Tour Features:
The spectacular Atlantic Ocean coastline around Hermanus, the historic beauty of Swellendam and the famous Ostrich farms and Cango caves at Oudtshoorn. We drive the scenic Outeniqua pass and spend time taking in the highlights of the Garden Route around Wilderness and Knysna. Take a walk on the pristine beaches, take in the craft shops along the way, visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, and do a cruise on the Knysna Estuary. Take in the view at the Bloukrantz Gorge, visit the Big Tree, Storms River, and finish in Port Elizabeth.
Tour Details:
Day 1
07:30
CAPETOWN TO SWELLENDAM (Lunch and Dinner)
The tour will start from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Hotels.
From Cape Town travel eastwards along the scenically spectacular coastal route via Gordon's Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond to the quaint town of Hermanus. Originally established as a fishing village in the late 1800's, it has grown rapidly and today lays claim to being the "Whale Capital of the World" with large numbers of Southern Right Whales starting to arrive in late June and leaving again in November.
We walk a section of the cliff path with beautiful views of the coastline and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the mountains behind town. Lunch will be taken in the town and is included. From Hermanus travel further east to the town of Swellendam which, along with Tulbach, lays claim to being the third oldest town in South Africa? The town was established in 1745 as a military outpost. We walk through the town and explore some of the historic buildings and museums.
Dinner is taken at one of the local restaurants and is included.
Overnight in Swellendam.
Accommodation:
Swellendam Country Lodge or similar
Distance:
Cape Town to Hermanus - 110km
Hermanus to Swellendam - 150km
Day 2
SWELLENDAM TO WILDERNESS VIA OUDTSHOORN (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
From Swellendam we travel inland, but still east and enter the country of the ostriches, also known as the Little Karoo. It runs eastwards for about 250km from the town of Montagu and is sandwiched between the Swartberg to the north and the continuous range of the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains to the south.
Visit the world famous Cango Caves. An hour's visit with a specialist guide, takes us into the wonders of Cango 1, which runs for about 760 metres. The largest chamber in this section is the Grand Hall - 116 metres across and 16 metres high. The exciting history and the unique geology of the area will be explained.
Visit an Ostrich farm where we meet the animals up close and even try riding one, if the urge takes us.
The great Ostrich feather boom occurred in the 1870's when in the region of 450 000kg of feathers a year were exported to the fashion capitals of Europe. We are given a first hand insight into the history of the Ostrich industry in Oudtshoorn and then finish our visit with a superb lunch, which might include an Ostrich steak or other Ostrich delicacies.
Time permitting our final stop for the day is the Cango Wildlife Ranch famous for its tame cheetahs and a host of other animals that can be experienced at close quarters. We travel via the Outeniqua Pass and George to Wilderness. The pass was opened in 1951 after 10 years of construction. From the summit, which is 600m above the start there are fine panoramic views of the region.
Crossing over the Kaaimans River, there are stunning views of the coastline and the seaside resort of Wilderness.
Overnight in Wilderness.
Accommodation:
Cinnamon Guest House or similar
Distance:
Swellendam to Oudtshoorn - 230km
Travel around Oudtshoorn - 40km
Oudtshoorn to Wilderness - 75km
Day 3
WILDERNESS TO STORMS RIVER ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
A full day today and after a hearty breakfast and an early morning walk for the more energetic types we travel through to the coastal town of Knysna. Time permitting we spend a while browsing in the shops before you are taken to the shores of the Knysna Estuary. We spend four unforgettable hours on the pristine Western Head of Knysna. This private Nature Reserve is accessible only by ferry. The trip includes the ferry trip, a hearty lunch at the Food Forest restaurant, a 4x4 trailer ride and an optional 2, 2 km walk through milkwood forests to the beachcomber caves. After the excursion we continue along the coast to Storms River where we check into our accommodation for the night.
Overnight in Tsitsikamma.
Accommodation:
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Distance:
Wilderness to Knysna - 45km
Knysna to Storms River - 90km
Day 4
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT (Breakfast)
An early start today, we take a scenic drive into the Tsitsikamma National Park which offers the contrasting beauty of river, forest, sea, and fynbos. Enjoy a short walk along the rugged coastline with spectacular sea views. A final hop to Port Elizabeth which we reach in time to make our connecting flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town. One could enjoy a snack lunch on the flight or lunch for your own expense.
The tour ends at Port Elizabeth Airport - An onward flight is not included. Please check times before making your onward flight booking. We suggest you do not book a flight departing before 15h00.
Distance:
Storms River to Port Elizabeth - 170km
Passenger Information:
Tour Code
GDN02
Dates
14 - 17 May 2016
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Depart
07h30 from Cape Town
Vehicle
Air-conditioned Microbus, 16-Seater Mini Coach or Luxury Coach.
Minimum
5 passengers
Maximum
20 passengers
Price
ZAR 12 313.00 per person sharing
ZAR 13 375.00 in a single room
Included
SATOUR registered guide, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, entrance fees, information pack, and porterage at hotels on tour, sightseeing as specified.
Excluded
Gratuities, beverages, laundry and items of a personal nature, flight from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town or Johannesburg.
Meals
3 x Breakfasts, 3 x Lunches, 3 x Dinners
Accommodation
Swellendam Country Lodge , Cinnamon Guest House, Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar should the accommodation need to change.
Comments
This tour is a standard one, which will cover some of the most beautiful scenery between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
