Cape Adventure Garden Route - Guest House

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn         
We depart Cape Town this morning and head out onto Route 62, the longest wine route in the Western Cape.  It is an area of magnificent landscapes, towering cliffs and an abundance of trees and indigenous flora, and meanders all the way to Oudtshoorn our first destination.  Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and this afternoon we visit a show farm to learn about the history and use of these unique birds, as well as their life cycle and how they are farmed.[B]

Accommodation: De Opstal or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Knysna                  
After breakfast we proceed to the impressively beautiful Cango Caves where we embark on a guided tour of the mysterious limestone formations in this subterranean wonderland.   We continue our drive over the breathtaking Outeniqua pass which offers stunning views over the Swartberg escarpment and the Indian Ocean, and make our way to the Garden Route town of Knysna.   The afternoon is spent on the Featherbed Eco Experience, which includes a return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the western head followed by a drive up the headland onto the reserve stopping at the spectacular lookout points. (Weather permitting.)   This evening why not try out one of the many restaurants Knysna has to offer, and sample the oysters they are famous for.[B]

Accommodation: The Graywood Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 3: Storm River / Tsitsikamma                     
We continue further along the Garden Route to experience the famous Tsitsikamma National Park, where we spend the morning hiking along the winding board walk through the forest to the suspension bridge at Tsitsikamma mouth.  The protected and indigenous forest of Tsitsikamma contains the most amazing array of vegetation, such as; woody shrubs, heath, proteas, fynbos, geranium, stinkwood, giant Outeniqua yellowwoods and about 7700 more unique plant species. For the avid bird lovers; you can enjoy possible sightings of African black oyster catchers, orange-breasted sunbirds, Nerina trogans, Knysna Loeris and many other species of fascinating birds. Wildlife sightings range from dolphins and whales to caracal, genet, chacma baboons, dussies, mongooses and even leopards.  On the way back a stop can be made at the Bloukrans bridge for those who want to experience the world’s highest bungi jump! [B]

Accommodation: The Graywood Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 4: Knysna to Hermanus                       
This morning we drive along the N2, through the coastal towns of Sedgefield, Wilderness and George and make our way to the Garden Route Game Lodge, where we embark on a game drive in an open Landrover with an experienced game ranger.  The game reserve is home to lion, elephant, white rhino, buffalo and cheetah as well as giraffe and numerous antelope species, and hopefully we will get to spot some of these magnificent creatures. We carry on to the town of Hermanus where we spend the night. [B]

Accommodation: Hermanus Lodge on the Green or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar)   

Day 5: Cape Town                       
After a hearty breakfast we take a leisurely drive to the Hemel and Aarde Valley were we sample wines at one of the local vineyards.  We proceed to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens which is home to a spectacular variety of Fynbos, where we spend some time enjoying nature in these peaceful surroundings.  The last stop for the day is at Stony Point to see the African Penguins. This is one of only three land based colonies in South Africa.  We arrive back into Cape Town later this evening. [B]