Relaxed Garden Route

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The Garden Route is probably the most beautiful coastline in South Africa and one of the country's highlights. Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, you can experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, enjoy fine wines and good food in the wine regions, spot whales seasonally near Hermanus, explore the endless expanses and mighty mountain ranges of the Little Karoo semi-desert and relax on the endless beaches and in the dense forests between Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park. You will also not miss the Big Five in Addo Elephant Park and a private game reserve. You will stay several nights in one place and can relax there or explore the surrounding area on day trips.

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

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

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 14x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 14x breakfast, 2x lunch, 5x dinner
• 1x rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• one activity in Knysna of your choice
• four game drives in a private concession within 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 4 (APPROX. 20 KM):

CAPE TOWN

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station. 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 3: CAPE TOWN

FULL DAY PRIVATE CULINARY CAPE EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 195 € PER PERSON

Experience the Capetonian way of life: you start in the morning on a culinary excursion into the city of Cape Town. The itinerary may vary depending on the day of the week. During the week, you will discover the small and fine temples of indulgence where usually only the locals shop - far away from the usual tourist traps. Enjoy coffee, ice cream, bread, wine or chocolate from small local producers, for example. At the weekend, the famous food markets take place in various locations and are always worth a visit. At lunchtime, head to the oldest wine region in the Cape - Constantia. You stop at a local winery for a delicious lunch (optional). Of course, two wine tastings are not to be missed, where you will get to know the fine wines of the region. You will return to your accommodation in the afternoon.

This is a privately guided tour conducted in English and lasts about eight hours. You will be picked up at your accommodation and dropped off there again. The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted on-site to suit your preferences. Snacks and two wine tastings are included in the price. Lunch is paid for on-site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 4 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 100 KM):

FRANSCHHOEK

In contrast to lively Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is a more sedate place. The name Franschhoek means something like "French corner" or "French corner". The town was founded in 1688, when around 200 Huguenots who had emigrated from France settled in the area. The Huguenot Museum and the Huguenot Monument are reminders of Franschhoek's French origins. More than 45 wine estates along the Franschhoek Wine Route produce top-quality wines. Some of them produce in the centuries-old French tradition, while others use completely modern methods. Along the main street you will find many boutiques, cafés and bistros. The town is also famous for its top restaurants, which are on a par with European Michelin-starred cuisine, but are considerably more attractive in terms of price.

The Auberge Clermont Guest House is located on a working wine and olive farm with a great view over the vineyards of Franschhoek. The wines and olive oils are only produced in very small quantities and can only be purchased on site. The town center is about 15 minutes' walk or a few minutes' drive away. There is a pool, a tennis court and a boules court on the grounds. A short walk leads through the vineyards to a picnic area by a small river. The six rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, underfloor heating, a hairdryer, a Nespresso machine, a minibar and free Wi-Fi. The Honeymoon Suite is slightly more spacious than the Deluxe Rooms and has a double shower and bathtub. In addition to the six rooms, there is a self-catering villa with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a lounge area with fireplace, a veranda with barbecue facilities and a private pool. Guests of the villa have breakfast delivered in the morning.

AUBERGE CLERMONT (DELUXE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5: FRANSCHHOEK

FULL DAY PRIVATE FRANSCHHOEK WINE TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 195 € PER PERSON

You will be picked up at your accommodation in the morning by your private English-speaking driver and wine expert. You set off on a day trip to the classic wine regions of Franschhoek. The "French Corner", as the place name translates, has remained true to its French tradition to this day. Grapes such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Vignonier dominate the vineyards.

You will visit three wine estates and take part in wine tastings to get a good overview of the famous Franschhoek wines. There will also be a nice lunch stop at one of the wine estates. If time permits, you can also make a stop at the small coffee roastery Terbodore. You will be dropped off at your accommodation again in the afternoon.

The cost of wine tasting is already included in the price. The costs for lunch, other drinks and a visit to the Terbodore coffee roastery (if desired) are not included in the price. Please note that not all wineries may be open on weekdays or at certain times of the year.

This is a privately guided day tour and the program can be adapted to your individual wishes in advance. Certain special requests may lead to price surcharges.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 100 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)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 7: 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 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 410 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)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 9: OUDTSHOORN

SWARTBERG TOUR & LUNCH

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

Experience the beauty of the Swartberg Mountain Range with 360° views over the Little and Great Karoo. This is the ideal activity for all nature lovers, where you will learn a lot about the special flora and fauna of the region. As you drive up the spectacular Swartberg Pass, you will stop to take photos and enjoy the scenery. You have the opportunity to go on a 30-minute hike or mountain bike ride (bike and equipment optional at an extra charge). Afterwards, a typical Karoo lunch awaits you with lamb, ostrich, boerewors (South African sausage), various salads and vegetables as well as traditional roosterkoek (bread baked on coal).

The tour language is English. Additional people can take part in this tour. The approximately three-hour tour starts at 10:30 (own arrival at the starting point on the R328) and ends there again at around 13:30. A buffet lunch is included in the price, drinks are paid for on site. Please wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing and remember to wear appropriate sun protection.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: 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 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 130 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 at Parkes Manor, a stately home in a 12,000 square meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. You can reach the waterfront or the city center in about 15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by car. The nine individual suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe. The Cozy Suite on the first floor has a private courtyard without a view. The Standard Suites on the first floor have a rear balcony. The Lagoon View Suites on the first floor have a balcony with a view over the garden and the lagoon. The spacious Grand Suite on the first floor 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 putting green and secure parking on the premises.

The price includes a three-course dinner on the day of arrival (excluding drinks) and one of the following activities of your choice: guided forest or coastal walk, guided Knysna tour, guided township tour, lagoon boat trip, visit to three wildlife refuges and more (subject to availability, English-speaking).

PARKES MANOR TWO NIGHTS PACKAGE (LAGOON VIEW SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST AND 1 ACTIVITY

DAY 12 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 110 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 13 TO DAY 15 (APPROX. 310 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 15 (APPROX. 150 KM): PORT ELIZABETH

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 to Port Elizabeth Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

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: Petrol, toll, deposit, one-way fee South Africa 1947 ZAR.

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.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Allow around EUR 144 for fuel for this trip. Some roads are subject to tolls. Allow around EUR 4 for 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.