With the soaring Table Mountain behind us we travel along the N2 highway towards Hermanus, choosing from the mountainous route over Sir Lowrys Pass through Elgin or the coastal route along Clarens Drive overlooking False Bay with its panoramic views of Cape Point.
The coastal town of Hermanus is renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November). Spend time walking the cliff paths viewing whales, maybe joining a boat based whale watching trip in Walker Bay (own account and your guide can arrange) and there is also the Hemel-en-Aarde valley behind the town for some great wine tasting and picturesque lunch venues.
We arrive early evening in the seaside village of Arniston on the Cape South Coast, check into your hotel and take a stroll on the long white sandy beaches that surround this small village.
You can either enjoy dinner (own account) at the hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean or maybe take a short meander into the historic fishing village of Kasiesbaai 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.
The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum is well worth a visit to read up on the rich local Maritime history.
We visit the rugged, 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.
We travel through Swellendam and the Tradauw Pass onto Route 62 where you will notice 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 the coast 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 you can embark on an ostrich farm tour (optional and own account) to learn about 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 included at your country lodge.
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 combination of shallow, clear, warm water and numerous fantastic vantage points makes Arniston one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world. You may very well see a Southern Right Whale and her calf bask and frolic in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mozambique current mere metres from the coastline.
Enjoy a country breakfast at the hotel, before we make our way to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves. 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.
Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the scenic Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay for a visit to the Diaz Museum. We then follow the coastline through 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 look out points (weather permitting).
We arrive into our base for next 2 nights overlooking the Knysna lagoon, dinner tonight can be enjoyed at the famous JJ's restaurant in Knysna Waterfront over looking the lagoon.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: due to the high demand and limited availability, should you be interested in this optional activity, please let us know in advance so we can make necessary bookings.
Today we explore Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. "Plett" as the locals call this popular holiday town, is known as playground for the rich and famous and offers many optional activities from which to choose.
> Ocean Safari to view dolphins and whales in Plettenberg Bay.
> Sea kayaking trip
> Hog Hollow Horse Trails
> Enjoy a nature cruise up the Keurbooms River
> Hike the Robberg Peninsula
> Featherbed Eco Experience
> Knysna Heads for great views
Dinner (own account) can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants and bars on Thesen Island, with fantastic views over the lagoon.
A full day to explore The Crags and Tsitsikamma Forest / Storms River Mouth region.
The Crags area is home to many wildlife options, we can visit Jukani or Tenikwa for the big cats, Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, Monkeyland & Birds of Eden.
For the energetic among you, a Treetop Canopy tour or Kayak & Lilo adventure up the Storms River could get the pulse going, a gentle hike to the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth and then tuck into lunch (own account) in the Tsitsikamma National Park .... the options really are endless and all up to your appetite for adventure.
We will eventually arrive into Port Elizabeth for your last night.
Take a morning stroll on the beachfront before your airport transfer for your onward flight.
