With the soaring Table Mountain behind us we travel inland on the N1 highway via Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn. As soon as you leave Cape Town, the scenery starts to change dramatically. It’s often said that South Africa has one of the most varied landscapes of any country, and there’s nowhere better to see this than on the drive from green, lush Cape Town to the semi-arid desert like Klein Karoo. Enjoy a comfort stop in the small artists town of Barrydale at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains that rise out of the plains surrounding them.
Back onto Route 62 we head towards the heart of the Klein Karoo. In a secluded valley, which was once a lake, we’ll discover Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port wine capital where we will enjoy lunch (own account). Port can be a bit of an acquired taste due to its strength and sweetness, but that’s a journey we are happy to help you start on. In the late afternoon, you can embark on an ostrich farm tour (own account) to learn about these exotic birds and their industry, then dare to ride the world’s biggest bird species. They may have eyes larger than their brains, but they are nevertheless, very impressive (and taste wonderful). Relax and enjoy the friendly Klein Karoo hospitality, with dinner at your lodge.
Enjoy a country breakfast at the hotel, before we can make our way to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves. Descend the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder into the Great Hall and continue into King Solomon’s Mine. Leaving this subterranean wonderland, we head back towards Oudtshoorn, which boasts the highest number of sunny days compared to any other place in South Africa.
Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the Outeniqua Pass via George and the lake district of Wilderness, surrounded by mountains, ocean, lakes and lagoons Wilderness makes for a tranquil and splendid destination. Enjoy the stunning and unspoilt scenery at Dolphin Point and Map of Africa and Knysna Heads look out points (weather permitting).
Late afternoon arrival into Plettenberg Bay for the nest 2 nights.
If you wish and for your own account, we can arrange an early morning wake up to go meet the cute Meerkats of the Karoo (weather permitting), just as they awake and come out of their burrows. Spend a few hours observing these cute animals as they go about their daily routine from up close in the comfort of your chair with blanket, coffee and knowledgable host. You can then return to your lodge for breakfast before proceeding on with your day.
PLEASE NOTE: due to the high demand and limited availability, should you be interested in this optional activity, please let us know in advance so we can make necessary bookings.
Today is a full day of adventure in Plettenberg Bay where we can enjoy ...
> Ocean Safari to view dolphins and whales in Plettenberg Bay
> Hike along the Robberg Peninsula in Plett
> Featherbed Eco Experience
> Hog Hollow Horse Trails
> Enjoy a 10km beach walk from Brenton on Sea to Buffalo Bay.
We also explore the Tsitsikamma region where you will have the chance to do the worlds highest commercial bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge, enjoy a gentle hike to the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth and then tuck into lunch (own account) in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
The list of optional activities seem endless in this adventure region:
> Treetop Canopy tour through the forest canopy.
> Monkeyland
> Birds of Eden
> Tenikwa Wildlife Centre
> Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Dinner (own account) can be enjoyed at one of the great restaurants on Thesen Island.
After breakfast, we will travel along the N2 passing through Mossel Bay, Swellendam (great lunch venues) and then turn due south for the coastline again, eventually arriving at the rugged, windswept beauty of the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. A place where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cool Atlantic, the Cape of Storms has caused many an ancient mariners to brave its waters and wreck their ships in the name of exploration and adventure.
Our final destination today is the seaside village of Arniston on the Cape South Coast, check into your hotel and take a stroll on the long white sandy beaches that surround this small village.
You can either enjoy dinner (own account) at the hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean or maybe take a short meander into the historic fishing village of Kasiesbaai where you are invited to take part in a traditional evening meal by candlelight in one of the fishermen’s houses. The meals are prepared by the fishermen’s wives, a rather authentic experience.
Enjoy a 10km beach walk from Brenton on Sea to Buffalo Bay before leaving the Knysna area (time permitting)
The harbour where you can watch the fishing boats come in is located right in front of the hotel. Next to the harbour you will find the historical fishing village of Kassiesbaai, which welcomes strollers and photographers.
The combination of shallow, clear, warm water and numerous fantastic vantage points makes Arniston one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world. You may very well see a Southern Right Whale and her calf bask and frolic in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mozambique current mere metres from the coastline.
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
After breakfast we continue our journey to the scenic coastal town of Hermanus, renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November).
Spend a full day in Hermanus walking the cliff paths viewing whales, maybe joining a boat based whale watching trip in Walker Bay (your guide can arrange) and there is also the Hemel-en-Aarde valley behind the town for some great wine tasting (own account) and picturesque lunch venues.
Continue on our coastal route through Bettys Bay and along the scenic Clarence Drive which hugs False Bay with its panoramic views of Cape Point and Table Mountain across the bay.
We eventually arrive back in the Mother City of Cape Town and bid you a fond farewell.
Enjoy a morning stroll to the Waenhuiskrans, the other name for the town and that of a cave only accessible on the low tide which asccording to local legend is large enough to store an oxwagon. A little further along the white sandy beach is the point where you can view ancient fish traps used the the bushmen for hundreds of years.
Longer walks will take you to Struis Point, Galjoengat and to the De Mond Nature Reserve. This is a most beautiful walk for the moderately fit.
The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum is well worth a visit to read up on the rich local Maritime history.
Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum
Stony Point Penguin Colony
