• 15 Days Beauty of the Garden Route Self-Drive

Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

Welcome to South Africa!

After collection of your rental car at Port Elizabeth International Airport you will make your way to Cape St. Francis Resort, situated approximately 90 minutes from bustling coastal metropolitan city.

Cape St Francis, with its historic Seal Point Lighthouse, is a tranquil eco destination. This pristine beach, the mild temperature combined with the longest sunshine hours on the South African coast ensure a relaxed year-round destination. Cape St Francis is home to no less than five beautiful nature reserves, Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, Seal Point Nature Reserve, Seal Bay Nature Reserve, St Francis Field Nature Reserve and Irma Booysen Flora Reserve. Action or leisure, the choices are varied, exciting and endless. Explore the canals by boat, venture onto the Kromme River or experience a game of golf on one of the surrounding golf courses such as the St Francis Bay Golf Club or the recently opened St Francis Links. Keen fishermen can try their hand at fishing from the rocks or charter a fishing vessel for some deep sea fishing.

Day 3 – 4

Today you will drive along the garden route and make your way to Tsitsikamma Village Inn.

Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”. The region stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation and fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea.  A mild year round climate allows one to make the most of all the outdoor activities that are on offer. Tsitsikamma National Park, declared in 1964, encompasses a marine reserve made up of 80km of coastline and offers the visitor magnificent scenery, walks, a small beach, restaurant and shop. The famous Storms River Suspension Bridge spans the river mouth.  The Tsitsikamma Village Inn, situated in the beautiful village of Storms River, is the perfect accommodation for couples, families, and adventurers alike. The Tsitsikamma Village is home to a variety of restaurants, its very own microbrewery, and is also a great place to stay if you are planning to explore and sight-see around Storms River.

Enjoy 2 nights at Tsitsikamma Village Inn on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 5

Bid the forests of Tsitsikamma farewell as you make your way along the coast to Knysna.

The picturesque little town of Knysna is one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route.  It is famous for its annual oyster festival, friendly people and the magnificent views from Leisure Island to the Knysna Heads.  Enjoy a 180-degree view of Knysna, the lagoon and the famous Knysna Heads from your accommodation at Madison Manor with its unique location on top of “town hill”.  Soak up the boutique hotel’s old-world charm and grandeur displayed in the antique pieces of furniture made of the famous indigenous trees of the surrounding Knysna forest.

Enjoy 1 night at Madison Manor on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 6 – 7

After a hearty breakfast depart from Knysna and continue your Garden Route exploration as you travel to Swellendam.

Enjoy first-hand experience of South African farm life at the beautiful Jan Harmsgat.   The 680 hectare farm has orchards of fruit, nut and olive trees which produce highly acclaimed preserves and produce.  The farm is also home to wildlife such as a Black Wildebeest, Springbuck, Grey Rheebuck and Ostriches.  Or sample the wines produced on the farm where the vineyards benefit from the farms unique location bordering the dry climate of the Little Karoo as well as the cool breezes from the coastal regions.  Relax in the historical charm of the guesthouse, where the rooms are a reminder of yesteryear but with the luxury of today’s standards.

Enjoy 2 nights at Jan Harmsgat Country House on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 8 – 9

Today you will make your way to Whalesong Lodge situated in the coastal town of Gansbaai.

An intimate guest house on top of the rugged Cliffs of De Kelders, the Lodge offers whale watching from the comfort of your bed during whale watching season.  With its unique location overlooking the ocean, Whalesong Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the Overberg area.  Gansbaai is known for its dense population of Great White Sharks and cage diving is one of the best ways to experience these majestic hunters of the sea up close.  For a more relaxing experience, visitors to Gansbaai can also enjoy relaxing cruises on the Klein River, home to over 130 bird species.

Enjoy 2 nights at Whalesong Lodge on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 10 – 11

Depart from the coastline and make your way into the heart of South Africa’s famous wine country.

Established in 1802, Oude Werf is South Africa’s oldest and most historic hotel and has defined hospitality and fine dining for centuries. Our guests enjoy the wonders of the Cape Winelands from the repose of our luxurious accommodation, situated in the historical core of the university town of Stellenbosch, only 50km from Cape Town, 25km from the sea and surrounded by beautiful mountains. Stellenbosch is famous as the premier wine region of South Africa. Located on vibrant Church Street, Oude Werf retains the graceful ambience of Georgian style throughout. Soft hues and antique furniture have been tastefully aligned with the comforts of modern living to create a calm haven from which to base your exploration of Stellenbosch.

Enjoy 2 nights at Oude Werf Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 12 – 14

Make your way to the bustling harbour city of Cape Town where you will be based as the quaint Antrim Villa Guesthouse for the last three nights of your holiday.

Cape Town is often referred to as the Mother City of South Africa. Home to famous landmarks such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Gardens, District Six Museum and Robben Island – Cape Town has a wealth of activities, cultural highlights, natural beauty, and trending dining experiences to keep visitors entertained for days.

Antrim Villa is the ideal base from which to explore the Cape and its diverse highlights.  Built in the late 1800s, the old English Victorian house was originally a family residence with high ceilings and well-kept stuccos which adds to its charm.  Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, Antrim Villa is only a few minutes drive from the V&A Waterfront with its bustling food scene and shopping experiences.  The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with all the fittings to ensure for a peaceful night’s sleep after a busy day of sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy 3 nights at Antrim Villa on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 15

Your travels along South Africa’s Garden Route have unfortunately come to an end.  Drop off the rental car at Cape Town International Airport before boarding your flight back home.  Safe travels!

  • What is Included

    • Two nights’ accommodation at Cape St, Francis Resort on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • Two nights’ accommodation at Tsitsikamma Village Inn on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • One night’s accommodation at Madison Manor on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • Two nights’ accommodation at Jan Harmsgat Country House on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • Two nights’ accommodation at Whalesong Lodge on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • Two nights’ accommodation at Oude Werf Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.
    • Three nights’ accommodation at Dunkley House on a bed & breakfast basis.

  • What is excluded

    • All meals, beverages, entrance fees, activities, flights, transfers and car rental not listed under Includes section.
    • Regional and domestic flight fares and taxes are excluded but can be quoted on request.
    • All items of a personal nature such as curio shop purchases, telephone calls and gratuities.
    • Visas and Passport related costs
    • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

  • What we love

    • The beauty of the Garden Route & South African coastline
    • Experience natural parks and attractions
    • A nature-lover’s paradise
    • Fairtrade certified itinerary with more than 50% Fair Trade Certified properties included
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