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8 days

Classic Garden Route

Classic Garden Route

'Monkeyland' multi-species primate sanctuary and the Birds of Eden Sanctuary

Cape Point Peninsula - where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet

Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'

Stellenbosch's fine wines and produce

Trip rating

  • Overview

    The Garden Route refers to the lush and ecologically diverse south-eastern coast of South Africa. Here, you'll find an African heaven for foodies and picture-perfect coastline dotted with beautiful seaside towns.

    Why we love it

    • Meet the locals during a cheetah walk at the Tenikwa Rehabilitation and Awareness, a visit to Monkeyland and the Birds of Eden Sanctuary Centre
    • Enjoy a traditional meal, music and dance with the locals at a ‘shebeen’ in Port Elizabeth
    • Heaven for foodies, with a spectacular twelve-dish buffet lunch under the milkwood trees in Knysna. And dine under the stars at award-winning Moyo @ Spier which boasts Bedouin tents, gazebos and even tree houses!
    • Enjoy the premier attractions of the Garden Route including Featherbed Nature Reserve and the world famous Cango Caves
    • Sample the fine wines and produce of South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch wine region

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Port Elizabeth

    • On arrival in Port Elizabeth you are met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we’ll take a tour of the 'real city' of Port Elizabeth. The tour will take us on a journey through the history of the Port, where we’ll visit original 19th century English settlement homes, shop from the street traders and visit Red Location, the oldest township in South Africa.
    • Our next stop is the local township pub, known as a 'shebeen'. The 'shebeen' also acts as an informal meeting house and is an important part of township life. We may have an opportunity while we are there to see local music and dance.
    The Kelway Hotel or similar
    Dinner

    Day 2 - Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna

    • After breakfast we depart on the famous Garden Route, today we visit Tsitsikamma - meaning ‘a place of much water', is a beautiful coastal reserve stretching 80 kilometres along the southern coastline. The enchanting forest is home to ancient outeniqua yellowwood trees, magnificent giant ferns and the beautiful and elusive Knysna turaco (also known as loerie).
    • After leaving Tsitskamma we continue towards The Crags were we find Monkeyland, the Birds of Eden Sanctuary, which was set up to provide a safe environment to release free-flight African birds. Bird owners can also release their pet birds after undergoing rehabilitation.
    • Included is a Wild Cat experience at the Tenikwa Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre.
    • We drive through to Knysna, our accommodation for the next two nights is situated within minutes of the water’s edge of Knysna Lagoon.
    Knysa River Lodge or similar
    Breakfast

    Day 3 - Knysna

    • After breakfast, we head to the Knysna Waterfront to board the ferry that takes us to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. The Featherbed Experience is regarded as one of the Garden Route's premier tourist attractions.
    • Upon arrival we board a Unimog-drawn trailer and drive to the top of the reserve. While stopping at scenic lookout points, a local guide will share some fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while we enjoy the panoramic views.
    • An optional two kilometre guided nature walk takes us through the forest, onto cliffs, into the caves and along the scenic coast. Once we’re back in the Food Forest, we enjoy a spectacular twelve-dish buffet lunch in a unique outdoor restaurant situated under the milkwood trees.
    • After lunch you can browse through the Blue Duiker curio shop, where you can purchase a variety of curios including clothing, or something from the famous carved 'Feathers of Knysna' collection.
    • The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the Knysna Waterfront area, a place that has been referred to as one of the 'jewels' of the Garden Route. Sample the region's famous oysters or browse the world-class arts and crafts stalls that line the Waterfront!
    River Club or similar
    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 4 - Oudtshoorn

    • After breakfast we embark on a breathtaking drive over the Outeniqua Mountains to the world famous Cango Cave's located at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains.
    • We take a guided tour through the vast limestone chambers, filled with stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. It is truly a natural underground wonderland filled with intriguing formations.
    • We also visit one of the many ostrich farms for which the area is renowned. We join a guided tour and learn about these fascinating large flightless birds.
    La Plume or similar
    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 5-6 - Stellenbosch

    • Today we travel Route 62 via the ‘Klein Karoo’ on our way to Stellenbosch. We stop at quaint villages along the way and enjoy a wine tasting before arriving late afternoon. Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 and is the name most synonymous with the wines in South Africa. Some of these wineries are historic estates with impressive Dutch colonial mansions and expansive gardens.
    • We sample some of the region's fine wines and produce - truly some of the best value wines you'll find anywhere in the world!
    • Tonight we are in for a truly memorable experience as we dine under the stars at the award-winning Moyo @ Spier. Set in a magnificent tree-lined garden, the restaurant comprises Bedouin tents, gazebos and tree houses!
    • We’ll be entertained by many local performers throughout the evening, ranging from performers, to storytellers and tribal dancers. This will be an unforgettable evening with a distinctly Cape African flavour!
    Labri Manor or similar
    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 7-8 - Cape Town

    • • We head towards our final destination of Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'. On our way, we veer south and make our way down the Cape Point Peninsula. At Simon’s Town, we head to Boulders Beach and get close to some of the 3000 African jackass penguins that make their home there.
    • On our way down to Cape Point, look out for the cheeky baboons. At Cape Point we can walk up to the lighthouse and enjoy incredible views of the stunning surrounds and Atlantic Ocean. Those not wishing to walk can take the funicular railway up (optional and at extra cost).
    • Nearby is the Cape of Good Hope, a significant landmark especially in the seafaring days of a bygone era. We arrive in Cape Town approx. mid afternoon and check in to our accommodation cradled beneath the majestic Table Mountain.
    • Our South African adventure finishes after breakfast. A departure transfer can be pre-booked at an additional cost.
    Cape Milner Hotel or similar
    Breakfast
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  • Details

    What to Know

    What's Included

    • An experienced, English-speaking local Peregrine leader
    • Entrance fees and game activities at all National Parks
    • Authentic accommodation
    • Most meals (except those specified in your itinerary)
    • Transport, including in open 4WD vehicles on safari
    • Arrival transfer

    Not Included

    • International flights
    • Airport departure taxes
    • Departure transfer
    • Visas
    • Meals unless specified in the itinerary
    • Insurance
    • Laundry - but there will be opportunity to do some hand-washing in the camps where we stay for two or more nights.
    • Optional tours or activities during free time
    • Tips - this is something to consider, and it might be worthwhile speaking to your group about making a group contribution at the end of the trip

  • Map

    Map Itinerary

  • Reviews

    Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments

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Trip at a glance

Trip Code PFGR
Group size 4 - 10
Start City: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
End City: Cape Town

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