Immerse yourself in the Garden Route with a perfect mix of farmland, bush, and beach experiences - with an added dash of luxury! The beauty and charm of this unique region of South Africa is brought to life by the culturally colourful towns of Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Knysna and Mossel Bay. Revel in a glamping and safari experience to get close to wildlife at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve; overnight on the beachfront in Wilderness and delight in a unique farm-stay in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Along the way taste some of the country’s finest port; see the magnificence of the Cango Caves and the indigenous flora and fauna of the Wilderness National Park.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Panoramic Knysna Lagoon cruise with Oyster tasting experience
✔ Accommodation for 3 nights
✔ Stargazing in the Karoo
✔ Ostrich Farm tour
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ 4x4 Open-vehicle Game Drive on Private Game Reserve
✔ Wilderness canoe hire
✔ Cango Caves tour
✔ Breakfast
✔ Unique beach, bush and farmland luxury stays
✔ Round-trip private transfer by air-conditioned, private vehicle
✔ Port Tasting
✔ Led by a English-speaking professional tour guide
✖ Lunch, Dinner and drinks, unless specified
Pickup Locations
1. Onomo Cape Town Waterfront
2. The PortsWood
3. Cape Town Hollow
4. SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
5. Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa
6. The Village Lodge
7. Fountains Hotel
8. Dysart Boutique Hotel
9. Upper Bloem Apartment
10. Casa Elena
11. Upperbloem
12. Salama Lodge
13. The Capital 15 on Orange
14. Apartments In Mandela Rhodes Place
15. 9 On Barrack
16. ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
17. Lady Hamilton Hotel
18. Waterfront Village
19. Holiday Inn Express Cape Town City Centre, an IHG hotel
20. Blackheath Lodge
Additional Info: Pickup from any street address or hotel within 10km area of Cape Town city central or
Stellenbosch central.
Itinerary
Cape Town – Route 62 – Oudtshoorn
1
Boplaas
Begin your "meander" along the world’s longest wine route, Route 62, with a tasting of some of the finest port in the land. Watch the winelands turn to dusty country roads as you arrive in Oudtshoorn. Admire the astounding formations found in the Cango Caves, and a night-sky that seems to be overflowing with glittering stars.
Traveling further up the East Coast you'll continue into the Garden Route countryside, with the views becoming filled with emerald-green indigenous forests and azure ocean blues. The temperate climate mixed with the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to sit back, relax and enjoy the serene scenery. Only the call of a safari and an African-style fine dining indulgence will convince you to leave your luxury tent at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Keep an eye out for members of the "Big 5" during two 3-hour 4x4 game drives.
Spend your last day taking in cultural influences in Mossel Bay, where the beauty of the wild ocean is matched only by the imposing majesty of the Outeniqua Mountain Range.
Please note: a minimum of two people per booking is required, but this tour is run exclusively for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour highlights that interest you the most. All accommodation listed is subject to availability, and the itinerary may run in reverse to match available options. Alternative accommodation options at a similar quality standard will be offered if preferred options are fully booked.
Itinerary
You’ll be collected from your accommodation in the morning to start your journey along Route 62, South Africa’s longest and most famed wine route. A brief stop in the quaint town of Barrydale allows for the opportunity to stretch your legs and have a spot of lunch (own expense). Continue to Calitzdorp to taste some of the finest port South Africa has to offer. Tastings are done at an acclaimed winery that has been regarded as a producer at the forefront of premium wine production and known for their world-class port.
Journey through a landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn by the afternoon. Visit the impressive Cango Caves, located in a limestone ridge parallel to the picturesque Swartberg Mountains. During the Heritage Tour, wander through the subterranean wonderland with its colorful stalactites hanging from the roof like ancient chandeliers.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Arrive at Mooiplaas Guesthouse, a family-run, working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, a town once known as the ‘feather capital of the world’. Find peace and tranquility in the wide-open spaces of the farmland and its ever-changing purple backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains. This is African "big sky" country, and the star-studded heavens make this off-the-grid location the ideal place for stargazing. Dine at the main house with the owner’s set menu with the option to try local treats including delicious and healthy ostrich filet (own expense). After dinner, your knowledgeable guide will point out the spectacular constellations above.
Duration: 2 hours
Oudtshoorn – Wilderness
1
Following a traditional farmhouse breakfast, you’ll get the chance to tour the Mooiplaas Ostrich farm and learn more about these fascinating flightless birds.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Wilderness National Park
Your next stop is Wilderness National Park, an approximately 90-minute drive away. The famous Garden Route National Park gently unfolds against lush forests and lofty mountains. The many lagoons and glimmering lakes instil a sense of tranquil wonderment and beg to be explored. Choose to paddle up the calm waters of the Touw River, with its abundant birdlife, or follow shady footpaths that wind through an enchanting world of giant Yellow Wood trees.
Arrive at your accommodation in Wilderness, your retreat for the night, with its elegant rooms and close distance to the pristine beach. Spend the rest of the day lazing on the beachfront, with unsurpassed sea views and the ultimate vantage point for dolphin spotting. Stroll along this wide sandy beach as the sunset transforms the sky in a kaleidoscope of colour. Your guide can suggest the best seafood or other dining options (own expense) nearby.
Duration: 60 minutes
Wilderness – Knysna – Botlierskop Game Reserve
1
Knysna Lagoon
Travel to Knysna and embark on the John Benn luxury ferry for a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Knysna Heads
The estuary is home to the massive sandstone Knysna ‘Heads’, which seem to be standing guard over the vast expanse of water as it flows out into the ocean. The estuary is also filled with many endangered water species, as well as the famed Knysna oyster, which you’ll get to sample along with sparkling wine onboard.
Duration: 1.3 days
3
Venture a mere hour inland to Botlierskop, set on a sprawling 8,600-acre (3,500-hectare) malaria-free private game reserve. Local fauna and flora abound: the reserve is home to over 26 different free-roaming species of animals and more than 200 bird species.
Tonight you’ll get close to nature without giving up any creature comforts. Your 4-star graded, air-conditioned tent suite is perched on a private wooden deck, carefully weaved into the surrounding bushveld and under a canopy of trees along the riverbed. Each lavishly furnished tent has a 4-poster bed draped in mosquito nets, comfy wingback chairs, a deep oval bath and outdoor nature shower: pure opulence in the wild.
Before you get completely lost in the luxury of your tent, head off on a 3-hour sundowner game drive to look for members of the Big 5 and other wild animals. Possible sightings include Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, Giraffe, Black Impala, Golden Wildebeest, Mountain Zebra, Hippo and many more. From the safety of a specially-adapted vehicle, an experienced game ranger will point out sightings and share his knowledge of the local wildlife. After returning from safari you’ll have some time to relax and settle in before dinner at the lodge.
The lodge's restaurant is situated on a hilly outcrop with uninterrupted views of the incredible African bush. Opt to sit all cozied-up inside by the fireplace, or dine al fresco under the starry night-sky (own expense) while feasting on a mix of various local culinary favorites with a South African twist.
Duration: 3 hours
Botlierskop Game Reserve – Mossel Bay – Cape Town
1
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex
Wake-up early for a pre-dawn sunrise game drive to catch the bush as it awakes. After breakfast, travel to Mossel Bay, a bustling holiday town and port set on the sun-washed slopes of the Cape St. Blaiz peninsula. A visit to the Dias Museum Complex will shed light on the fascinating maritime histories of the town, brought to life through various displays. The main feature is a to-scale model of the very vessel that first brought European explorers to South African shores when Dias dropped anchor back in 1488. As a unique souvenir, send a postcard to your loved ones from the oldest post office in the country located in a "sailor’s boot" under a big indigenous Milkwood tree.
From Mossel Bay the journey back to Cape Town begins. The 4 hour drive is broken up midway for a relaxed stop at the quaint town of Swellendam, set amongst the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. The tour ends with a farewell lunch of Cape Fusion-inspired cuisine at one of the regions’ top farm-to-table restaurants (own expense). Anticipate your arrival back in Cape Town in the early evening.
Throughout your journey, your guide will provide informative commentary and can recommend places for you to eat or visit.
- The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order.
- This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options. Do contact us after booking the tour to let us know if you would prefer any changes of the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if the changes need to be charged extra.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Africa Select Journeys
- This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options. This is a private tour running exclusively for you or your group.
- Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes to the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if there are any additional charges.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• According to availability at time of booking, accommodation will be in the mentioned accommodation or in one of a similar standard and star rating.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers above 12 years of age.
• Child rates can be quoted on special request, but do keep in mind that some accommodation options do not allow young children.
• The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasion, run in a different order.
• This private tour will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options. Do contact us after booking the tour to let us know if you would prefer any changes of the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if the changes need to be charged extra.
• Rates (per person) are calculated on 2 people per room sharing. If a single or uneven number of people book, the package rate will add a single supplement fee for the extra person that will overnight in a separate private ensuite room.
• Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended
• Game drive or bush safari drives are shared with other people on especially adopted open-roof converted vehicle or truck.
