Departing every Wednesday from Cape Town, visit the vast limestone caverns known as the Cango Caves in Outshoorn, featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna, the glorious beaches of Plettenberg and ending in Port Elizabeth.
Day-by-day itinerary
Wed Day 1 Outshoorn: Queens Hotel (D)
Depart on a 3-day tour of the Garden Route. The Garden Route is a region of infinite diversity and contrast from golden beaches, rocky shorelines, mysterious forests, breathtaking mountains and vast open plains, all united by an overriding theme of natural beauty. The secret and undiscovered garden of South Africa's Cape is blesses with a mild climate that provides year-round opportunities for the visitor to enjoy the unique attractions of the region and to participate in a variety of leisure activities from watersports and hiking to whale-spotting and exploring historical sites. Some of the major areas on the Garden Route are Tsitsikamma Forest, Plettenberg Bay, Kynsna, Wilderness, George and Outshoorn. Travel via to Montagu through the Little Karoo and then onto Outshoorn. The Queen's Hotel has been skillfully renovated in the colonial style. It is situated next to the world famous ostrich museum and in close proximity to a multitude of restaurants, curio and coffee shops. It boasts an extensive range of services, which include the following: a tourist information center and travel agency, hairdressing and beauty salon, a wine and deli shop. Other facilities include a swimming pool and conference hall. The 40 double bedrooms provide individually remote controlled air-conditioning and television and en-suite bathrooms. The C.J Langenhoven restaurant offers a fine selection of South African cuisine and wines. The Ladies bar is an ideal place to meet before, or after dinner.
Thu Day 2 Kynsna: Protea Hotel Kynsna Quays (B)
After a good Karoo breakfast the first step is to explore the vast limestone caverns known as the Cango Caves. Then on to the Ostrich Show Farm for a guided tour. Travel on through the scenic Outeniqua Pass to the coastal plain, where we reach our hotel in Knysna. Kynsna - a quaint town set between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the rugged Southern Cape coastline, surrounded by indigenous forest and set on the banks of the Kynsna lagoon. The Kynsna Estuary or "Lagoon" as it is popularly referred to, is a protected Marine Reserve - a 21 square km expanse of water fed by river and sea. Guarding the entrance to the lagoon are two large sandstone cliffs, THE HEADS, forming a gateway to the old harbor, today known as THESENS JETTY, from where ships carried timber to the far corners of the world. There is fabulous scuba diving and snorkeling spots, such as the Piquita Wreck at The Heads. Situated on one of the best hotel sites in Southern Africa, the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays enjoys a stunning outlook. Located on the banks of the famous Knysna Lagoon and facing the sea through the Knysna Heads, this exciting hotel development is also an integral part of the vibrant Knysna Quays Waterfront, with its vast selection of restaurants, bars and specialty boutiques. Facilities at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays include a swimming pool with a uniquely designed wooden sun deck, individual moorings and jetties at your doorstep. All rooms are decorated in light nautical hues and feature deluxe en-suite bathroom with separate shower, satellite TV and air-conditioning. Most rooms offer magnificent views of the lagoon and yacht basin. Start your day on a high note with a sumptuous breakfast in the superb restaurant before browsing through the next-door boutiques and curio shops or discovering the flea markets in Knysna's main street. Relax in the sun and enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the pooldeck with its sweeping views of the lagoon, or try the nearby Dry Dock Food Company or 34 Degrees South restaurants for a memorable lunch or dinner. Whatever your dining style, don't forget to sample the delicious oysters for which Knysna is famous.
Fri Day 3 Kynsna: Protea Hotel Kynsna Quays (BL)
Enjoy a leisurely start before the lagoon cruise taking you to Featherbed Nature Reserve. Whilst there enjoy a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head and a leisurely walk back through the milkwood trees, for lunch.
Sat Day 4 Departure (BL)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Nature's Valley and the Tsitsikamma Forests. Enjoy the spectacular scenery en route to Port Elizabeth. Lunch will be enjoyed en-route. The Tsitsikamma National Park is internationally recognized for its forests that harbor and protect the giant yellowwood, one of the few true monarchs of the world's forests. This enormous tree, regarded as a living relic, is one of the most successful species in existence; having survived unchanged for millions of years. Tsitsikamma is also Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve, which plays a vital role in the preservation, conservation and dissemination of marine stocks. The region has many wonderful scenic hiking trails of which it is justifiably proud, though greatest assert remains the world-renowned Otter Trail, arriving into Port Elizabeth where your tour ends.
Rates for the Garden Route Extension - Scheduled Departure
Land, per person double occupancy
| 01 Dec '06 - 30 Nov '07 | $950 |
|---|---|
| Single Supplement | $200 |
Price Includes:
- Accommodation for 3 nights
- Meals as mentioned
- All mentioned tours
Price Excludes:
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry