This accommodated 3-day Garden Route Safari in South Africa takes guests over impressive mountain passes to the beautiful coastline of the southern Cape.
Between the mountains and the sea, we visit the Robertson vineyards for wine tasting, learn about ostriches and ostrich farming and marvel at the astonishing Cango Caves. Before moving to the coast we take a hair-raising drive on the Swartberg Pass guaranteed to get the adrenalin flowing. At the coast, we arrive in Knysna, known as the ‘heart of the Garden Route’. Developed around a lagoon, protected from the sometimes wild seas by the Heads, this town is a gem waiting to be explored. On our return journey to Cape Town, we go on a safari in the private Botlierskop Game Reserve, home to diverse wildlife including four of the Big 5 animals.
Back in Cape Town on day three of our Garden Route Safari we reflect on just how much there was to see and do on this quick tour of this spectacular area.
Our Garden Route Safari sets off from Cape Town in South Africa. Table Mountain fades into the distance as we head out of town to the Robertson vineyards for wine tasting. Nestled between the Langeberg and RIviersonderend mountains and watered by the Breede River the Roberston Wine Valley is home to over fifty wineries. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling wines are some of the best wines produced in this area, but a case can be put forward for excellent muscadels.
Back on Route 62, we travel through magnificent mountain passes to Oudtshoorn in the Karoo. There is time now to visit the ostriches which are the lifeblood of this area. Early in the 20th century, the popularity of ostrich feathers caused a boom period in the town. During this time mansions were built that have been dubbed ‘feather palaces’ some of which may still be seen in the town. Sadly the First World War put an end to this lucrative period. In recent years the move to a healthier lifestyle has promoted the sales of ostrich meat and ostrich products (think ostrich skin shoes and handbags, eggs and feathers) has made them a worthwhile investment and popular farming product again.
After dinner in town, we spend the first night of our Garden Route Safari at Turnberry Boutique Hotel (or similar)
We can’t leave Oudtshoorn without a visit to the Cango Caves. Located in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range, the chambers and tunnels run for over four kilometres, although only a small portion of this area is open to the public. Artefacts and cave paintings indicate that the caves were occupied over the middle and later Stone Age period. The caves were re-discovered by a local farmer towards the end of the 18th century. Legend has it that Mr Johnny van Wassenaer, the cave’s first official guide is said to have walked 29 hours to find the end of the caves in 1898. When there, he is said to have calculated that he was 25 km from the entrance, and 275 meters underground; his route followed an underground river. To date, more and more caves are being discovered which supports this story.
Next, our Garden Route Safari takes us on a hair-raising drive through the Swartberg Pass. One of the many mountain passes built by Thomas Bain in South Africa, the Swartberg Pass was his final project and is now a national monument. The road twists and turns around incredible hairpin bends but the scenery is superb and makes for a memorable experience. From here we stop at Kobus se Gat for a tasty, traditional South African lunch.
Leaving the Karoo we take a scenic drive, through more mountain passes and cross to the coastal town of Knysna - said to be the heart of the Garden Route. The town boasts a lagoon, protected from the sometimes angry seas by two headlands known as ‘the heads’ which guard the outlet into the sea. The headland is a perfect spot for a viewpoint where, if you are lucky, you may spot a Southern Right whale. A bustling commercial area of shops and restaurants has been developed around the lagoon as well as some expensive real estate. There are lots of restaurants and shops if you are hungry or need some retail therapy.
Tonight our Garden Route Tour stays at the Graywood Hotel (or similar) in Knysna.
After breakfast, we get back on the road and head for our incredible safari experience in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve en route back to Cape Town.
Botlierskop Game Reserve is home to an array of free-roaming wildlife. Botlierskop hosts 4 of the Big 5 of Africa namely lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos, as well as various antelopes including rare black impala. You may also spot cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and more on our game drive. Led by knowledgeable guides, we embark on an unforgettable Garden Route safari in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.
All too soon it's time to leave Botlierskop Game Reserve and journey back to Cape Town where this short 3-Day Garden Route Safari ends.
Nestled against the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, with sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean below, lies Botlierskop Game Reserve. This is a malaria-free, family-owned and operated private game reserve positioned halfway between Mossel Bay and George on South Africa's renowned Garden Route.
The private Botlierskop Game Reserve is home to four of the Big 5 animals–lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos. It also hosts antelopes, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and more. This 4,500-hectare reserve offers memorable day safaris with breathtaking scenery. Activities include guided game drives, horseback safaris, a spa, a leisure area with water slides, a swimming pool and a fountain pool for little ones, a restaurant with picnic spots and bar facilities, and a gift shop.
Located in Oudtshoorn, the Turnberry Boutique Hotel has 22 well-appointed en-suite rooms, each with air-conditioning, a coffee station, satellite TV and wi-fi. The comfortable beds are fitted with crisp, white linen ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. The public areas include the Turnberry Scottish Pub which claims to serve the coldest beer in the southern hemisphere, a welcome indulgence in this town situated in semi-desert. Locally produced beer and wine is available and best enjoyed around the pool on a hot summer's day. Sports fanatics can catch all the great sporting events on the big screen TV in the company of the local sports fans.
The Graywood Hotel is ideally situated in central Knysna within easy walking distance to the Waterfront and the town centre. Each of the 48 en-suite rooms is equipped with electronic safes, remote control TVs (with limited DSTV channels), direct dial telephones, hairdryers and tea and coffee-making facilities. Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel. The beds have crisp white duvets and the upholstery is decorated in warm tones for an uncluttered look. The swimming pool is surrounded by courtyard gardens and there is a suspended sundeck.
In a nod to Knysna's indigenous forest and its history as a town known for its timber industry, the hotel is constructed from timber and wood abounds throughout. The hotel also features a photographic history of the area's locomotive past which compliments the extensive collection of original railway and steam train memorabilia.
These are the first choice hotels, but should accommodation be unavailable in either hotel guests will stay in a hotel or guesthouse of a similar standard.
Please note, if necessary two vehicles or one larger vehicle will be used to transport guests on this Garden Route Safari. In this instance, the group size may increase.
This tour does take children.
Children of all ages are welcome on safari with accompanying parents or guardian.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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