Garden Route – 7 Day Cape, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Storms River, Addo Elephant Game Reserve

With it’s  beautiful stretches of coastline contrasting with  rugged  mountains , tall indigenous forests, lakes and rivers this region is a study in contrasts and certainly lives up to its name  “the Garden Route “

The Garden Route stretches along the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest, Storms River and Addo Elephant Game Reserve . Along the way there are many kinds of adventure activities available from Great White shark cage diving to Sky Diving to Bungee  jumping ( the highest in the world at 216 meters!) and  walks in the forests with elephants. A photographer’s dream this tour will not disappoint. For the less adventurous the scenery and wild life is enough for a lifetime of memories!

Day One
Cape Town – Oudtshoorn 420km

We depart Cape Town/Stellenbosch at around 9:30 am and head for the beautiful, scenic Sir Lowry's  Mountain Pass stopping as we crest the pass to photograph the stunning views over the valley below.  We follow the N2 passing through small villages that were once considered  " frontier towns" and where traders once mingled with the Khoisan bartering and trading their wares. At Swellendam (once the last outpost of Dutch civilization ) we head inland through the Langeberg Mountains via the Tradouw Pass that connects the coast with the Karoo        ( place of Thirst )

The scenery changes from small quaint villages, farmlands rolling with wheat to semi-desert as we travel through the Little Karoo to our destination at Oudtshoorn where we arrive late in the afternoon. Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich capital of the world and is also famous for the Cango Caves with its dramatic Stalactites and Stalagmites sure to impress!

The Route  :  Cape Town-Caledon-Swellendam-Barrydale-Calitsdorp-Oudtshoorn

•     Hottentot-Holland Mountain Pass
•     Houw Hoek Mountain Pass
•     Swellendam
•     Tradouw Mountain Pass
•     Barrydale
•     Huisrivier Pass

Accommodation: Berluda farmhouse and cottages 4*
               

Day Two
Oudtshoorn-Knysna 150km

Awaken to the sound of a working farm and fresh  Karoo air! After a hearty breakfast we head for the world famous Cango Caves to marvel at the subterranean wonder on a guided tour lasting over an hour. Thereafter we head for the Cango Ostrich show farm for a guided tour

We leave Oudtshoorn and head for the coast stopping along the way to have lunch in a farm setting .  After lunch we  drive   through  the Outeniqua Mountain pass and down to the beautiful town of  Knysna , famous for its tidal lagoon, natural forests and also known as  South Africa’s ‘oyster capital ‘ After checking into your guest-house we head for the  Waterfront where after a short stroll around we board the ferry for a sunset cruise  in the Lagoon ( Optional )

The  Route :  Oudtshoorn-Outeniqua Pass-George-Wilderness-Sedgefield-Knysna

•   Cango Caves
•   Cango Ostrich Show Farm
•   Outeniqua Pass
•   Wilderness
•   Knysna

Accommodation :  Protea Hotel 4*  or similar
Meals included : Breakfast
Activities Included : Cango Cave, Ostrich Show Farm 

Day Three
Knysna (Garden of Eden)

This morning we are heading to the Knysna Featherbed Reserve
The reserve is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site.It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only..  The reserve is home to  the rare Blue Duiker - one of the smallest antelope species in the world - the beautiful Knysna Loerie and the endangered Knysna Sea Horse.

The trip includes the following :

•   Return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head.
•   4x4 vehicle & trailer drive up the headland onto the Reserve, stopping at spectacular viewpoints.
•   Specialist guide giving information on history, fauna & flora.
•   Optional guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves.
•   Lunch in The Forest Restaurant  situated on the edge of the Lagoon under a canopy of Milkwood trees

THINGS TO BRING
Sunscreen
Hat/sunglasses
Walking shoes
Camera
Jacket

After lunch, we leave for the Storms River and Tsitsikamma forest. Our first stop is the "Garden of Eden "
A magnificent example of the Forest Fauna and Flora that once dominated the region. We walk along a boardwalk amongst the ancient Yellowwood and Blackwood trees through a landscape that was once home to the Elephants
We overnight at Storms River

For those of you that want to do something more strenuous and out there! We can offer Half Day Hiking Tours or Mountain Biking  Cycle tours through the forests instead of the Knysna Featherbed Tour option.    

Accommodation:  The Fernery Lodge and Chalets 4*
                                  Tsitsikamma Lodge  and Spa or similar 3* 

Meals Included: Breakfast  

Activities Included:
Knysna Featherbed experience
Garden of Eden 

Day Four
Stormsriver-Addo  240km

Today we are going to explore the ‘Garden Route’.

Birds of Eden is a unique four-acre dome that spans a gorge ( the largest aviary in the world ) and is home to more than 300 birds comprising over 220 species. Afterward, we visit Monkeyland, the worlds first free-roaming primate sanctuary where you can view over 500 primates in their natural environment walking in amongst them on a guided tour with its 128-meter canopy walk being the longest in Africa

We head for the beautiful Tsitsikamma Coastal Park, stopping on way at the  Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest Bungy jump    ( 216 meters! ). We also visit the forest’s oldest inhabitant, the ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood Tree estimated to be over 800 years old was already growing when Europe was still in the dark ages!
We drive onto Addo arriving late in the afternoon at our accommodation which is situated just outside the Addo Elephant Park Reserve.

The Route :  Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve-Addo Reserve

•   Natures Valley
•   Big Tree
•   Bloukraans Bridge ( Bungi Jump  )
•   Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve
• Storms River Mouth

Optional

•   Bungi Jump
•   Tree Top Canopy Tour
•   Elephant Sanctuary
•   Canoe ride

Accommodation: Hopefield Country House or similar 4*
Meals included:  Breakfast
Activities Included:  Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Big Tree, Storms River  Nature Reserve 

Day 5
Addo Elephant Game Reserve

We visit the famous Addo Elephant Park for a  guided tour through the Park. After lunch guests are transferred to Schotia Safaris where they join the Tooth and Claw Safari in open vehicles. This afternoon/evening experience can be one of the highlights of your visit to Addo. Late afternoon and early evening is often the most rewarding time of day for game viewing as this is when animals are at their most active. This is especially the case with lions, which are generally nocturnal hunters. Schotia is also home to white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, jackal and crocodile. The drive is followed by a traditional meal served under the stars in a thatched open-air Lapa. At the conclusion of the evening, guests are transported back to their accommodation.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Activities Included: Schotia Safari
Accommodation   Hopefield Country House or similar 4* 

 Day 6
Addo Elephant Safari

This morning we take a game drive through the Addo Elephant Park in an open Safari vehicle before we head back along the Garden Route to overnight at Tsitsikamma Lodge. ( We can drop you off at the Airport  as an option in Port Elizabeth if you need to catch a connecting flight to Johannesburg ) 

We spend the afternoon in the National Park   where indigenous forest  and the beautiful Indian Ocean meet and a walk to the suspension bridge at the Storms River mouth will be a highlight

Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Meals included: Breakfast
Activities Included: Storms River  Nature Reserve 

Day 7
Storms River-Cape Town 580km

After an early start, we head back along the Garden Route to arrive in the afternoon in Cape Town.( An option is to fly back to Cape Town )

Meals included: Breakfast
Activities Included: Bartholomew Diaz Museum
There is an option to stay in Amakhala  Private Game Reserve or Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Please enquire as to the extra cost of this option.    

Things To Bring
Photo / Video Camera
Sun screen
Hat/sunglasses
Warm Jacket

Inclusions
As per the itinerary

Climate
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Climate . Summers ( Nov-April) is warm to hot with day time temperatures averaging in the mid 20’s . Winters ( June- August) are mild 16 Degrees average. One can expect rainfall throughout the year.

Transportation
6 seater luxury busses, Mercedes Benz c220cdi luxury Vehicle

Credit Cards Accepted
Visa. Mastercard

Cost: R23 500pp

* Private/ Group Tour Rates available on request.
* Single Supplement rates on request