Day 1 - 4: Cape Town
As you arrive into Cape Town you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who will be happy to answer any questions you might have and who will help you with the collection of your car, mobile phone, maps and travel information. Settle in to your accommodation, Les Cascades de Bantry Bay , an elegant lodge perched on the hillside below Lion’s Head in the most exclusive bay on the Atlantic Seaboard. The lodge boasts ten luxurious rooms all incorporating strong elements of contemporary art, latticed shutters covering large bay windows and private balconies overlooking the ocean. Three pools, the largest 60 square meters and superb sun decks with sweeping sea views, are all designed for maximum comfort and intimacy, while attention to detail and personalised service are the hallmarks of the lodge.
Spend the next four days exploring Cape Town’s many attractions including: Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned), Seal Island, the Chapman’s Peak scenic drive, Cape Point, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. Alternatively wonder around the many museums and historic buildings the Cape has to offer, relax on the beaches and enjoy the fine selection of restaurants and bars. For the more adventurous there is also a wide range of activities on offer and then, afterwards, enjoy the nightlife Cape Town has to offer.
Days 5 & 6: Winelands 75 kms
From Cape Town you drive in to the heart of the Cape Winelands. Dating back to 1680, the lively university town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and is home to some of the best preserved Cape Dutch and other historic buildings in the country. The scenic backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains and the mature oaks that line the streets further enhance the architectural and historic attraction of the town.
Comprising two historic houses and set in the picturesque Oak-lined "Avenue" across from the Eerste River, River Manor will be your accommodation for the next two nights. The 16 spacious en-suite rooms, furnished within the theme of 'Colonial Charm with a touch of Africa' are stylishly decorated with antiques, and combine old world charm with modern conveniences. W rap-around patios and an upstairs terrace all combine to create a friendly, laid back atmosphere where guests enjoy personal service and hospitality as well as the spa treatments offered.
For the next 2 days explore the wine estates that abound in the area, sampling the fine wine and local cuisine. However the region has a lot more to offer than wine farms and cellar tours and other attractions include: the 4 passes scenic drive, world renowned golf courses, walking and horse riding trails and a visit to the Franschhoek valley which boasts many a fine restaurant as well as local art and craft galleries.
Days 7 & 8: Hermanus (150 kms)
Leaving Stellenbosch you now head east to the shores of the Indian Ocean and on to Blue Gum Country Lodge. From August to November the Southern Right Whale visits the South African shores to calf and to mate and the best place to view them is from Walker Bay, also known as the Bay of Whales.’ Here you can spend the day watching the whales that often come right up to ‘the shore, or join one of the regular boat trips to get up close to these leviathans of the sea. Other attractions in the area include boat trips to view the great white sharks that live in abundance in False Bay (or shark cage diving for the adventurous), wine tasting in the vineyards of the Hamel en Aarde valley and a day trip to Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of Africa.
Situated on 104 acres of vineyards, pastures, river frontage and mountain fynbos and located only minutes away from Walker Bay, Blue Gum is a gracious country retreat and is an ideal base from which to explore all the attractions of the Overberg.
Day 9 - 11: Garden Route / Plettenberg Bay (425 km)
After breakfast make your way into the heart of the Garden Route and onto Plettenberg Bay, the holiday town of South Africa's rich and famous. "Plett" is situated on the warm Indian Ocean and offers unspoilt white sandy beaches, dolphin spotting boat trips, fine restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. From your base here you can easily visit the many attractions of the Garden Route including: the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the rugged coastline of the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna (who’s motto: "this fair land is a gift of God" is a fitting testament to the beauty of the lagoon, forest and coastal countryside), a boat trip to the Knysna heads and the Featherbed nature reserve, a visit to the local oyster farms, a journey on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe - one of South Africa's last operating steam trains, or a morning walk with the elephants of the Knysna Elephant Park.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is situated in a private nature reserve, 18 km east of Plettenberg Bay and is well known for its delectable food and friendly, personalised service. Twelve uniquely individual rooms, each with a wooden deck, it’s own hammock and wooden furniture are situated in beautiful gardens and offer uninterrupted views over the indigenous forests and Tsitsikamma Mountains – an ideal place to relax after a busy day of visits in the Garden Route.
Days 12 & 13: Addo Elephant National Park (325 km)
After a relaxing few days in the Garden Route you now follow the coast through beautiful forests and over the Paul Sauer Bridge, which hosts the highest bungi jump in the world, past Port Elizabeth and on to the Addo Elephant National Park. Home to the densest elephant population on earth as well as lion, Cape buffalo, black rhino, zebra, numerous antelope species and a wealth of other animal and bird life, Addo offers a true bush and wildlife experience in a malaria free area.
Situated in the Sundays River Valley, only minutes away from Addo Elephant National Park, The Elephant House is set on a beautiful racehorse stud, surrounded by rolling lawns and indigenous trees. This thatched colonial style lodge offers guests all the splendour of a bygone era. Opening onto wonderfully cool wraparound verandas, the six individually decorated bedrooms offer the traveller a haven of peace and tranquillity. Spend the day game viewing in the national park, explore the citrus farms of the valley or simply relax in the peaceful setting of the lodge.
Option:
To end your holiday on a high note you might want to upgrade your safari experience and stay in Gorah Elephant Camp , a premier lodge set on a private concession in the heart of the malaria–free Addo Elephant National Park. The restored 19 th century colonial farmhouse acts as a focal point for the camp reflecting noble opulence and delivering meticulous service and attention to detail, while the romantic atmosphere of the ten spacious and luxurious tented suites, recalls the golden era of safari in the early 1900’s - with all the comfort and excellence associated with Africa’s finest game lodges. Enjoy the African tradition of cooking and eating outdoors, explore the bush with experienced rangers, in open vehicles, on foot or on horseback or relax by the pool till the animals begin stirring at dusk.
Day 14: Port Elizabeth (70 kms)
After your final morning game drive and breakfast you drive the 70 or so kilometres to Port Elizabeth where you hand in your car at the airport before flying back to Cape Town or Johannesburg in time for your connecting flight home.
Price From:
* Rand 9,375 per person (based on 2 people sharing, travelling in July 2006)
€ 995 (Euro equivalent will depend on exchange rate at time of booking
Gorah supplement: R3, 205 / person sharing (€ 340)
* Please note that the above price is an estimate and should be used as a guide to the cost of your holiday. Final price will depend on availability, season, exchange rate fluctuations etc.
Includes: Meet & Greet on arrival, accommodation on a B&B basis (except Blue Gum on a DB&B basis and Gorah on full board and activities included basis), 14 days car rental: Group B, Nissan Almera or similar, (unlimited kms, air conditioning, radio/tape, power steering, supercover insurance).
Excludes: Meals not indicated above, all drinks, entrance fees, activities and game drives (unless otherwise specified), all airfares and airport taxes, travel insurance, fuel and toll fees, car hire extras such as contract fees, additional driver fees and one way drop off charges, mobile phone rental, expenses of a personal nature, porterage, tips and gratuitie.
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Introduction:
The Cape Town and Garden Route Tour is probably our most popular holiday itinerary and is ideal for a first visit to South Africa. This itinerary incorporates many of the country's premier tourist destinations including Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route as well as a big game experience in one of the malaria free reserves of the Eastern Cape. The variety of landscapes, accommodation and attractions along this route means variations are available to suit most people's requirements - making it ideal for holidays ranging from honeymoons to family vacations. Although the Garden Route is pleasant all year round Cape Town is best between October and April. 
