Route 62: Elephants, Ostriches and Wine

Sometime during the day you'll leave Cape Town and you'll take a short drive to Stellenbosch. Once you arrive in Stellenbosch you'll have some time to look around. Stellenbosch is one of the area's best preserved towns dating back to the VOC-days. You'll see quite a few houses built in the historic Cape Dutch style, such as the house in which the famous 'Oom Samie se Winkel' shop is located. Other attractions in this area are the 'Braak' and the market square, where you'll find the Burger House (Civilian House), the VOC-Powder House and St. Mary's church. In the evening, you can take a relaxing walk through the area vineyards just to get a taste of the laidback atmosphere. You'll spend the night at our atmospheric guest house. The rooms have every necessary amenity and there's even a swimming pool.

After breakfast you'll have plenty of time to explore Stellenbosch and the surrounding area today. It goes without saying that a trip to this region wouldn't be complete without quite a bit of wine tasting (and drinking). One of our favourite vineyards is 'Blauwklippen'. This wine estate is located about 4 hours south of the beach on the road to Somerset West. The extremely popular Cabernet Sauvignon is produced here. The vineyards are located close together in a stunning environment. In between wine tastings, this area offers plenty of spots to throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic. In the evening we can reserve a table for you in a private gazebo at the Moyo restaurant on the Spier Estate. This open-air restaurant has several buffets with the most delicious cuisine. If you're hungry you can go back for seconds, thirds or more. Visiting this restaurant alone is quite an extraordinary culinary experience.

Today you'll travel from Stellenbosch to Oudtshoorn. Head out early so that you can take the tour of an ostrich farm in the afternoon. Along the way you'll pass through rugged mountains, lush green vineyards and paddocks filled with quirky ostriches. You'll also pass through several small towns, you may want to stop off and take a look at one or two before continuing on. Not only to stretch your legs for a bit, but also to have a look around these traditional villages and to have something to drink. For instance the first small town you'll pass by is Calitzdorp, known for its gate. As you continue on you'll travel through wide open, dry plains in the Small Karroo region. After about 4.5 hours you'll reach Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the world capital of ostrich farming. You'll get a pretty good idea about what it takes to breed ostriches (or Volstruis as they are known in South Africa) while staying on an ostrich farm. Ostriches are actually ridden like horses by very light volstruis-jockeys. If you would like to ride one, hang on tight..... it's hard to stay on their backs. Naturally you can also try the popular ostrich steaks during your stay or you can even try the out of the ordinary large ostrich egg omelette. You'll spend the night just outside of town, in a small country guest house with swimming pool, surrounded by ostrich farms. Breakfast is included. 

Before leaving Oudtshoorn to go to Addo Elephant Safari Park, you could take the 30km drive to visit the Cango limestone caves. Many tourists come to visit these limestone caves. However despite being a major tourist attraction, they are spectacular enough to warrant a visit. Starting at 9.00 there are tours every hour. You can choose between a 1-hour or a 1.5-hour tour. Afterwards it's time to drive to your next destination: Addo Elephant National Park. You'll arrive at the end of the afternoon. After the long drive you'll have a chance to relax in the garden or perhaps you would prefer a swim in the pool. You'll spend the night in a guest house in a peaceful part of Addo, just 20 minutes from the National Park.

During the fifth day of our Route 62 tours you'll have an entire day to spot wild animals in Addo Elephant National Park. The park has reasonable sand roads, fine for driving your own rental car in search of elephants. The park is especially well known for elephants, however it's also home to rhinos, bush bucks, kudus and zebras. If you're lucky, you may even see a hyena or lion sneaking up on its prey through the grass. Keep your camera ready, this is an excellent place to take pictures. Several years ago there was only a small group of elephants left in the park. In order to protect the elephants from disappearing altogether, the decision was made to prohibit poaching and the area has been protected ever since. Because of this, the eco-system has been restored and there are now upwards of 350 elephants in the park. They are hard to miss. There are plans to expand this 125,000 acre park to about four times its current size.

If you would like to really pamper yourself a bit, we also offer a luxurious safari tent with your own personal jacuzzi on your veranda, a fireplace and an enchanting view. You'll spend the night in the hills between Addo Elephant National Park and Port Elizabeth. Not only will you be treated to the hospitality of the staff, delicious meals and delightful South African wine (all meals and drinks are included), you'll also go on 2 game activities... one of which on the back of an African elephant! You'll not only ride an Elephant, you'll also get a chance to feed these friendly grey giants. At the end of the day you'll even 'tuck them in' and put them to bed, but not before you give them a nice bath to wash off all the dust they collected during the day. This luxury safari option is available at a surcharge of £ per night.