Bianca's Garden Route Tour

An enjoyable 17 day tour visiting the hotspots of the Garden Route and Cape Town

Experience the diversity of South Africa on this leisurely self drive tour, touching on Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and saving the best till last - Safari. The self drive option allows you explore at your own pace and stop en-route as you see fit.

• Cape Town, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, the City Bowl & the Penguins at Boulders Beach 
  
• Cape Winelands: vineyard tours, tastings and estate dinings
  
• Explore the Garden Route, stay at Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and St Francis.
  
• Safari with the Big Five, at the luxury River Bend Lodge.

Day 1 – 4: Cape Town

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your car hire from Budget Rent a Car. It’s a quick and direct drive from Cape Town International Airport to your first destination. You will spend the first 3 nights at Welgelegen, a luxurious B&B near the heart of the city. Situated in a quiet, leafy street but just around the corner from both Kloof & Long Street. The bustling streets are known for their trendy restaurants and easy access to the rest of the city. Day trips in and around the city include, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Robben island and the local attractions.

Accommodation: Welgelegen
Basis: Breakfast

Day 4 – 6: Stellenbosch

Depart from Cape Town and head to Stellenbosch. With 106 cellars, most of which are open to the public, enjoy the wine tasting on offer or visit one of the many galleries and museums which house important national and international art collections, the Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the country's oldest music school.

Accommodation: River Manor Country House
Basis: Breakfas

Day 6 – 8: Hermanus

Leaving the Cape Winelands, you can either choose to travel along the beautiful coastal road, through the quaint towns of Gordon’s Bay, Betty’s Bay and onto Hermanus. The other option is Sir Lowry’s Pass, a winding route through the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains that is lush & picturesque. Hermanus is famous for its Southern Right Whales that can be seen in Walker Bay.

Accommodation: Ocean Eleven Guesthouse
Basis: Breakfast

Day 8 – 9: Oudtshoorn

Travelling from Hermanus, you could stop in Swellendam for lunch before continuing along the famous Route 62 to Oudtshoorn. Not only is Oudtshoorn known as the Ostrich Capital of South Africa, it is also neatly situated near the majestic Cango Caves & the spectacular Swartberg Pass.

Accommodation: Adley House
Basis: Breakfast

Day 9 – 12: Knysna

From Oudtshoorn, you head for Plettenberg Bay. A favourite route is to travel south to George & then along the coast, through the Oyster town of Knysna, you’ll find Hunters Country House on the N2 to Plettenberg Bay. Be sure to visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley, explore Knysna & try a Canopy Tour

Accommodation: Hunters Country House
Basis: Breakfast

Day 12 – 14: St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is a quaint seaside town; Sandals Guest House offers loads of activities during your stay; Golf, Hiking, River & Boat Cruises, Game & Lion Park, Bungee Jumping, Monkeyland & the Cheetah Breeding Camp.

Accommodation: Sandals Guest House
Basis: Breakfast

Day 14 – 17: River Bend
Your last 3 days will be spent at The River Bend Lodge in a 17 000 hectare private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park. Enjoy plentiful game activities guided by professional guides who’ll not only enlighten you in Africa’s splendid creatures, but also reveal the fascinating history of this revitalized wilderness. Explore the beautiful mountainous surrounds, forests and savannah lands or enjoy some pampering with a relaxing massage in the privacy of your room and finish off the day by sipping a cocktail on your private veranda as the sun sets below the endless horizon.

Accommodation: River Bend Lodge
Basis: Full Board & Activities

Day 17: Day of Departure
Enjoy your final morning on safari before checking out and self driving to Port Elizabeth Airport. Drop off your Budget Rent a Car and follow your onward travel arrangements.

Includes

3 nights at Welgelegen on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
2 nights at River Manor Country House on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
2 nights at Ocean Eleven Guesthouse on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
1 night at Adley House on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
3 nights at Hunters Country House on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
2 nights at Sandals Guest House on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
3 nights at River Bend Lodge on a Full Board & Activities Basis
17 days Car Hire: Group B, Super Cover Fully Comprehensive Insurance/ One Way Fee

Excludes

Meals other than indicated in the itinerary
Items of personal nature
Tips
Flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg or Cape Town
International Flights
Additional Driver Fees & Fuel