3 Day Accommodated Tour of the Garden Route, South Africa

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

This 3 Day Accommodated Tour of the Garden Route takes guests through some impressive mountain passes and to the beautiful coastline of the southern Cape.

Between the mountains and the sea, we visit the Robertson vineyards for wine tasting, learn about ostriches and ostrich farming and marvel at the astonishing Cango Caves. Before moving to the coast we take a hair-raising drive on the Swartberg Pass guaranteed to get the adrenalin flowing. Down at the coast, we arrive in Knysna, known as the ‘heart of the Garden Route’. Developed around a lagoon, protected from the sometimes wild seas by the Heads, this town is a gem waiting to be explored. On our return journey to Cape Town, we take time to go on safari in a private game reserve, home to a variety of wildlife including four of the Big 5.

Back in Cape Town on Day 3 we reflect on just how much there was to see and do on this quick tour of this spectacular area.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn

Table Mountain fades into the distance as we head out of town to the Robertson vineyards for some wine tasting. Nestled between the Langeberg and RIviersonderend mountains and watered by the Breede River the Roberston Wine Valley is home to over fifty wineries. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wines are some of the best wines produced in this area, but a case can be put forward for excellent muscadels too.

Back on Route 62, we travel through some magnificent mountain passes arriving in Oudtshoorn, in the Karoo, in the afternoon. There is time now to visit the ostriches which are the lifeblood of this area. Early in the 20th century, the popularity of ostrich feathers caused a boom period in the town. During this time mansions were built that have been dubbed ‘feather palaces’ some of which may still be seen in the town. Sadly the First World War put an end to this lucrative period. In recent years the move to a healthier lifestyle has promoted the sales of ostrich meat and this along with all the products that one ostrich can provide (think ostrich skin shoes and handbags, eggs and feathers) has made them a worthwhile investment and popular farming product again.

After dinner in town, we spend the night at Turnberry Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Dinner
Includes: Winetasting & visit to an ostrich farm

Day 2: Oudtshoorn to Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

We can’t leave Oudtshoorn without a visit to the Cango Caves. Located in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range, the chambers and tunnels run for over four kilometres, although only a small portion of this area is open to the public. Artefacts and cave paintings indicate that the caves were occupied over the middle and later stone age period. The caves were re-discovered by a local farmer towards the end of the 18th century. Legend has it that Mr Johnny van Wassenaer, the cave’s first official guide is said to have walked 29 hours to find the end of the caves in 1898. When there, he is said to have calculated that he was 25 km from the entrance, and 275 meters underground; his route apparently followed an underground river. To date, more and more caves are being discovered which supports this story.

Now we take a hair-raising drive through the Swartberg Pass, one of the many mountain passes built by Thomas Bain in South Africa, Swartberg being his final project and which is now a national monument. The road twists and turns around incredible hairpin bends but the scenery is superb and makes for a memorable experience. From here we stop at Kobus se Gat for a tasty, traditional South African lunch.

Leaving the Karoo we take a scenic drive, through more mountain passes and cross to the coastal town of Knysna which it is said is the heart of the Garden Route. The town boasts a lagoon which is protected from the sometimes angry seas by two headlands known as ‘the heads’ which guard the outlet into the sea. The headland is a perfect spot for a viewpoint where, if you are lucky, you may spot a Southern Right whale. A bustling commercial area of shops and restaurants has been developed around the lagoon as well as some expensive real estate. There are lots of restaurants and shops if you are hungry and/or need some retail therapy.

Tonight we stay at the Graywood Hotel (or similar) in Knysna.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes: Cango Caves tour, Swartland Pass drive

Day 3: Knysna to Cape Town

After breakfast, we get back on the road heading for the malaria free, private game reserve and our safari. Situated a couple of hours drive from Knysna, this family-owned private reserve has sweeping views out to sea and the Outeniqua Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. Home to four of the Big 5 of Africa, namely lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as a host of antelope, including rare black impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and more the wildlife viewing drive promises to be a thrilling cornucopia of photo opportunities.

All too soon it’s time to hit the road again for the journey back to Cape Town where this short, 3 Day Budget Tour of the Garden Route ends.

Meals: Breakfast
Safari in a private game reserve

About the Accommodation

Located in Oudtshoorn, the Turnberry Boutique Hotel has 22 well-appointed en-suite rooms, each with air-conditioning, a coffee station, satellite TV and wi-fi. The comfortable beds are made up with crisp, white linen ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep. The public areas include the Turnberry Scottish Pub which claims to serve the coldest beer in the southern hemisphere, a welcome indulgence in this town situated in semi-desert. Locally produced beer and wine is available and is best-enjoyed around the pool on a hot summer’s day. Sports fanatics can catch all the great sporting events on the big screen TV in the company of the local sports fans.

The Graywood Hotel is ideally situated in central Knysna within easy walking distance to the Waterfront and the town centre. Each of the 48 en-suite rooms is equipped with electronic safes, remote control TV’s (with limited DSTV channels), direct dial telephones, hairdryers and tea and coffee making facilities. Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel. The beds are made up with crisp white duvets’ and the upholstery is decorated in warm tones for an uncluttered look. The swimming pool is surrounded by courtyard gardens and there is a suspended sun deck.

In a nod to Knysna’s indigenous forest and its history as a town known for its timber industry, the hotel is constructed from timber and wood abounds throughout. The hotel also features a photographic history of the area’s locomotive past which compliments the extensive collection of original railway and steam train memorabilia.