4 Day Garden Route Tour ( 4 Star )

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn
This morning, the spectacular Du Toit’s Kloof Pass takes us over the mountains to Worcester where we stroll through the Karoo National Botanical Garden, a haven for rare and endangered plants. We then enter the verdant Breede River valley, the largest of the Western Cape’s fruit and wine producing valleys. As we follow the fruit route, we enjoy magnificent mountain views, vineyards, orchards and indigenous flora. Stops will be made at roadside farm stalls to purchase and sample the fruit. We journey through the unique and rugged Little Karoo, passing through Barrydale and Calitzdorp, to Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world. We visit an ostrich farm before checking in at our accommodation. There is time to cool off in the pool or put your feet up before trying ostrich steak or Karoo lamb for supper.

Touring time: full day
Travelling time: approximately 5 hours

Accommodation: De Opstal or similar
Meals included: dinner

De Opstal
De Opstal is situated in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley, 12km from Oudtshoorn on the road to the Cango Caves. The lodge consists of farm buildings, circa 1830, such as the stables, wagonhouse, farmhouse and share cropper’s house, restored to provide a choice of rooms with all comforts, air-conditioning and fireplaces. Some are cosy, all are en suite and a few have intimate bathrooms. Relax in the saltwater pool, set in the garden and enjoy traditional dishes in the rustic restaurant.

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Knysna
After breakfast we visit the famous Cango Caves where we embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations. We leave the Little Karoo behind and drive through the protea covered Outeniqua Mountains to George. You have the option of catching the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train to Sedgefield, travelling via the Wilderness and the scenic lake district, or you can continue by bus/car. We reach Knysna in time for a drive along the shores of the Knysna lagoon to the quaint village of Belvidere. Restaurants in Knysna specialise in locally caught fresh fish and this evening we have a chance to sample the catch of the day.

Touring time: full day
Travelling time: approximately 4 hours

Accommodation: Knysna River Club or similar
Meals included: breakfast / dinner

Knysna River Club
This is a cluster of log homes nestled alongside the sought after Knysna Lagoon. Each self catering unit, tastefully furnished in traditional log cabin style. Each have a stretch of lagoon frontage, complete with private jetty, moorings and slipway. In each chalet you will have a television with M-Net, telephone, top quality fridge, cooker and microwave. There is also a swimming pool and close to town.

Day 3: Knysna to Tsitsikamma
This morning we have a few hours to browse through the best of Knysna’s arty craft shops. We drive along the coast to nearby Plettenberg Bay where we set off on a gentle eco stroll along the Robberg Peninsula, a rocky headland which presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea. Robberg affords excellent views of any whales and dolphins that may be visiting Plettenberg Bay. Today we are in the heart of the Garden Route and we enjoy a scenic drive along the Old Passes road, stopping for a swim at the unspoilt beaches of Natures Valley. We stop at the Bloukrans Bridge to witness the world’s highest commercial bungi jump, before reaching our overnight accommodation in the Tsitsikamma Forest. This evening we enjoy country hospitality and typical South African cuisine at our accommodation’s in-house restaurant.

Touring time: full day
Travelling time: approximately 3 hours

Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Lodge or similar
Meals included: breakfast / dinner

Tsitsikamma Lodge
This tranquil country lodge between the mountain and the sea, in the majestic Tsitsikamma, offers cosy characterful log cabins in a lush garden setting with spectacular mountain and forest views. Cabins have private decks, barbecue facilities, bathroom with shower and bath, radio, TV with M-Net, telephone and tea trays. Most cabins have spa baths. A warm welcome with personal and friendly attention awaits guests. Enjoy South African cuisine in the restaurant with fireplace. Forest walk and popular striptease river trail. Large pool and games room. Only 15 minutes from Tsitsikamma National Park and 155 km from Port Elizabeth.

Day 4: Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth
Today is spent in the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. We drive down a steep pass to the aptly-named Storms River Mouth, where there are numerous short walking trails into the forest. The “Woodcutters’ journey” is a trailer or landrover ride which follows an old elephant trail through the forest and is an opportunity to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the area. After lunch in the forest (included in tour), a short walk brings us to the 800-year old “Big Tree”. We leave the Garden Route behind, reaching Port Elizabeth in the late afternoon.

Touring time: full day
Travelling time: approximately 2½ hours

Meals included: breakfast / lunch

DEPARTURE: Daily
DEPARTURE PLACE: All major Hotels in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth

PRICE: R5 180.00 per person sharing – CPT-PLZ or PLZ-CPT
(Children under 12 years, less 30% discount)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: R570.00

TOUR INCLUDES: 3 nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, scheduled tours as specified, entrance fees, luxury air conditioned transport, qualified driver/guide throughout and VAT.

TOUR EXCLUDES: Airfares, all other meals, refreshments, beverages, gratuities, Travel Insurance, Visas if required and any items of a personal nature.

SUGGESTIONS:
* Take a camera, film, binoculars, casual clothing, bathing costume, sun hat and walking shoes.
* For your safety and comfort, please limit your luggage to 15 KG.

DEPOSIT: A deposit of 20% of total tour cost is required at the time of booking. The balance is due 1 month prior to departure.