Garden Route, Karoo and Addo Wonders

Welcome to the colourful and diverse Cape. You will be collected from your hotel and with the magnificent Table Mountain behind you, travel inland via Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn. This route will usher you from the tranquil vineyards to cinematic mountain vistas and the unique beauty of the semi-arid Klein Karoo. Enjoy lunch (own account) en route.

Partake in the complimentary wine tasting at Grundheim Wines which is situated just outside Oudtshoorn. They have been producing fine wines for the past 50 years. The estate produces Cape Ruby Port, potstill brandy, Witblits, a variety of liquors, red and white Muscadel and a Red Jerepigo. The wine farm is known for its traditional barrel fermentation process and the absence of artificial colourings and sugar in the wines.

Arrive in Oudtshoorn late afternoon. A picturesque town recognised as the ostrich capital of the world, as the climate is ideal for these large birds to breed and live. Oudtshoorn is home to over 400 ostrich farms as well as several Feather Mansions.
The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. Relax and take pleasure in the friendly Klein Karoo hospitality, enjoying dinner in town (own account).
Queens Hotel or similar - bed and breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the day in and around Oudtshoorn visiting the famous Cango Caves and an Ostrich Farm.
In the Cango Valley we discover the spectacular subterranean world of the Cango Caves; a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains - known as a shelter for early humans.
This world wonder features an impressive display of gold and vermillion dripstone stalagmites and stalactites. The majestic caves consist of a series of hidden chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer.

You will then make your way to an Ostrich farm near Oudtshoorn for a highly entertaining and educational tour, where you will learn more about these remarkable birds, their fascinating nature and their industry.
This operating farm of 1 500ha is where visitors will see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development, in the surrounding Lucerne fields. For the adrenaline seekers, take the opportunity to ride the world’s biggest bird species.
Enjoy lunch (own account) at the farm.

Leaving this subterranean wonderland behind, you will head back to the town of Oudtshoorn. Visit the CP Nel Museum (own account) which was declared a National Monument in 1980. This beautiful sandstone building was officially opened as the Boys High School due to the Ostrich Feather Boom period at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Today, CP Nel’s valuable collection of 40 years back, is secured for the future. Spend the rest of the afternoon indulging in the sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo and its people. Enjoy dinner in town (own account) before making your way back to your hotel.
Queens Hotel or similar – bed and breakfast

Before sunrise, take an exciting excursion to watch the sun rise over the Karoo conservation area whilst enjoying a hot beverage before taking a short hike to the Meerkat’s hideaways to observe how they wake up, brush their teeth, comb their hair and put on their makeup (own account).

After breakfast at the hotel, venture into the Greater Karoo enjoying the stunning views en route to the beautiful historic town of Graaff-Reinet. Savor lunch en route (own account).
Embark on the guided tour to the Valley of Desolation to experience the hauntingly beautiful “Cathedral of the Mountains” in the Camdeboo National Park.
With spectacular 120m high cliffs and columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock that stand sentinel over the endless, parched and silent Karoo plains, formed over a period of 200 million years.

Panoramic views over Graaff-Reinet and the spectacular Plains of Camdeboo are afforded. Engage yourself in the timeless sense of wonder at a landscape said to be the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature.
The Valley is considered a National Monument today.

En route to the hotel, enjoy dinner (own account) in Graaff-Reinet. The Drostdy Hotel, built on the original site of the original residence of the magistrate’s court, dates from 1806. Part of the hotel is formed by the restored Stretch’s Court, a lane of Cape Dutch cottages that housed
labourers in the 1850’s and now accommodates guests.
Drostdy Hotel or similar - bed and breakfast

Sit down to a leisurely breakfast before heading off into town for a walking tour, before departing for Addo. Discover the town of Graaff-Reinet, a gem that lies in the horse-shoe bend of the Sundays River and boasts more proclaimed national monuments than any other South African town.

The picturesque Sneeuberg Mountain Range also keeps watch over this typical 19th century rural town. Enjoy lunch (own account) en route to the Zuurberg Mountains, adjacent to the third largest park in Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park.

The park is home to more than 450 elephants, 400 Cape buffalo, over 48 endangered black rhino as well as a variety of antelope species. Lion and spotted hyena have also recently been re-introduced to the area. Tonight dinner will be served at your hotel.
Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast

After breakfast, head towards the magnificent and picturesque Addo Elephant National Park, where you will enjoy a full day game drive in an open safari vehicle.

This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Experience and track the “Big 5” and other antelope species which are in abundance in the main game area of the park.
These include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck whilst gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo area. The Burchell’s zebra, Cape mountain zebra, spotted hyenas, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit are some of the other game species found in the park. Enjoy lunch in the park before moving onto the second part of the game drive.

This malaria free park offers you the opportunity to engage in the boundless amount of animal and birdlife across the 120 000ha of land. Upon your return to your hotel, delight in a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.
Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar - dinner, lunch, bed and breakfast including game activity

After breakfast, depart Addo to the magical Garden Route offering a diverse variety of sights and experiences.
Your first stop brings you to Storms River. After a short hike, take in the dramatic sights on the suspension bridge of the great Storms River Mouth.
Walk along the winding board walk through indigenous forest to the mouth of the Storm River. Enjoy lunch (own account) in the mystical Tsitsikamma Forest area renowned for its indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. With a profusion of plant life and abundant water, as well as scenic and adventure outings, this forest is a living splendour. Arrive in Knysna in the late afternoon.

The forested town, which grew around an extensive Knysna Lagoon is famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views. The coastline is home to a very delicately balanced marine eco-systemand some of the finest whale and dolphin viewing sites.

On arrival at the hotel, indulge in decadent dinner (own account) next to the Estuary on Thesen Islands, a multi-award winning marina development. The marina is spread over 90 hectares and consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges and surrounded by 25 ha of tidal waterways.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - bed and breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a township tour, providing a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the Qolweni Community Settlement, surrounded by breath-taking views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Experience the vibrant culture that characterises the city’s townships. Journey further to the Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, a well-known attraction and nesting ground of the ‘big cats’. Jukani is the only facility of its kind on the Garden Route and provides these predators sanctuary for the duration of their natural lives. Enjoy an informative tour and meet the feline family.

Thereafter, tantalise your taste buds with wine tasting at a boutique wine estate and enjoy lunch (own account) at the first and only wine estate this far East of the Western Cape, in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay.
Heading for the hotel, visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve (own account) en route offering you a premier eco-experience on the Garden Route on the Western Knysna Head.
On arrival at the reserve, board a Unimog-drawn trailer and drive up to the top of the reserve. While stopping at a scenic lookout point, our specialist guide will share fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views.

An optional 2.2 km guided nature walk takes you through the forest onto the cliffs into the caves and along the scenic coast.
The Lagoon more accurately described as an estuary, has 5 fresh water rivers flowing in from surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the Knysna Heads.

Tonight, you will dine next to the Estuary (own account).
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - bed and breakfast

After an early breakfast, en route to Hermanus you will have a brief stop-over at the quaint and picturesque town of Swellendam before visiting the most Southern tip of Africa.

Swellendam is a charming Cape Dutch town founded in 1745 at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain Range and is famous for its young berries, eclectic architecture and National Parks, as well as outdoor activities.
Enjoy lunch (own account) en route.

Journey South-West and visit South Africa’s National Monument; the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse & Museum. It was the third lighthouse to be built in South Africa and the second oldest still operating today.
Declared a National Monument in 1973, the lighthouse remains a Western Cape provincial heritage site.

Once you have arrived at the beautiful town of Hermanus, take in the sights and sounds of the unparalleled scenic beauty, modern infrastructure and upmarket shops of this bustling hub, most famous for its breathtaking scenery and shore-based whale watching spots.
Hermanus is built along the beautiful shores of Walker Bay and is the official whale watching capital of the world, surrounded by majestic mountains, indigenous fynbos and spectacular natural beauty while its residents are the heart and soul of the town.

Arrive at your hotel late afternoon, perfectly placed in the heart of one of the world’s richest plant kingdoms, this hotel offers a wealth of elegance and service. Enjoy dinner at your hotel or in town (own account).
Arabella Spa & Hotel or similar - bed and breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before departing to one of South Africa’s oldest towns, Franschhoek, en route to Cape Town.
After the scenic drive through Villiersdorp, situated in the heart of the Overberg, arrive in Franschhoek which is nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Franschhoek promises world class cuisine and the finest wines.

Enjoy lunch (own account) in town.
In 1982 Mandela was transferred from the maximum security prison on Robben Island, a small island in Table Bay, to Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town.
From there, Mandela was moved to the then Victor Verster Prison on 9 December 1988. Today this prison is called the Drakenstein Correctional Centre where we visit the house that Nelson Mandela lived in for the last 3 years of his 27 years that he spent in prison for campaigning against Apartheid. Tour will end in Cape Town at your hotel or Cape Town International Airport.