Southern African Tours

5 - Day Comprehensive Garden Route & Safari (Private Tour)

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 R13999 per person

Tour Highlights

• Hermanus
• Agulhas National Park
• Knysna
• Mossel Bay
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Cango Caves
• Breeede River Valley
• Bungee Jump at Bloukrans

Suitable for those interested in Adventure, Nature, Sightseeing, Walking, Whale Watching, Wildlife

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to Cape Agulhas

   Cape Agulhas (southernmost tip of africa), Hermanus, Penguins & Whales
   
   We leave Cape Town and head for the spectacular Clarence Drive on our way to Betty’s bay where we visit Africa’s largest penguin colony.
   
   Next is the charming town of Hermanus known for the world’s best land based whale watching spot between the months June to December. A walk along the cliff path shall allow you plenty opportunity to spot these beautiful creatures.
   Our journey continues along the Southern Cape Coast with a stop in Elim, a 19th century Moravian Missionary village, here we find quaint cottages with thatched roofs.
   
   We continue to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the continent where the two oceans meet. Renowned for its ancient Khoisan fish traps and quaint white washed fisherman cottages where each morning the local fisherman set out early to fish with hand line or trek-nets just as their forefathers have done.
   Fresh fish for dinner perhaps!
   
   Meals & Drinks:
   ● Meals at own expense
   ● Non-alcoholic drinks
   

   OVERNIGHT: South Point

2. DAY 2: Cape Agulhas to Mossel Bay

   Mossel Bay, Big 5 Safari & Victoria Bay on the Garden Route
   
   This morning we enter the Agulhas National Park to visit the southernmost point of the continent where the two oceans meet. If you’re feeling fit enough you can make your way up the 71 steps to the top of the lighthouse, while this sounds rather far the view from the top is breathtaking and well worth it. Time permitting you can visit the Dias museum in Mossel bay and then visit an ancient Khoisan midden/cave. Picnic on the rocks perhaps!
   
   Thereafter you make your way to Botlierskop, a world renowned private game reserve on the Garden Route, for your 3 hour afternoon game drive lead by a superb safari ranger, where you encounter Africa's large mammals and more.
   At around 6 pm you arrive in Victoria Bay, a special find - small, beautiful beach, almost hidden between George and Wilderness. The beach has a safe bathing area, also close to beautiful areas where there are walks and trails. Victoria Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the vicinity for bathing, and a top spot for surfers.
   
   Meals & Drinks:
   ● Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
   ● Non-alcoholic drinks

   OVERNIGHT: Pier Plesier Guest House

3. DAY 3: Mossel Bay to Knysna

   Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna Lagoon
   
   After a hearty breakfast and perhaps a swim in the Indian Ocean, we head along the Garden Route to the Tsitsikamma National Park, passing through the towns of the Wilderness & Knysna situated in the lake district. On arrival at the Tsitsikamma National Park we take a wonderful walk with viewing points for photo ops of the wild and rocky coast, crossing the well known Storms river swing bridge. See the giant Yellowwood trees there since biblical times. On our way to Knysna you can participate or just watch the adrenaline junkies bungy jumping off the Bloukrans bridge. The worlds highest commercial bungee bridge. We continue to Knysna, before checking in, we view the the beautiful coastline and the breathtaking views of the famous lagoon from the top of the Heads.
   
   As night fall arrives we visit the Knysna waterfront with its many restaurants (sample the famous Knysna oyster perhaps).
   
   Meals & Drinks:
   ● Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
   ● Non-alcoholic drinks

   OVERNIGHT: River Tide Lodge

4. DAY 4: Knysna to Oudtshoorn

   Garden Route, Outeniqua Pass & Oudtshoorn in the Karoo.
   
   Today you start your journey driving south along the Garden Route, then over the Outeniqua pass on your way to the Karoo, stopping at various points of interests with panoramic views over the mountain range and Indian Ocean. The semi - desert Karoo is renowned for its spectacular arid landscapes, fossil finds, succulent desert plants and of course as the Ostrich Capital of the world. This afternoon an experienced and accredited Caves guide will take you on a tour of the “Cango Caves”, a series of huge underground tunnels and galleries with impressive limestone formations. (choose between a standard or adventure tour)
   
   We arrive at your wonderful Ostrich guest farm and enjoy a well deserved break whilst watching a Karoo sunset.
   
   A hearty 3 course home cooked dinner at the farm's restaurant awaits, Ostrich steak perhaps! 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!
   
   Meals & Drinks:
   ● Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
   ● Non-alcoholic drinks

   OVERNIGHT: De Denne

5. DAY 5: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town

   Ostrich Ranch, Route 62 & the Breede River Valley (optional Meerkat spectacle)
   
   At sunrise this morning you have the opportunity (optional) to see the Meerkat spectacle (highly recommended). After breakfast, if we didn't have time yesterday, we shall visit the world’s oldest working Ostrich farm for a tour.
   
   Onto Route 62 with Barrydale as a convenient lunch stop with various interesting boutique curio shops.
   
   We continue to Montagu along the famous Route 62 with amazing landscapes, mountains and picturesque villages with historical homesteads.
   
   Following the Breede River valley wine route you pass the towns of Robertson and Worcester.
   Time for a wine tasting on the banks of the Breede river at Viljoensdrift wine farm.
   Driving through the Huguenot tunnel, Africa’s largest, gives you an insight into the huge obstacle for the first pioneers leaving the Cape for the interior.
   
   Passing through Paarl, which takes its name from the granite domes situated in the Berg River Valley, founded by the French Huguenots.
   Finally at around 18:00 you reach your destination, Cape Town.
   
   Meals & Drinks:
   ● Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
   ● Non-alcoholic drinks

   TOUR ENDS

Note

Lunch and dinner not included