Cape Garden Route Safari

Our first four days of this adventure are spent in Cape Town and the Winelands before setting off along the 200km drive that winds its way through lagoons, forests, mountains, and beaches: otherwise known as the Garden Route.  The trip culminates with a safari experience in the Eastern Cape at a malaria-free reserve that is home to Africa’s big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). You’re going to love this one – Bon Voyage!

ITINERARY

Day 1

· Collected from Cape Town International Airport – please look out for a board on which your names will be displayed

· Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – a world heritage site, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain

· Take a walk along the Tree Canopy Walkway for views of the mountain and surrounding gardens

· The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Waterfront area

Overnight: Cape Town Hotel BB

Day 2

· Collected at 7am from your hotel

· Today we undertake the journey around the Cape Peninsula. We travel via the Atlantic seaboard through Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno. Hout Bay and onto Cape Point

· On arrival we take a ride up the funicular which takes us up to Cape Point Viewpoint

· Return to Cape Town via Boulder’s Beach to meet the African penguin species

Overnight: Cape Town Hotel BB

Day 3

· After breakfast we will take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting)

· Late morning departure for Franschhoek, a picturesque village rich in history nestled between towering mountains and situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands

· Visit two wine farms in the Franschhoek area for wine tasting (own account)

· This evening is at leisure to stroll through the village and take your pick from an assortment of excellent restaurants and cafes

Overnight: Franschhoek Guesthouse BB

Day 4

· This morning we travel to Knysna via Oudtshoorn - the ‘Ostrich Capital of the world’

· Visit an operating ostrich farm where you will see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development

· Continue to Knysna – this is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations, and it is often frequented by locals who choose to spend their summer days on the Knysna Lagoon

· The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town

Overnight: Knysna Hotel BB

Day 5

· Today we board a ferry on the Knysna Lagoon and visit Featherbed Nature Reserve

· On arrival we will board a large 4x4 truck and ascend to the top of the reserve for stunning views of where the lagoon and ocean meet between the Knysna Heads

· Take a gentle walk back down to the outdoor restaurant where we will sit down to a fantastic buffet before boarding the ferry and returning to the town

· The rest of the day is at leisure

Overnight: Knysna Hotel BB

Day 6

· Morning departure for Tsitsikamma – this is a Khoisan word meaning “The place of much water”. This area is characterised by massive cliffs, narrow isolated beaches, and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys

· Check in to our lodge

· This afternoon we visit Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River Mouth with its abundance of bird and wildlife, indigenous forests, waterfalls, and deep river gorges

Overnight: Tsitsikamma Lodge BB

Day 7

· Transfer to a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape for the final leg of our journey

· We arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle

· Return to the lodge for dinner

Overnight: Private Game Lodge DBB

Day 8

· Early morning safari to catch the predators in action – hopefully!

· Return to the lodge for breakfast

· Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool

· This afternoon we will meet in the lounge area for tea before heading out on another exciting evening game drive

· Sundowners in the bush

· Dinner

Overnight: Private Game Lodge accommodation DBB

Day 9

• Final morning game drive and hearty breakfast

• Transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport

Included in tour:

· 2 nights Cape Town Hotel BB

· 1-night Franschhoek Guesthouse BB

· 2 nights Knysna Hotel BB

· 1-night Tsitsikamma Lodge BB

· 2 nights Private Game Lodge DBB

· Certified guide

· Air-conditioned vehicle

· Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

· V&A Waterfront

· Cape Peninsula Tour

· Boulders Beach Penguins

· Table Mountain

· Cape Winelands

· Oudtshoorn

· Ostrich Farm

· Knysna

· Featherbed Nature Reserve Experience

· Tsitsikamma

· Storm’s River Suspension Bridge

· Big Five Safari Experience

· Airport transfer to Port Elizabeth International Airport

Excluded from tour:

· Lunches

· Dinner where it is not mentioned

· Wine tasting

· Additional activities

· All purchases of a personal nature

· Gratuities

· Travel insurance

· Flights

What to bring:

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Neutral (beige, green, and browns) colour tones for your safari attire

· Camera