A small-group lodge safari through the Garden Route of South Africa, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town – 8 Days. The Garden Route offers the finest scenery, changing landscapes, ocean sunsets and tropical forests from the Big 5 in the Addo Elephant National Park to the iconic destination of Cape Town. During your tour, you will also have the opportunity to take an interactive, interpretative nature walk, focusing on biodiversity, adaptation, the importance of interdependence between organisms and the need for conservation.
Highlights of the Tour
Gqeberha
Port Elizabeth or PE is known as the Friendly City and the Windy City, and hopefully if you stay here you will get a chance to experience the former and not the latter. Port Elizabeth was established to accommodate British settlers who were bought out on a government sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the warring Cape Dutch and the Xhosa. The little port grew from there, and today it is the gateway to the Garden Route, as well as the Eastern Cape’s game reserves and beaches.
Sundays River Valley
Running along the abundant Sundays River, just outside the Eastern Cape’s Port Elizabeth, the idyllic Sundays River Valley is an extraordinary area boasting several unique towns and attractions. Among numerous game reserves and nature parks, the famous Addo Elephant Park provides a wonderland of magnificent scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities along the river, including fishing, canoeing, and boat trips, and in the neighbouring dunes, try their hands at sandboarding. The area produces delicious, sweet citrus fruit, and in October, the valley is filled with orange blossoms. The ‘Wildfees’ brings the Sundays River Valley to life in June with a celebration that includes concerts, wildlife expos, and stalls. Make sure to visit the popular Nanaga Farm Stall for its famous pies and deli items.
Tsitsikamma
Famous for its towering indigenous forests, rugged coastline, and spectacular natural beauty, Tsitsikamma is one of the highlights of the Garden Route. Explore the iconic Storms River Suspension Bridge, wander scenic forest trails, or simply take in the breathtaking views where the Indian Ocean meets dramatic cliffs. Rich in wildlife, adventure, and unspoilt landscapes, Tsitsikamma offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.
Cape Town
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town, is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
