Itinerary

Day 1

Port Elizabeth - Knysna Today you'll drive from Port Elizabeth to Knysna and if you like you can stop at the beach towns Francis Bay or Jeffrey's Bay along the way. Eventually you'll reach the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can stop for a while and hike one of the many trails set out through the area. For instance, go on a one hour walk to the wobbling Suspension Bridge.

At the end of the day you'll reach your home base for the next few days, Knysna. Your hotel is centrally located near restaurants and the waterfront.

Total distance on Day 1 is approximately 290 km.

Day 2

KnysnaToday you'll spend the day in Knysna and surrounding areas. Knysna is one of the most important towns on the Garden Route. Everything you could possibly need is nearby, including a beautiful lagoon. The town itself isn't very large; however there are fun bars, pubs and restaurants that feature live-music until late at night. There's plenty to do during the day as well: hiking, dolphin-spotting or whale-watching, kayaking on the Knysna lagoon, diving, snorkelling, mountain biking, rock climbing or visit Tsitsikamma or the Robberg reserve.

Tip: If you decide to stay two extra nights, you can add on our module Hiking the Otter Trail.

Day 3

Knysna - OudtshoornThis morning you'll travel from Knysna lagoon to George, through the arid region of Small Karoo. This is where you'll find the ostrich-feather capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. This spacious town has broad lanes, lovely old buildings and a hospitable atmosphere. Spend the night just outside of town, amidst ostrich farms, in our cosy guest house with swimming pool. Breakfast is included.

In the afternoon, you'll have several different options available to you such as a visit to the nearby Cango limestone caves. If you prefer to remain outdoors, drive on a little further until you reach the beautiful 'Rust en Vrede' ('Rest and Peace') waterfall. It's located in a small natural park that closes at 16.30. Another option is to visit the Cango wildlife ranch. This is a small zoo where you not only can look at animals, but you can also pet a lion, hold a snake and go cage diving with crocodiles. For more information, have a look at: Ostrich farming and Swartberg pass (Black Mountain Pass).

Note: If you want to see the ostriches, the caves and the Prince Albert pass, you'll probably need to book an additional overnight stay in Oudtshoorn.

Total distance on Day 3 is approximately 175 km.

Day 4

Oudtshoorn - SwellendamOn day 4 of this module you'll travel to Swellendam with its broad, oak-lined streets. The historic houses in this town bring back the feeling of days gone by. Once you leave the Karoo and approach Swellendam, the scenery will change dramatically and it will become increasingly green and hilly. Follow the famous Route 62 past rugged mountains, friendly villages, wine vineyards and ostriches in pastures. Once you reach Swellendam you'll spend the night in our cosy bed & breakfast.

Total distance on Day 4 is approximately 230 km.

Day 5

Swellendam - End of module.After breakfast you'll drive along the N2 from Caledon to Hermanus through peacefully flowing fields flush with colour. Keep a close eye on the coast; you may spot a few dolphins leaping out of the water. If the season is right you may even see a whale. While driving along the coast you'll head onto the Cape Peninsula and eventually you'll reach Cape Town. Have a look at our accommodation options in Cape Town.

If you're running late today, skip the peninsula and head straight to Cape Town. You'll be able to drive along the peninsula trail tomorrow. A drive on the peninsula can also be combined with a visit to the wine territories Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl using our module Cape and Wine, Drive'n'Dine.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Overnight stays with breakfast and trail information

Exclusions -

Car rental and entrance fees for several parks (Tsitsikamma approximately R 80 per person, per day)

Extras -

The order of this module can be reversed if you wish, meaning you travel the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.