Overview
Enjoy a spectacular Garden Route Road Trip from Cape Town, through exotic desert Karoo landscapes and picturesque coastal towns from whales in Hermanus bay to indigenous forests in Plettenberg Bay. Take your hired car on an independent self-drive adventure along this famous stretch of forested coastline stretching less than 300km from Mossel Bay in the west to just beyond Plettenberg Bay. Wildlife encounters at several big-name game reserves along the way, birds galore and a paradise whale and dolphin watching too. Surfing, skiing, river canoeing and boating galore!
Destinations visited
Included
DURATION 7 NIGHTS
CAN BE EXTENDED
STARTS FROM Cape Town, South Africa
ENDS AT Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
1 NIGHT, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Your first stop is Hermanus and the renowned Whale Route! Land at Cape Town International Airport, get your arranged hired car and embark on a journey you will never forget. Watch whales from spectacular cliffs, stroll along the whale-watching boardwalk and stop for a drink at one of many restaurants and bars. Go hiking in one of the many nature reserves and look out for South Africa’s national bird, the Blue Crane. Abalone Lodge features 9 luxury suites with private bathrooms and private patios with unsurpassed views of the mountains and sea.
Day 2
1 NIGHT, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Onward scenic drive to the haven of Swellendam where great wines are created and statuesque mountains gaze over the charming Overberg. Rolling vineyards, lush forests, gently flowing rivers and original Cape Dutch-style country residences. Explore the fantastic restaurants and sample excellent traditional South African cuisine. Hiking is a must-do in the majestic Langeberg Mountains – Marloth Nature Reserve and Bontebok National Park boast Bontebok, tortoises, Blue Cranes and stunning preserved vegetation. De Hoop Nature Reserve and Cape Agulhas offer long white beaches, and a huge lighthouse marking the southernmost tip of Africa.
Days 3 – 4
2 NIGHTS, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Awaken early on for an energizing walk in the nature reserve mountains then appreciate your fulfilling Cape breakfast before you set off towards Oudtshoorn. Meander along the famous South African Route 62 for about 3 hours, via breath-taking Karoo vistas and charming country towns. Admire extraordinary mountain passes where things are very dry and hot and water is scarce. Surrounded by gorgeous rose gardens, Rosenhof Country House offers 5-star accommodation in Oudtshoorn, a prudently restored Victorian house, dating as far back as 1852. Stay in an air-conditioned room open to a patio leading into the rose garden.
Days 5 – 6
2 NIGHTS, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
Start with an excursion to Oudtshoorn then end at the magnificent coastal town of Knysna. Explore a true Karoo ostrich farm or the wonders of the famous Cango Caves. Then drive over the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna. Enjoy sightseeing at the Knysna Heads Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma Forest and the popular Knysna Lagoon and Estuary. Visit Monkeyland, experience the Outeniqua Train, zip through forests on the amazing canopy tour and go kayaking on still waters. The award-winning Kanonkop Guest House is beautifully positioned at the top of Kanonkop Hill in a private indigenous forest, overlooking the iconic Knysna Lagoon, Knysna Heads and Indian Ocean.
Day 7
1 NIGHT, BED AND BREAKFAST BASIS
There is so much to do in Plettenberg Bay, your next captivating spot. Your plush hotel, the Plettenberg, features unforgettable views of Lookout Beach. Explore The Crags, discover Monkeyland, visit The Elephant Sanctuary the Birds of Eden is next – stroll in the world’s largest outdoor aviary and then enjoy the Snake Park, in stark contrast! As you drive further from Plettenberg Bay, you arrive at the famous Storms River bridge and the world’s highest bungee jump. Marvel at the splendid, lush forests of the Tsitsikamma region.
Day 8
After breakfast, you will get ready to vacate your room. You will be assisted with your luggage to your vehicle for your drive back to the airport and drop off your rental car.
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