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 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. 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.
Relax and enjoy the friendly Klein Karoo hospitality, with dinner included at your country lodge.
Cango Caves Heritage tour
Oudtshoorn boasts the highest number of sunny days compared to any other place in South Africa, so we are sure you will enjoy a country breakfast in some morning sunshine.
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 lookout points (weather permitting).
We arrive into our base for next 2 nights overlooking the Knysna lagoon. Rest of the afternoon at leisure and dinner tonight will be enjoyed at Sirocco restaurant on Thesen Island (included).
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.
Today is a full day of adventure in Knysna & 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 world's 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 seems 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 many restaurants on the Knysna Waterfront.
Tsitsikamma / Storms River Mouth entrance
After breakfast we travel back down the Garden Route via Mossel Bay and visit the Diaz Museum complex (included), then Swellendam and in the late afternoon we arrive at the seaside town of Hermanus. World renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November).
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.
Diaz Museum entrance
