17-Day Majestic Garden Route

See All Photos

The tour starts at 7.30 am at Ashanti Lodge Green Point. The excursion takes you along the Atlantic coast to Hout Bay harbour, guarded by the Twelve Apostles mountains. You have the option of a cruise to Seal Island. The journey continues along the breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive. Another optional activity visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town. At the Cape of Good Hope enjoy a picnic followed by a leisurely walk from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope.

See All Photos

This morning you will meet your hostess at her home in the Bo-Kaap, the colourful Cape-Malay neighbourhood on the slopes of Signal Hill. You will go to her home for an interactive cooking session. You can just watch and learn, or you can give a hand, it's up to you! Alternatively, Kirstenbosch and Groot Constantia are close by where you can learn about the Cape's endemic plants or the oldest wine estate in the Southern Hemisphere. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a must for its vibrancy.

See All Photos

Pick up your car rental. Drive from Cape Town to Malmesbury, Moreesburg and Goedverwacht and meet your host family. In the afternoon, you will discover your surroundings on a village walk with your host. You will get to know their neighbours, friends and families. The village is in a fertile and well-watered valley characterised by gardens full of flowers and fresh produce surrounded by a beautiful valley. For dinner, have a home-cooked meal together with your host family.

See All Photos

Meet your local guide at the tourism office for a guided walk to the watermill and museum, the Moravian Church, school, the first monument and the slaves graves. Originally owned by Hendrik Schalk Burger, he left the farm to Maniesa, his slave and her children who agreed to continue to look after him. As his thanks, the farm was theirs. The descendants decided to sell the farm to the Moravian Missionaries. At the end of the day, you'll ave a home-cooked dinner with your host family.

See All Photos

After breakfast and farewells, drive through the SwartlandrRegion, over the Nuwekloof Pass. Have a snack stop at the old Toll Road farm stall before reaching Tulbagh, home to the highest concentration of national monuments anywhere in South Africa, with over 30 historical buildings clustered around the old church. A number of esteemed wine farms are in the valley and offer wine tastings and tours, including Twee Jonge Gezellen and Drostdyhof. Then continue to Stellenbosch.

See All Photos

Visit the Stellenbosch Winelands. Self-drive to the Asara Restaurant for 9.45 to start your tour. Over 21km, you'll have an action-packed bike tour with wine tastings at three excellent small boutique wineries. The cycle route takes you along private farm roads and vineyards. In a colonial cityscape mixed with interesting buildings, you'll walk past the East India Company and Cape Dutch houses from different eras. Alternatively, drive wine routes to Stellebosch, Paarl and Franschhoek vineyards.

See All Photos

Leaving Stellenbosch behind, today's drive along the scenic coastal road offers even more spectacular views. You can stop anywhere you please, but make to get to Gordon's Bay in time for a seafood lunch at Bertie's Landing Restaurant and take time to a walk around this stunning coastal town to stretch your legs. You'll be hosted by one of the first captains to sail the Cape to Rio annual yacht race. Then continue to Hermanus.

See All Photos

It's a 50-minute drive to Gansbaai, where you have the option of Marine 5 tour; meet around 8.15 for an introductory meeting before the cruise. Then it's onwards to the semi-arid Klein-Karoo region. Pass through Swellendam where you might visit the Faerie Sanctuary. A group of friends suggested the founding of a famous pub in Little Karoo, known as Ronnie's Sex Shop. Now the bar, with its provocative title and graffiti, is a popular, colourful stop on Route 62 where you can stop for a drink.

See All Photos

Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich industry. On a guided tour of an ostrich farm, you can learn how ostrich feathers made the town's fortune. Near Oudtshoorn are the Cango Caves, where you'll see the splendours inside. Continue on to reach the Swartberg Pass, a spectacular road that takes you over the Swartberg Mountains. The road is gravel but is easy in a normal car. Stop in the picturesque village Prince Albert, and return to Oudtshoorn via Meiringspoort for another scenic experience.

See All Photos

After breakfast, check out and drive over the Outeniqua Pass via George to Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route. When you arrive in Knysna, you may want to stretch your legs with a walk along the coast with a stop in an oyster shack. Knysna is famous around South Africa for its delicious oysters. Paired with local white wine, this is a match made in heaven and a perfect way to spend your afternoon on the coast!

See All Photos

A day in Knysna could take you out on some more of the coastal walking trail, or if you are visiting in summer, you may want to enjoy the weather at one of the beaches around the town, Brenton and Coney Glen are among the finest. As an option, you may want to be at the pier in time for a sunset cruise to remember! Head out to the Knysna Heads on a luxurious yacht to wine and dine as the sunsets over the horizon.

See All Photos

Continuing on the Garden Route, you'll reach Plettenberg Bay where you'll stay in a local guesthouse for the next few days. Surrounded by stunning beaches Plettenberg Bay is major destinations for local and international travellers. With many different water sports to choose from great conditions, Plettenberg is an adventure-lovers paradise as well as a beach lover.

See All Photos

A day in Plettenberg Bay will see you dining on the freshest of seafood, relaxing at the beach or take you along the coastal trails on long walks with perfect conditions. Plettenberg enjoys mild winters and hot summers, so no matter what time of year you choose to visit, you'll be greeted with temperatures to enjoy all manner of activities.

See All Photos

En route to Addo Elephant National Park, you enter the Tsitsikamma Forest region. Stop in at Storms River for a fun a zip-line canopy tour, or if you want an extreme thrill, stop at the Bloukrans River Bridge to bungee jump one of the highest free fall experiences in the world. Continue to Addo at your own pace, baring in mind that the gates close at 7 pm. After you arrive, it's a good idea to book an open vehicle guided game drive for tomorrow.

See All Photos

Take your self-drive jeep drive in the park to view some of Africa's largest elephant herds. The prime viewing times for game after in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are at the most favourable for the animals. Optionally book a guided open vehicle game drive in the afternoon or towards sunset and rest at the camp in between.