Relish the scenic splendour of Cape Winelands, Klein Karoo and Garden Route
This journey sets out on the road less travelled through the Cape Winelands and the evocative Klein Karoo before traversing the Outeniqua Mountain Pass and descending to the lush Garden Route coastline. It is a circular route, ending back in Cape Town via the coastal roadway so you take in all the fantastic highlights of this beautiful region.
Highlights:
The evocative landscapes and warm hospitality of the Klein Karoo including a community visit at a heart-warming farm school.
Verdant beauty of mountains and lagoons, and the largest continuous tracts of stately indigenous forest
Whale-watching and fine wines from Hermanus to the heart of the Cape Wineland
Subject to minimum 2 guests. Guests will travel on same vehicle, but will be dropped off at different accommodation. All departures in English. German/English on selected departures
Tour Includes
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, accommodation, porterage, transportation, and sightseeing as specified.
Price Validity
Price Validity: 01 Dec. 2012 – 30 Nov. 2013
Day One - Departing Cape Town
Depart Cape Town and travel through the ‘Little Karoo’ and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town.
Day One
En route, stop off in the town of Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich feather capital” and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. (The school visit is subject to school being opened) Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [D]
Day Two
After breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Afterwards, ascend the Swartberg Mountains via the world renowned Swartberg Pass (weather permitting). Get close to nature and explore the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the full splendour of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions”. Return to Oudtshoorn for a tour and light lunch at an Ostrich Farm. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [BL]
Day Three
After breakfast, travel over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to George, the administrative hub of the Garden Route area and then onto Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. Overnight in Knysna. [BL]
Day Four
After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the Tsitsikamma Forests, continuing to Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single span arch bridge in the world, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. Explore this breathtaking stretch of the Garden Route, where mountains, indigenous forests, deep gorges, and lush vegetation hug the rugged coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches. Here is an abundance of indigenous flora, ancient yellowwood trees and magnificent fynbos plants. In the afternoon you’ll return to Knysna, via Plettenberg Bay, originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Overnight in Knysna. [B]
Day Five
Today, begin the first leg of the return journey. Travel via George and Mossel Bay to the picturesque Cape Dutch town of Swellendam, where lunch will be enjoyed. This charming town was founded in 1745 at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain Range and is famous for its young berries, eclectic architecture and National Parks, as well as outdoor activities. Our journey further continues to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering the best land based whale watching (Aug-Nov) in the world. Overnight in Hermanus. [BL]
Day Six
After a leisurely breakfast depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the scenic coastal road to Gordon's Bay. This is a spectacular route with steep cliffs and lovely coves. Locals label it as the Helderberg areas own "Chapman's Peak" drive and the route offers amazing views over False Bay. Travel to the Stellenbosch area, set within the scenic Cape Winelands. This “Heart of Cape Heritage and hospitality” is a gracious blend of old Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. A wine tasting will be enjoyed, before travelling to Cape Town, where the tour ends on arrival. [B] Passengers may disembark, on request, at Cape Town International Airport.
Day One - Departing Cape Town
Depart Cape Town and travel through the ‘Little Karoo’ and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town.
Depart Cape Town and travel through the ‘Little Karoo’ and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town.
Day OneDay TwoAccommodation
Day One - Oudtshoorn
En route, stop off in the town of Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich feather capital” and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry.
Day Two - Cango Caves, Swartberg Mountains
After breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Afterwards, ascend the Swartberg Mountains via the world renowned Swartberg Pass (weather permitting). Get close to nature and explore the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the full splendour of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions”. Return to Oudtshoorn for a tour and light lunch at an Ostrich Farm.
La Plume is a family-owned 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm outside the town of Oudtshoorn offering warm country hospitality and accommodations in refined style.
Set in the heart of the Klein Karoo, outside Oudshoorn, with sweeping views of the purple Swartberg Mountains, Mooiplaas Guesthouse offers luxury accommodation with a personal touch.
La Plume is a family-owned 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm outside the town of Oudtshoorn offering warm country hospitality and accommodations in refined style.
Day ThreeAccommodation
Day Three - Featherbed Nature Reserve
After breakfast, travel over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to George, the administrative hub of the Garden Route area and then onto Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining.
In tune with Knysna’s forest heritage, the Knysna Log-Inn Hotel makes use of splendid indigenous Yellowwood and natural river stone. Situated in the centre of town, all Knysna’s fantastic shopping and dining amenities, including the trendy Knysna Quays, are within easy walking distance.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining.
Day FourAccommodation
Day Four - Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the Tsitsikamma Forests, continuing to Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single span arch bridge in the world, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. Explore this breathtaking stretch of the Garden Route, where mountains, indigenous forests, deep gorges, and lush vegetation hug the rugged coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining.
In tune with Knysna’s forest heritage, the Knysna Log-Inn Hotel makes use of splendid indigenous Yellowwood and natural river stone. Situated in the centre of town, all Knysna’s fantastic shopping and dining amenities, including the trendy Knysna Quays, are within easy walking distance.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining.
Day FiveAccommodation
Day Five - Hermanus
Today, begin the first leg of the return journey. Travel via George and Mossel Bay to the picturesque Cape Dutch town of Swellendam, where lunch will be enjoyed. This charming town was founded in 1745 at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain Range and is famous for its young berries, eclectic architecture and National Parks, as well as outdoor activities.
This charming, Provençal-style guesthouse with its fragrant courtyards and stone terraces is set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus. The Auberge Burgundy offers comfortable accommodation in tastefully decorated en suite rooms and friendly service.
A boutique-styled hotel, ideally positioned, just metres away from the cliff paths of Walker Bay that offer some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Enjoy an attentive stay in fine accommodation with easy access to town and the beach.
A boutique-styled hotel, ideally positioned, just metres away from the cliff paths of Walker Bay that offer some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Enjoy an attentive stay in fine accommodation with easy access to town and the beach.
Day Six
Day Six - Cape Town International Airport
After a leisurely breakfast depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the scenic coastal road to Gordon's Bay. This is a spectacular route with steep cliffs and lovely coves. Locals label it as the Helderberg areas own "Chapman's Peak" drive and the route offers amazing views over False Bay. Travel to the Stellenbosch area, set within the scenic Cape Winelands.
La Plume is a family-owned 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm outside the town of Oudtshoorn offering warm country hospitality and accommodations in refined style. Enjoy relaxing on the cool veranda with its sweeping view across the Olifant’s River Valley to the Swartberg Mountains. The spacious en suite rooms are tastefully furnished with gracious antiques and offer all modern conveniences.
Set in the heart of the Klein Karoo, outside Oudshoorn, with sweeping views of the purple Swartberg Mountains, Mooiplaas Guesthouse offers luxury accommodation with a personal touch. Mooiplaas is a working, family-run, ostrich farm that showcases the best of South African hospitality. The spacious en suite rooms are fitted with the highest quality finishes and present guess with an incredible panoramic view from private balconies. The spectacular Karoo night sky will amaze after a dinner of fine local cuisine.
La Plume is a family-owned 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm outside the town of Oudtshoorn offering warm country hospitality and accommodations in refined style. Enjoy relaxing on the cool veranda with its sweeping view across the Olifant’s River Valley to the Swartberg Mountains. The spacious en suite rooms are tastefully furnished with gracious antiques and offer all modern conveniences.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining. Comfortable and convenient, accommodation is in spacious en suite rooms overlooking the Knysna lagoon and the historical train station. There is a breakfast restaurant, a heated outdoor swimming pool and all modern conveniences are catered for.
In tune with Knysna’s forest heritage, the Knysna Log-Inn Hotel makes use of splendid indigenous Yellowwood and natural river stone. Situated in the centre of town, all Knysna’s fantastic shopping and dining amenities, including the trendy Knysna Quays, are within easy walking distance. The comfortable rooms are en suite and include all modern conveniences. The hotel has a breakfast restaurant and bar, as well as a lush tropical swimming pool area with a wooden deck, jacuzzi and sauna.
The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set right on the lagoon at the heart of the stylish Knysna Quays Waterfront, surrounded by the best of Knysna’s trendy shopping and dining. Comfortable and convenient, accommodation is in spacious en suite rooms overlooking the Knysna lagoon and the historical train station. There is a breakfast restaurant, a heated outdoor swimming pool and all modern conveniences are catered for.
This charming, Provençal-style guesthouse with its fragrant courtyards and stone terraces is set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus. The Auberge Burgundy offers comfortable accommodation in tastefully decorated en suite rooms and friendly service. It is within walking distance of Hermanus’s many attractions - excellent restaurants, the craft market, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls; and the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is within 50 metres of the front door. Breakfast is served in the Burgundy Restaurant and you can relax around the swimming pool.
A boutique-styled hotel, ideally positioned, just metres away from the cliff paths of Walker Bay that offer some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Enjoy an attentive stay in fine accommodation with easy access to town and the beach. Spacious sea-facing rooms have en suite facilities, fantastic views and all necessary modern amenities. You can dine at the Pakistani-themed restaurant on site as easily as you explore the excellent options in town. There is a sparkling swimming pool in a tranquil setting that is ideal for relaxation.
A boutique-styled hotel, ideally positioned, just metres away from the cliff paths of Walker Bay that offer some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. Enjoy an attentive stay in fine accommodation with easy access to town and the beach. Spacious sea-facing rooms have en suite facilities, fantastic views and all necessary modern amenities. You can dine at the Pakistani-themed restaurant on site as easily as you explore the excellent options in town. There is a sparkling swimming pool in a tranquil setting that is ideal for relaxation.
Africa – Explored, Experienced & Enjoyed
Southern Africa is well-known as one of the world’s best destinations for guided tours and safaris. The area is vast, and there are so many diverse attractions that you can get the most out of your holiday by accessing professional and trusted advice, itinerary design, planning, logistics and expert guidance. Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris’ guided holidays are also sociable and fun, enabling you to connect with people while enjoying all the enthralling adventure, magnificent beauty and amazing variety that southern Africa has to offer.
The many advantages of a guided holiday include that you are guaranteed high standards of safety, reliability and quality. Each hassle-free Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris guided holiday experience takes in top destination highlights; and offers you safe luxury transport, excellent accommodation and fine dining, fully supported by professional, caring service.
There’s no better way to encounter the best of Africa than to sit back and take it easy, knowing that all the details that make for a relaxing memorable holiday are completely taken care of. You are free to have fun - to fully explore, experience and enjoy a continent so rich in culture and heritage, peoples and places, astonishing wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris tracks its origins back to 1946 – that’s more than 65 years of enthusiasm and expertise invested in engaging travelling and touring in Africa, the world’s most adventurous, evocative and beautiful continent! Today, we take pride in being one of Southern Africa’s most well-established and best-known quality tour operations. When it comes to safety and logistics, planning and execution, we leave nothing to chance. When it comes to exploration and experience, engagement and enjoyment we make everything possible!
You’ll experience all the extraordinary beauty of the Garden Route with its magnificent mountains and expansive lagoons, tranquil forests and spectacular coastlines on this 6 day guided journey through South Africa’s favourite holiday towns. This tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Port Elizabeth.
Visit South Africa’s third largest National Park, just 75 kilometres from Port Elizabeth. This scenic Park protects a finely tuned Eastern Cape eco-system that supports elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, jackal, zebra, kudu and other species of antelope.
