6 Day Private Garden Route & Safari (CT - PE)

Day notes

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 continue on our Journey towards the Southern tip, arriving on the Indian Ocean side, in the coastal town of Arniston

Check into your accommodation and enjoy a possible traditional Cape dinner in the small neighboring fishing village of Kassiesbaai.

Day notes

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.

Day notes

> Cango Caves - enjoy a tour of this 20 million-year-old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains.

> Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the scenic Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay for a visit to the Diaz Museum.

> Follow the coastline through the lake district of Wilderness, stopping to enjoy the stunning and unspoilt scenery at Dolphin Point and Map of Africa (weather permitting). 

> Entering Knysna, we head for the Knysna Heads which guard the entrance to the lagoon, before arriving at Plettenger Bay for the next 2 nights.

Day notes

Today we explore "Plett" as the locals call this popular holiday town, which is known as the 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

Day notes

After breakfast, we make our way along the Tsitsikamma region reaching Storms River Mouth, stroll along the boardwalk through the indigenous forest to the suspension bridge, enjoying the lush scenery along the way.

From here we continue up the coastline, passing Port Elizabeth and reaching Kariega Private Game Reserve. Once checked in to your room around 2:00 pm, freshen up, enjoy some lunch and prepare for your 3-hour evening game drive starting at 3:00 pm in the winter and around 4:00 pm in the summer months.
Home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as many species of mammals, reptiles and birds, prepare for an amazing experience. Using all their senses & experience, your Ranger will seek out the animals and stop for anything of interest, possibly the spoor of hunting lions or a herd of African elephants. Sunset time is enjoyed on a vantage point with some sundowners and snacks, before we change into night mode and using flashlights, search for the secretive nocturnal creatures of the bush like a sleek genet or unforgettable view of a leopard. Upon returning to the Lodge, a blazing fire and yummy dinner await, along with your first night’s sleep in the African bush.

Day notes

Enjoy an early 3 hour morning game drive with your experienced game ranger, pursuing the animals not yet ticked off your list.

After your game activity, you will return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out around 10:00 am for your private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport or a nearby hotel.