Magnificent Garden Route Escorted Tour - 3 nights / 4 days
Cape Town
Explore the spectacular Garden Route on this 4 day escorted tour. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass with its magnificent views and visit the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. Visit historic Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa and Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the
spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. Enjoy wine tasting at a local wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley. Travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George and on to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Take in a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting) and enjoy a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon before ending in Port Elizabeth (now known locally as Gqeberha!)
Highlights
- Visit Dassiesfontein, a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
- Visit to Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
- Visit to Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, and known as the Cradle of Human Culture
- Guided tour of the Cango Caves, a wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, guided tour of an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
- Lagoon cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
- Day 1 - Cape Town - Mossel Bay
- Day 2 - Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn
- Day 3 - Oudtshoorn - Knysna
- Day 4 - Knysna - Port Elizabeth
- Additional Information
This morning you will be met by your local tour guide and depart for the scenic Garden Route. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass, with its magnificent views, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop en route at a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the area. Our journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa. After this thrilling experience, we continue via historic Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, to Mossel Bay, from where the Garden Route extends to the Storms River in the east.
Overnight in Mossel Bay at the 3* Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar.
Distance travelled today: 507 kms
Meals Included: RoDiaz Beach Hotel & Resort
The Diaz Hotel & Resort welcomes you to the pristine seashore of Mossel Bay's renowned Diaz Beach, right in the heart of the picturesque and famous Garden Route. The hotel is located only 10m from the high-water mark and offers spectacular ocean views from every window and balcony.
After breakfast, visit the Cape St Blaize Cave, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, known as the Cradle of Human Culture. We continue our journey to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. Visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, before setting off on a tour of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages.Overnight in Oudtshoorn with dinner at your boutique guest house, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak.
Overnight at 4* La Plume Guest House or similar
Distance travelled today: 155 kms
Meals Included: Half BoardLa Plume Guest House
Nestled amidst lush green grass terraces with vibrant gardens and spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley, La Plume welcome guests to a rejuvenating oasis offering an escape from the busy everyday life and crowded spaces on this sustainable ostrich, alfalfa & cattle farm.
After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for a sumptuous lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon, alternatively enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve. Overnight in Knysna.
Overnight at the 4* aha Rex Hotel or similar.
Distance travelled today: 134 kms
Meals Included: Half Boardaha The Rex Hotel
Knysna is a haven of beaches, forests, lakes and sea, and aha The Rex Hotel is one of this coastal town’s most sophisticated accommodation offerings. A warm welcome and timeless elegance ensure guests enjoy a special experience during their stay at aha The Rex Hotel, as we promise superior service and exceptional comfort time and again.Located on the world-famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style, making it one of the most exhilarating getaway destinations in its class. Expect an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts that capture the essence of 4-star luxury. The O Bar & Eatery serves Buffet Breakfast daily in a contemporary setting with cuisine that is beautifully presented and prepared using only the freshest ingredients that Knysna has to offer. aha The Rex Hotel offers travellers a gateway to Knysna’s outstanding restaurants, blossoming forests, nature reserves, arts and crafts, and the shores of the serene lagoon.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred (unescorted, driver only) to Port Elizabeth. You’ll head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Port Elizabeth, affectionately known as the “friendly city”. The tour ends on arrival in Port Elizabeth. Guests may disembark, on request, at Port Elizabeth Airport.
Distance travelled today: 274 kms
Meals Included: BreakfastMinimum 2 guests / Maximum 18 guests.
Tour Includes:
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner,
accommodation, porterage and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, english speaking tour guide and sightseeing as specified.
Tour departs on selected Mondays.
Departure Dates in 2022:-
Sep 12, 19, 26.
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.
Nov 7, 14, 21, 28.
Dec 5, 12.
Departure Dates in 2023:-
Jan 2, 6, 30.
Feb 6, 13, 20, 27.
Mar 6, 13, 20, 27.
Apr 3, 10.
May 1, 22.
Jun 12.
Jul 3, 17.
Aug 7, 21, 28.
Sep 11, 18, 25.
Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27.
Dec 4.
Please note: one suitcase and one overnight bag is allowed per person.