The Garden Route - South Africa
Day One
Depart London Heathrow with South African Airways (over-night direct flight).
Day Two - Three
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport
Make your way to the hire car desk to collect your hire car. Self-drive to Acorn House, Oranjezicht, Cape Town. Views of the Waterfront in front and Table Mountain behind.
Acorn House is a delightful small privately-owned guesthouse close to all the attractions of Cape Town. The house is over 100 years old but with all the modern amenities. The nine double bedrooms are all different in size and tastefully decorated, with telephone, television and en-suite bathroom. The sitting room and dining room have been lovingly preserved, with glowing wooden floors and traditional furnishings. The verandahs and garden provide views of Table Mountain and the city, while the upstairs bedrooms look out at the dramatic sweep of Table Bay. There is a swimming pool. A visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a must - it is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
Accommodation: 2 nights, Acorn House, Double Room, Bed & Breakfast
Day Four - Five
Today you will self-drive to Swellendam (approximately 2 hours direct) over the stunning Du Toit's Kloof Pass and onto Worcester. The road winds its way along a narrow valley with high peaks and cliff faces on either side. You will stay at Aanhuizen Guest House, close to the majestic Langeberg Mountains.
The 10 classic ensuite rooms at Aanhuizen Guest House are elegantly furnished, overlooking the gardens or swimming pool. All rooms have their own entrances for peace and privacy.
Very close to Swellendam is the Bontebok National Park, the smallest park in South Africa but it has the highest density of rare and endangered bird life, fynbos species and animal life. The flowers bloom all year round with the peak flower season in the Spring. The Western Cape Nature Reserve was established at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains in order to protect the Bontebok from extinction. It also contains indigenous plant life found nowhere else in the world. The region between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River is also home to around 200 bird species. The Marloth Park is a haven for walkers and birdwatchers. Swellendam is one of the largest Youngberry growing areas in the countr - you can visit a Youngberry farm just 3km outside the town for liqueur tasting. You can also take a day trip to the southernmost tip of Africa or enjoy the Robertson Wine Route.
Accommodation: 2 nights, Aanhuizen Guest House, Classic Room, Bed & Breakfast
Day Six
After breakfast depart Swellendam, to Oudtshoorn. This town, whose wealth was founded on the sales of ostrich feathers in the early part of the last century, is still famous as the ostrich capital of South Africa and has many ostrich farms that can be visited.
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) and is a semi arid area with interesting plant life. Also worth visiting are the Cango Caves as well as one of the most spectacular mountain drives in South Africa, the Swartberg Pass.
You will be accommodated at Hlangana Lodge. This Victorian Lodge offers 12 tastefully decorated en suite rooms all equipped with air conditioning, TV and mini bar. The exotic garden with its sparkling swimming pool overlooks the Swartberg Mountains.
Accommodation: 1 night, Hlangana Lodge, Superior Room, Bed & Breakfast
Day Seven - Ten
After breakfast continue your journey along the Garden Route, to the Knysna River Club in Knysna for the next 4 nights.
From your base in Knysna there are many activities and visits on offer: take a boat trip to the Knysna Heads and the Featherbed Nature Reserve, visit the oyster farms and sample the wares, explore the Garden Route, view the area from the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe - one of South Africa's last operating steam trains, join the elephants for their morning walk at the Knysna Elephant Park or explore the Knysna forest and relax on the nearby beaches.
Here you will be accommodated at the Knysna River Club, nestled alongside the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The Knysna River Club is famous for its unique lagoon-facing chalets situated on the water's edge, providing spectacular views over the lagoon as well as over the Knysna Heads. Garden facing units provide guests with the tranquility of forest garden surroundings in this unique part of the Garden Route. Units are spacious and comfortably furnished.
Accommodation: 4 nights Knsyna River Club, 1 Bedroom, lagoon-facing chalet, Bed & Breakfast
Day Eleven - Fourteen
After breakfast you depart Knysna and make your way to Tsitsikamma Lodge, near Plettenberg Bay, only 20 minutes drive away.
Tsitsikamma Lodge offers character log cabins in a lush garden setting with spectacular mountain and forest views. Each cosy log cabin is well equipped and includes a private deck, barbeque facility, bathroom with shower and romantic spa bath. Enjoy South African cuisine in the timber log restaurant with its welcoming fireplace. Forest walks are available on the property. For those who like peace and quiet spend a day at the neighbouring Tsitsikamma National Park with its 80kms of pristine coastline and forest scenery, secluded valleys covered in mountain fynbos, hiking trails, angling and diverse bird life. 30% of the park is covered in fynbos, boasting a wide variety of beautiful flowers, including proteas and heath. Often described as the "garden of the garden route".
Accommodation: 4 nights Tsitsikamma Lodge, Luxury Cabin, Bed & Breakfast
Day Fifteen
After a final morning relaxing at the Tisitsikamma Lodge, depart for George Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and connecting international flight back to the UK.
Day Sixteen
Arrive London Heathrow, early morning.
Cost per person: £2,200.00 - Total cost for 2 people: £4,400.00
INCLUDED
- International Economy flights with South African Airways, London Heathrow/Cape Town, Johannesburg/London Heathrow
- Domestic flight with South African Airways, George/Johannesburg
- Avis Hire car, Group B (VW Polo or similar) for 14 days
- 2 nights at Acorn House in a double ensuite room, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 nights at Aanhuizen Guest House in a double ensuite room, Bed & Breakfast
- 1 night at Hlangana Lodge, superior room, Bed & Breakfast
- 4 nights at Knysna River Club, 1 lagoon-facing chalet, Bed & Breakfast
- 4 nights at Tsitsikamma Lodge, Luxury cabin, Bed & Breakfast
EXCLUDED
- Meals and drinks, other than those mentioned above, entrance fees and activities other than those listed above, travel insurance, gratuities and expenses of a personal nature.
Best time to visit: September - May
September is the highlight with the Darling Flower Show
Driver/guide and vehicle can also be arranged as an alternative to hire car.
Add-ons or alternative itineraries can easily be arranged. Please contact the office for more information.
