6 Day Garden Route Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town - Arniston via Cape Agulhas

Stop At: Stony Point Penguin Colony, Betty's Bay South Africa
Penguins in their natural state at the old closed whaling Station, locals say the Penguins just arrived around 1987 while others maintain it was earlier around 1984 either way there are only two breeding colonies in S. Africa currently the one at Stony Point, Betty`s Bay and the other at the Boulders in Simons Town. The whaling station operated from 1917 until it was closed in 1930 where on average 300 whales were killed each year for there oil. The Penguins are under currently on the endangered list due to the removal of eggs, declining fish stocks, attacks by local domestic dogs and even Leopards. It is estimated that only 170,000 of the African or ( Jackass ) Penguins are left which is around 10% of the original total of around 1.7 million 50 years ago . The best time to view them is early in the morning or late afternoon when they return from there 20 kilometer round trip to scrounge for food for themselves and there off spring.
Duration: 35 minutes

Stop At: Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, Clarence Drive, Betty's Bay South Africa
This 200ha beautiful Botanical Garden set between the Kogelberg Mountains and the sea in the heart of the Kogelberg Cape Biosphere with fabulous walks and hikes and a nice quaint restaurant is a bird watchers paradise. This beautiful garden is known for its waterfalls and amber pools with magnificent views of Betty`s Bay and sea. Here the bird watcher can see some of the following birds:, Verreauw`s Eagle, Jackal Bussard, rare Protea Seedeater, Cape Grassbird, Cape Rock Thrush, Ground Woodpecker, shy African Black Duck, African Pusky Flycatcher, Orange African Paradise Flycatchers, Orange Breasted Sunbirds, or Doubled Collared Sunbird, Cape Robin and Swee Workbills. Other interesting inhabitants include the feared and very venomous Boomslang which is hemotoxic and causes uncontrolled bleeding, fortunately it is a back fanged snake, there is an effective manovalent anti venom for these snakes and snake bites by one of these snakes is very rare .
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Cape Agulhas - Southernmost Tip of Africa, South Africa
Discover the legendary “Cape of Storms” where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet which the early Portuguese Sailors called L Àgulhas which means the Cape of Needles referring to the jagged rocks of the coastline and also the fact that the compass shows no real deviation between true north and magnetic north at this exact spot, , the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Since records have been kept from 1500, memories & adventure stories abound of mission stations , ship wrecks and coastline, 150 of those around Cape Agulhas alone have left a fascinating architectural history treasure trove for all to discover. Bartholomew Dias originally named the Cape , The Cape of Storms ( Capo das Tomentos ) after having endured and survived not one but two extremely violent storms on his travels to and around the Cape. Later however it was renamed The Cape of Good Hope ( Capo Boa Esperanca ) by then king John 11 of Portugal because it represented the opening of a sea route to the East Indies.

Stop At: Ginkgo Spa at Arniston Spa Hotel, Beach Road Arniston Hotel and Spa, Arniston 7280 South Africa
We spend the night at the Arniston Hotel & Spa Waenhuiskrans,arriving at 18h30, a fishing village 25 kms south east of Bredasdorp.On the 3rd May 1815 a British East Indiaman transport ship was rounding the Cape in convoy from Ceylon , lacking a chronometer and after being separated from the convoy in heavy seas the captain of the Arniston was obliged to rely solely on dead reckoning to navigate his ship, lost his bearings and incorrectly ran the ship aground on the rocks at Waenhuiskrans now also known as Arniston, with the loss of all but 6 of the 378 people on board. Explore Waenshuiskrans Cave, 10 minute walk (only at low tide). It is said that the cave was large enough for a wagon to turn within it with its full span of oxen. It is believed to be the largest coastal cave with no supporting roof pillar.and on the low tide visit Waenhuiskraal Cave. The fishing village characterized by its lime washed houses remains un spoilt and has been declared a national monument in its entirety
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arniston Hotel & Spa , lunch and supper is not included in the price of the tour

Day 2: Arniston to Oudtshoorn via Mossel Bay

Pass By: Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, Market Street, Mossel Bay 6506 South Africa
Known for its wide Santos Beach and the 19th Century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, the Bartolomeu Dias Museum, complex includes the Maritime Museum , The Shell Museum & Botanical Gardens. Since its inception the Dias Museum has been a cornerstone of the tourism industry in Mossel Bay. It also houses a replica of the exact same vessel that Dias`s used in 1488 when he landed at Mossel Bay on the 3rd February 1488 that was sailed to Mossel Bay in 1998 to commemorate Bartholomeu Dias landing 500 years ago while searching for a sea route to India. A interesting attraction is the Post Office Tree , a Milkwood Tree in the complex that has been used as a mail collection point since the 1500`s. This museum is now a multi-disciplinary government institution which is mandated to learning , history, and the preserving of the local cultural and natural heritage of its original inhabitants and marketing of the town called Mossel Bay. We lunch at Cafe`Gannet before travelling on to Oudtshoorn

Stop At: Oudtshoorn, 6625, South Africa
In Oudtshoorn we stay over at the Protea ( Riempies Hotel ) where we have also have our supper.


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We stay at the Protea ( Riempies Hotel ) in a standard room or something similar, lunch and supper not included

Day 3: Oudtshoorn to Knysna

Stop At: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Scenic Cape Route 62 Volmoed, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Depart 08H30 for Highgate Ostrich Farm (3 hour) High Gate Ostrich Farm the worlds first, finest and original Ostrich Show established in 1938. – Meet , greet and interact with these gigantic birds on this farm which produces some of the finest feathers, leather and meat products. The tour includes information on breeding methods,incubation and hatching where some 15,000 chicks are hatched annually, here the staff expertly demonstrate the various crafts using the Ostrich`s feathers, eggs and leather and designer goods produced. For the brave tourists you can ride a Ostrich or simply watch jockeys riding the Ostrich`s around the race track at around 70 kilometers per hour. Attractions include the Pepper Tree restaurant or dinner on the Stoep.

Depart at 10H00 to the Cango Caves at 11H00 (2 hour)

Depart at 13H00 – a 75 minute drive to Herold Wines for Wine Tasting and lunch.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: The Cango Caves, 328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
One of the most awe inspiring series of caves anywhere in the world located in Precambrian limestones at the foot hills of the Swartberg Mountains near the town of Oudtshoorn. According to legend, discovered by Mr. Van Zyl in 1780. Explore this fairyland of magnificent crystalline formations, an example of the finest Stalactites, Helictites and Stalagmites in the world, although the system of tunnels and chambers are over 4 kilometers in length only around 1 kilometer is accessible to the public. For Adrenalin seekers there is an interesting assault course at the end of the route that includes a steep ladder and small hole to crawl through and more crawling to smaller chambers, all in all a great adventure, a must see and do.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: Herold Wine Estate, Montagu Pass, George South Africa
If time allows and the wine estate is still open when we get near to Herold`s Wine Estate we will stop at Herold`s Wine Estate for a wine tasting, and try out their famous cheese platters or light lunches while sipping Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc wines on the terrace. Attractions cultural, walking and biking tours. ) a cellar tour by Nico is very informative and Maureens finishes off a great day with her prepared meals and food platters. We then proceed to Cunningham`s Guest House in Knysna
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We stay over at the Cunningham`s Guest House *** or something similar, lunch and supper is not included

Day 4: Knysna to Tsitsikamma Forest

Stop At: Knysna, Knysna, Western Cape
Drive on to Knysna and the Knysna Heads for photographsafter which we drive down to the bottom of the Heads for more photo`s with spectacular views of both the lagoon and the Heads from the shoreline. On the way back to Cunninghams Guest House on Leisure Island we stop for some refreshing drinks at Cruise Café before checking in at Cunninghams Guest House followed by Dinner at Blend Country Restaurant and Pub. A wonderful restaurant to interact with the locals.

Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Knysna, Knysna, Western Cape
.Visit the quaint little curio shops at the Waterfront before embarking on a lunch cruise on the John Benn around the lagoon, with its magnificent 360 degree view of The Heads, Harbor, Mall and Knysna , after which we drive on to the Radical Raptors for an encounter with the Eagles (a very intense experience with these kings and Queens of the air) and then to the The Crags for a visit to the Birds of Eden, home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species in a unique hectare dome spread over a Indigenous Forest, after which we walk over to Monkey land and the free roaming multi species primate sanctuary comprising 12 hectares of Indigenous Forest and Jukani to see the big cats - lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and cheetah`s (only if time allows).Lunch at either Villa Villekula, Peppermill or Moss & Maple Restaurants. For adrenalin addicts we stop at the Bloukrans River and at (216 meters the highest commercial bungee jump in the world), then on to Tsitsikamma National Park.

Duration: 8 hours

Pass By: Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree, Just west of the Paul Sauer Bridge on the N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Because of time constraints or inclement weather the previous day we will try and accommodate the Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans River Bridge at 216 metres, highest commercial bungee jump in the world, (Strictly not for the faint hearted) weather permitting, followed by Ziplining over Kruis River Waterfalls or Ziplining over tree top canopies, (either you prefer zipling over a river or tree top canopy`s), lunch at either The Cattle Baron Restaurant at the Storm River Mouth or at Marilyn`s Diner in the Tsitsikamma Village, should you not have attempted the bungee jump then we we will commence with our next adventure being the kayaking and liloing up the breath taking Storms River, here we start by paddling up to the bat`s cave in between the spectacular cliffs surrounding us and Tubing and Cliff Diving off the magnificent shear cliffs in the Storms River. Other options include riding space age scooters into the forest to the big tree or simply hiking in the forest.

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Dinner is not included in the tour price quoted
Accommodation included: Tsitsikamma Lodge & Sp or Tsitsikamma Inn or some thing similar

Day 5: Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Mouth

Pass By: ZIPLINE @ Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure, Farm 509/1 Witelsbos Tsitsikamma, 6304, South Africa
1) Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Park – (2½ hours) Tsitsikamma Adventure park offers spectacular Zipline adventure slides across the Kruis River. The eight slides, of which the longest is 211m, zigzag along cables across the river gorge, as high as 50m above the water in some places. Each section presents its own surprises, adventure, wonders and beautiful views over indigenous Tsitsikamma fauna and flora. Users can control the speed of their descent, allowing them to stop mid cable to take in some of the awesome views over the waterfalls. The guides provide interesting commentary about the area as patrons traverse the gorge and waterfalls. After finishing the zip lining we will take a walk through the gorge and watch the breath taking waterfalls.

Pass By: Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, 101 Darnell St, Stormsrivier, 6308, South Africa
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours Zip Line @ Tsitsikamma Village (3 - 4 hours) Located in the beautiful Tsitskamma Forest , the slides are connected to 11 platforms built around giant Outeniqua trees up to 700 years old. Here you will zip line above the trees known as the canopy crossing streams, a beautiful waterfall, some smaller rapids and a suspension bridge and if lucky you might see the gorgeous Knysna Loeries or the fabulous red Norina Trogon.

Stop At: Tsitsikamma Segway Tours, 54 Formosa St, Storms River, Stormsrivier, 6308, South Africa
Tsitsikamma Segway Forest Adventure – Glide through the Tsitsikamma Village on 2 wheeled self-balancing battery powered, green personal transport and then take a forest road deep into the pristine Tsitsikamma Indigenous forest through the ancient silent giants called Yellowwood and Stinkwood right up to the 1000 year old Outenique yellowwood tree, smell, feel and be intoxicated by the smells, sounds and beauty of this absolutely unique treasure ( 1 or 2 hour guided tour)
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree, Just west of the Paul Sauer Bridge on the N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Tsitsikamma Woodcutters Journey (departs 08h30 – 2½ - 3 hours) Journey down the old Stormsriver Pass through the magnificent indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest in vehicles suited along the elephant migratory route through Yellowwood and Stinkwood trees still used to make unique and exquisite furniture. The tour takes you through pristine wilderness and sublime beauty with a running oratory by professional guides explaining the culture, fauna, and flora while identifying plants used originally by the Khoisan for toothache and natural insect repellent. Visit one of the oldest historical stone buildings as a hunting lodge for hunters in days gone by finally ending the tour with lunch or tea at a picnic site next to the Storms River.

Stop At: Storms River, Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
5) Storms River Mouth – Untouched adventures – canoeing up the Storms River ( 2½ hour guided tour ) Weather permitting we paddle from the Storms River harbor across the ocean and pass underneath the famous Storms River mouth Suspension Bridge and up the Storms River Gorge into the Tsitsikamma National park until we reach the Bats Cave spending time absorbing the spectacular cliffs all around us from our kayaks. On reaching the low-water point we swap our kayaks for Lillo’s , cross a few rocks and continue floating up deeper into the river gorge and some more amazing scenery. Upon reaching our destination we return via the same route, swap our Lillo’s for our kayaks and we then have the added adventure opportunity to leap off overhanging cliff walls of the gorge into deep pools before returning back to the harbor.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Darnell St, Storms River, 6308, South Africa
Depending on which activities you choose will dictate where we stop for lunch being Marilyn`s Diner taking one one back to the days of Elvis and rock @ roll, a nostalgic trip down memory lane in the Tsitsikamma village or Cattle Baron at the Storms River mouth
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Either Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa or Tsitsikamma Inn or some thing similar

Day 6: The Wilderness To Cape Town

Pass By: Wilderness, Wilderness, Western Cape
The Wilderness is settled between the Kaaiman`s River and Goukama Nature Reserve bordering the Outenique Mountains which includes 5 rivers, 5 lakes and a magnificent 18 kilometer long coastline and it is in this beautiful wilderness where we do a 1½ hour canoeing trip after breakfast where we paddle up the very sedate Touws River for 40 minutes before disembarking and hiking for a further 40 minutes to the waterfall and back again being enthralled by truly one of the most exquisite spectacles in nature where all you can do is but watch the Kingfishers (5 species) doing what they do best surrounded by Cormorants, Heron`s, Ergets, and Bittens.. We then drive up to “ Map of Africa” for a wonderful photographic opportunity.This experience is set in the Garden Route Lake District which is separated from the sea by a series of towering fynbos dunes. On the Northern shore we have forests rising up the sloping foothills of the great Outeniqua Mountains, we then do lunch at Cocomo Restaurant.


Stop At: Aloe Ferox Farm Shop, Aloe Ferox Farm, N2, Albertinia, 6695, South Africa
After our Wilderness experience and lunch at Cocomo Restaurant we head back home to Cape Town stopping for refreshments at Aloe Ferox/Alcare, Albertina and some health products made from Aloes.Here you will find a very impressive range of Health & Beauty Products,, Body Care, Bath Range,Oral Care, Skin Care, Sun Protection, Appetite Control, Pet Care, Make Up, Joint Support, Baby Care products and much more. Finally we head back home to Cape Town after a wonderful adventure and seeing some of the most beautiful areas to be seen in South Africa

Light Lunch:

Depart for designated address in Cape Town
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: There is no accomodation provided on your return to Cape Town, arrive at designated address in Cape Town