Step off the plane and breathe in the salt-and-mountain air of Cape Town, where your 12-day adventure begins. The Commodore Hotel, with its impeccable hospitality and prime location just steps from the lively Waterfront, welcomes you with comfort and thoughtful touches—think beautiful rooms, local decor, and a breakfast spread that tempts you to linger a little longer each morning. This is your urban launchpad for the magic ahead, letting you rest, explore, and savor your first taste of South African warmth and friendliness



Today take to the water: experience the thrill of an Ocean Safari or paddle out for Kayaking for Science. These excursions mix adrenaline with awe, bringing you face-to-face with dolphins, seals, and the famous African penguins of Boulders Beach. Picture the wind in your hair, penguins padding playfully at your feet, and a sense of wide-eyed wonder that never really leaves you.
Savor a local lunch in Kalk Bay, wander historic streets, and then dine at GOLD Restaurant—a culinary journey offering a 14-course tasting menu, rhythmic drumming, and stories brought to life by dancers and vibrant puppetry. Here you’re not just eating—you’re traveling from Morocco to Mozambique in a single, delicious night. Sip, sample, and move to the rhythm of Africa.


A full day whisks you away to the rolling Winelands and the Babylonstoren estate. Feel the cool grass under your feet as you stroll blooming gardens, join in wine or olive tastings guided by experts, and discover the art of “farm-to-fork”—where even your herbal bath can be infused with garden-fresh aromatics. Babylonstoren is an enchanting blend of luxury, simplicity, and natural delight.



Take a guided walk through Bo Kaap, Cape Town’s color-splashed Malay Quarter. Cobblestone streets, bright facades, and the aromas of Cape Malay spices swirl around you. Taste local treats, visit South Africa’s first mosque, and let local storytellers share centuries of history and hope.
Then time to hit the road to the Garden route via Barrydale.
Arrive in time for afternoon game drive at the Garden route Game Lodge



Oudtshoorn’s Ostriches & Cango Caves
Step into the world of ostriches on a guided farm tour: pet, feed, and learn about these quirky, majestic birds. Next, venture underground at the Cango Caves—where world-class guides lead you through chambers glittering with ancient stalactites. Marvel at the acoustics in cathedral-like halls, listen to stories echoing through millennia, and sense the spark of adventure that lies beneath the earth



Natural Building Day: Embark on an inspiring day with our Natural Building Course, starting with an exhilarating ATV ride up the mountain to a breathtaking setting. Immerse yourself fully in the art of traditional building methods, forging a deep connection with the earth and ancient crafts. Surrounded by expansive views, you’ll nourish your body and soul with a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian lunch, culminating in a heartfelt, authentic braai as the sun sets—an experience that grounds, uplifts, and reconnects.



Natural Building Workshop
Knysna Elephant Park: Heart of the Journey
Imagine the gentle hush of dawn as you walk beneath towering trees, basket of fruit in hand, as a Sally and her family of elephants eagerly awaits your greeting. With every step, your connection deepens: join them for evening walks, wish them sweet dreams, and witness the soft moments of nightly ritual and Of course you will get to see Harry as well !! Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, surrounded by natural wonders, your stay at the Elephant Nature Lodge offers comfort, spa-like serenity, and the unforgettable privilege of being part of the elephants’ circle. Each meal, each stroll, each smile—this is the soulful heart of your journey. Nearby, you’ll explore the Knysna Lagoon, set sail to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, and deepen your appreciation for marine life during the seahorse and estuary experience,



Knysna Elephant Park Lodge
Harkerville Saturday market
Meet Our Herd
Our Daily tour departs every 30 minutes (on the hour) from reception between 09:00 am and 16:00 pm. Elephant snack buckets are available for purchase at reception - filled with delicious fresh fruit and veg to give the elephants a treat during the interaction @ R55.00 per bucket. Our guides will be on hand to personally introduce the elephants and give you more information about our herd and elephants in general as you will be amongst the Ellies and following them around. The Daily tours last between 45 and 60 minutes but you are welcome to stay a little longer with the elephants if you wish. Please note that the last tour of the day departs at 16:00 pm is restricted to 45 minutes.
Elephant experience
We do our Elephant Experience @ 08:00 in the morning & @ 16:30 in the afternoon, you will walk out to the field to where the Ellies are, then you will be assigned to your own elephant with your own guide, walk a +-3km leisurely walk, it is a more one on one experience with your guide so be sure to ask questions. There will be a photographer also present to take your pictures. After the walk you will get the opportunity to view your photos taken by the photographer and decide if you would like to develop some or put them on a USB stick. Booking is only required for the Elephant walks as we only take a limited number (5pax).



Day around the Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Elephant Park: Heart of the Journey
Imagine the gentle hush of dawn as you walk beneath towering trees, basket of fruit in hand, as a Sally and her family of elephants eagerly awaits your greeting. With every step, your connection deepens: join them for evening walks, wish them sweet dreams, and witness the soft moments of nightly ritual and Of course you will get to see Harry as well !! Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, surrounded by natural wonders, your stay at the Elephant Nature Lodge offers comfort, spa-like serenity, and the unforgettable privilege of being part of the elephants’ circle. Each meal, each stroll, each smile—this is the soulful heart of your journey.
Nearby, you’ll explore the Knysna Lagoon, set sail to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, and deepen your appreciation for marine life during the seahorse and estuary experience,



TROGON HOUSE SPA
Guests booking after October 31st can still elevate their adventure. Simply let us know your preferences, and a bespoke Spa Day at Trogon House & Forest Spa can be added to your itinerary—where luxury and tranquility await at your own pace. Your choice unlocks the same glass-walled retreat, jacuzzi soaks, steam saunas, and decadent bites, surrounded by the embrace of Tsitsikamma forest. Every detail will be tailored for your ultimate comfort and renewal, letting you unwind exactly when and how you wish. Treat yourself to the extraordinary—because relaxation should always be your option
This excursion includes:
- a return ferry cruise on the Knysna Lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve,
- a 4×4 vehicle drive up the headland on Reserve, stopping at spectacular viewpoints,
- a specialist guide offering information on Knysna’s history, fauna & flora,
- an optional guided 2.2 km nature walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves,
and finally a world renowned buffet lunch served in the Food Forest Restaurant under a canopy of Milkwood trees. Cash bar available to quench your thirst.



Nestled between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the sparkling Indian Ocean, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is a sanctuary in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route. This malaria-free, family-owned reserve spans over 4,200 hectares of untouched wilderness, offering luxury safari experiences paired with breathtaking natural beauty.
Guests can look forward to thrilling game drives by day and night, horseback safaris through fynbos and woodlands, and close encounters with an incredible array of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and even the rare black impala. Over 200 bird species enrich the vibrant soundscape.
Accommodation features elegant tented suites with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private wooden decks overlooking the serene Moordkuil River where animals often roam freely, creating an immersive wilderness experience. Lodge amenities include a cozy lounge with fireplace, inviting swimming pool, and boma for evening gatherings under the stars.
At Botlierskop, every moment is designed to connect you deeply with the African bush—from intimate elephant rides to guided bush walks with knowledgeable rangers. It’s a luxurious yet authentic safari retreat where nature’s wonders unfold right outside your tent, making this an unforgettable chapter of your journey on the Garden Route.



Game drives in a Big 5 reserve