The secret behind the Garden Route is that it combines the fun of a classic bucket-and-spade holiday with unforgettable African adventures. You could go on an elephant-back ride, take a forest canopy tour, bungee jump or visit a monkey or bird sanctuary. Dolphins are often seen offshore – as are whales in season – and for even more wildlife thrills, round off your beach holiday with an authentic Big 5 safari in one of the conveniently close – and also malaria-free – reserves in neighbouring Eastern Cape Province.
While outdoor sports and activities take centre stage on a Garden Route holiday (don’t forget that several of the country’s best golf courses are found here) fine food is always close at hand. Indulge in fresh-from-the-boat seafood at the ever-popular Knysna Waterfront or at a restaurant overlooking the beach in neighbouring Plettenberg Bay.
The Garden Route – the name given to the stretch of forested, coastal area between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth – is the brightly-coloured cherry on this southern slice of Africa. All along the Garden Route, spectacular mountain ranges dip and rise alongside a rugged coastline whose cliffs, estuaries, placid lakes and endless pristine sandy-white beaches are lapped by the Indian Ocean. Pressed between these forces of land and water are ancient forests, and secluded exotic seaside towns. The Garden Route is a paradise for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts this malaria-free region is also a long-time favourite for family holidays.
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Day 1
We depart at about 08h00 from your hotel in Cape Town and head north via the Du Toit’s Kloof Mountain pass on our first League of the journey. Cape Town to Oudtshoorn the Ostrich capital.
The R62 known as the longest wine route in the world takes us through the beautiful towns of Robertson, Montagu and Ladysmith en-route we stop for lunch. The journey takes us through the Little Karoo where you will observe the scenery changing from lush greens to brown semi-desert areas making this a day of surprises. We arrive at the accommodation in Oudtshoorn, where we will overnight.
Oudtshoorn is the commercial hub of the Klein Karoo and the ostrich capital of the world. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and the region produces the best feathers, leather products and ostrich meat worldwide.
We visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch to learn more about crocodile, cheetah, reptiles and the other animals onsite, with a chance to view cheetah, tiger, lion, puma, and jaguar.
Day 2
After a breakfast we visit the world famous Cango Caves where we take a guided tour full of fascinating things to see.
From the Caves we travel to an Ostrich farm on the other end of Oudtshoorn. You will receive a tour of a working Ostrich farm and possibly have the opportunity to sit on and ride an ostrich. You will also learn more about their breeding habits and of the bygone days, when Oudtshoorn was in the midsts of the 1920’s ostrich feather boom.
We travel over the Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna. As we pass over mountain passes you will see how the scenery changes and understand why the area is known as the Garden Route. We arrive at the accommodation in Knysna, where we will overnight.
Day 3
Today after breakfast we visit Natures Valley, Tsitsikamma nature reserve and Plettenberg bay.
Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”. The region stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean.
Arguably the most beautiful part of the Garden Route in South Africa, Nature’s Valley is unique in that it lies nestled in the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest, – the only residential area within a South African National Park. Southern Cape Bushbuck, Bushpigs, and wild birds can frequently be seen in the gardens of Nature’s Valley village. The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation and Fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs.
Late afternoon we return to accommodation in Knysna, where we will overnight.
Day 4
After a breakfast we visit Knysna heads and spend some free time at the Knysna waterfront. Later we will make our way to Mossel Bay where we visit the Post Office Tree and Diaz museum where early pioneers left mail for the homebound ships to Europe. We travel via the rolling hills off Swellendam en-route to Cape Town to arrive in Cape Town at about 17h00
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View 4 Day Garden Route Tour in a larger map
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Hotels you will stay at
Mooiplaas Guest House in Oudtshoorn
Knysna Quays Hotel in Knysna or Similar
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Includes
Luxury vehicle with registered guide
Entrance fees to all above mentioned attractions
3 nights 3 star accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
1 dinner
Excludes
Lunch and Dinner
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Dates of tour
Depart: Every Monday from Cape Town international airport or hotels at 08:00hrs
Return: Thursday ± 18:30 and ends at Cape Town airport or hotels
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Optional Extras
Elephant Park (Knysna)
Monkeyland & Birds of Eden (Plettenberg)
Replica of Bartholomew Dias Caravel (Mosselbay)
Other Options
Enquire about ending your trip in Port Elizabeth
End your tour at Cape Town International Airport by 18:30 on Thursdays
For groups of four or more, enquire about alternative departure days (subject to availability).
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ENQUIRE ABOUT PRICE CALL +27 21 4180907
Subject to a minimum of 2 people
Not recommended for children under 4 years. Children 4 to 12 Years pay 75%
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TO ENQUIRE ABOUT PRICE CALL +27 21 4180907
Pricing for this package changes depending on the season, and the amount of people in the group. We are also able to tailor make a tour to suit your requirements, please dont hesitate to contact us at info@milebymile.co.za
