will prepare a traditional South African braai, a BBQ, over the open fire while you exchange stories from your days in the bush.

Your South African adventure concludes with a leisurely breakfast, savoring the last moments of this incredible journey. Soon, it’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful country. At approximately 11:00 AM, you’ll head to Port Elizabeth Airport, where you’ll say goodbye to this enchanting land, carrying with you a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.