MAJESTIC GARDEN ROUTE
Experience South Africa
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Similar Tours
- Additional Info
What's included
- Accommodation in lodges
- Assistance when you arrive and when you depart
- Breakfasts
- Entrance fees to parks and planned activities
- Lunches
- Overland transport
- Suppers
- Air transport
- Any activity not on the agreed curriculum
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Extras and personal expenses
The ever-popular Garden Route is a true natural wonder, sharing the splendour of the sea to walks in the forest, interacting with age old Milkwood trees and more.
The Garden Route must be right up there with the most scenic landscape in the world.
“A breath taking drive through the Garden Route’ is where you will experience nature at it’s best
We take you through the most amazing scenery and bio-diversity of this route, where you will experience of the most special attractions.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4 & 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
Table Mountain
Starts in Cape Town and takes us up Table Mountain from where you will witness the unique fynbos as we ascend. This is a photographers dream and the adrenalin junkies fix.
Round Trip Map from Cape Town to via the Garden Route!
Somerset West, Swellendam, Mossel Bay
Somerset West
Somerset West is where the Vergelegen wine estate, which is the oldest in South Africa with its Cape Dutch architecture can be visited, looking onto the gardens centered on the oldest camphor trees in South Africa. The gardens, with the mountain backdrop, make the perfect setting for this historic homestead.
The Helderberg Reserve Bird Sanctuary has won many awards for the best bird sanctuary in a reserve and well worth the visit.
Swellendam:
The Overberg landscape, enjoy the sweeping rural views: rivers, wild flowers and wide plains along this route. Swellendam, offers from the Sulina Fairie Santuary, a magical garden, to farms that offer liqueur tasting and berry picking as this is the largest youngberry growing area in the country. Make a point of stopping at the famous Wildebraam Liqeurs. Here you can enjoy the excellent examples of Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture set in oak lined streets. Swellendam Art Gallery: Is situated in the historic building of Morgenson. Here we find local artists and young up-coming artists are given the chance to learn and grow in a creative environment. This is the second oldest building in Swellendam. From here we move along to our destination for the night Mosselbay.
Mossel Bay:
One Mossel Bay has the sunniests climate in SA, on average 300 days of sunshine a year! You can enjoy the long stretches of sandy beaches and swim in the warm seas. Some of SA’s earliest settler history is to be found at the Museum Complex including the Post Office Tree, a replica of Barthomew Diaz’s ship and an extensive shell collection.
George, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Buffalo Bay (Buffelsbaai), Knysna
George:
George is the capital of the Southern Cape. It has a rich infrastructure for business, pleasure and sport, but has retained a small town atmosphere.
Victoria Bay:
From George we travel past Victoria Bay on your right, a beautiful surfing hot spot en route to Wilderness.
Wilderness:
The road from George to Knysna is full of mountains, lagoons and ocean vistas as you pass through Wilderness and Sedgefield.
The Wilderness National Park protects a RAMSAR site. Here are many bird-viewing hides.
Sedgefield:
A quaint village where the weekly farmers market is a big attraction. On offer you will find from home grown vegetables, freshly baked bread, to an array of impressive arts and crafts. Don’t forget the Cheeseman Shop.
Buffalo Bay (Buffelsbaai):
On to Knysna – we will pass the turn-off to Buffalo Bay, a small resort in the Goukamma Reserve which boasts a beautiful beach and river estuary.
Knysna:
The Knysna lagoon is a peaceful estuary and is ideally suited to boating and estuarine fishing.
Many birds can be seen on the road to the Knysna Heads.
Take a ferry trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Visit the Knysna Waterfront and enjoy a meal overlooking the Quays and then browse the interesting shops.
The stunning beauty of Knysna Heads is not to be missed, a firm favourite and rich in history.
Knysna has impressive forests. Although the Knysna Elephant is struggling to survive with only a few animals left, there are magnificent walks and picnic sites in the forest
We leave Knysna and head on past Harkerville where we take in the spectacular view.
Harkerville (Kranshoek):
Further along, watch out for:
- Elephant Walk Farm Stall
- Adventure Land for the kids
- Wolf Sanctuary
- Knysna Elephant Park
- Raptor Centre
- Pottery Shops
- Furniture Manufacturers
Garden of Eden:
Take a forest walk through the Garden of Eden forest walk.
Plettenberg Bay:
Plettenberg Bay offers the best of nature and wildlife experiences. International interest in Plettenberg Bay earmarks this resort as the “Riviera of South Africa”. Plett developed from a whaling station and today offers the tourist an abundance of exciting things to see and experience. The biggest aviary in the world “Birds of Eden”is the ideal place for bird and nature lovers alike. From the blue flag Robberg Beach, to the vibey central beach and the out of the way quieter Keurbooms Beach, the sun worshipper has many options. Don’t miss out on a trip to Monkey Land!
Play golf at the Country Club or Goose Valley. Take a cruise to watch the marine life playing in the bay. Plett is a veritable paradise for dolphin and whale watching. Orca and Bryde’s whales, Humpback and Southern Right whales and the only place where the rare Tropical Beaked whales have been filmed. A walk on any of the beaches provide good viewing of these animals. The Beacon Isle offers a spectacular view over the ocean.
Robberg Beach 5 is a good spot for whale and dolphin watching whether from the car or whilst walking on this beach. The Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you will also find the Nelson’s Bay Cave, where humans inhabited this area 120000 years ago. Robberg is also a popular spot for birds and seals so be on the lookout for them and keep your camera ready.
Keurbooms Beach:
This beach is a favourite spot for watching dolphins and whales. Black oyster catchers and other seabirds share the beach.
The Crags:
This is where conservation and rehabilitation efforts of the local businesses are evident. Help feed the elephants, go on a tour to see the primates, walk around amongst the birds. Visit the Old Mill, where you can walk around the gallery and factory of Porcupine Ceramics and see the amazing art on Raku figurines, animals, plates, lamps, basins and many other interesting products which are exported internationally.
Tsitsikamma:
We’ll drive over Bloukrans Bridge – the highest bridge in Africa, and the highest bungee jump in the world. Go on a Canopy Tour – consisting of ten platforms high up in a Yellowwood forest. The Tsitsikamma National Park.offers a lovely walk to the Storms River Mouth
Oudtshoorn
Takes us from Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn via the now trendy town of De Rust. Here you will find retired artists spending their time creating works with passion. From canvas to food-spoil yourself by taking the donkey cart to experience what the town has to offer.
From Oudtshoorn we make our way through the passes of the Gamkaskloof to the Hell. This is where remnanats of the past are visible from farming and schools to family homes left in isolation.
We meet up with the Route 62, along the Karoo where we will visit Ostrich Farms, the Cango Caves and experience the longest wine route in the world which includes the cellars of the well-known Carl Nel Brandy
Still on the Route 62 we travel through Calitzdorp and Ladismith with a must stop at Ronnies Sex Shop!
Barrydale offers world class brandy produced by Josepf Barry. Montague is our home for the night, it is here that the Montague dried fruit originate. Working fruit farms are in abundance as we travel to see the Cogman’s Kloof-hole in the wall formed by geological mountain formations.
Worcestor is our next destination as we make our way to Cape Town passing through Paarl and all its glorious old buildings and wine farms. Tulbagh has a year round holiday atmosphere where tourists from all over the world can be found sampling food and drink from this exceptional area.
Cape Town is where our adventure ends.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting Africa Epic Safaris with your well earned holiday time and hope that you have enjoyed your stay in sunny South Africa.
Drive this amazing coastline – we have not seen better anywhere in the world!
More about Garden Route
More about South Africa
A bit more info on Overlanding
All overland vehicles are custom built to endure the unpredictable African roads and carry everything needed for the overland tour; including food, camping gear, tents, tables & chairs.
We have a range of camping and accommodated tours tailor made to suit your needs from, small to larger group tours to younger or older group tours, to suit your travel needs and budget.
Most tours require limited participation whereby travellers assist with pitching their own tents and helping out at meal times.
What should be in your bag for your trip?
A backpack is more compatible with the luggage compartment space under the carriage of the vehicle, Pack sensibly to ensure minimum hassle. Keep in mind that you must keep a weight allowance for your curio shopping items to take home. You are allowed a 20kg bag and a 5kg hand luggage allowance.
Wash & wear and reversable clothing items will make your life a lot easier as laundry facilities are often few and far between
A few suggestions to help you pack
- 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
- 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
- ¾ pants
- 1 Warm sweater or fleece top
- 1-2 pairs of shorts
- 1 Tracksuit pants
- 1 Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
- 1 Warm fleece top
- Underwear and socks
- 1 Hat/peak cap/bandana
- 1 Gloves
- 1 Scarf
- 1 Water/wind-proof jacket
- 1 pair of Boots or walking shoes
Should your trip include going to the Beach, remember to pack:
- 1 Swimming Costume
- 1 pair of Sunglasses
- 1 Beach towel and/or sarong
- 1 Pair of Sandals.
Your Toiletry bag should have the following:
- All your personal toiletries,
- Hand sanitiser/wipes
- Tissues
- Moisturiser
Sleepwear will include:
- Pyjamas
- Travel pillow & pillowcase
- Sleeping Bag and a light blanket
Medication and items for your first aid kit:
- Prescription medication
- Anti-histamine cream or tablets
- Antiseptic cream
- Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
- Water purifying tablets
- Pain killers
- Diarrhoea medication
- Moisturiser
- Dehydration salts
- Elastoplasts
- Insect repellent
- Sterile dressings
Handy Optional Extras can include:
- Water bottle
- Book to read
- Extra memory/film for your camera
- Head torch
- Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
- Extra batteries
- Travel power strip ( a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets) Buy on Amazon
Pre-Departure Meeting
The pre-departure meeting is held at 18h00 the night before we depart. This is to ensure that everything is in place to avoid any delays.
Quality and Protection
We are a SATSA member. This means that SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members.
“Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
How to work out your financial requirements?
When working on your budget remember to include the following:
Basic Tour Cost:
- The complete Tour Price
Additional Tour Costs could include the following:
- International flights including your visas
- Your accommodation before and after the tour.
- Your Spending money, keeping in mind variations depending on chosen activities.
- Money for take home gifts for friends and family.
- Mad Money for the unforeseen expense.
- Should you wish to tip your guide and or crew members.
Visas are required by most travellers to Africa and determined based on your nationality (your passport). We recommend contacting the relevant African country Consulate / Embassy to check your requirements, as this information changes regularly.
Optional activities vary based on your chosen overland tour and your personal preference. It is best to work through the optional activities available on your chosen tour, tally-up your total and see how this fits into your budget. All optional activities are booked with your Tour Leader once you are on tour. Most can be paid in cash.
We offer semi-inclusive camping or accommodated tours, already including popular excursions available en-route.
Vaccinations
To stay healthy on your trip be sure to take the right vaccinations for your trip to Africa
We advise an appointment with your local doctor (General Practitioner) for best advice on vaccines required for the countries you intend to visit. Remember the two most important ones are Yellow fever and Malaria.
Yellow Fever is required by law for all travellers entering into Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. Having travelled in a yellow fever area, you may be required to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination upon returning to your home country.
Malaria is rife throughout Southern and East Africa, which is considered a high-risk area.
Your local General Practioner may also recommend either/or of the following vaccinations depending on the country to which you are travelling: Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, Polio, Hepatitis A and B and Meningitis.
Remember the time line is four to six weeks prior to your departure.
Your Crew and Guides
Tour Crew
These are the people to tap for knowledge. They almost know it all from history and culture to the local Fauna and Flora.
Most overland tours include two crew members (Driver and Tour Leader) working as a team managing tour finances, planning activities, preparing meals and ensuring that you safely experience Africa and all its offerings.
The Guides
The guides and crew are passionate and up to date with all relevant information. Please feel free to ask and interact with them.
The Vehicle
Our overland vehicles are custom build to offer maximum comfort with extra-large windows for those unforgettable pics as well as the ability to handle the rugged African terrain.
Adventure Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance, on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation.
Make sure that you are covered for adrenaline sport and adventure activities should you wish to partake in any of them. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping.
World Nomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and cancellation insurance. We recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, you would be protected.
For credit card insurance, we suggest you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option.
If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how:
• Phone your bank
• Give them your Bank Card Number
• Verify your account
• You need to ask for the insurance company name
• You need to ask for the policy number
• Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled
Get your Travel Insurance Now!
Visas
You will need a valid passport for all international travel. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip. In certain cases, foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
Remember to contact the relevant authorities / embassies in good time to check and arrange the necessary permits and visas prior to your departure. Don’t trust websites (such as wikipedia) as information can be outdated.
All travellers must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling the traveller to leave the country in which your tour terminates. Or else you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to purchase an air ticket to leave the country.
Please note that your visas are your responsibility.
The contact details for the various embassies
Visit GoAbroad.com, for details and phone the nearest consulate for up to date information.
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Contacting Us
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