Garden Route Adventure - Tsitsikamma National Park

Garden Route Adventure Trail

Route: Hermanus, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port Elizabeth

The Garden Route is a highlight of any South Africa holiday. It's a stunning coastal drive that takes you past windswept beaches, thickly forested National Parks, Big Five safari parks and whale-watching hotspots. You can try canopy tours, follow trekking routes to waterfalls and canyons, see dolphins play in the surf and even visit working ostrich farms.

From Swellendam, a traditional Karoo region town, you can go kayaking on the Breede River, as well as mountain biking, trekking and rafting. Oudtshoorn is famous for it's ostriches, caves, and the spectacular Swartberg Pass. Knysna is a starting point for visits to Tsitiskamma National Park and a great place to take a whale-watching cruise.

It's possible to cover the Garden Route in 5 days. However, we definitely suggest adding 1 or 2 additional nights to at least one of the destinations. You can also take this module in reverse, driving from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town. Alternatively, you could take a look at our 2 week Garden Route self drive.

Duration	5 days - 4 nights	Accommodation	Charming guest houses and homesteads (pictures). Accommodation category 3.
Price	£ 168 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	4 nights in a double occupancy room, breakfast and board, trail information
Transport	Rental car	Excludes	Car rental and entrance fees for several parks

Day 1: Cape Town - Hermanus - Swellendam

Travel time: approximately 2.5 hours, distance approximately 225km

After breakfast you'll head out of Cape Town or Stellenbosch along the N2. You'll drive through sloping hills along the spectacular coastal road to Hermanus. You may see dolphins during your drive and from June through November you could even see whales. After whale-spotting break, you'll travel from the boulevard towards Swellendam. You'll notice a dramatic change in the landscape; from arid plains to lush green vegetation and hills. You'll follow the famous Route 62 past rugged mountains, tranquil villages, vineyards and paddocks filled with ostriches. Once you reach the broad, oak-lined streets and historic houses of Swellendam, it will feel as if you've taken a step back in time. Everything around you will seem nostalgic. You could also drive straight through to Oudtshoorn, however that would keep you on the road for some time and you wouldn't be able to stop off in Hermanus or get a taste of the historic atmosphere in Swellendam. That's why we've added 1 night at a cosy bed & breakfast in Swellendam to this module. The owners of the b&b will make you feel right at home.

Garden Route Adventure - Suspension bridge

Day 2: Swellendam - Oudtshoorn

Travel time: approximately 2.5 hours, distance approximately 230km

After breakfast you'll drive your comfortable rental car through Ladysmith and through the arid, desert-like region of the Small Karoo and on to the ostrich capital of the world: Oudtshoorn. This spacious town has broad lanes and lovely old buildings. You'll have several different options on how to spend your afternoon. Perhaps you would like to try an ostrich egg omelette during lunch at an ostrich farm. Learn all about the world's largest bird and if you're feeling adventurous you could even saddle up one of these enormous birds for a ride. You could also visit the nearby Cango limestone caves. If you prefer to remain outdoors, you could drive a little further until you reach the beautiful 'Rust en Vrede' ('Rest and Peace') waterfall. It's located in a small natural park that closes at 16.30. Please note: If you want to see the ostriches, the caves and the Prince Albert Pass, you'll probably need to book an additional night in Oudtshoorn. You'll spend the night just outside of town, amidst ostrich farms, in our cosy homestead with swimming pool.

Day 3: Oudtshoorn - Knysna

Travel time: approximately 2 hours, distance approximately 175km

After you've packed your bags and had breakfast, it's time to hit the road again. Before leaving Oudtshoorn you can visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch. This is a small zoo where you can not only look at animals, but you can also pet a cheetah, hold a snake and go cage diving with crocodiles.

After a short, yet scenic drive through the mountains on your way to the coast you'll reach your home away from home for the next few days, Knysna. Your small hotel with swimming pool is located near a variety of fun restaurants and the waterfront overlooking Knysna Lake. Seafood lovers can treat themselves to a fresh oyster dinner and for meat lovers, how about a steak dinner!

Day 4: Knysna

Today you'll spend the day in Knysna and the surrounding area. Knysna is one of the most important towns along the Garden Route. Understandably so considering all of the attractions in this area and the town's lovely lagoon. The town itself isn't that large, but it's anything but dull. There are plenty of fun bars, pubs and restaurants, many with live bands performing regularly. There's plenty to choose from during the day as well: hiking, a dolphin or whale-spotting trip, kayaking on the Knysna Lagoon, diving, snorkelling, mountain biking, abseiling and visits to Tsitsikamma, Robberg Reserve and other places.

Day 5: Knysna - Port Elizabeth

Travel time: approximately 3 hours, distance 290km

After a last look at Knysna's lovely lagoon, you'll drive on towards Port Elizabeth. Along the way you'll pass by Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can stop off for a hike along one of the park's many trails. For instance, you could do the 1-hour hike past the rugged coastline towards the wobbling Suspension Bridge. The beach towns St. Francis Bay or Jeffrey’s Bay are perfect for a lunch break on route to Port Elizabeth. So what's next? How about a personal safari in your own rental car amidst giant elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, a guided safari by boat and a guided 4x4 Big 5 safari in a unique private safari park? It's all possible with our Eastern Cape Safari module.

Accommodation pictures

Garden Route Adventure - Oudtshoorn guest house

Garden Route Adventure - Your room in Swellendam

Garden Route Adventure - Oudtshoorn swimming pool

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