Description
13 Day Garden Route & Lesotho
This tour departs from Cape Town and Ends in Durban
Accommodated Tour Price: R33950 Single Supplement: R2700
Camping Tour Price: R25950 Single Supplement: R1450
Tour departure point: Please ensure you arrive at the departure point at least30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.07:00am Double Tree by Hilton Cape Town–Upper Eastside31 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21404 0570,https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/cptuedi-doubletree-cape-town-upper-eastside.
Tour ending point Garden Court South Beach, 73 OR Tambo Parade, South Beach, Durban, South Africa Tel: + 27 (031) 337 551
Tour Itinerary
Day 1–The Cape Whale Coast Route
Made up of a collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves and valleys, the Cape Whale Coast is a pristine stretch of the South African coast line which runs from the town of Rooiels for roughly 150km,to the east. We have a full day ahead of us which takes us from the bustling city centre of Cape Town via the wine region to the town of Hermanus-not forgetting a stop at the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin, Stony Point Nature Reserve. Before arrival in Stanford, we’ll make a short stop in Hermanus and if you are travelling during the months of July to November you may be lucky enough to see the southern right whales that visit the bay in Hermanus.
Accommodation: Stanford Valley Guest Farm
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom.
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Cape Town to Stanford
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Walk through the town of Stellenbosch, Stony Point Penguin Colony visit, Wine tasting experience
Day 2–Swellendam via Africa’s Southernmost Tip
After passing through some quaint Overberg villages, we reach the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Agulhas. Photo in hand, we head to the De Hoop Nature Reserve where you will have time to walk and explore a small section of the reserve. We will overnight in the town of Swellendam.
Accommodation: Aan de Eike Guest House
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suites Bathroom
Camping: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom.
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Stanford to Swellendam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Southernmost tip of Africa-Cape Agulhas, De Hoop Nature Reserve walk| Entrance to Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
Day3–Oudtshoorn
Starting our day at a local berry farm, we enjoy a tasting before we set out for the Klein Karoo and our overnight stop in Oudtshoorn. We follow a section of the scenic Route 62, stopping to experience some of the many farm stalls on the way. One of the more quirky highlights today is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all, but a rather interesting country pub! Our day ends with a guided tour of the famous Cango Caves.
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Holiday Resort
http://www.kleinplaas.co.za
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suites Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Swellendam to Oudtshoorn
Included Highlight: Stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, Cango Caves Basic Tour, Berry Farm tasting
Day 4–Tsitsikamma
Our morning starts as we make our way over the Outeniqua Mountains and descend to the beautiful Garden route coastline below. In the coming days we will make several stops at some quaint towns and bustling cities along the garden route, there are opportunities to visit some interesting museums, combined with some time spent hiking and relaxing. The Garden Route is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, forest walks and an exciting menu of optional adventures. We set aside time this morning for some exploration of the town of Knysna.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn http://www.tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suites Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Oudtshoorn to Tsitsikamma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Knysna
Day 5–Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africa’s premier marine reserves and this morning we set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail sees us cover the first section of the world renowned Otter Trail, this is not an easy hike and those who prefer amore leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River Mouth. We return after our hike and you will have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon–experiencing the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma bio me and learning about the history of the area and it’s indigenous fauna & flora.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
http://www.tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suites Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma National Park entrance and hike with your guide
Optional Activity: Tree top canopy tours, Woodcutters Journey
Day 6-Greater Addo Elephant National Park area
This morning we set out for the Eastern Cape and the Addo National Park. We make a stop this morning in the surfing mecca of Jeffrey’s Bay, famous for its waves. You have the opportunity to visit the small surfing museum, catch a quick wave or simply enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking these famous waves. This afternoon we will make our first visit to seek the elephants after which Addo is named.
Accommodation: Kudu Ridge Lodge
Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions.
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Tsitsikamma National Park to Addo Elephant National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Jeffrey’s Bay and an afternoon game drive in Addo National Park(in the overland truck)
Day 7–Greater Addo Elephant National Park area
This morning we will make the short drive to the windy city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), before heading into Addo Elephant National Park for our afternoon game drive. Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the afternoon in search of the animals.
Accommodation: Kudu Ridge Lodge
Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Addo NP (in the overland truck)
Day 8–Graaff- Reinet
The historic town of Graaff-Reinet nestles in the heartland of the Great Karoo and offers a unique insight into the history of this arid region. It is also the fourth oldest town in the country. This evening you will join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation, this unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Kindly note that during the winter months, this activity will become a Sunrise excursion to the valley of Desolation the following morning.
Accommodation: Profcon Resort
http://www.profconresort.co.za/
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Addo to Graaff- Reinet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Valley of Desolation Sundowner Tour
Day 9-Lesotho–Malealea
This morning we cut across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo, our destination is nestled in the heights of Lesotho. This autonomous mountain kingdom boasts the highest peaks in Southern Africa and is one of the highest countries in the world, the entire kingdom lies over 1000m above sea level. Having crossed the mighty Orange River, we enter the border of Lesotho and make the climb to our camp set high in the mountains.
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Graaff –Reinet to Lesotho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: South Africa: Van Rooyens Gate, Open: 06h00-22h00
Day 10-Lesotho–Malealea
The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike
concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their sure footedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand. This activity is not for the inexperienced or fainthearted.
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list
of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Morning Hike, Lesotho Village tour
Optional Activity: Pony Trekking
Day 11-South Africa–uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We have a long drive ahead of us today as we make our way the mountains of the Drakensberg. Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning ‘dragon mountains, these towering mountains area hiker’s paradise and worthy of exploration.
Accommodation: Himeville Arms
https://www.premierhotels.co.za/hotels/kwazulu-natal/himeville-arms
Or Monks Cowl
http://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/gooderson-monks-cowl-golf-resort
Facilities: Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Mthathato Drakensberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12-UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.
Accommodation: Himeville Arms
https://www.premierhotels.co.za/hotels/kwazulu-natal/himeville-arms
or Monks Cowl
http://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/gooderson-monks-cowl-golf-resort
Accommodated: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Camping: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike with your guide in Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Day 13–KwaZulu Natal Coast–Durban
It’s all downhill as we leave the mountain scenery on route to the Kwazulu Natal Coast. On the 5th August 1962, police waved down a car on a lonely country road in KwaZulu-Natal. At the wheel was Nelson Mandela. He was arrested and spent 27 years in prison. Today you will have the opportunity to visit this historic capture site, marked by an impressive sculpture in honor of “Madiba”. We will also stop at the Howick Falls to listen to the power of the falls and take some photos at the view point. Then it’s onto the bustling city of Durban is South Africa’s largest port where your tour will come to an end in the city.
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Bluechilli Travel. Route: Drakensberg to Durban
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Visit to the Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls
