DAY 1
Enjoy the friendly hospitality of the residents along the Eden Country Route, which includes the towns of Albertinia, Stilbaai, Riversdale, Heidelberg, and Witsand. On your way towards Mossel Bay, stop at the Gouritz River Bridge to experience the thrill of bungee jump or swing at the orginial African bungee site. A visit to one of the Aloe factories near Albertinia will give visitors an insight into the therapeutic wonders of this indigenous plant. Fish traps, built by Khoi-San, which are still maintained today by the locals, can be observed at low tide in Stilbaai. During the whale season (June – Nov) visitors can view the whales in the calm waters of Witsand, referred to as “The Whale Nursery of South Africa”.
Options: Overnight Stilbaai/Witsand or travel to Mossel Bay
At Mossel Bay, enjoy a sunset cruise around Seal Island to view the 4,000-strong seal colony, join a licensed whaleboat for an unforgettable whale watching experience in season, or go on a three-hour game drive to view the big 5, followed by a seafood extravaganza in a beautiful outdoor setting. The more adventurous can encounter predators of the deep during a Great White Shark diving experience.
Overnight: Mossel Bay
DAY 2
After breakfast in Mossel Bay visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex which houses 4 museums, 7 national monuments and extensive indigenous gardens. Travel via Robinson Pass along the R328 to the feather capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. Marvel at the Cango Caves, lunch at an ostrich show farm, and visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch for crocodile cage diving or cuddle tame cheetahs.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn
DAY 3
Go on a Meerkat Magic Sunrise tour and experience watching wild meerkats. Should time allow, enjoy a camel ride or visit the C P Nel Museum.
Depart for George where you can enjoy a unique local lunch at Leila’s Arms and experience some of the local products of the Outeniqua Country Hop Route.
Option 1: Continue to Knysna for a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon with champagne and oysters. The Knysna Waterfront offers visitors a unique shopping experience, while the Craft Market offers beautifully handcrafted items.
Overnight : Knysna
Option 2:
A visit to the Outeniqua Transport Museum, housing the largest collection of steam trains in South Africa, promises to delight young and old. The Museum also serves as the departure and arrival point of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and Outeniqua Power Van, a motorised trolley offering trips deep into the Outeniqua Mountains, from where the most scenic view of the Garden Route can be experienced.
Overnight George/Wilderness
DAY 4
Continue to Knysna. Take a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve to explore the Knysna Heads. After lunch depart for Plettenberg Bay
Enjoy an afternoon game drive at a game farm and end the day with mampoer tasting and dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight : Plettenberg Bay
DAY 5
Option to do the following activities:
Visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden unique in the World or enjoy close encounters with the giants of the bush at Elephant Sanctuary.
Take an early morning hike on the spectacular Robberg Peninsula with 390 degree views or depart for Central Beach and Ocean Blue for a Dolphin Experience.
Drive eastwards on the N2, through The Crags to Tsitsikamma at the Storm’s River Mouth. This is one of the main adventure centres of the region: take a tour of the indigenous forests or visit the Tsitsikamma National Park to discover the marine world on an underwater diving or snorkeling trail.
Continue via the N2 to Port Elizabeth or return to Cape Town.
INCLUDE CENTRAL KAROO:
From Oudtshoorn, continue De Rust land of sunshine, ostriches and wild honey and take time out to explore the village before driving through the remarkable Meiringspoort gorge - which cuts a dramatic, winding swath through the Swartberg Mountains on the road to the interior.
Just after leaving Meiringspoort, you’ll turn left to Prince Albert .This typical Karoo Village offers country hospitality and plenty to do – although you should be warned – its natural peacefulness could induce you just to relax and do nothing at all!
OVERNIGHT Prince Albert
Now you’re ready for one of the headiest experiences of all – the drive to Oudtshoorn via the Swartberg Pass (gravel road). The Swartberg Pass is accessible in all but the rainiest weather, but it’s advisable to check conditions with the locals before you head out, but beware – it’s a long and winding road and you’ll need plenty of time.
Continue to Beaufort West and visit the Klein Karoo National Park and the Chris Barnard (famous heart surgeon) Museum.