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. On a round trip from/to Cape Town, you will experience culinary delights in the wine regions, the scenic Route 62 with the ostrich town of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo semi-desert, Africa's wildlife malaria-free in Addo Elephant Park or an adjacent private game reserve, pristine forests in Tsitsikamma National Park, endless beaches between Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness, seasonal whales on the south coast and Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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. 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. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this trip, but a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is sometimes helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

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

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 2x lunch, 5x dinner
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• Four game drives in a private Big Five concession at Addo Elephant Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• 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. 20 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 spend the night at Wedgeview Country House in the middle of the Stellenbosch vineyards. Countless wine estates are right on the doorstep. The old town of Stellenbosch can be reached in around ten minutes by car. The spacious grounds consist of several buildings, a large garden and two pools, one of which is solar-heated. The accommodation also offers a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, an outdoor terrace and a spa area (for a fee). The 21 rooms all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a balcony or veranda and free WiFi. The Deluxe Rooms and Garden Deluxe Rooms are located on the first floor. The Vineyard Rooms and Superior Rooms are located on the first floor. The Family Suites have additional beds or sofa beds. The Honeymoon Executive Suite is generously proportioned and also offers a small lounge area, a double shower, a separate bathtub and a private balcony. The Presidential Suite is 150 square meters in size and has a fully equipped kitchen, a large lounge area with fireplace and two large balconies with a view.

WEDGEVIEW COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA (VINEYARD 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 MOUNTAIN MANOR ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

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.

The upmarket Woodall Country House & SPA is nestled amidst peaceful citrus gardens - about 65km from Port Elizabeth and just a stone's throw from the famous Addo Elephant Park. The guest house offers a restaurant, a bar, a beautiful garden with pool and sun terrace, a fitness center and a spa area for a fee as well as free WLAN. The eleven rooms have a shower/WC with separate bathtub and outdoor shower, air conditioning, a fridge, a tea/coffee maker, a lounge area and a private veranda. The Luxury Rooms are furnished in African style. The suites are furnished in a modern style and also have their own plunge pool on the veranda. The Family Suite has two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC.

WOODALL COUNTRY HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5: ADDO

HALF-DAY ADDO MORNING DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 180 € 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-top SUV. The tour is conducted in English, and other participants may join. The tour departs from your accommodation at 7:30 a.m. and returns there around 11:30 a.m.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 110 KM):

ADDO

Your destination is a private concession area that borders directly on the north-western Darling Section of the state-owned Addo Elephant Park. Like the Addo, the approximately 14,000-hectare concession area is also malaria-free and is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals, including giraffes, which are not found in the Addo. Only overnight guests have access to this area, which guarantees undisturbed and very personal animal sightings.

You will stay at the luxurious Kuzuko Lodge, which is the only lodge in the entire concession area. The lodge is situated on a hilltop with spectacular views of the reserve. The 24 detached chalets feature a bathroom with toilet, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a TV, a veranda with a view, and free Wi-Fi. The lodge features an observation deck, a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness room, a spa area (for a fee), a birdwatching shelter, and a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire). The drive to the lodge follows a 40-kilometer gravel road; a mid-size SUV is recommended.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.

KUZUKO LODGE (LUXURY CHALET)

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

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 310 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 at The Fernery Lodge in a private nature reserve just east of the Storms River. From the lodge you have a breathtaking view over the Indian Ocean, the gorge of the Sanddrift River and the dense forests. There are seven lodge rooms in the main building and 13 detached chalets set slightly apart, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, a TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. The Premier Suite has a fireplace and a deck with sea views. The Premier Rooms have a deck overlooking the gorge or the sea. The Lodge Rooms have a veranda with access to the garden. The Chalets have a veranda with barbecue facilities and a lounge area with kitchenette and fireplace. In addition to the double bed, the Family Chalets have two single beds for children under the age of 16. The twin units have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC and private plunge pool on the veranda. The accommodation offers a lounge area, a bar, a restaurant, a pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and free Wi-Fi. Various hiking trails start right outside the door. Mountain bikes can be rented for a fee.

THE FERNERY LODGE & SPA (CHALET)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 110 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 (LAGOON VIEW SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 9: KNYSNA

GARDEN ROUTE EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 155 € PER PERSON

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

Knysna is a paradise for hikers. You take part in a guided hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve. The small nature reserve, which is considered the most spectacular on the entire Garden Route, is located on a peninsula in the Indian Ocean. You will always have great views of the sea and, with a bit of luck, you may spot fur 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).

A sunset cruise on Knysna Lagoon is probably the most romantic experience the Garden Route has to offer. As dusk falls, the entire landscape is bathed in beautiful shades of orange and red. You’ll head out to the open sea and back on a catamaran. The experience includes a glass of chilled South African sparkling wine. The boat tour departs from the Sirocco Jetty on Thesen Island (you’ll need to make your own way there; the tour is conducted with other participants).

All activities are in English. You need to stay at least two nights on site. Conservation fees 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.

Selkirk House is a personally run upmarket guest house situated on the hillside just below the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus. The stunning view of Walker Bay is picturesquely framed by the mountainous landscape inland. The town center is just a few minutes' drive away. The five modern and individually furnished rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee station, a minibar and a balcony or veranda. The guest house offers a pool, a garden with sun deck, two guest lounges, a wine cellar and free WLAN.

SELKIRK HOUSE (LUXURY 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 luxurious 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 cafés and restaurants within walking distance. The accommodation offers a garden with pool, a lounge and a roof terrace with unique views of the city and Table Mountain. The nine rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a TV, free WLAN and a view of either the city and the harbor or Table Mountain. The Grand Rooms are slightly more spacious than the Luxury Rooms.

ABBEY MANOR (LUXURY 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.

DAY 14: CAPE TOWN

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

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

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 206 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.