Garden Route Quest 4 Star (4 Days) GRQ3N4

While highways are often touted as the shortest route between two locations, that is not true of Route 62. This scenic route, meanders through country towns, farming areas, lush orchards and vineyards. Along the way there is beauty, history, and wildlife. Magnificent landscapes boasting arid semi-desert areas, crystal clear streams, nearly impenetrable forests, indigenous flora, stark mountains, and towering cliffs are all part of the tapestry through which Route 62 weaves its way.

But it’s not just visual delights which await the adventurous traveler. From Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, you can enjoy visits to wineries and game reserves, tribal art, cultural tours, and museums. If you need something more energetic and for the more adventurous you can scramble over hiking trails and mountains, bound over 4×4 routes, paddle along some of the rivers for canoeing in the country. Then there’s horse riding, ostrich farms, fishing and even spelunking (caving).

If that sounds too energetic there are unique small-town shops, restaurants, art galleries, tribal art, hot-springs, and museums which add depth and flavour to this creative, history-rich route.

It may seem as if the towns and small villages on Route 62 have been in hibernation for more than 40 years, like South African ‘Brigadoons’, they are wonderfully preserved. Situated in rich farming country, you will pass through towns such as Montagu with its thermal baths and fruit trees, popular hiking tows such as the historic Barrydale and Ladysmith, or former mission stations such as Zoar and Amalienstein and Calitzdorp, the centre of the South African Port wine production, and Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s Ostrich breeding capital. If you have to get lost between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth where better than the valley of wine and roses – Robertson.

Physically, Route 62 is shorter than the N2 highway, but it’s so beautiful and interesting that when you reach your destination, you may decide to turn around and do it all again.

The upstairs Colony Restaurant offers superb meals for young and old and an excellent wine menu, 7 days a week. The menu and specials are unmistakably South African, featuring signature dishes. For parties of more than 10 people, we can offer a set menu. Groups of more than 20 can order a full buffet dinner. 

Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and the unique beauty of the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn is a laid-back town offering warm hospitality and a host of nearby attractions. Known as the ‘ostrich capital of South Africa’ it is surrounded by some 400 ostrich farms, where visitors can find out more about these bulky birds – and even take a ride on one if they fancy. Other attractions in the town and its surrounds include hiking trails in the Cape Floral Kingdom, several game farms, a cheetah sanctuary, crocodile cage-diving – the first of its kind in the world, not for the nervous – and the striking Cango Caves, with their glittering stalagmites and stalactites.

Cango Caves Heritage Tour is a 60 minute tour, lead by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited cave guides. All tours are offered in English, but provision can be made for Afrikaans, German and French speakers when booking. The heritage tour gives visitors insight into the six halls, chambers and rooms within the caves, as well as a close up view of stalactites, stalagmites, and a colony of bats that have made the cave their home.

The spectacular Cango Caves are a subterranean wonderland of magnificent stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that attracts thousands of visitors annually. They extend more than two kilometres into the Swartberg Mountains and visitors can take guided tours that wind through narrow passageways and steep stairways linking the massive caverns.

Highgate Traditional Ostrich Tour & Premier Meal is not only enlightening but also provides fun for the whole family as visitors will be in awe of the beautiful scenery of the Klein Karoo Valley and the picturesque Swartberg Mountains. Apart from the views, visitors will be able to learn more about the incubators, learn more about ostrich anatomy, feed ostriches by hand and visit a breeding camp. The tour includes a traditional ostrich meal in The Pepper Tree Restaurant located in the historic homestead, featuring a generous 3-course meal with ostrich, egg and meat.

Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the glistening Indian Ocean, this lush 200-kilometre stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth provides one of the world’s most spectacular drives.

National Geographic calls this ‘The Ultimate Road Trip’. Thanks to the almost miraculous collection of world-class beaches, shimmering lagoons and indigenous forests interspersed with both unusual, sometimes eccentric but always welcoming towns, and a scenic, ocean-hugging highway, the Garden Route is a must when it comes to planning a holiday that also has a number of creative and historic excursions. Not to mention the ultimate in water-based or four-wheeled adventures.

For those who like to explore, the many diversions that are almost overwhelming in their beauty, the revelations of culture and history, not to mention warm-hearted hospitality, could turn a four-day trip into a four-week one with ease.

If you start your journey in Cape Town then Mossel Bay, the western gateway to the fabled Garden Route, is a great place to stretch your legs. And by stretch, we mean stretch! A rugged 14km walk (one-way) along the coast from Cape St Blaize Lighthouse to Dana Bay.

Only 30mins from Mossell Bay is a section that alone would be worth the trip! The historic town of George. George is the sixth oldest town in South Africa and history is everywhere. From the Slave Tree, an ancient English Oak planted by Landdrost van Kervel, to the King Edward VII Library, and the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. The Outeniqua Transport Museum which houses replicas of old stations, displays of locomotives and coaches will entrance every child, not to mention the train enthusiasts! Then there’s the Botanical Garden recognized by UNESCO for its immense biodiversity. It contains 20% of the entire African continent’s plant species. George is the perfect launching pad for exploring nearby thick forests of Wilderness, or the Seven Passes, the Forest Buzzard trail, the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains, with its canyons and high bridges.

If you’re a foodie then Knysna is the spot for you, especially its 10-day Oyster Festival in late June!

Into kayaking and exotic birds in their natural wetlands? Welcome to Wilderness. You’ll love it here.

Surfing under steep cliffs more your thing? Then Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as South African’s fondly refer to it, is calling! So are the breath-taking beaches, sandy coves, migrating whales and dolphins, as well as the seal colonies and perfect picnic spots of the Robberg Nature Reserve.

The Storms River destination is one of stunning beauty and drama! Whether you walk the spray misted wooden pathways, the swing bridge or take the boat into the crashing heart of the river itself, Storms River will live in your memory forever.

A trip to Garden Route is not complete without a visit to the famous Knysna Waterfront, arguably one of the most popular leisure and shopping destinations in the region, boasting a superior marina, a base for luxury yachts and Knysna's gateway for cruises and luxury charters voyaging into our pristine lagoon.

This shopper's paradise has the perfect gift for everybody from books to boutiques, clothing to curios. Whether you require trendy clothes or an exclusive outfit, the clothing stores and boutiques have the perfect garment for you.

And if it is a piece of Africa you want to take home with you, you will be able to source the most popular to the most unusual gifts available to the finest and most rare jewels Africa has to offer. If you choose to relax there's a large variety of restaurants and fine dining establishments in the area where one can sample the regions finest wine or local brew. An ideal location for family and friends to enjoy a superb meal or to experience a romantic sun downer with a loved one.

Knysna was twice voted South Africa's Favourite Town. Surrounded by indigenous forests and sitting between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, the town encircles an enormous estuary with pristine beaches. It’s a natural playground for sports enthusiasts. Mountain biking, hiking, surfing, fishing, sailing, swimming and canoeing are popular activities. Take an adventure through the lush Featherbed Nature Reserve with its coastal forest, unique fynbos and ancient caves. Or take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads framing the lagoon.

‘Knysna’, is possibly a Khoi word thought to refer to the Knysna Heads, two sandstone monoliths guarding the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the surging waters and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The Khoisan, the original inhabitants of the area, were displaced by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The town became a port for naval and commercial ships in 1817.  In 1885, a short-lived gold was found in Millwood, 25 kms beyond the town, deep in the indigenous forest.

Knysna has grown enormously since those early frontier days. Its population is over 60,000. It boasts many excellent restaurants from coffee shops and bakeries to fine-dining experiences. The Knysna Waterfront and Thesen Harbour Town provide many specialist shops and restaurants. Dine alfresco while you watch the activities in the small harbour and on the lagoon. There may even be whales as this is a famous whale-watching location.

Knysna's famous oyster industry, which is celebrated every July, draws thousands of visitors to the10-day ‘Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival’. The 'Gastronomica Festival' is also 10 days and is packed with competitions, demonstrations, discussions, and workshops. Cookery enthusiasts, farmers and artisans who produce and process foodie delights, international and national chefs, locals, restaurateurs, and tourists; everyone will be celebrating fresh, fine food.

If history is your thing, then the Old Fort, the Old Gaol, the churches, museums and the Millwood goldmine are must-visits.

At animal sanctuaries, such as the Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden you can meet rare and endangered species including the Knysna Seahorse, the multi-coloured Knysna Turaco a.k.a. the Knysna Loerie, the rare Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, and the Brenton Blue Butterfly. There are stories that the Knysna Elephant, which once roamed freely in large numbers here, have survived. But you must go deep into the forest before you catch sight of them. And they’re very good at hiding.

Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides.

The 4-hour eco-experience excursion departs daily and reservations are essential. It is a wonderful outing for all ages and fitness levels. Good walking shoes are recommended and remember to bring your camera, hats, and sunblock in summer and a warm jacket for the ferry trip in winter. The nature reserve offers Knysna adventure activities not to be missed. A perfect outdoor family holiday activity to be enjoyed by both young and old.

• Return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head.
• 4x4 vehicle & trailer drive up the headland onto the Reserve, stopping at spectacular viewpoints.
• Specialist guide giving information on history, fauna & flora.
• Optional guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves.
• World renowned buffet lunch at an outdoor restaurant setting under a canopy of Milkwood trees.
• Wonderful family outing, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Set in an indigenous forest, the Crags Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to touch, brush, feed, and observe them in their natural habitat as they swim, sleep, and play. You may even walk hand-in-trunk an African elephant. All programmes are guided and guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction to make this an enriching experience.

The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination situated just 2.5 hours’ drive west of Gqebertha, on the spectacular coastal Garden Route, The Portuguese explorers called it the 'Beautiful Bay', and it’s easy to see why – Plettenberg Bay is a picturesque, charming town with endless pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clean rivers, indigenous forests, and a dramatic rocky peninsula. Playground to the wealthy, beach mansions overlook the Indian Ocean, often dotted with luxury yachts, while leisure time is given over to polo and golf, among other things. However, all kinds of visitors will feel at peace here as simply swimming in the warm water on a safe beach is a great way to experience the beauty of Plettenberg Bay. Adrenaline seekers can visit Bloukrans Bridge, a 30-minute drive away, to do the highest bungee jump on earth.

Situated along South Africa’s beautiful coast, the Tsitsikamma National Park is known for its thick ancient forest, dramatic coastline, and magnificent rivers. The Tsitsikamma National Park falls within the exquisite and famous Garden Route National Park and encompasses an incredibly beautiful marine conservation belt stretching five kilometres out into the ocean as well as the renowned Otter Trail. The park is home to diverse fauna and flora, including over 9000 species of indigenous fynbos, the stunning Knysna Lourie, dolphins and porpoises, Cape Clawless Otter, Blue Duiker, and many other animal and bird species. Visitors can look forward to hiking to the Big Tree, ancient yellowwood; going on an exhilarating kayaking trip at Storms River Mouth; or enjoying a number of other activities including cycling, swimming, zip-lining, camping, snorkelling, diving, mountain biking, and sailing.

Set on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth also referred to as PE, is known as the Friendly City as well as the Windy City. Port Elizabeth was established to home British settlers who were brought out on a government-sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the Cape Dutch and the Xhosa conflict. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route and serves as an excellent base to explore the Eastern Cape’s magnificent game reserves and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the Addo Elephant National Park, inhabited by hundreds of elephants and other wildlife; climb the area’s largest dune at Maitland’s Beach, and jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales.