The Garden Route begins a few hours outside of Cape Town and is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. It is a wildly popular route, that consists of a series of towns that each offer diverse and unique experiences, some favorited and others, off-the-beaten track.
The Inspirational Garden Route package is a collection of all the experiences that make this region celebrated. You will follow the path from Cape Town to Hermanus, a whale watching mecca (in season), through the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, also home to the Cango Caves, and then enjoy the splendour of Knysna and the Tsitsikamma. A world of natural wonder beckons.
DAY 1 – SATURDAY CAPE TOWN – HERMANUS
Meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and set out on a stunning coastal drive to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. En route, we seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stony Point before arriving in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
DAY 2 – SUNDAY HERMANUS – OUDTSHOORN
This morning we explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and gasp at the outstanding views of Walker Bay. During the months of July – November, the possibility of whale sightings could add further enhancement to our explorations. We depart late morning stopping for a late lunch (for own account) in the pretty village of Barrydale on the scenic “Route 62”, then onward to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world”, for a guided tour at an ostrich farm. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 380 kms
DAY 3 – MONDAY OUDTSHOORN – KNYSNA
Today we will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Cango Caves, filled with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Thereafter enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique wine estate, situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. We travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 220 kms
DAY 4 – TUESDAY KNYSNA
After breakfast, journey into the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch, in the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Forest Legends Museum, that exhibits tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the colourful Old Suzie steam engine, that was used to generate power, and the stately Old Forester’s House, home of forester David Ernest Hutchins, who was the first person to manage the indigenous forest in a sustainable manner. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 100 kms
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY KNYSNA – TSITSIKAMMA
We depart Knysna after breakfast and travel to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari (weather permitting). During the summer months we may encounter bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment. During the winter months we may see southern right and humpback whales. For those brave souls amongst us, this afternoon you can attempt the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (for own account and weather permitting). We arrive late afternoon at the picturesque village of Storms River. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 130 kms
DAY 6 – THURSDAY TSITSIKAMMA – GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH)
This morning we immerse ourselves in the splendour and tranquillity of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean (weather permitting). We continue our journey to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) where the tour ends on arrival. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 190 kms
Please note:
We are a specialist safari tour operator, providing a fully tailored and personalised travel service. We’re based in Durban, South Africa.