DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Cape Town.
On arrival in Cape Town you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next four nights.
DAY 3-5: Cape Town.
A full three days at your leisure to immerse yourself in the wonders of South Africa's capital. Explore at your own pace or choose from our many optional excursions. Why not take a cable car up the legendary Table Mountain? Perhaps head for the bustling V&A Waterfront to enjoy its shops and excellent restaurants? Or maybe you'll want to travel to Cape Point to experience thrilling views of where the stormy Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, take a trip to the beautiful Cape Winelands to visit a local winery. You'll have the opportunity to do everything from dolphin and whale spotting cruises to hiking and sailing. (B)
DAY 6: Cape Town - Hermanus.
This morning, we leave for Hermanus, a picturesque harbourside resort magnificently set beneath soaring mountains, for an overnight stay. At the heart of the Whale Route, the town is famous for the Southern Right whales that visit its waters between June and November, and offers the world's best land-based whale watching. A twelve-kilometre cliff path around the town, as well as Hermanus' strategically placed telescopes, provide perfect lookout points for observing these gentle giants. (B)
DAY 7: Hermanus - Oudtshoorn.
Look forward to more spectacular sights today as we head for Oudtshoorn, crossing the dramatic Tradows Pass and joining the scenic Route 62 to the 'feather capital of the world'. Set in traditional ostrich country, you'll enjoy a memorable visit to one of the region's many ostrich farms, complete with a guided tour and lunch, which will include some ostrich meat delicacies. After, we visit the magical Cango Caves, set in the foothills of the majestic Swartberg mountains. Originally discovered 10,000 years ago, these cavernous limestone chambers are filled with incredible stalagmites and stalactites. Our guided tour gives you plenty of opportunity to marvel at these geological wonders. The evening is at your leisure. (B, L)
DAY 8: Oudtshoorn - Knysna.
This morning we leave for Knysna, travelling through the awesome Outeniqua Pass en route. After crossing Knysna lagoon by ferry, you'll arrive at the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This wild, pristine reserve of woods and wetlands is protected by South African Heritage. After lunch under the 'milkwood trees', and after a trailer ride up to the top of Wester Head for magnificent views over the whole of Knysna (weather permitting), we return to Knysna town for three nights. (B, L)
DAY 9-10: Knysna.
Nestling between the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean, and encircled by imposing forests and a vast blue lagoon, Knysna is a natural jewel. Today, you have the entire day to enjoy at your own pace. Don't miss the many optional activities on offer, from visiting Knysna Elephant Park or enjoying pampering spa treatments at Pezula, to taking an ocean safari. (B)
DAY 11: Knysna - Tsitsikamma.
Your adventure continues today as we rejoin the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma Forest for an overnight stay. Meaning 'place of much water', this magnificent region is awash with towering yellowwood forests and is a mecca for exotic wildlife and bird species. This morning, marvel at the legendary 'Big Tree', a giant, 118 feet high yellowwood believed to be over 800 years old, before soaking up the spectacular sea views at Storms River Mouth. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or perhaps join one of our optional outings, including a monkey-watching safari, tree-top canopy tour or a hike. (B)
DAY 12: Tsitsikamma - Port Elizabeth - UK.
After breakfast, bid farewell to this majestic region to drive to friendly Port Elizabeth, commonly regarded as marking the end of the fabled Garden Route. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.