Garden Route and Winelands Meander – Six Days

Overview

Countries visited: South Africa

Relaxing and unwind on this journey from Cape Town, along the Garden Route and then return through the Winelands on this scenic six day tour.

You will visit the Oudtshoorn Ostrich farms, tour the Cango Caves, explore the town of Knysna, watch whales in Hermanus and stop for wine tasting in Stellenbosch.

The stunning route allows guests to take in some of the most spectacular scenery the Cape region has to offer.

This itinerary is perfect for couples, groups of friends, romantic getaways and those looking for a leisurely paced voyage.

Itinerary

Day 01 – Departing Cape Town – Oudtshoorn

Depart Cape Town and travel through the ‘Little Karoo’ and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town.

En route, stop off in the town of Barrydale, where you 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 the local farming community, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich feather capital” and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. (The school visit is subject to school being opened) Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [D]

Day 02 – Oudtshoorn

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. Afterwards, ascend the Swartberg Mountains via the world renowned Swartberg Pass (weather permitting). Get close to nature and explore the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the full splendour of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions”. Return to Oudtshoorn for a tour and light lunch at an Ostrich Farm. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [BL]

Day 03 – Knysna

After breakfast, travel 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. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. Overnight in Knysna. [BL]

Day 04 – Knysna

After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the Tsitsikamma Forests, continuing to Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single span arch bridge in the world, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. 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. Here is an abundance of indigenous flora, ancient yellowwood trees and magnificent fynbos plants. In the afternoon you’ll return to Knysna, via Plettenberg Bay, originally christened “Bahia Formosa” (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Overnight in Knysna.

Day 05 – Hermanus

Today, begin the first leg of the return journey. Travel via George and Mossel Bay to the picturesque Cape Dutch town of Swellendam, where lunch will be enjoyed. This charming town was founded in 1745 at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain Range and is famous for its young berries, 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 (Aug-Nov) in the world. Overnight in Hermanus.

Day 06 – Hermanus – Stellenbosch – Depart

After a leisurely breakfast depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the scenic coastal road to Gordon’s Bay. This is a spectacular route with steep cliffs and lovely coves. Locals label it as the Helderberg areas own “Chapman’s Peak” drive and the route offers amazing views over False Bay. Travel to the Stellenbosch area, set within the scenic Cape Winelands. This “Heart of Cape Heritage and hospitality” is a gracious blend of old Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. A wine tasting will be enjoyed, before travelling to Cape Town, where the tour ends on arrival. Passengers may disembark, on request, at Cape Town International Airport.