Day 1 – Tuesday Cape Town / Overberg / Swellendam (Dinner)
Morning departure from Cape Town over the Hottentots-Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry’s Pass into a region of immense beauty. Stop at the Hamilton Russell Vineyards near Hermanus for a tour & tasting of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley terroir driven wines. During whale season (June to December), also stop in Hermanus which boasts the best land based whale watching along its cliff path. Here you would have the option of embarking on an eco-marine (all year round) and whale watching (seasonal) boat trip (additional charge). After lunch (to own account), continue to Swellendam – the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at Schoone Oordt Country House (luxury suite) or similar.
Day 2 – Wednesday Swellendam / Plettenberg Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Swellendam and enjoy your journey along the Garden Route via Mossel Bay. Travel to Plettenberg Bay – millionaires’ playground for lunch and a stroll along the white sandy beaches. Check into your accommodation during the afternoon. Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge. Overnight Hog Hollow Country Lodge (standard room) or similar.
Day 3 – Thursday The Crags / Tsitsikamma National Park (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Elephant Sanctuary. With the help of the resident African elephants and the well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The visit presents you with the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. After lunch (to own account), travel to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Described as the ‘garden of the Garden Route’, the Tsitsikamma actually deserves a more vivid description to encapsulate the beauty of the place. Enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the mouth gorge which offers visitors incredible views and photo opportunities. Spend some time at leisure in the town of Plettenberg Bay – ‘millionaires’ playground’ – before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight Hog Hollow Country Lodge (standard suite) or similar.
Day 4 – Friday Plettenberg Bay / Knysna / Oudtshoorn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning departure from Plettenberg Bay to the lagoon-side town of Knysna – gem of the Garden Route. Embark on an excursion to the Featherbed Nature Reserve which is located on the western Knysna Head. The trip includes a ferry across the lagoon to the base of the western head, a drive to the top of the reserve and an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill nature trail walk. The tour ends with a delicious lunch served under the shade of the milkwood trees. On return to the mainland, continue your journey to Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich show farm for a guided tour. Following this visit of discovery, check into your overnight accommodation. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Rosenhof Country House (standard room) or similar.
Day 5 – Saturday Oudtshoorn / Route 62 / Cape Town (Breakfast)
Before departing Oudtshoorn enjoy a morning visit to the Cango Caves – one of the natural wonders of the world and which has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Travel along the famous Route 62 to Cape Town. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards offer you an unforgettable kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility. Stop at the Country Pumpkin Restaurant near Barrydale for lunch (to own account). After lunch, enjoy a slow drive to Cape Town where your tour ends around 18h00 with drop-off at Cape Town International Airport or your Cape Town based hotel.
