Molo! Welcome to the colourful and diverse Cape. You will be collected in the morning by our professional tour guide at your Cape Town hotel. With the soaring Table Mountain behind us we travel inland on the N1 highway via Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world and we will definitely sample some of its vineyards along the way. 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.
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 (optional & 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 in town.
This morning you could decide to we wake really early to go meet the cute Meerkats of the Karoo (weather dependent & own account), just as they awake and come out of their burrows. After breakfast we make our way to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves( Included) Descend the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder into the Great Hall and continue into King Solomon’s Mine with the Cango Caves Heritage Tour. For those willing to fully test their nerve by making a few tight squeezes, the Adventure tour journeys you deeper and deeper into the cave to reveal more of it's magnificence and wonder
Leaving this subterranean wonderland, we depart the Klein Karoo, and travel over the Outeniqua Pass via George to Wilderness where you can enjoy a kayak (own account) on the Touws River. 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 look out points (weather permitting).
Tuck into lunch (own account) before making your way along the coastal road to Knysna where you could enjoy a Sunset Oyster cruise (optional) on the lagoon before tucking into dinner at one of the fantastic Thesen Island restaurants.
Cango Caves Adventure Tour
For those willing to fully test their nerve by making a few tight squeezes, the Adventure tour journeys you deeper and deeper into the cave, to reveal more of its magnificence and wonder
Touws River Canoe
Take a gentle Canoe paddle up the Majestic Touws River into the Wilderness national park, a great way to enjoy the tranquility of the Garden Route, this pocket also offers some of the richest birdlife in the area. The elusive Knynsa Turaco, with it's vibrant colouration, is definitely one to spot.
Go Tandem Paragliding Over Wilderness
From the Map of Africa take a birds eye view over the vastness of our garden route coastline with a tandem paragliding trip. Soaring over Wildness beach you'll truly understand why many South Africans treasure this magnificent part of the continent
A full day to explore Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas with many optional activities from which to choose.
> Ocean Safari to view dolphins and whales in Plettenberg Bay.
> Featherbed Eco Experience
> Knysna Elephant Park
> Hog Hollow Horse Trails
> Enjoy a 10km beach walk from Brenton on Sea to Buffalo Bay.
> Experience a portion of the famed Otter Trail Route with the 3 hour Waterfall hike
> Explore the cliffs and beaches of the Robberg peninsula
We will visit The Heads for sunset and dinner (own account) can be enjoyed in the Knysna Waterfront tonight.
Otter Trail Waterfall hike and back
A roughly 3 hour hike to the Waterfall and back allows for one to experience the first 2.6kms of South Africa's favourite hike, the iconic Otter trail. A rugged and rocky coastline makes a truly rewarding experience for this gem of our great Garden Route.
Bloukrans Bridge Bungy Jump
True to its name, Face Adrenaline offers the opportunity of one of the worlds highest commercial bungy jumps. At 216 meters or 709 feet high, Bloukrans Bungy jump truly offers the experience of a lifetime!
Robberg Peninsula trails
Jutting out into the Indian ocean this promontory is home to one of the highest populations of Cape Fur seals in South Africa. With its high elevation points and views over the beautiful Plettenberg bay, Robberg Nature Reserve offers a great opportunity for spotting Marine life or an adventurous way to explore some exceptional and secluded beaches along its shores.
Head for the historical harbour town of Mossel Bay which was the first place that Europeans landed on South African soil. Visit the Dias Museum Complex which is made up of several different museums, among them the Shell and Maritime Museums. The Maritime Museum sports a life-sized replica of the ship that Dias sailed in 1488. At the centre of the museum complex is the Post Office Tree. An ancient Milkwood tree that has served as a post office since 1500. As was done 500 years ago, you can leave a message for a loved one to read under a bottle or a horse shoe.
It is here where you can enjoy the exhilirating coastal hike along the Cape St. Blaize Trail or possibly some White Shark Diving (own account) for those brave enough!
Lunch will be enjoyed (own account) at The Point before we make our way to the seaside village of Arniston on the Cape South Coast, we will travel along the N2 passing through Swellendam and then turn due south for the coastline again.
You can either enjoy dinner (own account) at the hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Great White Shark Cage diving
South Africa has truly become one of the shark dive capital of the world, thousands are lured here every year to get close up and personal with one of the most feared predators on the planet, the Great White
Enjoy a coastal hike along the St Blaize trail from Mossel Bay to Pinnacle Point.
Today is all about relaxing in this beautiful village, also renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November).
Later in the day we can visit the 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.
You can either enjoy dinner (own account) at the hotel again or maybe take a short stroll into the historic fishing village of Kassiesbaai 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 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.
The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum is well worth a visit to read up on the rich local Maritime history.
Maybe enjoy a wine tasting or just long romantic walks along the white sand beaches!
We 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).
Continue our sweeping coastal drive along False Bay with its panoramic views of Cape Point and Table Mountain. Stop at Gordon’s Bay for a traditional fish and chips lunch (own account) before continuing the journey back to the mother city of Cape Town.
This tour ends, late afternoon, back in Cape Town at your hotel or at Cape Town International Airport. Here we’ll say hamba kahle, good bye.
