The Garden Route offers you majestic mountains, breathtaking views, a natural garden of rich, colourful vistas, with valleys and lakes, rivers and forests, a paradise for bird-lovers and nature lovers, an eco-destination like few others in the world, with miles upon miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches and a zillion things to do and explore.

Swellendam is the third oldest town in the Republic of South Africa, a town with 13,629 inhabitants situated in the Western Cape province. The town has over 50 National monuments most of them buildings of Cape Dutch architecture. 

Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).

After breakfast, we head west via the historic town of Swellendam, with its 18th century architecture, to the coastal town of Hermanus, world famous for its excellent land based whale watching. Whales are in the bay between May and November, but even out of whale season, the location and views makes this a special place to visit. We enjoy lunch here at the Relais and Chateaux hotel, the Marine, a beacon of elegance on the coast. This afternoon, we continue to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass.

Situated in the heart of the Overberg, in the picturesque farming town of Swellendam you will find Schoone Oordt Country House. This well-known and much photographed Victorian landmark presides over 5000m2 of lush grounds, incorporating eight magnificently crafted, luxurious suites and a romantic honeymoon hide-away. The grounds contain manicured lawns, secret woodland glades, vegetable/herb gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, tranquil fountains and a fragrant rose garden.  Eight luxury guest cottages and a honeymoon cottage have been carefully designed to blend with the character of the main house. The house holds testament to Richard’s keen eye for true collectors’ pieces and his love of antique hunting. No detail has been overlooked. Alison has years of experience in the advertising industry and in event production, so if you have a celebration in mind, Al will bring it to life! Schoone Oordt Country House is, of course, just perfect for relaxing and reviving the spirit.

Overnight at Schoone Oordt Country House.

Often remarked that "Nature has made an enchanted abode of this beautiful place", it is truly a spectacular destination. Only an hour from George Airport and two hours from Port Elizabeth Airport , Plettenberg Bay is well situated to explore the tourism offerings and activities of our surrounding towns from Knysna to Oudtshoorn along Route 62 and the N2. Plettenberg Bay and environs stretches from Harkerville just outside Knysna through to Nature's Valley along the N2. This spectacular area also includes the towns of Keurbooms with miles of unspoilt golden beaches and excellent land based whale watching along the coast, the Crags which is the artistic heart and Polo mecca of the area, KwaNokuthula, New Horizons and Kranshoek for a fusion of tourism and conservation of diverse and charismatic cultures and nature.

After breakfast, depart Swellendam and travel to the lagoon-side town of Knysna – gem of the Garden Route. Enjoy some time at leisure at the Knsysa Waterfront Complex before embarking on an excursion to the Featherbed Nature Reserve which is located on the western Knysna Head. The trip includes a ferry across the lagoon to the base of the western head, a drive to the top of the reserve and an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill nature trail walk. The tour ends with a delicious lunch served under the shade of the milkwood trees. On return to the mainland, continue your journey to Plettenberg Bay for the following two nights. Dinner is enjoyed at the lodge.

Unsurpassed service and understated comfort, ensure a totally relaxed and truly South African experience...This exclusive Country House set on a 24 acre estate with distant mountain views - is perfectly positioned between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. An ideal getaway for those wanting to enjoy gracious country living, Laird's Lodge offers easy access to unspoiled beaches, world class golf courses, scenic nature reserves and hiking trails.

Overnight at Laird’s Lodge.

After breakfast, get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of the resident African elephants and the well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The visit presents you with the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. After lunch (to own account), travel to Plettenberg Bay for a visit to Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. Time permitting you have the option of embarking on a Whale & Dolphin boat experience (weather permitting and to own account) before returning to the lodge. Dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Laird’s Lodge.

Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo region of South Africa. The town is home to the world's largest Ostrich population with a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.

Morning departure from Plettenberg Bay. The tour winds its way through George and via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich show farm for a guided tour and lunch. Continue to the Cango Caves – one of the natural wonders of the world and which has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Following this visit of discovery, check into your overnight accommodation. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Rosenhof Country House (standard room) or similar.

If you are a discerning traveller looking for luxury 4 star accommodation in the picturesque valley of Schoemanshoek, near the world famous Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, then you need to look no further. De Opstal Country Lodge has come to be by way of converting exisitng buildings, into a modern, elegant property with all the luxurious of a 4 star hotel.

Overnight at De Opstal Country Lodge .

Depart Oudtshoorn this morning and travel along the famous Route 62 to Cape Town. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards offer you an unforgettable kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility. Stop at the Country Pumpkin Restaurant near Barrydale for lunch (to own account). After lunch, enjoy a slow drive to Cape Town where your tour ends around 18h00 with drop-off at Cape Town International Airport or your Cape Town based hotel.

Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.