Garden Route Odyssey

Summary

Embark on a Journey through the Enchanting Garden Route

Indulge in the scenic marvels of the Garden Route as you traverse through breathtaking landscapes, discovering quaint villages hidden in the heart of Klein Karoo and charming towns along the way. Your adventure begins in Cape Town, where you’ll venture through Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost tip of Africa, before heading to Oudtshoorn. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic wonders like the mystical Cango Caves and an operational ostrich farm, all while crossing the picturesque Outeniqua Pass. The voyage continues as you make your way to the captivating Tsitsikamma National Park, where indigenous forests and rugged coastlines await your exploration.

Highlights

Garden Route Odyssey Highlights:

Dassiesfontein Farmstall: Explore Dassiesfontein, a charming farmstall brimming with locally crafted products from the Overberg region.
Cape Agulhas: Venture to Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge, marking the southernmost tip of Africa.
Cape St Blaize Cave: Uncover the Cradle of Human Culture at Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay, one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavation sites.
Cango Caves: Embark on a guided tour of the breathtaking Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, a natural wonder sculpted by time.
Schoemanshoek Valley Wine Tasting: Savor the flavors of the region with a wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, just outside Oudtshoorn.
Ostrich Farm: Get up close with these magnificent birds on a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn.
Knysna Forests: Immerse yourself in the mythical Knysna Forests, where legends of woodcutters, elephants, steam trains, and gold miners come to life.
Monkeyland & Birds of Eden: Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and Birds of Eden Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.
Bloukrans Bridge: Experience an adrenaline rush at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest single-span arch bridge and home to the world’s highest bridge bungy.
Tsitsikamma National Park: Explore Tsitsikamma National Park, boasting rocky coastlines, deep river gorges, and stunning sea views at Storms River Mouth.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Enjoy carefully selected experiences that positively impact both travelers and the communities you visit.

These highlights promise an unforgettable journey filled with natural wonders, cultural discoveries, and meaningful interactions along the Garden Route.

Full Day by Day Itinerary

Monday – Cape Town – Cape Agulhas – Mossel Bay

Your journey commences as you are greeted by your local tour guide, departing for the scenic Garden Route. Traverse Sir Lowry’s Pass, offering breathtaking views, and pass through Grabouw and Elgin, nestled amidst majestic mountains. En route, take a pause at a charming farmstall adorned with locally crafted products. The adventure continues to Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge at the southernmost tip of Africa. Here, the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse stands as a symbol of this remarkable meeting point. Following this thrilling experience, your route leads you through the historical town of Swellendam, the third oldest in South Africa, ultimately arriving in Mossel Bay, the gateway to the Garden Route. Your overnight stay awaits in this coastal gem. (Distance traveled today: 507 km)

Tuesday – Mossel Bay – Oudtshoorn

After a hearty breakfast, you journey to Oudtshoorn, home to the renowned Cape St Blaize Cave, an archaeological site often referred to as the Cradle of Human Culture. Your adventure continues as you explore the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, where you’ll marvel at the breathtaking limestone caverns of the Cango Caves and embark on a guided tour of an ostrich farm. Your day is enhanced with a wine tasting session at a local estate nestled in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley. Finally, delve into the mesmerizing Cango Caves, a natural wonder sculpted by the hands of time. Your night unfolds in Oudtshoorn. (Distance traveled today: 155 km)

Wednesday – Oudtshoorn – Knysna

Following breakfast, traverse the scenic Outeniqua Pass to George, South Africa’s sixth oldest town, graced with historical landmarks such as the Slave Tree and the King Edward VII Library building, a masterpiece of Edwardian architecture. Your journey continues via Wilderness, a charming holiday resort, leading you to Knysna, known as the “oyster box” of South Africa, nestled along the picturesque lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Explore the mystical Knysna Forests, once the realm of the elusive Knysna elephants. Uncover the tales of the forest’s woodcutters, the tragic extinction of the elephants, and the discovery of gold. Visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial, named after the renowned author who penned four books about the Knysna Forest. Your day culminates with a delectable lunch before returning to Knysna for the night. (Distance traveled today: 134 km)

Thursday – Knysna

Today, you have the opportunity to further immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Knysna. Begin your day with a visit to the Forest Legends Museum, where you’ll encounter tools and household items used by woodcutters, the vibrant Old Suzie steam engine that powered the area, and the elegant Old Forester’s House, once the home of forest manager David Ernest Hutchins. Your journey continues with a visit to the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, a haven for a variety of primates living freely in the forest. This award-winning sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating and liberating previously caged primates, contributing to the preservation of endangered species. A portion of your tour price supports this noble cause, aligning with UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Later, venture to the famous Eastern Head, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Knysna Heads, weather permitting. Conclude your day with a visit to Brenton on Sea, a picturesque coastal haven. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to savor. Rest for the night in Knysna. (Distance traveled today: 110 km)

Friday – Knysna – Tsitsikamma

Your journey continues to Plettenberg Bay, renowned as the jewel of the Garden Route. Explore the Birds of Eden sanctuary, the largest single free-flight aviary worldwide. This sanctuary was established to provide a secure habitat for the release of numerous free-flight African birds. Your visit directly supports the preservation of genetically pure bird species and the safeguarding of their seeds for future reintroduction into the wild, aligned with UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The adventure then takes you to Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest single-span arch bridge and the highest commercially operated bungee jump on Earth. Finally, visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth, weather permitting, and immerse yourself in its 80 kilometers of rocky coastline, secluded valleys adorned with mountain Fynbos, and temperate high forests cascading into deep river gorges leading to the sea. Rest for the night in the Tsitsikamma area. (Distance traveled today: 100 km)

Saturday – Tsitsikamma – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Embark on an eastward journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, leading you to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), affectionately known as the “friendly city.” Enjoy a city orientation tour upon arrival, marking the conclusion of your adventure around 13h00. Should you wish, you have the option to disembark at Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport. (Distance traveled today: 185 km)