+27 31 572 4227

info@southerncircle.com

We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa

info@southerncircle.com

We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa

+27 31 572 4227

info@southerncircle.com

We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa

+27 31 572 4227

Garden Route Guided Tours

4-Day Garden Route Guided Tour; Cape Town – Cape Town

4-Day Garden Route Tour – Cape Town to Cape Town (Code: SCCH) This 4-day garden route tour departs daily from Cape Town to the scenic Garden Route. The tour continues through must-see areas in the Garden Route such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth! We also traverse through the adjacent semi-desert Little Karoo visiting the famous Cango Caves and an ostrich farm, then on to Cape Town via Route 62. Our small group tours create an exclusive feel in luxurious comfort. Day 1. Cape Town – Mossel Bay – George – Knysna (Garden Route) Your tour departs from Cape Town to the Garden Route and drive eastwards via Sir Lowry’s Pass. Travel through the famous apple country of Grabouw to Swellendam and Mossel Bay. Here you visit arguably the oldest post office in Africa, the Post Office Tree. This is the site where the Portuguese explorer, Bartholomeu Dias, made first landfall in 1488. From here you truly enter the Garden Route and travel past George via the Wilderness Lakelands to Knysna. Overnight at Parkes Manor or similar. Day 2. Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park (Garden Route) We travel further to Plettenberg Bay after breakfast for a short visit. Traverse through magnificent scenic river valley passes – truly nature’s gardens – and arrive at the Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for ‘The place of much water). You can do an hour’s roundtrip walk to the suspension bridge stretching over the mouth of the Storms River. Afterwards, we continue to The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The Bloukrans Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge and is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world! After this exciting experience, we visit the Birds of Eden aviary. This

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3 Day Garden Route Guided Tour – Cape Town to Gqeberha(Port Elizabeth) (Code: SCCA)

3-Day Garden Route Tour This 3-day garden route tour departs daily from Cape Town via the popular Route 62 to the scenic Garden Route. We also traverse through the adjacent Little Karoo, visiting the famous Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. The tour continues through other ‘must-see’ areas and ends up in Gqeberha(Port Elizabeth) the afternoon of the 3rd day! Our small group tours create an exclusive feel in luxurious comfort. The pace on this tour is faster than our 4-day tour as it is designed for those with a time limit. DAY 1. Cape Town – Wine Estate – Route 62 – Oudtshoorn Departing from Cape Town, we drive eastwards via the beautiful Du Toit’s Kloof Mountains and the Breede Valley Wine region, heartland of South Africa’s brandy producers. Our journey includes the Robertson and Montague wine regions, visiting one of the many wine estates along the route, for a special wine tasting. We continue via Route 62 through the Little Karoo with its unique mountain ranges and vegetation to Oudtshoorn, visiting an Ostrich Show Farm for some exceptional experiences with these strange birds! Overnight at La Plume Boutique Guest House outside Oudtshoorn, also called the “Feather capital” of the world, as over ninety per cent of the world’s ostrich farms are found here. (Dinner included) DAY 2. Cango Caves – George (Garden Route) – Wilderness – Knysna After breakfast, we visit the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise of an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. An optional visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch can be done once we leave the caves. The Ranch encompasses over 90 different species of animals. They provide guided tours which are fundamental in educating the public, giving each species a voice, and highlighting animal and environmental issues. We leave Oudtshoorn, and proceed over the

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6-Day Wild Coast and Garden Route Tour – Durban to Cape Town (Code: SCDP)

6-Day Wild Coast Garden Route Tour On this tour we explore firstly the subtropical south coast of KwaZulu Natal situated along the eastern seaboard of South Africa, secondly the rugged Wild Coast and lastly the scenic Garden Route. The tour ends in Cape Town, situated in the southwestern corner of South Africa! DAY_1. Durban – South Coast – Wild Coast The drive from Durban takes us through lush subtropical vegetation and numerous holiday villages dotted along the seaboard. We visit the scenic Oribi Gorge and afterwards some beautiful little beaches. On arrival at our hotel, we have some time to walk to the beach or just relax and take in the scenic surroundings. Overnight at Estuary Hotel or similar. Dinner included today. DAY_2. Wild Coast After a sumptuous breakfast, depart from our hotel, turning inland and enter the Eastern Cape Province, the former homeland of Transkei. Traverse over hilly grasslands dotted with Xhosa homesteads, through valleys and clear streams to Umtata, the capital of the former homeland around mid-day. After a visit to the Nelson Mandela museum we travel further south and turn towards the ocean again. Arrive at our lodge nestled in the beautiful village of Chintsa Bay on the Wild Coast, surrounded by rolling hills and lush tropical forests. Overnight Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar. DAY_3. Wild Coast – Addo Elephant National Park – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) After having breakfast overlooking the shimmering Indian Ocean, we depart, and this morning’s journey takes us to East London for a visit. The city is the only true river port in South Africa and the place where a prehistoric coelacanth was caught in 1938. Afterwards, we travel further along the coast and enjoy the lush vegetation and rugged coastline. We visit Grahamstown, a small cathedral city and considered the art capital of

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4-Day Garden Route Guided Tour – SCCD

4-Day Garden Route Tour – Cape Town – Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth(Code: SCCD) This 4-day garden route tour departs daily from Cape Town via Hermanus, arguably the best land-based whale watching spot in the world, and continue to the exceptional scenic Garden Route in a relaxed manner, visiting must-see areas, ending up in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) the afternoon of the 4th day! Our small group tours create an exclusive feel in luxurious comfort. DAY 01. Cape Town – Hermanus – Swellendam – Mossel Bay (Cape Garden Route) Depart from Cape Town on tour at around 09h00. We continue eastwards towards the Garden Route. The road takes us via a beautiful coastal route between Gordon’s Bay and the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus. (Hermanus is also arguably the best place in the World to spot Whales from land – July to Dec). After lunch, you continue to Mossel Bay and visit famous Cape Town tourist attractions such as the oldest post office in Africa. A huge hollow tree was used to hide the post at the site of the first landfall, made by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias in 1488. Overnight in Mossel Bay at Aquamarine Guest House or similar. DAY 02. Mossel Bay – Oudtshoorn – Cango Caves – Ostrich Farm. Travel over the scenic Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo, and we visit an Ostrich Show Farm for some unique experiences. Here we learn about these amazing flightless birds. You visit the Cango caves regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost natural wonders. The calcite caves comprise an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards; you visit Oudtshoorn, also called the “Feather capital” of the world, because we find over ninety per cent of the world’s ostrich farms here. Overnight at La Plume Boutique Guest House outside Oudtshoorn. DAY 03. Oudtshoorn – Cango Wildlife Ranch

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6 Day Garden Route and Wildlife Tour (Code: SCCN)

6-Day Garden Route, Wildlife and semi-desert Karoo This 6-day guided tour starts off exploring the lush and scenic Garden Route and, secondly, wildlife in the adjacent semi-desert. Also included are three national wildlife areas, the Addo, the Mountain Zebra and Karoo National Parks! This tour is an excellent substitute for game viewing in the north of the country! Day 1. Cape Town – Route 62 – Oudtshoorn (Garden Route and Wildlife) Depart from Cape Town on the 6-day garden route and wildlife guided tour. We drive eastwards via the beautiful Du Toit’s Kloof Mountains and the Breede Valley Wine region, heartland of South Africa’s brandy producers. Our journey includes the Robertson and Montague wine regions, visiting one of the many wine estates along the route, for a special wine tasting. We continue via Route 62 through the Little Karoo with its many unique mountain ranges and vegetation to Oudtshoorn, visiting an Ostrich Show Farm for some exceptional experiences with these strange birds! Overnight in a Guest Lodge on a working ostrich farm – La Plume Boutique Guest House. Dinner included today. Day 2. Cango Caves – Garden Route – George – Knysna After breakfast, we visit the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise of an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. An optional visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch can be done once we leave the caves. The Ranch encompasses over 90 different species of animals. They provide guided tours which are fundamental in educating the public, giving each species a voice, and highlighting animal and environmental issues. We then leave Oudtshoorn, and travel over the Outeniqua Mountains via George and Wilderness along the Wilderness National Park lakes area. We skirt around the lakes to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by

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5-Day Garden Route Karoo and Wildlife – Cape Town to Cape Town (Code: SCCS)

5-Day Garden Route, Karoo and Wildlife viewing in a semi-desert Landscape – from Cape Town The Garden Route, Karoo and wildlife tour departs daily from Cape Town via a scenic coastal route to Hermanus, arguably the best land-based whale-watching spot from July through December. Afterwards, we continue further into the scenic Garden Route. Visit Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, the Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River mouth and continue to the Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo for visits to an ostrich farm famous Cango Caves. Day 4 we traverse the Swartberg Mountains into the Great Karoo and enter the Karoo National Park for some wildlife viewing and overnight. The last day’s drive gets exceptionally scenic descending the Hex River Valley into the Cape’s wine-making areas. DAY 1. Mossel Bay – Garden Route – Knysna (Garden Route, Karoo and Wildlife) The Garden Route and Karoo contrasts are highlighted in this tour! Depart from Cape Town and drive eastwards via Sir Lowry’s Pass and the famous apple country of Grabouw to Swellendam and Mossel Bay on the edge of the Garden Route. Here you visit arguably the oldest post office in Africa, the Post Office Tree. Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias made landfall here in 1488. From here you truly enter the Garden Route and travel past George via the Wilderness Lakelands to Knysna. Overnight at Stannards Guest House or similar (Dinner included) DAY 2. Plettenberg Bay – Tsitsikamma National Park – Knysna Breakfast and afterwards explore Knysna and travel further to Plettenberg Bay for a short visit. Then you traverse through magnificent scenic river valley passes. You visit the Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for ‘The place of much water’) stretching over 100 km kilometres of wild and rocky coastline characterised by massive cliffs, narrow, isolated beaches and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. Your next stop

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6-Day Garden, Wild Coast and Durban Tour (Code: SCCP)

Garden Route and Wild Coast Tour This excursion covers both the Garden Route and the Wild Coast areas, so named because of its rugged beauty. Afterwards, you experience the lush sub-tropical vegetation of South Africa’s East Coast, sometimes called the garden province. Here you visit the scenic Oribi Gorge before travelling to the holiday city of Durban. DAY 1. Cape Town – Route 62 – Oudtshoorn (Garden Route and Wild Coast) Your 6-Day tour incorporates firstly; the scenic Garden Route, and secondly, Wild Coast departs from Cape Town. After driving eastwards via the beautiful Du Toit’s Kloof Mountains and the Breede Valley Wine region, we find the heartland of South Africa’s Brandy producers and the Robertson and Montague wine regions. We visit one of the Wine Estates in this area for wine tasting. Afterwards, Route 62 through the Little Karoo with its many unique mountain ranges and vegetation to Oudtshoorn, visiting an Ostrich Show Farm for some exceptional experiences with these strange birds! Oudtshoorn is called the “Feather capital” of the world as over ninety per cent of the world’s ostrich farms are found here. We overnight at the La Plume Boutique Guest House. DAY 2. Cango Caves – Garden Route – Knysna (Garden Route and Wild Coast) Today we visit the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. After this adventure, an optional visit to the Cango wildlife ranch can be done. The Ranch encompasses over 90 different species of animals. They provide guided tours which are fundamental in educating the public, giving each species a voice, and highlighting animal and environmental issues. We traverse past Oudtshoorn and over the Outeniqua Mountains via George and Wilderness along the Wilderness National Park lakes area. We skirt around the

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8 Days Touch of Wildlife and Scenery – Cape Town to Johannesburg (Code: SC-01C)

Wildlife and Scenery – Cape Town to Johannesburg The touch of wildlife and scenery package is the perfect tour package for those with little time to see South Africa’s most popular wildlife and scenic areas in only 8 days! Also included is the Panorama Route. The tour departs daily from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. DAY 1. Cape Town – Hermanus – Swellendam – Mossel Bay This wildlife and scenery tour package highlights the diversity of South Africa. Depart from Cape Town at around 09h00 and drive eastwards via the beautiful coastal route between Gordon’s Bay and Hermanus, a seaside holiday town (Hermanus is the best place in the World to spot Whales from land – July to Dec). Afterwards, drive on to Mossel Bay. Here we visit arguably the oldest post office in Africa, the Post Office Tree. The Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias made landfall here in 1488. Overnight at Bar -T-Nique Lodge. DAY 2. Mossel Bay – Oudtshoorn – Cango Caves – Ostrich Farm. The 2nd Day of the 8 Days touch of Wildlife and Scenery starts over the Outeniqua Mountains in the Little Karoo to visit an Ostrich Show Farm for unique experiences. We visit the Cango caves, regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. Visit Oudtshoorn, also called the “Feather capital” of the world, as one finds over ninety per cent of the world’s ostrich farms here. Overnight La Plume Lodge. DAY 3. Oudtshoorn – Cango Wildlife Ranch – Garden Route – Knysna After breakfast, we visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients, an endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire. Then depart for George and Wilderness National Park. We skirt around the lakes with stops at scenic viewpoints to Knysna. The town is situated

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3 Day Garden Route Tour – Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha to Cape Town (Code: SCCB)

This tour through the Garden Route offers quick but in-depth views over this diverse and scenic area. The emphasis is on affordable luxury and comfort utilizing small 4-star type lodges. Guided transport is in luxury 7-seater or smaller air-conditioned vehicles. DAY 1. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Garden Route – Knysna You depart on this 3 day Garden Route Tour from Gqeberha, also called the ‘Friendly City’, towards the Garden Route and along the N2 national route. Arrive at Storms River with the impressive Paul Sauer Bridge across the valley towering some hundred and thirty- nine metres above the river. Now truly in the Garden Route, our next stop is further along at Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for the place of much water). The park stretches over one hundred kilometres of wild and rocky coastline characterized by massive cliffs, narrow, isolated beaches, and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. You can do a relaxing walk/hike to the suspension bridge stretching over the mouth of the Storms River. Afterwards, travel to The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The Bloukrans Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge and is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world! You visit Birds of Eden. This unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. It is currently home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, focusing on African birds. Travelling past Plettenberg Bay to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by two promontories known as the ‘Heads’. The area also falls within a National Park of the Garden Route proclaimed to conserve the extraordinary natural beauty of the Lakeland and adjacent indigenous forests. Knysna also offers shopping opportunities for unusual locally made art

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4-Day Garden Route Guided Tour – Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha to Cape Town (Code: SCCE)

4-Day Garden Route Tour – SCCE – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Cape Town This 4-day Garden Route fully guided tour departs daily from Gqeberha and offers a relaxed way to view the exceptionally scenic Garden Route area. Our hand-picked overnight accommodations add to the comfort and luxury. DAY 1 Gqeberha – Garden Route – Knysna Our day begins departing from Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha, towards the Garden Route, so-called because of its lush, green scenery, looking much like gardens, along the N2 national route to the Storms River. This is the beginning of the Garden Route. Your next stop is at Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for the place of much water), stretching over one hundred kilometres of wild and rocky coastline characterized by massive cliffs, narrow isolated beaches, and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. Here you can do a relaxing walk/hike to the suspension bridge stretching over the mouth of the Storms River. We then continue to The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 meters (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The Bloukrans Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge and is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world! On the road again, before entering Plettenberg Bay, we visit the Birds of Eden. This unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. It is currently home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds. Then a short stop at Monkeyland, the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. On this visit you can expect to see a variety of primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar. More than 700 primates live at the sanctuary. Continuing past Plettenberg Bay to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by two

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8-Day Touch of wildlife and scenery – Johannesburg to Cape Town (Code: SC-01)

8-Day Highlights of South Africa; Wildlife and Scenery Tour – Johannesburg to Cape Town Our 8-day highlights of South Africa is the perfect guided package to see the most popular wildlife and diverse scenery in little over a week! Also included is the Panorama Route. The tour departs daily from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. DAY 1. Johannesburg – Kruger National Park (wildlife and scenery) This tour specializes in the major wildlife and scenic areas of South Africa! We commence with a drive eastwards via Witbank and Middelburg to Nelspruit and enter the Kruger National Park in the south. Our encounter with the wildlife starts here. At the end of an exciting afternoon, we enter our camp for dinner and overnight. The accommodation in the camps is free-standing round ‘rondavel’ type rooms with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. DAY 2. Big Five Kruger National Park Tour Today is devoted to game viewing as we search above all for the ‘Big Five’ animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). After another exciting day in the wild, we reach our camp at sunset for dinner and overnight. Some may want to do a night drive in an open game-viewing vehicle utilising high powered spotlights to find the nocturnal animals (optional). DAY 3. Kruger National Park – Panoramic Route – Hazyview After a final game drive and breakfast, we exit the park and drive via Klaserie and the Abel Erasmus Pass to the Escarpment, entering the Panoramic Route. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and Pinnacle Rock. Travel via Graskop to our hotel. Overnight at Angels View Hotel. DAY 4. Pilgrim’s Rest – JNB – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Breakfast and afterwards travel to the national heritage town of Pilgrim’s Rest. We take a walk through the main street and

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10-Day South Africa Guided Tour (Code: SC-02/10) Johannesburg – Cape Town

10-Day Taste of South Africa Guided Tour This 10-day tour of South Africa is just that, a taste of the country and its diversity. The tour incorporates the Panoramic Route, Kruger National Park, a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zululand, and another private reserve first proclaimed world heritage site in South Africa, iSimangaliso, and a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia. We travel through the scenic Garden Route for the last three days and finally ending in Cape Town. This tour truly covers travel in South Africa! DAY 1. Johannesburg – Dullstroom – Panoramic Route – Sabie You are collected from your hotel at around 09h00 to start your tour. Collection from the O R Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg can also be arranged. We travel from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom, and Lydenburg. Continue to Pilgrim´s Rest; the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century around the town deep in the mountains. We continue to our overnight spot situated on the edge of the escarpment! Overnight Angels View Hotel. (Dinner included). DAY 2. Panoramic Route – Private Game Reserve Today we marvel at scenic areas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area. Finally, we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel to arrive at Mohlabetsi Lodge in the Balule private game reserve. This afternoon our encounter with Africa’s wildlife begins as we travel on an open vehicle to search for the game. Enjoy a great dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). DAY 3. Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park After an early morning safari, conditions permitting a search for the wild on

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Garden Route Guided Tours

Stretching 300 km, the Garden Route in South Africa’s botanical nook.

There is no place in South Africa quite like the Garden Route. It includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that South Africa offers and crosses through numerous small, picturesque coastal towns. Named for its immensely diverse vegetation, most indigenous to the area, the Garden Route is a myriad of lagoons, lakes, forests and mountains. The main reason why guided tours in the Garden Route is so popular!

The route is quite a popular attraction! When travelling to our beautiful country, you cannot miss this rich landscape of quiet beaches, dense forests, and unique attractions. The journey begins 4 hours from Cape Town and winds along the coast ending at the fairy tale Tsitsikamma Forest.

Mountains feature heavily on a tour of the Garden Route, with the rolling green hills being one of the route’s major characteristics. The mountains lie close to the windy beaches and bays, making guests feel like they are in a different world. The route runs alongside the coastline and is dotted with lakes, golden beaches, indigenous forests and those magnificent mountains.

The Garden Route has a longstanding fascination with all who visit and the best way to get the most out of your time here is on a Garden Route tour. Let us at Southern Circle Tours & Safaris help you plan the best itinerary for your Garden Route breakaway. Our Garden Route tour packages take you to the most popular attractions along South Africa’s most popular coastal route.

With Southern Circle Tours & Safaris, you can look forward to an exclusive and relaxing tour on the Garden Route. Our Garden Route holiday packages will take you on a journey from Cape Town or Port Elizabeth to the Cango Caves, Post Office Tree, Tsitsikamma National Park and various other extraordinary tourist attractions along the Garden Route. You will be amazed when you see South Africa’s effervescent oceans, forests and the stark contrast of the adjacent Little Karoo semi-desert.

Whether you book a 3-day Garden Route guided tour or 19-day Grand South African Tour, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore all that there is to offer along the Garden Route. The magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park and beautiful town of Knysna never fail to impress our guests.

Some of the longer tours, such as the 10 Day Taste of South Africa Tour, will include Kruger National Park excursions and tours of KwaZulu Natal.

All those who travel the Garden Route can agree on one thing; it’s a mystical place unlike any other you will come across in South Africa. Our country boasts wonderfully unique landscapes that differ around every twist and turn. The Garden Route is no exception. The route has an oceanic climate, with mild summers and mild winters making it the perfect place to travel regardless of the time of year. You can drive for long stretches without seeing a soul, and the small towns that dot the path are famous for their hospitality and genuine warm vibes.

Some of the small towns you can stopover in along the way include Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley and Little Brak River. George is the largest city on the route, and it serves as the administrative centre. Before you get the impression that you will spend most of your time here driving, you’ll be happy to know that there are numerous activities to do along the way. Along with hiking in the valleys, kayaking in the rivers that meander through the mountains and spending some downtime at the beach, more adventurous guests can go on treetop excursions through the forests. There is something for everyone along the way!

The Garden Route is South Africa’s biggest botanical garden, and guests will never forget their travels here. You can explore the area with one of our Garden Route Tours. Contact us to get the latest 2019/2020 rates and prices for our packages.

A Brief History of the Garden Route

There are no political tales or something about how human history has transformed the Garden Route itself, into what it is. The history of the route is 100% natural. Those who discovered the beautiful path through the mountains did only that, discover. The rest is Mother Nature’s beautiful hand at work. However, some of the attractions do have some history attached to them. Whether it is a town sprung up from necessity or a natural attraction used as a shelter for the earliest inhabitants.
Guests enjoying a Garden Route tour will learn all about the history behind each attraction they visit.

Garden Route Highlights

The gorgeous, sometimes misty and cool, Eastern Cape weather adds to the adventure that guests can look forward to here. With a Garden Route tour, you will miss nothing and leave with a head full of memories and a heart full of love for the Cape. These are just a few of the big Garden Route attractions.

The Knysna Heads

The Heads have a fascinating history, and they have over the years become a fabulous attraction. These rocky peaks stand as sentries, dominating the landscape and giving guests the impression that these rocks guard the coastline and the small towns close to them. And guard they have, in their way, as many fishermen and ships have met their untimely demise, dashed on the jagged rocks. For seafarers, the route past the Knysna Heads is a place where only brave men dare tread.
You don’t have to get up close to see The Heads. They can be viewed from numerous restaurants, and those indulging in water sports in the area will find that The Heads are always in view. If you want to climb to The Heads, the East Head is the more accessible of the peaks, and there are signposts along the way to guide you to it.

Whale Watching

Between Storms River and Mossel Bay, guests can do a bit of whale watching. A boat ride is the best way to get a good look at the whales, while land-based whale watching is also possible, albeit not as effective as when on the lookout from other locations. There is also quite a large Cape Fur Seal population living close to the area, and if you plan your boat trip properly, you could see the seals along the way.

Pinnacle Point Caves

The ocean along the route has carved out several overhanging caves all along the coastline. On a small piece of the headland, close to Mossel Bay, there is a collection of such caves. These caves show human habitation some 40 000 to 150 000 years ago, making the caves an important historical attraction. The caves are breathtaking and can be explored to great depths. From July to December, whales can be spotted from the cave. Booking a tour to the caves is a must, and booking will need to be done in advance.

Bloukrans Pass

Any adrenaline junkie has heard about Bloukrans Pass, but you don’t have to chase the thrill of bungee jumping to see the pass for yourself. Home to what is considered the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, the Bloukrans Pass is also a beautiful attraction for those wanting to get a better view of the forests and winding rivers. The views you will encounter when travelling the pass are indescribable.

Tsitsikamma

Named by the Khoisan because of the abundance of water, the Tsitsikamma National Park is situated in the Garden Route’s heart. About 30% of the park is covered in Fynbos while the rest of the park is characterised by indigenous plants. One could say that the Tsitsikamma National Park is a collection of everything the Garden Route is about; white-tipped ocean breakers beneath cliff faces, rivers cutting through massive mountains, dense forests to explore, and so much more to see!

See the Garden Route for yourself when you join us on a once in a lifetime tour. Book your Garden Route Tour today.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Garden Route

A World of Experiences in one Garden Route trip

The Garden Route is an exquisite stretch of road between the Storms River in the Eastern Cape and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. This winding journey has created one of the most exciting and beautiful ‘road trip’ experiences globally. The variety of mind-blowing scenic beauty, from sun-drenched Winelands to lush, ancient forests, majestic mountains, semi-arid desert and pristine beaches and seascapes is unsurpassed.

Not just the scenery delights, it’s the opportunity to interact with wildlife such as elephants, whales, penguins and more. It’s the adrenaline junkie’s dream with bungee, scuba diving, ziplining, surfing, sandboarding, abseiling, paragliding, white water rafting, fishing and horse-riding opportunities. It’s the nature lovers’ dream too. The Garden Route in the Cape has been added to UNESCO’s World Network of biosphere reserves, with plenty of opportunity for tranquil river canoeing and forest hikes amongst an abundance of flora and fauna. The culture vulture is not forgotten – quaint and historic villages line the route.

Tourism in the Garden Route

Then there are wonderful opportunities for fine dining, and gorgeous Garden Route accommodation options every evening, from vibey backpackers to cosy lodges and B n B’s, to world-class luxury hotels and spas.

You can self-drive the Garden Route or go on one of the excellent Garden Route Tours that operate seamlessly year-round. Take it slow and meander, or whiz through, depending on your time frame. Or stay in a different town every night or base yourself in one place and take day trips. There are so many things to do and see along the way so that you can tailor your Garden Route trip to your favourite experiences.

The Garden Route’s official beginning is in Mossel Bay, but many travellers start from Cape Town on the N2. There are many routes, starting points and detours that you can take to customise your Garden Route experience according to your tastes, time limit and budget.

Towns and Attractions on the Garden Route

The order you will travel the route depends on how much of the route you will cover, how many detours you take, and where your starting and ending point will be. So, in no particular order, here are some of the gorgeous towns, attractions and activities you can enjoy on the Garden Route.

Knysna

Knysna is a charming town that puts the beauty of nature front and centre. The town is nestled next to a beautiful lagoon that is a marine reserve, full of diverse fish species and the unique Knysna seahorse. It’s the perfect spot to drink in the great outdoors, with lakes, mountains and beaches.

The famous indigenous forests in Knysna are the largest closed-canopy forests in South Africa, and home to a diversity of Fynbos vegetation that includes 8000 plant species. There are wonderful, demarcated hiking routes in the forest. The forests used to be home to many elephants, but sadly, very few are left in the forest. However, the Knysna Elephant Park has brought orphaned elephants from the Kruger National Park back to Knysna and is also worth visiting. You can even walk with the gentle giants in the park.

Knysna Heads

The Knysna Heads are two dramatic cliffs that stand and protect the lagoon’s mouth and are well worth a visit with your camera.

The town of Knysna has a central street that is part of the N2 and lined with individually owned small shops and boutiques, full of original art and hand-made items. Hills and mountains surround the narrow streets, all beautifully covered in indigenous vegetation. Restaurants and coffee shops abound, and you will have to choose carefully, as the dining is delicious! The exquisite natural scenery draws artists and crafters, and small studios and galleries provide opportunities to peruse original artworks.

For a spot of nightlife, the Knysna Waterfront boasts trendy bars, restaurants and clubs. It’s quite something to enjoy an evening cocktail while watching the sunset over the Knysna Heads.

Adventure seekers will not be disappointed in Knysna, as abseiling, canopy tours, sky diving and scuba activities are all available close to the town. Golfers will be in heaven with several world-class golf courses in Knysna and neighbouring towns.

If you visit during August or September, the chances of seeing Southern Right whales on their migratory journey is very high.

Plettenberg Bay

When you hit Plettenberg Bay, you’ll know it’s time to kick back and spend some time on the beach. The pristine, white sand and clear, azure water will have you spending hours next to the waves, just lazing, or trying your hand at surfing.

The town is very popular with tourists during the high seasons and has a buzzing nightlife to boot. Even during the daytime, the town is a mecca of interesting shops and boutiques. There are lots to do for the adventurer – parachuting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sandboarding, and horse riding. Sixteen wine estates close by, a township tour or tavern tour and lots of seasonal events mean there is always something new and exciting to do when you come off the beach in ‘Plett’.

George

The historic town of George nestles snugly in the foot of the magnificent Outeniqua Mountain Range, surrounded by beautiful scenery. George is one of the Garden Route’s largest towns, but it does not scrimp on charm and beauty.

Sophistication reigns in the town centre with a mall and all commercial amenities, but the wide streets and tranquil ambience ensure its attraction stays intact. Lovely shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes with mountain views, theatres and cinemas cater to all different tastes.

There are historical landmarks, excellent golfing facilities and stunning beaches and bays just outside of town, including Victoria Bay, known for its perfect surfing waves, great fishing and whale and dolphin sighting.

Other interesting and different activities can include strawberry picking, cheese tasting, a tour of a traditional Xhosa Village with singing, dancing, storytelling and home-brewed beer. There is a bird-breeding farm, the Outeniqua Country Hop (full of farm products, arts and crafts), and plenty of hiking and exploring opportunities.

As with all stops along the garden route, adventure is never far away! You can go caving, climbing, abseiling, rafting, paragliding, angling and 4 x 4’ing, all within a few km of the town.

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is steeped in maritime history. Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed here and named it ‘The Bay of Cowherds. It was renamed by a Dutch explorer who seemed to be delighted with the delicious mussels he found there. You’ll find some of the world’s finest mussels in Mossel Bay and must be sampled.

Staying with the explorers in history, one of the major town attractions is the ‘Post Office Tree’. An unfortunate Portuguese sailor lost his fleet in a storm and recounted his woes on paper, which he then ‘posted’ in an old shoe and hung from a milkwood tree. This old shoe served as a post office for years. A shoe-shaped post box was built under the tree, around 800 years old, and named a National Monument. Post a letter or postcard here on your travels, and it will be stamped with a special commemorative stamp.

Mossel Bay is sunny nearly all year round, and home to around 60kms of warm, golden beach stretches. Museums, archaeological excavations, bushman rock art, golf, boating and yachting, game reserves, shark cage diving and shipwreck diving are all available, making your Mossel bay adventure a full and exciting one. Tours including the area: SCCD, SCCE, countrywide Tours.

Wilderness, Sedgefield and Nature’s Valley

Even the names of these small towns echo the natural beauty of the towns and surroundings.

In Wilderness, bird calls fill the air, the beach is dazzling, and the fynbos is everywhere. It’s a nature-lovers paradise, a place to take your walking shoes, binoculars, camera and get deep into the wilderness. This is the place to breathe in the freshest of clean, pure forest air, kick back, ramble, bird watch, pull out a book and laze amongst nature’s glory.

Nearby, the pretty town of Sedgefield sits next to a lagoon. More gorgeous beaches, hidden nooks and crannies and gorgeous nature walks await. You can opt for a Saturday morning in Sedgefield and potter around the fresh-produce markets. There are the Mosaic Market, The Scarab Village Market or The Wild Oats Farmer’s Market. Sample home-grown fresh produce and life at a pace that you could certainly get used to.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a big part of the Sedgefield Community. Radical Raptors care for injured birds of prey and hold daily flying displays.

Nature’s Valley appears so untouched; you can be forgiven in thinking you are one of the only people to have set foot in the tangled forests and wild beaches. There are many sanctuaries within a short drive from this town consisting of around 10 streets in total. Tours including this area

Storms River and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve

With the wonderfully scenic town next to it, the powerful Storms River snakes through the Tsitsikamma forest to the ocean. Adventure sports beckon, amongst the lush forests, indigenous trees and crashing waves and stormy seas. A suspension bridge above the cliffs and dramatic, thundering waves give incredible lookout views.

Short walking trails in the Tsitsikamma National Park will appeal to most! There are canopy tours, the world’s highest bungee from the Bloukrans River Bridge, fishing, tubing, kloofing and more.

Other Garden Route Road Trip Attractions

Oudtshoorn, Ostriches and the Cango Caves

Experience a change of scene and move away from the coast on a winding road through the Langkloof Mountains. Here, emerge yourself into the austere beauty of the Klein Karoo. This is ostrich country, and the giant, awkward birds are everywhere.

Ostrich farms and colourful farm stalls full of show-worthy plumes line your road. Notice the grand and extravagant Sandstone homesteads built in the old days from farmer’s ‘feather-fortunes’. You can look straight into one of these creature’s small, beady eyes! We visit the Cango Ostrich Show Farm to learn a bit about ostrich farming.

The Cango Caves limestone Chambers deliver a mystical underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and historical Khoi San paintings. A relaxed Heritage Tour is perfect for an informative exploration of the geological wonders and their evolution. You’ll get a chance to experience the amazing sound quality and natural cave acoustics. The Adventure Tour is for those who are happy to twist and wriggle into the limestone chimneys themselves. Time in Oudtshoorn would not be the same without sampling the delicious ostrich steaks for dinner.

Route 62

For another change of scene on the Garden Route, you can head on to the Route 62. It’s the lekker, local version of the famous Route 66 in America. This one winds through the longest wine route in the Cape. Everywhere you look, there are vintage burger bars, fabulous farm stalls. Blink, and you’ll miss them’ towns, each with a unique story and a charm. Wine stops are an absolute must! Tours including Route 62: SCCA, SCCB, SCCP, SCDP,

Your Garden Route Trip

The Garden Route guided tours in South Africa is a pleasure, with well-kept roads and polite road users. DIY or get a or Garden Route Tour Package to suit you, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery. When planning your Garden Route holiday, you can rest assured that Garden Route accommodation is plentiful, varied, friendly and world-class. You can travel the Garden Route on a budget or travel the Garden Route in luxurious style. Either way, the real star of the Garden Route show is nature in all her finery and glory! Garden Route Tours.