Cape Town - Route 62 - Oudtshoorn

Garden Route - Begin with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in central Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

Leave Cape Town and embark on the legendary Route 62, traveling through South Africa’s most picturesque country road, the world’s longest wine route. As you journey, the scenery transforms like a living canvas, with lush, green valleys adorned with vineyards transitioning to the rugged, arid beauty of the Klein Karoo, where mountains stand like ancient guardians over golden plains.

Van Loveren Family Cellar - Stop in the heart of the Robertson Valley at Van Loveren Wines, a beloved family-run estate where generations have cultivated both vines and traditions. Under the dappled shade of towering wild fig and oak trees, enjoy a tasting, celebrating South African flavors. Opt for a Cheese & Wine pairing or a Taste of Africa experience, sampling seasonal favorites from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and sparkling delights to the bold, rich notes of Pinotage. For the adventurous, local cheeses, traditional African bites, or even chocolate-infused surprises await, each taste narrating its own story of place and heritage.

The Cango Caves - Continue the journey toward Oudtshoorn, pausing along the way for a leisurely lunch and soaking in the expansive landscapes of semi-desert countryside. Descend into the mysterious Cango Caves on a Heritage Tour, admiring limestone chambers sculpted over millions of years, a subterranean cathedral where nature’s artistry leaves you breathless.

Arrive at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, nestled beside a tranquil waterhole on the edge of the Klein Karoo. As the day gently fades, relax on the lodge’s restaurant deck, where the golden light shimmers on the water and resident hippos often make a leisurely appearance at dusk. Tonight, drift into a peaceful sleep under the vast Karoo sky in your luxury glamping tent, lulled by the gentle sounds of the bush and the quiet rhythm of nature all around you.

Oudtshoorn - Knysna - Wilderness

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Awake in the heart of the wild surroundings and, for those who wish, join an optional early-morning Meerkat Safari at Buffelsdrift (optional with extra cost) before dawn, to watch these charming creatures emerge from their burrows and greet the rising sun. Meerkats, members of the mongoose family, thrive in the arid Klein Karoo and are renowned for their upright stance and sociable nature. Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers the perfect setting to observe them in their natural habitat, weather permitting, where every playful glance and interaction is a joy to behold.

Knysna Heads - Stroll through Knysna’s Waterfront and take a short walk to the Knysna Heads Viewpoint, where forested mountains meet the sparkling Indian Ocean. Discover the town’s rich history as a logging hub and admire protected giant yellowwoods, overlooking alluring intimate beaches below with turquoise rock pools. The dramatic cliffs and hidden coves make it a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection.

Enjoy lunchtime at leisure at the Knysna Waterfront, where charming restaurants offer fresh local seafood and regional delicacies. Sampling the area’s signature specialties, Cape Rock Oysters (limited availability in season) is a quintessential part of the Knysna experience, a must-do to embrace the always-on-holiday feeling of this laid-back coastal town like a true local.

Wilderness National Park - Explore Wilderness National Park along scenic trails lined with golden beaches, indigenous forests, and delicate fynbos. Be on the lookout for the vibrant Knysna ‘lourie’ turaco and other birdlife, and follow footpaths winding through thick forests and protected wetlands. The mix of coastal views, forested trails, and tranquil lagoons offers a full sense of the Garden Route’s natural beauty and peaceful rhythm.

Wilderness Beach - Conclude the day with your arrival at a tranquil overnight retreat overlooking Wilderness Beach, where the sands stretch endlessly toward the horizon. The beach opens up in vast, far-reaching expanses, meeting the rhythm of the Indian Ocean and framed by rolling dunes and forests. Walking along this seemingly infinite coastline, you feel the quiet grandeur of nature and the freedom of open space, a perfect conclusion to a day of discovery.

Wilderness - Botlierskop - Cape Agulhas

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Enticed by the crisp morning air and the fresh scents of the ocean, set out for an exhilarating morning safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, traversing rolling hills in search of most members of the African Big Five. Secluded between Mossel Bay and George along the celebrated Garden Route, this 4,200-hectare reserve, with sweeping views of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, offers an unforgettable safari experience. Home to four of the Big Five, Botlierskop provides exceptional opportunities to encounter giraffes, honey badgers, Cape mountain zebra, vervet monkeys, hippos, and the rare white rhinoceros. On a lucky day, you might even glimpse Africa’s apex predators, the lions or cheetahs, from the comfort of a custom-fitted 4x4 vehicle guided by a knowledgeable ranger.

Enjoy lunchtime at Botlierskop’s Lodge Restaurant, taking in the surroundings and reflecting on the morning’s wildlife encounters, allowing the serenity of the reserve to linger with you.

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge - Activities - From the lush Garden Route to the vast arid plains of the Klein Karoo, your journey over the Outeniqua Mountain Pass really showcases our magnificent country of contrasts as the scenery changes before your eyes. Reach Buffelsdrift, a private game lodge on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, for a serene sunset bush drive. With the wind in your hair and a private ranger at the wheel, you’ll learn about the natural landscape in the Karoo and the critters that call it home; look out for buffalo, giraffe, kudu, porcupine, caracals, meerkats, aardvark, honey badgers, and foxes.

Cape Agulhas - Then it’s time to head to the southernmost point of Africa, the very spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. While eagle-eyed visitors look for a subtle difference between the two oceans at Cape Agulhas, most make the pilgrimage to the official plaque to capture the iconic photo, one foot on each side of the continent, or for those daring enough, step into the cooler Atlantic currents. If you arrive before sunset on a clear day, prepare to be mesmerized as the sky bursts into color and the sun kisses the sea, a truly awe-inspiring moment at the very tip of Africa.

Conclude the day by retreating to your sea-view escape for an overnight stay, where you can unwind in comfort and luxury. Spend a tranquil night at the tip of Africa, allow the fresh ocean air and sweeping vistas to soothe your senses and set the tone for a restful and inspired evening.

Cape Agulhas - Hermanus - Cape Town

Hermanus - Awaken from the embrace of your cozy bedcovers, hearing the gentle shhh of waves lapping against the shoreline.

After breakfast, meander along coastal routes to the charming hamlet of Hermanus, world-renowned for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. Stroll along stone-cliff pathways winding through indigenous fynbos to reach perfect vantage points, where, during whale season (June to November), southern right and humpback whales often frolic and breach, sending spectacular sprays of ocean water into the air… just imagine the awe-inspiring sight of a creature the size of eleven elephants rising effortlessly from the seas. Outside of whale season, the cliffs, quaint streets, art galleries, and craft markets offer a peaceful and picturesque retreat.

Hermanus New Harbour - For those seeking a closer encounter on the water, join an optional Whale Cruise (own account). On the open seas, whales often approach the boats, displaying playful surface behaviors and teaching or showing off their calves. Every journey follows a strict “Observe and Not Disturb” ethos, ensuring your experience contributes to marine conservation while allowing you to marvel at these gentle giants of the deep. Even outside peak whale season, the abundant marine life along South Africa’s Whale Coast ensures the cruise remains a spectacular adventure.

Enjoy lunch time at leisure in Hermanus, enjoying fresh seafood or local delicacies at charming cafés along the waterfront, or take in the views from cliff-top terraces, letting the gentle seaside pace ease you into your final day of Garden Route exploration.

Clarence Drive - As your Garden Route getaway draws to a close, one final highlight awaits: the journey back along the spectacular Clarence Drive, where dramatic twists reveal the ocean embracing the mountain slopes. Each bend unveils new silhouettes ahead, revealing False Bay’s shimmering waters stretching to the horizon.

• Cango Caves Heritage Tour
• Wind Along Clarence Drive Road Trip
• Hermanus Cliff Paths Walk
• Wilderness National Park Explore
• Reach The Tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas
• Route 62 Van Loveren Wine Tasting
• Breakfast
• Hotel pickup/drop-off within 5km in Cape Town central or Stellenbosch
• Knysna Viewpoint
• Botlierskop Group 4x4 Bush Drive

• Other meals, drinks and optionals not mentioned
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Optional (not compulsory) Meerkat Safari ± R890
• Optional (not-compulsory) Whale Watch Cruise ± R1500

This tour is a rich tapestry of experiences, featuring some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal vistas paired with the unique charm of the Garden Route, and culminates with an adventurous exploration along Route 62. It’s a comprehensive journey into this slice of heaven. You’ll meander along gorgeous seafront roads, taking in vast seascapes framed by towering mountains; savour local culinary delights that capture the unique taste of South Africa; envelop yourself in the sounds of the wilderness at Buffelsdrift and Botlierskop Private Game Reserves and share in the exhilaration of spotting wildlife on safari.

The tour runs on set days and is designed for the discerning traveller who isn’t after a rushed (snap a pic & go) adventure, but rather enjoys the notion of exploring in a small, intimate group. The tour size is kept to a maximum of 8 individuals, ensuring everyone enjoys a window view during private transfers and remains part of a compact group on safari.

• Please note that this tour is subject to minimums. A minimum of 2 persons need to be booked to confirm a departure date or a single supplement will be charged additionally.
• If it’s canceled because the minimum bookings required isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers.
• The itinerary guideline listed may be in a different order based on activity and accommodation availability.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.