| The Garden Route in South Africa is legendary for its awesome natural beauty. Beginning and ending in Cape Town, our tour journeys across spectacular mountain passes and along a pristine coastline boasting some of South Africa's top coastal and golfing resorts. From Knysna's charming Waterfront and Nature Reserve, to ostriches and massive underground caves - the Garden Route will entertain young and old alike.
For adventure tours accommodation, car hire, guided tours and safaris in the Garden Route, in fact throughout South and Southern Africa, Thompsons Africa can help you to put together your dream African vacation.
Day 1: (Mon) Cape Town / Oudtshoorn
We fetch you from your hotel by 07h30 and travel via the town of Montagu on 'Route 62' (South Africa's version of America's famous 'Route 66') to the pretty village of Barrydale where we stop for tea (own account). Then on to Oudtshoorn, known as the 'feather capital of the world' thanks to its huge ostrich industry. After a fascinating tour of an ostrich farm, we continue to our Oudtshoorn hotel for check-in and overnight.
Accommodation: Queens Hotel or similar
Day 2: (Tue) Oudtshoorn & Knysna (B)
This morning go underground to marvel at the icy formations in the Cango Caves, regarded, for good reason, as one of South Africa's most spectacular natural wonders. We drive the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to the town of George, then pass Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route, and continue to the popular seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay, playground of South Africa's rich and famous. We visit the 'Garden of Eden' forest, where we enjoy a leisurely walk through this aptly named natural paradise, before arriving back at Knysna.
Accommodation: Knysna Log-Inn or similar
Day 3: (Wed) Knysna (BL)
Enjoy a cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sand-stone 'Heads' which guard the sea's entrance to Knysna's huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches surrounding it. After lunch the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this lovely and special town.
Accommodation: Knysna Log-Inn or similar
Day 4: (Thu) Cape Town (B)
After breakfast we head back to the 'Mother City', via Swellendam and Hermanus, which has earned international fame as a place from which to spot the magnificent Southern Right Whale during its breeding season (July to November only). We arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon, and say our goodbyes either at a central Cape Town hotel or at the airport.
Optional Pre & Post Tours
Optional Pre Tour Package
(Fri) Arrive Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by a Thompsons Representative and transferred to the Protea Hotel President or similar, your base for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
(Sat) Cape Winelands
Explore the beauty of the Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. Visit the Huguenot Memorial and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
(Sun) Cape Peninsula
Depart on a full day tour to Cape Point, drive along the Atlantic seaboard, visit Hout Bay and then continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. Drive through the historic naval village of Simon's Town. Return to Cape Town and overnight.
Extensions to the above tour are available, as well as various other optional day excursions. |
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