Scenic Garden Route Circular

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Scenic Garden Route Circular

Swellendam - Plettenberg Bay - Oudtshoorn
5 Days / 4 Nights
0 Persons
Reference: lege01-sgrc
Date of Issue: 25 July 2017

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Overview

A 5 day escorted tour via the Overberg Region and along one of the most beautiful stretches of South Africa's coastline from Cape Town and back again. Stop in Hermanus which is world renowned as the best land-based whale watching spot along the South African shoreline. Enjoy a cruise on the tranquil Knysna Lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve - a World Heritage site. Visit the inspiring Tsitsikamma National Park and Oudtshoorn - home to a large ostrich farming industry and the Cango Caves.

Accommodation / Destination / Nights / Basis
Schoone Oordt Country House / Swellendam / 1 / D, B&B
Hunter’s Country House / Plettenberg Bay / 2 / D, B&B
African Pride Rosenhof Country House / Oudtshoorn / 1 / D, B&B

Key
D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast

Included

Meals as specified. Includes 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners
Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
English speaking THETA registered tour guide

Day 1: Schoone Oordt Country House, Swellendam

Swellendam

Nestled below the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is South Africa’s third oldest town. The town is well-known for its many beautifully restored buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Church and Drosty Museum complex. Swellendam’s central location in the Overberg makes it a good starting point to travel around this area.

Day Itinerary

Morning departure from Cape Town over the Hottentots-Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry's Pass into a region of immense beauty. Stop at the Hamilton Russell Vineyards near Hermanus for a tour and tasting of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley terroir driven wines.

During whale season (June to December), also stop in Hermanus which boasts the best land based whale watching along its cliff path. Here you would have the option of embarking on an eco-marine (all year round) and whale watching (seasonal) boat trip (additional charge). After lunch (to own account), continue to Swellendam - the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Schoone Oordt Country House View iBrochure

Schoone Oordt Country House is one of the top boutique hotels in Swellendam South Africa, possibly the best of Swellendam accommodation and perfectly situated as the gateway to the Garden Route, only 2 hours from Cape Town. With 10 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory Restaurant, a sparkling saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment, our charming country hotel offers romantic & intimate as well as family friendly accommodation in Swellendam. The emphasis here is on unpretentious unaffected luxury, elegance, quality, love and acute attention to detail and we aspire to make this evident in every aspect of your time with us. We do hope you feel as though you’re visiting with the best of friends.

Activities

Hottentots Holland Mountains
Sir Lowry's Pass
LunchHermanus
LunchHemel-en-Aarde Valley
Swellendam

Helderberg

Situated just 30 minutes from the beautiful city of Cape Town, the Helderberg area is comprised of three little towns including: the cosmopolitan town of Somerset West and the beach holiday destination towns of Gordon’s Bay and Strand. Helderberg is known for its laidback village lifestyle, breathtaking scenic landscapes, picturesque wine farms and long stretches of magnificent beach. The area is encircled by towering majestic mountains and fringed by the lapping waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The area offers visitors a wide selection of wonderful activities such as: hiking through the spectacular Helderberg Nature Reserve, strolling along Strand’s white-sand beaches, or wine tasting along the renowned Helderberg Wine Route. Other popular activities include: kitesurfing, fishing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, golfing, biking, and bird watching.

Sir Lowry's Pass

Sir Lowry’s Pass was constructed in 1828 in order that ox wagons could cross the mountains originally used by the Bushmen. It is named after a former British governor of the Cape, Sir Lowry Cole. On a clear day, the top of the pass affords a spectacular view across the Cape Flats and False Bay to Table Mountain and Cape Point. This view at night is spectacular as Cape Town’s lights join the stars and she shines in all her glory.

Hermanus

Built along the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus has grown from a small seaside resort town to become possibly the best-known place for whale watching in the world. Today, this busy town is more than just a popular holiday destination and offers visitors all kinds of activities, both energetic and relaxing.

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

In addition to magnificent mountains and breathtaking views, the Hemel-and-Aarde Valley offers a wide range of award-winning wine cellars and great restaurants. And while the area produces an array of excellent wines it is renowned for its pinot noir.

Swellendam

Included

Meals as specified

Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle

English speaking THETA registered tour guide

Excluded

Items of a personal nature

Gratuities

Day 2: Hunter’s Country House, Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay

The Portuguese explorers called it the Beautiful Bay, and it’s easy to see why – Plettenberg Bay is a picturesque, charming town with miles of pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clean rivers, indigenous forests and a dramatic rocky peninsula. Playground to the wealthy, beach mansions overlook the Indian Ocean, often dotted with luxury yachts, while leisure time is given over to polo and golf, among other things. However, all kinds of visitors will feel at peace here as simply swimming in the warm water on a safe beach is a great way to experience the beauty of Plettenberg Bay.

Day Itinerary

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Swellendam and enjoy your journey along the Garden Route via Mossel Bay. Travel to Plettenberg Bay - millionaires' playground for lunch and a stroll along the white sandy beaches.

Check into your accommodation, during the afternoon. Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge.

Overnight: Hunter’s Country House View iBrochure

Situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Hunter's Country House is a wonderful location from which to explore the beauty of the celebrated Garden Route, or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge.
The lodge has 23 suites featuring: air conditioning, minibar, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower and a garden patio with table and chairs. Leisure facilities offered are a large pool, a lounge with fireplace, wine cellar, complimentary Wi-Fi access and a children’s playground.

Activities

Knysna Waterfront
Knysna Heads
Milkwood Village
Plettenberg Bay

Knysna Waterfront

The Waterfront is a central point of activity in Knysna. From here one can board a sunset cruise or ferry ride around the lagoon, do some shopping, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and find accommodation for your stay in Knysna.

Knysna Heads

‘Knysna’ is a Khoi word but its exact meaning is uncertain. One possibility is ‘straight down’, which is an obvious reference to the Knysna Heads. This striking geological feature is famous along the entire southern African coastline. The Knysna lagoon opens to the ocean after passing between these two large, statuesque headlands. The Heads have become infamous due to the numerous wrecks that have resulted from boats trying to pass through the treacherous and unpredictable waters between them.

Plettenberg Bay

Included

Meals as specified

Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle

English speaking THETA registered tour guide

Excluded

Items of a personal nature

Gratuities

Day 3: Hunter’s Country House, Plettenberg Bay

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, visit Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world and Monkey Land, the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary OR Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, a sustainable wildlife sanctuary for various wild cat species. Proceed to the Tsitsikamma National Park and enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth gorge which offers incredible views. Spend some time at leisure in the town of Plettenberg Bay – ‘millionaires’ playground’ – before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight

Activities

Tsitsikamma National Park
Birds of Eden
Monkey Land
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

Tsitsikamma National Park

Much of the indigenous forest in this eastern part of the Garden Route falls within the Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is not only a breathtaking haven for indigenous flora and fauna but also for marine life. A marine conservation belt forms part of the park, stretching five and a half kilometres out into the ocean.

Birds of Eden

Under a two-hectare dome, the world’s largest aviary, Birds of Eden, is a safe and natural free-flight environment for African birds and a selection of smaller animals. An indigenous forest and a mysterious ruin with walk-behind waterfall provide these graceful creatures and their visitors with amusement.

Monkey Land

The world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate shelter, Monkeyland makes for a great family outing and plays an important role in raising awareness about the plight and rehabilitation of endangered primate species.

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to big cats such as lions (white and tawny), cheetahs, tigers (Siberian, Bengal and white), leopard (spotted and black), jaguar, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbuck, zorilla, honey badger, raccoons and various snake species (which are housed separately).

At Jukani the focus is on conservation education and specifically the plight of large predators in captivity, in South Africa and all over the world. “Big cats” are extraordinary animals with a dangerous beauty that is both awe inspiring but also fearsome because of their power and ability to kill. However at most wildlife facilities various wildlife species and especially large predatory species are kept as a way of attracting visitors without regard for the animals' physical and emotional needs, they are just commodities to attract visitors. The Jukani approach is one of respect for what each animal represents. All the female predator cats are on birth control, and the sanctuary is a no-touch facility.

Included

Meals as specified

Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle

English speaking THETA registered tour guide

Excluded

Items of a personal nature

Gratuities

Day 4: African Pride Rosenhof Country House, Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.

Day Itinerary

Morning departure from Plettenberg Bay to the lagoon-side town of Knysna - gem of the Garden Route. Embark on a 90-minute lunch cruise on the Knysna Lagoon .

On return to the mainland, continue your journey to Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich show farm for a guided tour. Following this visit of discovery, check into your overnight accommodation. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: African Pride Rosenhof Country House

Rosenhof Country House is the only five-star accommodation in Oudtshoorn. Situated on the outskirts of town on the main road to the Cango Caves. It consists of a Victorian manor, 12 freestanding bedrooms and 2 executive suites. Rosenhof's restaurant is one of the top 100 restaurants in South Africa. Traditional Country Cuisine with a Corden-bleu touch, and a wine collection second to none, make dining here an unforgettable experience. The new addition of a Wellness Center with a fully equipped gym, sauna and jacuzzi is free of charge for all our guests. Our Beauty clinic offers a variety of treatments. Rosenhof's luxury and comfort is surpassed only by its staff's commitment to individual care and service.

Activities

Plettenberg Bay
George
Outeniqua Pass
Ostrich Show Farms
Oudtshoorn
Featherbed John Benn

Plettenberg Bay

George

George is the sixth oldest town in the country and although it started as a remote woodcutters’ outpost it is now the business centre of the Garden Route. Nestled between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and Indian Ocean, it’s picturesque and lush with a rich and varied history. George is also well-known as an excellent golfing destination.

Outeniqua Pass

The road between George and Outshoorn has been upgraded four times and the Outeniqua Pass is the most modern and popular version. One of the world’s grandest road passes, the views are incredible.

Oudtshoorn

Featherbed John Benn

The John Benn is a double-decker floating restaurant offering daily lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads. A memorable family activity on Knysna Lagoon. One of the best floating restaurants in Knysna. The John Benn is a fully enclosed luxury ferry, beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest.

This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun! The galley team onboard the vessel is young and energetic, serving tasty food made from the freshest local selection.
Eating out in Knysna can become a whole new experience as a family activity.

This wonderful floating restaurant offers a wide dining selection from the a la carte menu, has a bar on each of the upper and lower decks and is fully enclosed. The John Benn is an ideal venue for corporate functions, staff parties and weddings, or simply to have a good time!

Included

Meals as specified

Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle

English speaking THETA registered tour guide

Excluded

Items of a personal nature

Gratuities

Day 5: Departure

Day Itinerary

Before departing Oudtshoorn enjoy a morning visit to the Cango Caves - one of the natural wonders of the world and which has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Travel along the famous Route 62 to Cape Town.

The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards offer you an unforgettable kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility. Stop at the Country Pumpkin Restaurant near Barrydale for lunch (to own account).

After lunch, enjoy a slow drive to Cape Town where your tour ends around 18h00 with drop-off at Cape Town International Airport or your Cape Town based hotel.

Activities

Oudtshoorn Area
Route 62
LunchBarrydale
Cape Town

Oudtshoorn