Idyllic Garden Route

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The Garden Route is probably the most beautiful coastline in South Africa and one of the country's highlights. You will experience culinary delights in the wine regions, the scenic Route 62 in the Little Karoo semi-desert, Africa's malaria-free wildlife in a private Big Five game reserve at Addo Elephant Park, pristine forests and endless beaches between Tsitsikamma National Park and Wilderness, seasonal whales on the south coast and Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You should allow just under two weeks for this trip. We recommend starting this trip in the South African summer months from September to April.

We are happy to change this tour itinerary or the rental car category according to your individual wishes. Please contact us for your personal offer. Note: A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this trip. With a few exceptions, the overland roads are tarred and in good condition. However, a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is sometimes helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Stellenbosch
• 1x Oudtshoorn
• 1x Addo
• 2x Greater Addo
• 1x Tsitsikamma
• 2x Knysna
• 1x Hermanus
• 3x Cape Town

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 13x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in the private Big Five Sibuya Game Reserve
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 40 KM):

POSITION BOSCH

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station. Stellenbosch is the heart of South African wine production. Countless wine estates are lined up next to each other, and you can get to know South Africa's fine wines at one or two wine tastings. The scenically impressive mountain ranges offer unique hiking opportunities. The second oldest city in the country has a beautiful historic city center with many listed buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Cafés, restaurants and boutiques invite you to stroll and linger. Thanks to the local university, Stellenbosch is a very lively and young city, despite its historical background.

You will stay in the Villa Grande Guest House, an elegant and lovingly renovated villa from the 1920s, which is centrally but quietly situated in a cul-de-sac in Stellenbosch. Restaurants, cafes, boutiques, the botanical gardens and the historic town center are all within walking distance. Countless wine estates can be reached in less than 15 minutes by car. The 12 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a TV, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, hairdryer and free WiFi. The Deluxe Rooms are more spacious than the Standard Rooms. The Honeymoon Room also has a Jacuzzi bathtub. The guest house offers a bar and a lounge.

VILLA GRANDE (DELUXE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: STELLENBOSCH

FULL DAY SCHEDULED STELLENBOSCH WINE TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 135 € PER PERSON

You will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning. With a wine expert, you will set off on a day trip to the Stellenbosch wine regions and stop at hand-picked wine estates to get to know the region's outstanding fine wines.

The focus of this day tour is on small and beautifully situated boutique wineries away from the mass tourism of the usual wine tours. In addition to the region's famous red and white wines, you will also taste the excellent sparkling wines, some of which are produced using the Champagne method.

The tour can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. Depending on the time of year, you will visit around three wineries to gain a differentiated insight into local wine production. As a rule, there is also a cellar tour (not on certain days of the week or public holidays). In between, you will stop at a good restaurant for lunch (optional). Depending on the time and route, a short flying visit to the historic center of Stellenbosch is also possible. You will be dropped off at your accommodation again in the afternoon.

The tour language is English. A maximum of eight people take part in this tour. The cost of wine tasting is already included in the price. The costs for lunch and other drinks are not included in the price. For an additional charge, this tour can also be booked as a private guided tour in German.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 3 TO DAY 4 (APPROX. 430 KM):

OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn is the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert and the largest town along Route 62. A stop at one of the local ostrich farms is a must, where you will learn a lot about the largest and flightless birds in the world. The Cango Caves, a huge stalactite cave landscape that is one of the most impressive in the world, are definitely worth a visit. Adventure-seekers with the right vehicle can take a drive over the famous Swartberg Pass, but guided tours are also available. An insider tip is the Rust en Vrede waterfall, located east of the Cango Caves. Clear nights with little light pollution make for an impressive starry sky, and professional stargazers offer appropriate observation activities. The cute meerkats can be spotted early in the morning on several farms. Some interesting wineries, such as the Karusa Estate, offer wine tastings.

Located at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountains in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley, halfway between Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves, Berluda Farmhouse is part of a working ostrich farm. On site, you can take part in a private farm tour or an early morning tour to see the meerkats for an extra charge. For overnight guests, there are two pools, a garden, a guest lounge, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. The 28 rooms and cottages all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar, a TV and a veranda. The Luxury Farmhouse Rooms are located in the main building. The Luxury Mountain Manor Rooms are located about 300 meters away in separate parts of the building. The Family Cottages and Luxury Cottages are detached units, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a lounge area and a barbecue on the veranda. The Luxury Honeymoon Suites are also located in detached units and offer a luxurious bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a whirlpool bath.

BERLUDA FARMHOUSE (LUXURY FARMHOUSE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 4: OUDTSHOORN

OSTRICH & MEERKAT TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

You go in search of the meerkats of the Little Karoo. Together with an experienced tour guide, you make your way to the meerkats' dens at sunrise and observe the cute predators as they start the day. The excursion starts early in the morning before breakfast and lasts around two to three hours. The tour is conducted in English and additional people can join in.

After breakfast, you will take part in a guided tour of the ostriches on Berluda Farm. Here you will learn a lot about the largest flightless birds in the world and about farm life in the Klein Karoo in general. The tour takes about one to two hours. The tour language is English, additional people can take part.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 4 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 400 KM):

ADDO

Your destination is the malaria-free Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, famous for its large herds of elephants, which gave the park its name. Nowhere else in the world are there more elephants per square kilometer than here in Addo. With a bit of luck, you may also spot other representatives of the Big Five, although the big cats are only found in relatively small numbers. A classic is the Addo Dung Beetle, a dung beetle species that can only be found here.

You’ll stay at the comfortable Addo Wildlife Lodge in the small town of Addo, just a few kilometers from the famous Addo Elephant Park. Springboks and other small game roam the grounds. There is a pool, a playground for children, a fire pit, a wildlife center with birds and reptiles, a farm shop, a restaurant, and a bar. The 17 rooms feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a minibar, and a veranda with seating. The Standard Rooms are freestanding rondavels (round huts) furnished in African style. The Superior Chalets, which are also freestanding, are more spacious and feature modern furnishings. The Superior Family Chalets have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/toilet, and a lounge with a kitchenette.

ADDO WILDLIFE LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 4: ADDO

ADDO AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

Experience a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle in the state-owned Addo Elephant Park. You prefer to stop at waterholes and reservoirs, where whole families of elephants often gather to bathe and drink. You can also spot buffalo, zebras and many species of antelope. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a rhino or a big cat.

Conservation fees are already included in the price. The tour takes place in an open off-road vehicle. The tour is conducted in English, additional people can participate. The drive starts at 14:00 at the Addo Wildlife Lodge and ends there again at around 18:00.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 130 KM):

GREATER ADDO

The malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve is probably one of the most unique safari destinations in South Africa. The Kariega River, which runs through the middle of the reserve, is particularly attractive. In combination with the nearby ocean, this naturally attracts an incredible variety of bird species: more than 400 different species have been counted to date. It is also a sanctuary for a rich variety of game species, from elephant to otter, and is of course home to the Big Five. After your arrival at the reception in Kenton-on-Sea, you will take a boat up the Kariega River to your accommodation at 12 noon. This approximately 9 km long trip is a unique experience in itself.

Forest Camp is located right on the banks of the Kariega River. Electricity is generated exclusively by solar panels, so energy-intensive appliances cannot be used—a true “Out of Africa” experience. The eight freestanding tent suites are connected by wooden walkways through the forest and feature a shower/toilet with a separate bathtub, a fireplace, and an outdoor deck. The camp features a lounge area and a boma, where dinner is served around the campfire when the weather permits.

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Alternatively, guided bush walks or activities on the Kariega River are available. Local drinks and conservation fees are already included in the price.

For an extra charge, you can also stay in a lodge with permanent rooms.

SIBUYA GAME RESERVE FOREST CAMP (TENTED SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 300 KM):

TSITSIKAMMA

The Tsitsikamma National Park is the largest contiguous forest area in South Africa and is ideal for hiking or relaxing. The hiking trails always offer fantastic views of the dense forests and the endless sea. At the Storms River Restcamp in the eastern part of the park, you can take short boat trips on the river of the same name. The famous Suspension Bridge, a suspension bridge over the river, is also located here. Various long hiking trails start directly at the camp. The western part, the Natures Valley, also offers beautiful nature and the best hiking opportunities. With a bit of luck, you can even spot whales (seasonal) and dolphins from land.

You will spend the night in a cozy guest house in the small village of Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. You will find cafés, restaurants and stores within walking distance. The famous Big Tree, an 800-year-old yellowwood tree almost 40 meters high and with a trunk circumference of nine meters, is about a 20-minute walk away. The Storms River Restcamp is about 15 minutes' drive away. The guest house offers a garden with pool and sun deck, a fireplace lounge, a bar and free Wi-Fi. The eight rooms have a bathroom/WC, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, a fan, a TV, a safe, a minibar and a veranda or balcony. The Family Room is more spacious and has two single beds for children in addition to the double bed.

AT THE WOODS GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 90 KM):

KNYSNA

Knysna, with its striking lagoon, is the center of the Garden Route and offers a wide range of daytime activities. The dense forests in the hinterland or the beautiful coastal sections are ideal for hiking, the nearby beaches for swimming and relaxing. Boat trips are offered on the lagoon. From June to November, you may be lucky enough to spot whales. The town itself and the small waterfront with its cafés, stores and boutiques also invite you to stroll and linger.

You will stay in the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor Guest House, a stately home in a 12000 square meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. The waterfront or the center of Knysna can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by car. The nine individually furnished suites all have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe. The Cozy Suite is located on the first floor and has a private courtyard without a view. The Standard Suites are located on the first floor at the rear of the building and have a balcony. The Lagoon View Suites are also located on the first floor and have a balcony with a view over the garden and the lagoon. The spacious Grand Suite is located on the first floor and has a four-poster bed, a double shower in the bathroom and a private courtyard without a view. This suite is also used as a honeymoon suite or family suite with two extra single beds. The guest house offers free Wi-Fi, a fireplace lounge, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with lagoon view, a large garden with pool, a summer pavilion, a golf tee with putting green and secure parking on the premises.

PARKES MANOR (STANDARD SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9: KNYSNA

CULTURE AND NATURE EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 125 € PER PERSON

You will take part in the following two activities during your stay in Knysna:

You take part in a guided hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve, which is considered the most spectacular coastal hiking area on the entire Garden Route. You will always have great views of the sea and, with a bit of luck, you may spot seals, dolphins, sharks or even whales (seasonal). You will embark on a moderate circular walk lasting around two and a half hours and have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic surroundings time and again (privately guided, pick-up from your accommodation, sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing and sun protection).

Together with a qualified guide and a local resident, you will take a guided tour into the township of Knysna. Here you will learn a lot about the history of the black and colored inhabitants of South Africa, from the times of apartheid to the present day. The tour itinerary varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. For example, the program may include short visits to small stores, a school, a kindergarten, a shebeen (local pub) or the library. You will get to know the people and their culture and will certainly leave one or two preconceptions behind you (with other people, pick-up at your accommodation).

Both activities are in English. Conservation fees for the hike are included in the price, meals and other personal expenses are not included.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 410 KM):

HERMANUS

The tour continues to the "whale capital" of South Africa, Hermanus. Here you have the best opportunities to watch whales from the coast between June and November. Of course, you can also take a boat trip out to sea to get even closer to the largest mammals on earth. But Hermanus also has a lot to offer outside the whale season in the South African summer. There are excellent beaches, great restaurants and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a unique nature reserve with typical fynbos vegetation and many hiking trails. Even winegrowing has now left its insider status here in the Coastal Region. Over 30 wineries have joined together to form various wine routes.

The family-run Penguino Guesthouse is located in the popular coastal town of Hermanus, within walking distance of the famous Cliff Path and the town center, which is home to many restaurants, cafés, and shops. The eight rooms are spacious and stylishly furnished, featuring a bathroom with a shower and toilet, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee maker, and a minibar. The Emperor Penguin Room features a private balcony on the first floor. The Galapagos Penguin Room features a terrace with access to the pool. The guesthouse also offers a terrace, a pool, and free Wi-Fi.

PENGUINO GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11: HERMANUS

BOAT-BASED WHALE WATCHING

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

In the South African winter months from June to November, you have the best chance of spotting Southern Right Whales (right whales) and Humpback Whales (humpbacks) in Walker Bay near Hermanus. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. This is an experience that no one should miss, especially if the whales are not directly on the coast. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins, sharks and seals during the trip.

The trip takes about two hours and starts at the New Harbour in Hermanus (own arrival). The tour is in English and is conducted with additional people. A small refreshment is included in the price. We recommend booking this activity in advance, especially in the popular months of October and November, as places on the boat are limited and may be fully booked on site. If the trip has to be canceled at short notice due to weather conditions, we will refund the price after your trip.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 11 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 120 KM):

CAPE TOWN

Welcome to the Mother City. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To get an overview, your first excursion should be to Table Mountain. A drive along Chapmans Peak Drive, an impressive coastal road that leads past the penguin colony at Boulders Beach to the Cape of Good Hope, is also a must. On the way, you can visit the oldest wine estates on the Cape in Constantia. The V&A Waterfront is inviting with its countless stores and restaurants. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. On weekdays, you can explore the city center, the colourful Bo-Kaap district and the Company's Garden on foot without hesitation.

This comfortable Victorian villa is located in the quiet suburb of Oranjezicht below Table Mountain with a great view of the city and the harbor. The city center and the Table Mountain cable car station are just a few minutes' drive away. The beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton as well as the V&A Waterfront can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. There are several small cafés and restaurants within walking distance. The 13 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, air conditioning, a TV, a safe and a tea/coffee maker. The guest house has a large pool with sun deck, a breakfast room, a lounge with bar and free Wi-Fi.

Please return your rental car at the latest two hours before departure at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station.

FLOREAL HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 13: CAPE TOWN

SUNSET HIKE LIONS HEAD

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 100 € PER PERSON

You will take part in an approximately three-hour guided sunset hike up the famous Lions Head. During the ascent, you will be treated to spectacular views of the city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic suburbs. Once at the top, enjoy the 360° view over Cape Town with snacks and a glass of sparkling wine, including a spectacular sunset.

This hike is in English and is carried out with other people. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. The price includes snacks, drinking water and a glass of sparkling wine. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, sun protection and torches/headlamps for the descent in the dark. This hike is considered moderate to challenging. The hike may be canceled due to weather conditions, in which case we will refund the price on your return.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: Gasoline, toll, deposit.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

One liter of fuel (gasoline or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Plan on spending about 207 EUR on fuel for this trip. Some roads have tolls. Plan on spending about 4 EUR on tolls for this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.