Garden Route Adventure

Day 1: Johannesburg

Arrival at OR Tambo International Airport. A representative will meet & greet you at the airport and assist with your luggage and escort you to your transfer vehicle.

Transfer from OR Tambo International Airport  to Hotel - Check In

Afternoon and evening at leisure to relax at the hotel and enjoy all the facilities or indulge in the Sandton lifestyle at in and around Nelson Mandela Square. Unique shopping and restaurant experiences in the area.

Overnight at Hotel   

Day 2: Plettenberg Bay

After breakfast - Check Out. Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport as you set for your morning flight to Port Elizabeth Airport (*flight not included)

On arrival at Airport, this is the start of your Garden Route Adventure; guests will be transferred to Emily Moon River Lodge - Check In

Late afternoon & evening at leisure at lodge and around Plettenberg Bay

   

Day 3: Plettenberg Bay

Breakfast at lodge is followed by Tsitsikamma Adventure Tour

Tsitsikamma Adventure Tour

The Tree Top Tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous forest. The first of its kind in Africa, the canopy tour involves zip-lining from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor. Discover the secrets of the spectacular and unique wilderness of Tsitsikamma Indigenous forest. As you enter the forest, you’ll encounter Hard Pear trees, Giant Yellow Woods, beautiful Tree Ferns hundreds of years old and other interesting Forest Flora. Stand beside a colossal Outeniqua Yellowwood and feel like a dwarf against this spectacular giant. The 2-3- hour zip line canopy tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a 'kitting up' session where a full body harness, pulleys and other equipment is issued and checked. A short drive into the forest and let the adventures begin! The tour consists of ten slides (the longest one measures 91m), each ending on a platform constructed in the trees. No climbing or jumping necessary. From the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently glides through the treetops. All groups are escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The platforms, built high up in the giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods, provide an unbelievable view of this enchanting forest. Bird life is abundant (including Knysna Loerie's and the elusive Narina Trogon), and your guides will explain the ecology of this lush primeval forest. You might be lucky to spot a Vervet monkey or two!

Late afternoon & evening at leisure at lodge and around Plettenberg Bay.

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours

Activities and Services

Day 4: Knysna

Breakfast at Lodge - Check Out and transfer to Cango Caves

Cango Caves Heritage Tour (Duration: 1hr)

The spectacular Cango Caves are a subterranean wonderland of magnificent stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that attracts thousands of visitors annually. They extend more than two kilometres into the Swartberg Mountains and visitors can take guided tours that wind through narrow passageways and steep stairways linking the massive caverns.

After Cango Caves transfer to Alkira Lodge - Check In

Afternoon & evening at leisure at the lodge and around Knysna

 

Interior Caves Crawling Through Gap

Activities and Services

Day 5: Knysna

Breakfast at lodge is followed by Knysa Eco Experience & Elephant Tour

Knysa Eco Experience & Elephant Tour

The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route. A trip on the Knysna Lagoon is a must for first time visitors and locals alike. Depart from Featherbed Ferry Terminus for a four-houreco-experience to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This experience includes a return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head. A 4x4 vehicle will drive up the headland to the Reserve where you will overlook spectacular viewpoints. Learn about the history and fauna and flora. After a guided walk, enjoy a lunch outdoors. After lunch, we depart to Knysna Elephant Park. You will get the opportunity to interact, feed and walk amongst the herd of African Elephants. Responsible and educational interactions enable the Guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals. There are no fences and the environment encourage the elephants to exhibit natural behaviors.

Sunset Cruise

The Sunset Cruise is accompanied by a delicious sundowner/Mezze platter and a choice of wine. The catamaran yacht is for creating another unforgettable experience, sailing on the Knysna Lagoon to the Heads and beyond (Ocean conditions permitting). Sail in style on the Knysna Heads to the famous Heads. The catamaran is licensed to go through the Heads and into the Indian Ocean. Sailing with your experienced skipper is an exclusive way to enjoy the splendor of the lagoon. View dolphins, seals, birds, and in season, whales. The sunset cruise takes about two and a half hours.

 

Day 6: Gondwana Game Reserve

Breakfast at Lodge - Check out and transfer to Gondwana Game Reserve

On arrival at Gondwana Game Reserve, guests will be transferred to Kwena Main Lodge - Check In

Late Afternoon / Evening Game Drive

There’s something special about the bush in the late afternoon. The nocturnal animals start to stir from their day time slumber. It's common to stop for sun-downers as the daylight starts to fade - it's a magical experience!

Dinner at the lodge and an evening at leisure enjoying your luxurious suite and the night sounds of the African bush.

Day 7: Gondwana Game Reserve

Early Morning Game Drive

You might not be a morning person but it’s certainly worth getting out of bed for this. Your morning starts with freshly baked goodies and tea and coffee to help get started. Your Ranger and Tracker will meet you and your morning adventure begins. As sunlight dawns over the horizon you’ll be treated to the beauty of the majestic African bush.

This is generally the best time to spot the wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still very active, including the big cats, which will be returning from a night of hunting. We don’t want to give too much away, so just remember to set your alarm.

Breakfast at lodge and a morning at leisure enjoying the lodge facilities.

Lunch at the lodge and an afternoon at leisure  enjoying the lodge facilities.

Late Afternoon / Evening Game Drive

There’s something special about the bush in the late afternoon . Nocturnal animals start to stir from their day time slumber. It's common to stop for sun-downers as the daylight starts to fade - it's a magical experience!

Dinner at the lodge and an evening at leisure enjoying your luxurious suite and the night sounds of the African bush.

Day 8: Franschhoek

Early Morning Game Drive

You might not be a morning person but it’s certainly worth getting out of bed for this. Your morning starts with freshly baked goodies and tea and coffee to help get started. Your Ranger and Tracker will meet you and your morning adventure begins. As sunlight dawns over the horizon you’ll be treated to the beauty of the majestic African bush.

This is generally the best time to spot the wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still very active, including the big cats, which will be returning from a night of hunting. We don’t want to give too much away, so just remember to set your alarm.

Breakfast at lodge - then check out.

Transfer to L'Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas - Check In

The afternoon and evening is yours at leisure to explore the small town of Franschhoek with local arts& crafts shops with African flavor and enjoy a European touch with the restaurants in the area.

Day 9: Franschhoek

Breakfast at hotel followed by Franschhoek Wine Tram

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history.

Passengers aboard the hop-on hop-off tour will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in a vintage style railway tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour. The tour takes passengers through the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards. Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine and fine wines: These are the hallmarks of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands. When the Huguenots first settled in this spectacular valley over 300 years ago they brought with them their traditions and knowledge in winemaking and viticulture from their native France and transformed the wilderness around them into one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. This proud heritage can be seen and felt today on the wine farms.

There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, to large cellars that offer organised tours and conducted tastings. Award-winning wines range from plump reds to elegant whites and delicious sparkling wines. This longstanding tradition of winemaking is a perfect complement to the excellent food that is served. The Franschhoek Valley is known as the Wine & Gourmet Capital of South Africa and has among its truly talented chefs several who have been awarded the highest national and international culinary honors.

Evening at leisure at hotel

 

Activities and Services

Franschhoek Wine Tram

Day 10: Franschhoek

Breakfast at hotel followed by Electric Bike Winelands Tour

Attention wine lovers! Tantalize your taste buds and brush up on your wine knowledge on our E-bike Winelands Tour. Enjoy two wine tastings at award-winning wine farms, a guided cellar visit and a wonderful and easy ride in the vines.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
  • Meander effortlessly on your e-bike amongst the vines in 2 major wine farms in the Stellenbosch Region
  • Lunch included in an award-winning wine farm
  • Expand your palate and enjoy two wine tastings at the most prestigious, award winning wine farms of Stellenbosch 
  • Visit of the cellar

Evening at leisure at hotel

Day 11: Cape Town

Breakfast at hotel - Check Out

Transfer to Portswood Hotel - Check In

20 Min Atlantico Scenic Flight

Leaving the V&A Waterfront, the first airborne view visitors get is of the City Bowl. The amphitheatre-shaped city centre is framed by Table Bay, and bordered by several of Cape Town’s most famous mountain peaks. Fly over the Cape Town Stadium, before commencing on a 360-degree circuit of iconic Table Mountain. Pass Lion’s Head, and cruise over the Atlantic Ocean, looking out for Robben Island in the distance. Continue along the coastline, past Clifton, Camps Bay which weave underneath the shadow of the Twelve Apostles.

In the evening enjoy a Traditional South African dance  and drumming show with some of South Africa's most popular cuisine.

Gold Restaurant

GOLD Restaurant is a vibrant pan-African experience offering a set Cape Malay and African menu, together with live entertainment and djembe drumming 7 nights a week. Operating from an old warehouse building and a modern function venue, GOLD offers visitors a sophisticated African experience.

Enjoy an award-winning,14-dish tasting menu inspired by ingredients and textures from all over the African continent. Be seduced by live dancing and singing to the rhythmic beating of African djembe drums. Feel part of their tribal community with some optional pre-dinner drumming under the guidance of an experienced facilitator.

Overnight at Hotel

Activities and Services

Pure Africa Experiences Helicopter Flight Cape Town

Day 12: Cape Town

Breakfast at hotel followed by Walk to Freedom tour

Half Day Walk to Freedom Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Bo-Kaap
  • District Six
  • Langa Township

Bo-Kaap

After collection from your Cape Town based hotel, continue to the colourful community of the Bo-Kaap. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, this picturesque corner of Cape Town well-known for its vast collection of colourful houses and cobble stone streets, became home to the Cape Muslim community and many freed slaves after the abolition of slavery in 1834. Take a walk to explore rich cultural history and unique culture, lifestyle and personality of the area before making your way to the infamous District Six.

District Six

Arrive in the area of Zonnebloem, historically known as District Six, and visit the living Museum (closed on Sundays). Established in 1994, it depicts memories of the community of District Six and the suffering they entailed during the Forced Removals Act implemented by the Apartheid Government. With the struggle for land now taking a different form, the museum supports the process of reinventing District Six for the present.

Langa Township

Stop at the Gugu SThebe Arts and Cultural Centre situated in Langa Township. Housed in a brightly coloured building, the centre is dedicated to the empowerment of the people of Langa and aims to improve their socio-economic situation. Their focus is on alleviating unemployment by providing support services to entrepreneurs as well as the improvement of life in the township through Arts and Culture. Explore the local arts and crafts on display in the various studios, metal and pottery workshops. Embark on a walking tour with a local registered guide providing the opportunity to be exposed to the community and lifestyle of Langa. Tour ends with drop off at your hotel.

Evening at leisure to relax at the hotel and enjoy all the facilities or indulge in the V&A Waterfront lifestyle with live cultural entertainment, local unique African craft shops and plenty of restaurants to choose from looking into the Waterfront with Table Mountain in the background.

Activities and Services

Day 13: End of Itinerary

Breakfast at hotel

One last opportunity to explore the V&A Waterfront to interact with the South African culture and last minute shopping to get some unique African mementos to take back home!

Check Out at Hotel - Transfer to Cape Town International Airport as you set for your evening flight back home (*flights not included).

End of your South Africa Experience!

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