TourCode : TISD 41
Departures : Wednesdays
Sea Point Hotels:  ± 07h30 / Waterfront Hotels:  ± 08h00 /City Hotels:  ± 08h15
Participants : 2 – 14 per vehicle
Accommodation : 4 star hotels
Vehicle : luxury sedan or minibus
Languages : bilingual – English & German

Includes;
Meals: 3 Breakfasts; 1 Dinner
Entrance Fees:   Conservation Fee for Garden route National Park (Storms River; Cango Caves; Ostrich Farm
Excursions: Sunset Knysna Oyster Cruise; Ocean Safari; Township tour, olive farm tour and tasting
Accommodation : Day 1:   Surval Boutique Olive Estate – DBB
Days 2 & 3 : Protea Hotel Knysna Quays – B&B

Itinerary    

Day 1 : Wednesday : Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via Route 62 (± 420km)

This morning you will head east via Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn, a picturesque route that encompasses the contrasting regions of the Western and Eastern Cape. Enjoy lunch (own account) en route and the gorgeous views of the Tradouw Valley followed by a traditional Mampoer tasting (own account). We make our way to an ostrich farm in the Cango Valley. Take a tour of the farm and be introduced to the large, flightless and exotic ostrich. For the daring, enjoy an optional ostrich ride.

Once at the lodge freshen up and enjoy some leisure time, or participate in an optional game drive (own account). Enjoy a dinner of local fare in this quaint setting.

Day 2 : Thursday : Oudtshoorn to Knysna via Wilderness (± 125km)

After breakfast guests enjoy a tour to an olive farm.  A tasting, paired with Protea Rose of juice, is offered in the orchard.

The tour visits the Cango Caves, a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains before making our way over the Outeniqua Pass. Our next scenic stop is in Wilderness. Enjoy photo opportunities and unspoilt views at Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting) before we continue on our journey to Knysna.

On arrival, check into your hotel before embarking on a Sunset Knysna Oyster Cruise (weather permitting), an informative and interactive cruise introducing you to the wild Knysna oyster. Dinner is enjoyed at one of the many restaurants on the Knysna estuary (own account)

Day 3 : Friday : Knysna to Plettenberg Bay and return (± 60km)

After breakfast we make our way to Plettenberg Bay. From Lookout Beach you will be taken on an Ocean Safari (weather permitting) dedicated to observation and conservation and allowing for extensive whale, dolphin and seal watching.

Following lunch (own account), we take a guided tour of the Qolweni Township, school and crèche. This is a community enrichment programme that sees the proceeds of these tours going into the education of the young children of Qolweni. Guests are welcome to donate pencils, books and other stationery. Enjoy some time at leisure to either relax or explore the village of Knysna. In the early evening we make our way to the Knysna Waterfront for dinner (own account) at one of the numerous restaurants.

Day 4 : Saturday : Knysna to Port Elizabeth via Tsitsikamma Forest (± 285km)

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we head east towards Port Elizabeth via Storm’s River and the beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest.

The Garden Route is a gorgeous coastal area featuring lush forests, blue ocean waters and rugged mountain peaks.  It was named for its ecologically vast indigenous fynbos and other plant species.

Our first stop brings us to the Storms River. Take in the dramatic sights on the suspension bridge of the Storms River Mouth.

Enjoy lunch (own account) in the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest where the Knysna elephant once roamed freely.
This forest is home to centuries old trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkhout and Ironwood.

Arrive at Port Elizabeth in the late afternoon where you will be dropped off at your Port Elizabeth hotel.

Garden Route Map