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The Garden Route |
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A Self-drive tour of South Africas Garden Route |
Ref: SA02
11 days
from £1385 (minimum 2 passengers)
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Destination:
South Africa
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The Garden Route is the name give to the unique, picturesque landscape and coastline between Port Elizabeth and George. It is one of the most popular attractions in South Africa. The beautiful scenery, historical sights and quaint little towns make this route a must for all travellers to South Africa.
The route starts in Port Elizabeth, perhaps following a stay in Mpumalanga at the Kruger National Park. It continues through St. Francis Bay, the Storms River, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, the Wilderness, Oudsthoorn and George. From George, you will continue on to Hermanus, an attractive seaside resort, well known for its whale-watching season between July and November. Then turn inland, away from the coast, toward the famous wineland towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl. A couple of days spent visiting estates to sample and perhaps purchase some of the finest wines in the world. The last stop on your itinerary is Cape Town, which of course needs no introduction, as it is well known for Table Mountain, the Waterfront and the rest of the Peninsula. |
 | Click map to enlarge |
Day 1 | Depart the UK. | Day 2 | Arrive in Port Elizabeth. You will be met and given your information pack and car . You will start your tour by driving from Port Elizabeth to St. Francis Bay, distinguished by its sandy beaches and seaside resorts. You may like to drive via Jeffrey’s Bay, one of the world’s notable surfing areas. | Day 3 | Drive towards the Storms River Mouth where the river meets the ocean. Spend an hour or two walking along the marked hiking trails in this famous nature reserve. Sights include Nature’s Valley, a small village and reserve situated along the Groot River Pass and the Tsitsikamma Forest. Your journey to George via Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wilderness offers many lovely sights. Spend time at the Knysna Lagoon, popular for sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, windsurfing and fishing. It is also noted for superb oysters, which we definitely recommend! | Day 4 | You have a number of options. If you choose to travel inland, drive towards Oudtshoorn, which is known as the ‘Feather Capital’ of South Africa. Here you can visit either the Cango Caves or ostrich farms. The drive through the Outeniqua Pass is very impressive. A must-see is the Wilderness National Park where you will find eland, bontebok, jackal, small antelope and 170 different species of birds. Finally, you could choose to board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train to the Knysna Lagoon and the Knysna Heads. The train does a return journey in the afternoon. Second night in Krysna. | Day 5 | The seaside town of Hermanus is the next stop on your itinerary. The drive can be fairly long unless you take the N2 highway. You should consider the shortest route during the whale season (July - November), as this will give you more time to spot the Southern Right whales that Hermanus is famous for. In other seasons, you may like to visit other sights such as Mossel Bay, Swellendam or the national parks en route to Hermanus. | Day 6 | The route takes you via Franschhoek or directly to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, dating back to 1679. The name is synonymous with South African wine because the entire area is filled with vineyards and beautiful wine estates. There are numerous wine estates to visit in the Winelands, so take a tour of the cellars and taste the wine. | Day 7 | Cape Town is less than an hours drive from Stellenbosch or Paarl so if you like, you can spend a relaxing morning just browsing. Alternatively, you could spend a full day in the Peninsula during your stay in Cape Town. Leave early in the morning and visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, and then visit the seal colony in Hout Bay. Have lunch, then see the penguins in Simonstown, which was once the Royal Navy’s main South Atlantic base. There are many things to see and do along the coast and in the nature reserves. Stay the next three nights in Cape Town. | Day 8 | We have allowed a couple of days for Cape Town. Most tourists spend their time exploring the Waterfront, the scenic Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain. | Day 9 | Third day in Cape Town. | Day 10 | Your last day in Cape Town. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK. | Day 11 | Arrive in the UK. |
Accomodation - Click Here for Full Accomodation Information
|  Oasis Lodge
The tranquil village of St Francis Bay is at the gateway to the Garden Route, an hour from Port Elizabeth. With its meandering waterways and picturesque thatched houses it is the ideal spot to relax and break away. Oasis Lodge is on the canals, and hosts, Arthur and Gertrud Honey are retired hoteliers, who offer a home away from home. Modest en suite bedrooms, each have separate entrance and include television, telephone, fridge and tea trays. Full breakfasts are served. Inviting lounge and pub area for relaxing. Canoes, bicycles and aerial flips arranged. All credit cards accepted. Children welcome.
1 x Double/twin room with private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis more >> |  Wilderness Manor
On the beautiful Wilderness Lagoon, within walking distance of beaches and village restaurants, lies Wilderness Manor, an elegant guest house in a breathtaking setting. Exquisitely decorated home has an ambience of tranquility, serenity and style. Relax in a spacious guest lounge or the billiard and reading room exuding an Afro-Colonial style with oriental rugs, antiques, art and collectibles. Enjoy superb views from balconies overlooking the lagoon and retire to stylish en suite bedrooms with white cotton linen, bathrobes, telephone, TV and bar fridge. Explore the Garden Route. Mountain bikes and beach accessories.
1 x Double/twin room with private facilities on a bed & breakfast basis more >> |
Departures Between | Price from | 01 Jan 05 - 20 Apr 05
25 Aug 05 - 11 Dec 05 | *£1385 | 21 Apr 05 - 10 Jul 05 | *£1298 | 11 Jul 05 - 24 Aug 05 | *£1445 | | *Prices subject to confirmation |
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FLIGHT INCLUSIVE PRICE
Price is per person based on two people sharing and includes:
· International flights
· Meet and greet upon arrival
· Personalized driving itinerary
· Car hire based on a Group B Avis vehicle.
· Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
· 24 hour emergency back up
Not included: Main meals, petrol, drinks and other personal expenditure.
Please also see our SA02a Garden Route upgrade itinerary staying in superior properties.
This holiday is offered by and booked with Real Africa ATOL 6115.
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The Garden Route
A Self-drive tour of South Africas Garden Route
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