6 Day Wildlife, Wine and Garden Route
Countries: South Africa
Destinations: Oudtshoorn , Garden Route , Whale Coast
Group Size: 10
Duration (days): 6
Number of Adults: 10
Number of Children: 0
South Africa is well known for its attractions that entice, and the Garden Route, a safari experience and the Cape Winelands are some of the most sought after. The Garden Route, Safari & Winelands package combines the best elements for a journey beyond expectation.
This round trip begins in Cape Town and travels through Barrydale, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, where you will experience local life at a farm school, before enjoying the ‘ostrich feather capital’ Oudtshoorn and Knysna, a verdant paradise. Your safari will be reveled in at a private game reserve that is malaria-free and features the Big Five. The journey concludes with a trip to Hermanus, a whale-watching mecca (in season) and ending in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s City of Oaks, where wine and art create the ambience of a distinguished experience.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oudtshoorn | La Plume Guest House |
| 2 | Garden Route | aha The Rex Hotel |
| 3 | Garden Route | aha The Rex Hotel |
| 4 | Garden Route | Garden Route Game Lodge |
| 5 | Whale Coast | Misty Waves Boutique Hotel |
| 6 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Oudtshoorn
This morning you will be met at your hotel by your representative and depart for the ‘Little Karoo’, travelling via Montagu, a picturesque spa town. Enjoy tea and scones at the only original Art Deco Hotel in South Africa. Stop off in the town of Barrydale, where we will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom, learning more about this rural community. A portion of the trip monies go towards our Barrydale Farm School Development Fund, that support local education of underprivileged children in rural communities. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Enjoy dinner at an Ostrich Farm, dining on local specialities. [Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 418 kms
South Africa
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Oudtshoorn
The ostrich capital of the world is an adventure, culture and environment destination in the Klein Karoo – the unique semi-arid landscape that lies between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges.
Most visitors come to Oudtshoorn to see ostriches and to experience the Cango Caves, but the town itself is a treasure of interesting historical facts and -buildings. The good news is that it will cost the visitor less than an average meal to experience it. Why not spend a day or two just exploring the history of the town?
La Plume Guest House
Nestled amidst lush green grass terraces with vibrant gardens and spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley, La Plume welcome guests to a rejuvenating oasis offering an escape from the busy everyday life and crowded spaces on this sustainable ostrich, alfalfa & cattle farm.
The 1902 Victorian Manor House, located in the centre of the property, is fully accessible for the comfort and enjoyment of guests, housing the front desk, business centre, serviced guest lounge with panoramic view veranda as well as the restaurant, Le Belle Vue.
Experience luxurious accommodation, mouth-watering food and countless activities, all in an idyllic, tranquil and safe environment of the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn.
Day 2 : Garden Route
After breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Return to Oudtshoorn for a fun filled interactive tractor tour and light lunch at an Ostrich Farm, including local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. Our journey continues over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to George, the administrative hub of the Garden Route area and then onto Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Along the way, visit the ‘Map of Africa’, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 204 kms
Garden Route
Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with rugged mountain ranges separating the forested coastline from the harsh, vast landscapes of the Karoo, the Garden Route has a host of enchanting towns, bays and beaches.
It is the ideal location for a family holiday, being simple to self-drive, and allowing pure relaxation.
With 3 main airports servicing the Garden Route, it is easy to access, but once there, it is hard to leave!
aha The Rex Hotel
Knysna is a haven of beaches, forests, lakes and sea, and aha The Rex Hotel is one of this coastal town’s most sophisticated accommodation offerings. A warm welcome and timeless elegance ensure guests enjoy a special experience during their stay at aha The Rex Hotel, as we promise superior service and exceptional comfort time and again.
Located on the world-famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style, making it one of the most exhilarating getaway destinations in its class. Expect an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts that capture the essence of 4-star luxury. The O Bar & Eatery serves Buffet Breakfast daily in a contemporary setting with cuisine that is beautifully presented and prepared using only the freshest ingredients that Knysna has to offer. aha The Rex Hotel offers travellers a gateway to Knysna’s outstanding restaurants, blossoming forests, nature reserves, arts and crafts, and the shores of the serene lagoon.
Day 3 : Garden Route
After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the Tsitsikamma Forests. Explore this breathtaking stretch of the Garden Route, where mountains, indigenous forests, deep gorges, and lush vegetation hug the rugged coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches. Visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). In the afternoon you’ll return to Knysna, with a stop in Plettenberg Bay, originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers.
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free in the forest. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, goes towards ensuring that these already endangered species can survive and reproduce for a future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. There is also an option.
(for own account and subject to availability) to visit the Birds of Eden Sanctuary, the biggest single free flight aviary in the world. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards protecting genetically pure species of various Taxa in a semi-wild state and to hold the seeds of these Taxa for future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Day 4 : Garden Route
After a leisurely breakfast, travel via George and Mossel Bay to Albertinia, a town set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg Mountain Range. En route, enjoy a leisurely walk or swim at Victoria Bay, one of the smallest and most beautiful bays along the Garden Route. Join an afternoon open vehicle game drive, at a malaria free private game reserve, that is home to an abundance of animal and birdlife, including the Big Five. Enjoy a relaxed dinner of safari cuisine, discussing the day’s game viewing. Overnight in the region of Albertinia. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 150 kms
Garden Route Game Lodge
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa’s world famous Garden Route Coast. Only 3½ scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life including the Big 5. Visitors to the Garden Route Game Lodge can enjoy game viewing in open Landrovers, luxury accommodation and a memorable dining experience in one of our African style restaurants.
Day 5 : Whale Coast
Our safari adventure continues with an early morning open vehicle game drive. Our expert guide will endeavour to spoil us with sightings of the ‘Big Five’, general game and prolific bird life. Leaving the bush behind, our journey will take us to the picturesque Cape Dutch town of Swellendam. This charming town was founded in 1745 and is famous for its youngberries, eclectic architecture, and National Parks, as well as outdoor activities. Our journey further continues to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering the best land-based whale watching (August to November) in the world. Dinner at the Heritage Restaurant, one of the oldest fisherman’s cottages in Hermanus, where delectable dishes are created using seasonal, local produce. Overnight in Hermanus. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 370 kms
Whale Coast
The unspoiled Cape Whale Coast is embraced by majestic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. This entire region is celebrated for its abundant whale sightings, especially within the Walker Bay region spanning from Hermanus to Gansbaai. These magnificent creatures venture into the bay for mating and birthing purposes, delighting observers with their captivating displays of breaching antics.
Misty Waves Boutique Hotel
Hermanus Western Cape, South Africa. The impressive boutique hotel is situated in the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world - Hermanus a charming coastal village in The Cape Whale Coast or Overstrand.
Our friendly staff can arrange for our guests excursions to: whale watching, shark cage diving, Quad Biking, Zip-lining, sea kayaking, Garden Route, safaris, wildlife adventures, Cape Town, Table Mountain, V & A Waterfront, Robben Island and more.
Day 6 - Day of Departure
After a leisurely breakfast depart Hermanus and travel to historic Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, absorb the quaintness of this lovely university town before continuing to Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain where the tour ends on arrival. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 150 kms