Southern African Tours

5-Day Garden Route + Private Game Reserve (Private

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Cape Town
• Price: From R18994 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cape Town
• Oudtshoorn
• Knysna
• Tsitsikamma NP
• Garden Route GR
• Hermanus

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Nature, Sightseeing

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)

   The Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves & an Ostrich Ranch
   Our journey begins through the Huguenot tunnel. Africa's largest, giving us an insight to the huge obstacle for the first pioneers leaving the Cape for the interior. We then continue with a wine tasting en route in the beautiful Breede valley where the first French Huguenots settled and commenced the wine making industry. We finally arrive at Barrydale on the boundary of the Karoo. This charming town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, where we relax and enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant.
   In the afternoon we travel towards Oudtshoorn on Route 62 via Ladismith and Calitzdorp.
   Upon arrival in Oudtshoorn we visit an ostrich farm and view the famous “feather palaces”
   We arrive at our guesthouse and enjoy a well deserved break whilst watching a Karoo sunset.
   A hearty dinner (optional) at the farm's restaurant awaits you, time now to study the solar system, it's well known that the Karoo offers the best star gazing in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world!

   OVERNIGHT: De Denne

2. DAY 2: Oudtshoorn to Knysna (Garden Route)

   Knysna, Lagoon & Victoria Bay ( optional Meerkat spectacle )
   Early this morning, before sunrise you have the (option) of visiting the original Meerkat conservation site. Meerkats are part of the so-called Shy 5 which also includes the bat-eared fox, the aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf. The meerkat tours last between 2-3 hours and booking is essential.
   After a hearty breakfast back at the Guest house we visit the Cango caves where an knowledgeable and accredited Caves guide will take us on a tour of the caves, a series of underground tunnels and galleries with impressive limestone formations. Thereafter we take the road over the famous “Outeniqua Pass” which leads down to the Garden Route and Knysna
   Arriving on the shores of the Indian Ocean, our next port of call is Victoria Bay, a sandy cove framed by high cliffs and a surfers paradise. Swimming and body surfing perhaps!
   We arrive in Knysna, where you enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the iconic lagoon. A walk around the Waterfront then dinner there (optional) sampling the famous oysters perhaps.

   OVERNIGHT: River Tide Lodge

3. DAY 3: River Tide Lodge to Tsitsikamma National Park (Garden Route)

   Tsitsikamma National Park & the Garden Route
   Before leaving on our journey we admire the view of the “Heads” which is formed by two cliffs creating a narrow passage at the entrance of the lagoon.
   We pass through the ancient indigenous forests which was and possibly still is, home to the last of the forest elephants.
   Next is Nature's Valley, a haven amongst the forest with beautiful beaches. This area is one of South Africa's best kept secrets, boasting exceptional hiking trails and superb dramatic coastal scenery. Time permitting.
   At the Tsitsikamma National Park where we will walk amongst huge Yellow wood trees and cross the Storms River mouth via a suspension bridge…beautiful scenery and thrills guaranteed.
   Lunch overlooking the mighty Indian Ocean.
   The Bloukrans Bridge offers the world's highest bungee jump. Partake of this thrilling adventure or watch mesmerized!
   Next we pass through Plettenberg Bay, a small chic tourist town with lagoons and great beaches.
   We return to Knysna, dinner (optional) at a restaurant of our choice.

   OVERNIGHT: River Tide Lodge

4. DAY 4: River Tide Lodge to Garden Route Game Reserve (Garden Route)

   Big 5 Private Game Reserve & Safaris
   After breakfast we head along the garden route passing through fresh water lake systems and ancient vegetated sand dunes, stopping for a spectacular panoramic view over the Kaaiman's river and Wilderness. We head to Mossel Bay (Bay of mussels) and explore caves where the Xhoisan (Strandloper) sheltered in these middens and lived almost uniquely on the abundant marine life along the coast. We visit the Bartholomeus Diaz museum complex. Bartholomeus Diaz landed here 1488 and started the first nautical “post office” system.
   Continuing south we reach our private game reserve, the Garden Route Game Lodge, and after refreshing up set off on a 4×4 safari with a professional ranger departing in the afternoon returning in the evening after sunset.
   A complementary aperitif and snacks awaits you. Try our Biltong it's a must!
   Dinner is a delicious South African buffet.
   Lodge accommodation.

   OVERNIGHT: Garden Route Game Lodge

5. DAY 5: Garden Route Game Lodge to Hermanus

   Whales (in season) to Africa's largest penguin colony via the picturesque Southern Cape
   Early start for a 3 hour sunrise safari sighting animals that perhaps you didn't see the day before.
   A full Breakfast and back on the road to Cape Town through the rolling wheat fields of the Overberg to Hermanus. This area is renowned for being the best land based whale watching destination in the world. NB: season is generally from June to December.
   We then continue to Stoney Point visiting Africa's larger and lesser known penguin colony.
   And finally the last stretch of our journey is via Clarence Drive, a spectacularly scenic route, climbing around cliffs and hugging the wild turquoise Cape coastline where the the sea is treacherous. We enjoy an ocean sunset.
   The day ends in Cape Town and sadly we say goodbye at your hotel.
   PS: Whilst in Cape Town all optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

   TOUR ENDS

Note

lunch and dinner