South African 5-Day Garden Route Tour from Cape Town

Day 1: Depart Cape Town (D)
Morning departure from Cape Town over the Hottentots-Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry's Pass. Stop at the Hamilton Russell Vineyards near Hermanus for a tour and tasting of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley terroir driven wines. During whale season (June to December), also stop in Hermanus which boasts the best land-based whale watching along its cliff path. Here you would have the option of embarking on an eco-marine (all year round) and whale watching (seasonal) boat trip (additional charge). After lunch (own expense), continue to Swellendam. Dinner is at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight stay at Schoone Oordt County House (luxury room)

Day 2: Knysna (B, L, D)
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Swellendam, and enjoy your journey along the Garden Route via Mossel Bay. Travel to Plettenberg Bay, and stroll along the white sandy beaches. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon. Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge.

Overnight stay at Hunters Country House

Day 3 : Plettenberg/Tsitsikamma National Park (B, D)

After breakfast, visit Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world and Monkey Land, the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary OR Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, a sustainable wildlife sanctuary for various wild cat species. Proceed to the Tsitsikamma National Park and enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the Storms River. Spend some time at leisure in the town of Plettenberg Bay before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight stay at Hunters Country House

Day 4: Depart Plettenberg Bay (B/L/D)
Morning departure from Plettenberg Bay to the lagoon-side town of Knysna. Embark on an excursion to the Featherbed Nature Reserve which is located on the western Knysna Head. The trip includes a ferry across the lagoon to the base of the western head, a drive to the top of the reserve and an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill nature trail walk. The tour ends with a delicious lunch. On return to the mainland, continue your journey to Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich show farm for a guided tour. Following this visit, dinner is at your hotel.

Overnight stay at Rosenhof Country House (standard room)

Day 5: Depart for Cape Town International Airport (B)
Before departing Oudtshoorn, enjoy a morning visit to the Cango Caves, one of the natural wonders of the world in the Karoo area. Travel along the famous Route 62 to Cape Town. Stop at the Country Pumpkin Restaurant near Barrydale for lunch (own expense). After lunch, enjoy a slow drive to Cape Town where your tour ends around 6 p.m. with drop-off at Cape Town International Airport or your Cape-Town-based hotel.