Garden Route & The Cape

You set off to Knysna after breakfast. Together with your guide, you will explore this charming town nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. Two impressive sea cliffs, the Knysna Heads, guard the entrance to the tranquil lagoon from the surging ocean. A view point on the East Head offers you panoramic vistas of Knysna, its lagoon and the Indian Ocean. You then continue your journey and drive via Nature’s Valley to the Tsistikamma National Park.

Whether you choose to hike along the first leg of the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, or cross the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge – spectacular views are guaranteed! Enjoy the impressive panorama of the precipitous coastline and the strong contrast of the vivid green land with the deep blue sea. In the late afternoon, you will finally reach the At the Woods Guest House.

After a hearty breakfast, you leave the coast behind. You drive on the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, arriving around midday. In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Cango Caves. Parts of this extensive cave system were inhabited by the San more than 10,000 years ago. Today, you can discover the caves on different tours and admire the towering dripstone formations.

Spending the morning in Oudtshoorn, you'll see why it is famous for ostrich farming. During a farm tour in the morning, you will learn interesting details about these huge birds as well as the trade of ostrich products.

Afterward, you continue through beautiful landscapes to Hermanus, located on the so-called Cape Whale Coast. Between the months of June and November, Hermanus is world-renowned for incredible whale-watching opportunities. But even outside of whale season, this quaint former fishing village is well worth a visit. You will spend the night at the Nantucket Guest House.

Spend the morning in Hermanus. During whale season, take a walk along the Cliff Path in the morning. The views of Walker Bay are truly amazing and the cliffs offer the perfect spot to watch the gentle giants from land. Depending on the swell, you can alternatively choose to go on a whale-watching boat trip to get even closer to these incredible creatures (optional).

You then make your way to South Africa’s most famous wine region around Stellenbosch. Travelling along the picturesque coast, you will stop en route to visit a colony of African Penguins. Here you will have the chance to observe these little fellows as they go about their daily activities. Arriving in Stellenbosch, you first explore this lovely town before heading to a beautifully located wine farm. During a wine tasting you can enjoy their best wines which have matured beautifully. In the evening, you dine at a fine restaurant (optional). Your home for tonight is the historical Oude Werf Hotel.

Today starts with a visit to a typical Cape farm which is idyllically located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. After the past days of long driving, this is your chance to be more active. Take a walk to a viewpoint to enjoy splendid views over the entire False Bay to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you might even see Cape Point in the far distance. At lunchtime, you need to get ready to be surprised! After lunch, you make your way along the scenic coastline to the Cape Peninsula.

The quiet and quaint village of Noordhoek is renowned for its miles of sandy beach, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Cape. Strolling along the beach is a must!

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. Back in the day, the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering above the stormy sea were the sailors’ first sight of land after their long journey from Europe. Take in the panoramic views from the famous viewing platform around the base of the old lighthouse at Cape Point and feel the wind in your hair. In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the centre of Cape Town. Having a remarkable journey behind you, it’s time to say goodbye. See you again soon in South Africa!