Meet your guide and fellow travellers, then head west along the Garden Route, passing the Indian Ocean, mountains, and forests.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn (Log Room East) or similar
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
The Hotel’s Hunters Pub was a hunting lodge that was built in 1841 to accommodate hunters that walked into the area to hunt game in the surrounding forests. In 1860, Thomas Bain constructed the road from Plettenberg Bay to Kareedouw through the Tsitsikamma. This 184 km road took 4 years to complete with the help of 200 convicts. Just past the Tsitsikamma Village Inn is the original pass – at the time the pass was so narrow, it was only open to traffic in one direction each day. Travellers waiting for their turn used to outspan in the Hotel’s ground.
After breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting).
The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea.
Afterwards continue the travels to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon, in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads, before sitting down for dinner at Drydock Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region.
Accommodation: Rex Hotel (standard room) or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
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.
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the “ostrich capital” and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Along the way, visit ‘Dolphin Point’, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness.
In Oudtshoorn, visit an Ostrich Farm for a fun filled interactive tractor tour and light lunch that includes local specialities such as Ostrich Steak, before taking 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.
You will arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon, with time to check in and unwind before dinner at your own expense.
Accommodation: Hlangana Lodge (standard room) or similar
*Breakfast and Lunch included
Hlangana Lodge
Set amongst beautiful gardens, the Hlangana Lodge is a picturesque setting for your South African escape. Enjoy a stylish champagne breakfast, before venturing out on an organised tour, or relaxing by the pool to soak up some sun. In the evening, take the short stroll to the resort centre, where you'll find an excellent choice of award-winning restaurants. Hlangana Lodge is located close to Cango Wildlife Ranch and C.P. Nel Museum.
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting).
Optional Excursion:
Early Morning Meerkat Safari - R 985.00 per person
After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, to 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 supports local education of underprivileged children in rural communities. (The school visit is subject to the school being open).
Continue via the Tradouw’s pass to Swellendam and then further to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering the best land-based whale watching (August-November) in the world.
Accommodation:
Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel (standard room) or similar
*Breakfast included
Auberge Burgundy
The Auberge Burgundy, which is set above the picturesque Old Harbour, in the historic heart of Hermanus (the hub of the famous Whale Route) is a Provencal style guesthouse with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces, with a touch of old world charm. The Auberge Burgundy offers comfortable accommodation and friendly service and is surrounded by restaurants, the craft market, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls. It has the salt sea air of one of the world’s most magnificent eco-destinations in the world – the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is within 50 m of our front door. Our standard poolside rooms and Penthouse suites have newly been refurbished, with the rest to be done in the months to come.
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the spectacularly scenic coastal road and then onwards to Stellenbosch, set in the beautiful Cape Winelands. You’ll have some free time to explore the town’s oak-shaded streets, cafés, boutiques, and art galleries before travelling to Cape Town, where the tour ends on arrival.
*Breakfast included
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests.
What's included:
6 Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, including gratuities 4 Nights’ accommodation including porterage Transportation, including toll fees, in air-conditioned vehicles Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary Bottled water in eco-friendly packagingPlease Note:
Transportation is in air-conditioned touring vehicles appropriate to the requirements of the tour
2 guests will travel in a sedan vehicle 3-10 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicleOne suitcase and one overnight bag per person is allowed.
Selected Departure Dates in 2025:
January - 11,25February - 8,15,22March - 1,8,15,22,29April - 12,26May - 3,10,24June - 7,21July - 12,26August - 9,23,30September - 13,27October - 4,11,18,25November - 1,8,15,22,29December - 13
