Garden Route, Safari & Winelands

Summary

Garden Route, Safari & Winelands

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Garden Route, delve into a Private Game Reserve for a wildlife encounter, and explore the captivating Cape Winelands on this unforgettable circular journey. This comprehensive tour encapsulates all the mesmerizing highlights of this stunning region.

This incredible journey combines nature, wildlife, history, and culture, creating lasting memories of South Africa’s Garden Route, Safari, and Winelands.

Full Day by Day Itinerary

Cape Town to Oudtshoorn

Begin your adventure as you depart from Cape Town.
Journey through the scenic ‘Little Karoo,’ passing via Montagu, a charming spa town.
Enjoy a delightful tea and scones break at South Africa’s only original Art Deco Hotel.
Explore Barrydale and have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, connecting with the children and teachers while supporting the Barrydale Farm School Development Fund.
Savor top-quality port-style wines in Calitzdorp.
Reach Oudtshoorn, the famed ‘ostrich feather capital’ and the epicenter of the global ostrich farming industry.
Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Dinner] (Distance traveled today: 418 km)

Oudtshoorn to Knysna

Embark on a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, a geological marvel shaped by millennia.
Return to Oudtshoorn for an interactive tour and a light lunch at an Ostrich Farm, featuring local specialties like Ostrich Steak.
Travel over the picturesque Outeniqua Pass to George, the administrative hub of the Garden Route.
Continue to Knysna, renowned as the “oyster box” of South Africa, nestled by a beautiful lagoon.
En route, visit the extraordinary ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness.
Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch] (Distance traveled today: 204 km)

Saturday – Knysna

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the enchanting Knysna Forests, once home to elusive Knysna elephants.
Uncover stories of woodcutters, the demise of elephants, and the gold rush.
Begin your forest exploration at the Forest Legends Museum, showcasing woodcutters’ tools, the vibrant Old Suzie steam engine, and the historic Old Forester’s House.
Enjoy a delectable lunch before visiting the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial, an 880-year-old Yellowwood tree named after the renowned author.
Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch] (Distance traveled today: 15 km)

Sunday – Knysna to Albertinia

After a leisurely breakfast, journey via George and Mossel Bay to Albertinia, nestled against the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range.
Embark on an afternoon open vehicle game drive in a malaria-free private game reserve, home to the coveted Big Five.
Overnight in the Albertinia region. [Breakfast & Dinner] (Distance traveled today: 150 km)

Monday – Albertinia to Hermanus

Start your day with an early morning open vehicle game drive, guided by experts who aim to treat you to sightings of the “Big Five,” as well as abundant bird and animal life.
Transition from the wilderness to the picturesque Cape Dutch town of Swellendam, established in 1745 and celebrated for its youngberries, diverse architecture, National Parks, and outdoor pursuits.
Continue your journey to Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering world-renowned land-based whale watching opportunities (August to November).
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Hermanus. [Breakfast & Dinner] (Distance traveled today: 370 km)

Tuesday – Hermanus to Cape Town

Following a leisurely breakfast, depart from Hermanus and head to Franschhoek, a captivating village surrounded by breathtaking vineyards.
Uncover the rich history of the French Huguenots and their legacy in the area, including their wine and culinary traditions, during a guided tour through Franschhoek village.
Finally, make your way to Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, beautifully situated at the base of Table Mountain, where your remarkable journey comes to a close. [Breakfast] (Distance traveled today: 180 km)