Journey from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and Explore the Cango Caves

R 62 in the Klein Karoo - Embarking on a trip from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via the R62 wine route offers a scenic adventure through South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Cape Town, the journey heads northeast towards Worcester, where the R62 officially commences. Along this picturesque route, travelers will pass through delightful towns like Robertson and Montagu, celebrated for their vineyards and hot springs. The road meanders through the dramatic scenery of the Klein Karoo, showcasing views of majestic mountains and vast valleys. Oudtshoorn, renowned for its ostrich farms and the Cango Caves, awaits at the end of this unforgettable road trip, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

The Cango Caves - Exploring the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn is an awe-inspiring journey into an underground wonderland. Upon descending into the caves, visitors are greeted by a series of magnificent limestone formations, including towering stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. Guided tours lead through the expansive caverns, featuring highlights like the grand Van Zyl’s Hall and the narrow passages of the Devil’s Chimney. The caves are rich in history and natural beauty, providing a unique insight into the geological wonders beneath the earth’s surface.

Depart from the hotel after breakfast and travel to Botlierskop Game Reserve. Visit Knysna Heads and Knysna Quays

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - The journey continues to Botlierskop Game Reserve for a thrilling game drive safari in an open 4x4 vehicle. A safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve offers an exhilarating adventure through the diverse landscapes of the Western Cape. Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. As the rugged terrain is traversed in an open 4x4 vehicle, there are opportunities to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in their natural habitats. The reserve also boasts breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and meandering rivers, making the safari not just about wildlife but also about immersing oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Knysna Heads - A tour of the Knysna Heads offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in one of the Garden Route’s most iconic landmarks. The towering sandstone cliffs flank the narrow entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, where the Indian Ocean meets calm, turquoise waters. From scenic viewpoints, one can marvel at the contrast between the wild ocean and the serene lagoon, with panoramic views stretching over the town and surrounding forested hills. Exploring the heads also offers opportunities to visit secluded beaches, hike coastal trails, and even enjoy boat trips through the turbulent channel, making it a captivating natural wonder.

The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna town’s charming waterfront, dotted with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, adds to its allure, making Knysna a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Head to Robberg Nature Reserve. Visit Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay - In Plettenberg Bay, the beaches and some lovely hotels in the area are visited. Plettenberg Bay is a seaside town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks. To the south, Robberg Nature Reserve is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Northeast are Birds of Eden, a free-flight bird sanctuary in indigenous forest, and an elephant sanctuary. Whales come near the coast in migration season.

Robberg Nature Reserve - Within Plettenberg Bay, the Robberg Nature Reserve is visited for a hiking tour. Robberg, situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland, and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula. Visitors can learn more at the Nelson Bay Cave interpretive centre.

Visit Addo National Park for a game safari

Addo Elephant National Park - Addo National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. As the rugged terrain is traversed, there are opportunities to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in their natural habitats. The reserve also boasts breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and meandering rivers, making the safari not just about wildlife but also about immersing oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

On day 5, depart after breakfast and head to Hermanus, Benguela Cove Wine Estate, and Betty’s Bay

Hermanus - The first stop is in Hermanus, known as the world capital for whale watching. Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s renowned as a whale-watching destination. Beaches include Voëlklip Beach and the broad Grotto Beach, overlooking Walker Bay. The Old Harbour Museum is a site encompassing the old harbour, a fishermen’s village, and the Whale House Museum. The latter has informative displays and a suspended skeleton of a whale.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate - From Hermanus, the journey continues to Benguela Cove Wine Estate, a short distance away, for a world-class wine tasting experience. Benguela Cove’s award-winning wines are 100% estate grown, produced, and bottled in Walker Bay. Cool-climate, terroir-specific wines are available. The wine tasting includes 5 different wines.

Stony Point Penguin Colony - From Benguela Cove, the journey continues to Betty’s Bay for an African Penguin watching experience, with penguins seen all around.

From Betty’s Bay, the journey concludes in Cape Town around 6pm.

• Tour guide
• African Penguins at Betty’s Bay
• Safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve
• Knysna Heads and Waterfront Knysna Quays
• Visit Cango Caves
• Wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate (18 and above)
• Knysna
• Breakfast
• Awellendam, Hermanus, Wilderness and many more
• Plettenberg Bay
• Safari at Addo National Park
• The ‘big 5’ - elephants, lions, buffalo, rhino, leopard and many more animals

• Tips

This 5 day tour offers the best of the Garden Route in an up market accommodation, the Premier Moorings Knysna Resort. The major highlights are:
Being stationed in Knysna for the tour; a visit to Plettenberg Bay; world’s highest bungee jump - optional; world class wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine estate; visit to the Knysna Heads; visit to Robberg Nature Reserve; African Penguins in Betty’s Bay; a visit to Hermanus, Swellendam and many more

• no restrictions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.