Tour Features: The spectacular Atlantic Ocean coastline around Hermanus, the historic beauty of Swellendam and the famous Ostrich farms and Cango caves at Oudtshoorn. We drive the scenic Outeniqua pass and spend time taking in the highlights of the Garden Route around Wilderness and Knysna. Take a walk on the pristine beaches, take in the craft shops along the way, visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve and do a cruise on the Knysna Estuary. Take in the view at the Bloukrantz Gorge, visit the Big Tree, Storms River and finish in Port Elizabeth.
Tour Details:
Day 1 07h30
Capetown To Oudtshoorn (Lunch And Dinner)
The tour will start from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Hotels.
From Cape Town we wind our way eastwards to the quaint town of Hermanus. Originally established as a fishing village in the late 1800's, it has grown rapidly and today lays claim to being the "Whale Capital of the World" with large numbers of Southern Right Whales starting to arrive in late June and leaving again in November.
We take time to walk a section of the cliff path with beautiful views of the coastline and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in the mountains behind town. From Hermanus we travel further east to the town of Swellendam which, along with Tulbach, lays claim to being the third oldest town in South Africa. The town was established in 1745 as a military outpost. We take time to walk through the town and explore some of the historic buildings and museums.
From Swellendam we travel inland, but still east and enter the country of the ostriches, also known as the Little Karoo. It runs eastwards for about 250km from the town of Montagu and is sandwiched between the Swartberg to the north and the continuous range of the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains to the south.
Overnight in Oudtshoorn. (L/D)
Accommodation:
De Oude Meul or similar
Distance:
Cape Town to Hermanus - 130km Hermanus to Swellendam - 150km Swellendam to Oudtshoorn - 230km
Day 2
Oudtshoorn To Wilderness (Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner)
After a hearty breakfast visit the world famous Cango Caves. An hour's visit with a specialist guide, takes us into the wonders of Cango 1, which runs for about 760 metres. The largest chamber in this section is the Grand Hall - 116 metres across and 16 metres high. The exciting history and the unique geology of the area will be explained. After the caves we visit an Ostrich farm where we meet the animals close up and even try riding one, if the urge takes us. The great Ostrich feather boom occurred in the 1870's when in the region of 450 000kg of feathers a year were exported to the fashion capitals of Europe. We are given a first hand insight into the history of the Ostrich industry in Oudtshoorn and then finish our visit with a superb lunch, which might include an Ostrich steak or other Ostrich delicacies. Our final stop for the day is the Cango Wildlife Ranch famous for its tame cheetahs and a host of other animals that can be experienced at close quarters. From there we travel via the Outeniqua Pass to George and Wilderness. The pass was opened in 1951 after 10 years of construction. From the summit, which is 600m above the start there are fine panoramic views of the region. Crossing over the Kaaimans River, there are stunning views of the coastline and the seaside resort of Wilderness.
Overnight in Wilderness. (B,L&D)
Accommodation:
Wilderness Beach Hotel or similar
Distance:
Travel around Oudtshoorn - 40km Oudtshoorn to Wilderness - 75km
Day 3
Wilderness To Storms River Along The Garden Route (Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner)
A full day today and after a hearty breakfast and an early morning walk for the more energetic types we travel through to the coastal town of Knysna. Time permitting we spend a while browsing in the shops before you are taken to the shores of the Knysna Estuary. We spend four unforgettable hours on the pristine Western Head of Knysna. This private Nature Reserve is accessible only by ferry. The trip includes the ferry trip, a hearty lunch at the Food Forest restaurant, a 4x4 trailer ride and an optional 2,2 km walk through milkwood forests to the beachcomber caves.
After the excursion we continue along the coast to Storms River where we check into our accommodation for the night.
Overnight in Storms River (B, L & D).
Accommodation:
Protea Hotel Tsitsikamma Village
Distance:
Wilderness to Knysna - 45km / Knysna to Storms River - 89km
Day 4
Port Elizabeth Airport (Breakfast)
An early start today and we travel through to Port Elizabeth for our connecting flight to Durban. We take a scenic drive into the Tsitsikamma National Park which offers the contrasting beauty of river, forest, sea and fynbos. Enjoy a short walk along the rugged coastline with spectacular sea views. A final hop to Port Elizabeth which we reach in time to make our connecting flight to Durban. One could enjoy a snack lunch on the flight or lunch for your own expense on arrival in Durban. Arrive at Durban International Airport where the tour ends. You will be under your own arrangements to make your way to your Durban hotel. (B)
Distance:
Storms River to Port Elizabeth - 170km
Passenger Information:
Tour Code
GR015
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Depart
08h00 from Cape Town
Dates
14th - 17th July 2011
Vehicle
Air-conditioned Microbus, 16-Seater Mini Coach or Luxury Coach.
Minimum
5 passengers
Price
R11720.00 per person sharing R12650.00 Single
Included
SATOUR registered guide, a Sign Language Interpreter, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, entrance fees, information pack and economy flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban, porterage at hotels on tour, sightseeing as specified.
Excluded
Gratuities, drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature.
Meals
3 x Breakfasts, 3 x Lunches, 3 x Dinners
Accommodation
De Oude Meul, Wilderness Beach Hotel, Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar should the accommodation need to change.
Comments
This tour is a standard one, which will cover some of the most beautiful scenery between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
