23-Day Slow Travel in Cape Town and Garden Route

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

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

The name 'township' still has a certain negative feeling- now it's less true! Explore the heart and soul of the city, through a community walk or bike ride through one of the largest in the city: Khayelitsha! This part of the city has a mix of cultures; from the original San, Rasta's, Zulu's and Xhosa to Somalians. Khayelitsha is no longer a 'ghetto'. Varying from middle-class neighbourhoods to informal settlements; the area benefits from its influx from other regions and countries in Africa.

See All Photos

First, you will drive on Route 27 to a place that introduces you to the first inhabitants of South Africa; the Khoi San (formerly known as Bushmen). Then a traditional lunch at Route 27 Roosterkoek awaits. We continue to the West Coast to taste a couple of the local specialities at either Darling Brew, Darling Wines, Darling Olives or Darling Sweets. Don't forget to make a stop at Evita se Perron. After arrival in the intimate little village of Goedverwacht, you will meet 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

Say goodbye to your host family after breakfast, and hit the road to Montagu. The scenery is breathtaking: towering mountains, fertile valleys and historical villages like Tulbagh where you might stop for lunch. Beautiful vineyards and award-winning wines await you!

See All Photos

This day is to relax but there is still a lot to do. You can follow the historical walking route in town, visit the ancient hot springs, indulge in a spa treatment or just relax in the lovely gardens at your hotel. Dinner at Montagu Country Hotel is an absolute feast with many local delicacies to try!

See All Photos

Continue on Route 62 and see the changes from the lush wine valleys into the dry Klein Karoo semi-desert. A must stop is the restaurant 'Diesel and Creme' on the main road. The Tradouw Pass is one of the most beautiful in the country; take time to stop at the viewpoints. You can imagine the Voortrekkers travelled right down through the valley along the river with their ox wagons. At the end of the pass, you can choose the tarred road to Swellendam; another little gem lies before you: Suurbraak.

See All Photos

Stop at a game reserve. You will have the chance to encounter some wildlife in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy close encounters with rhinoceros, lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, the rare black impala, golden wildebeest, mountain zebra, hippos and more! The Botlierskop Game Reserve is 4200ha and comprises of over 26 different species of animals and over 200 resident bird species. You can book a game drive, spa treatments or horseback safaris.

See All Photos

Whilst in the area, why not visit Mossel Bay? The reasons ancestors were drawn to Mossel Bay 162,00 years ago are the same reasons that still beckon us today: freshwater, pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, fynbos, wildlife, and fresh seafood. The oldest 'post office' was established in Mossel Bay in an old shoe hanging from a branch. You can post your letter at the Bartholomew Diaz Museum complex, with a replica of his boat, the story of explorers, a shell and fynbos museum and herb garden.

See All Photos

After two weeks it's time to relax as we make our way to Plettenberg Bay. You should arrive in time for a walk along the beach as the sunsets. You can 'Cuise the Crags' just before Plettenberg Bay with the Fair Trade accredited Birds of Eden, Monkey Land and the cheetahs at Jukani. Today's journey takes you through the 7 passes. Indulge in the white sandy beaches of Plettenberg Bay, or discover whales, dolphins and locals on a guided combi tour with a responsible operator and local guide.

See All Photos

One of the sectors of the greater Garden Route national parks, Tsitsikamma has plenty of activities to do! Hiking, biking, kloofing, bungy jumping (the highest in the world!) and the Fair Trade canopy tour through the treetops of the forests. If you really want something special, go on a walking tour with Stanley Grootboom, a local guide who will tell you all the secrets of medicinal plants, Khoi San heritage and culture, and share a mouthwatering meal with his grandma, Elna.

See All Photos

After two weeks it's time to relax in Knysna. Today, you'll travel there at a leisurely pace as there is plenty to do. You can 'Cruise the Crags' just before Plettenberg Bay with the Fair Trade accredited Birds of Eden, Monkey Land and the cheetahs at Jukani. Travel the seven passes with stops to indulge in the white sandy beaches of Plettenberg Bay, or discover whales, dolphins and locals on a guided combi tour before arriving in Knysna.

See All Photos

You are in heaven now. So a tour to Featherbed, with a relaxing boat trip over the lagoon is a must! The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route tour, accessible by ferry. A 4x4 vehicle and trailer go into the reserve with a specialist guide on fauna and flora. You might want to do the guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves.

See All Photos

Individual tourists and tour companies visit Judah Square on most days. There are trained and registered guides to show them the community and educate them on the Rasta way of life. You can also go on a hiking trail. After exploring, treat yourself to fresh-water lagoon cultivated- and ocean oysters at Knysna waterfront restaurants.

See All Photos

Hop in the car to the next coastal destination on your trip. One of the largest natural areas in the region, De Hoop is a beautiful reserve that is a favourite for hikers, cyclists, bird and whale watchers. De Hoop encompasses 34,000 which then extends out to its neighbouring marine reserve, which extends 5km out to sea and is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa.

See All Photos

One of the largest natural areas in the region, De Hoop is a beautiful reserve that is a favourite for hikers, cyclists, bird and whale watchers. De Hoop encompasses 34,000 which then extends out to its neighbouring marine reserve, which extends 5km out to sea and is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa.

See All Photos

Indulge in the peace and quiet of this reserve, go on a boat trip, a walking tour, nature discovery or go and explore the nearby third-oldest town in the country, Swellendam. This quirky town echoes of its past in ways that might just surprise you. For families with young children, a visit to the Faerie Sanctuary at Sulina's is a must!

See All Photos

From the Garden Route to the Overberg, this morning's drive takes you along the stunning coastal road with awesome views as you near Cape Town once more. You'll have the option of going via Kleinmond, Betty's- and Gordon's Bay, both of which offer beautiful views of Cape Town in the distance on a clear day. Finally, you enter into the Cape Winelands.

See All Photos

First, we have Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, with many vineyards and estates. There are plenty of markets, quaint shops like Oom Samie se Winkel, and restaurants in the town or take a hike in Stellenbosch's Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. There is more; over the mountain pass, there is Franschhoek a picturesque village with vineyards, fruit farms, lush valleys and mountains! To avoid drink-driving, it is recommended you organise a driver-guide to take you around the Winelands.

See All Photos

Today, you can explore Stellenbosch a little more, perhaps this time by bicycle. Additionally, you could visit the nearby Paarl, with its Language Monument and take a picnic up Paarl Rock for panoramic views as far as Table Mountain on a clear day. If you do not wish to visit Paarl there is wine tasting and glass blowing at Seidelberg; cheese and wine tasting at Fairview and places of interest in the town.