This 4-day Garden Route Safari takes us from the Karoo's arid landscapes to the southern Cape's temperate coast.
Leaving Cape Town behind we travel via Route 62 to the Robertson Winelands, where we sample some of the delightful wines produced here. Back on the road, we travel through some majestic mountain passes to Oudtshoorn, our first overnight stop. Here we visit an ostrich farm and the imposing Cango Caves. A morning spin on the Swartberg Pass gets the juices flowing before we travel to Knysna, the 'heart of the Garden Route', our base for the next two nights. We explore the town and the magnificent coast, visiting a wildlife and rehabilitation centre. On the return journey to Cape Town, we take a leisurely game drive in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, home to four of the Big Five animals and more.
Back in Cape Town guests will be surprised at how much they have seen and done on this short Garden Route Lodge Safari.
__large.jpg "Knysna Harbour by TravelingOtter")
__large.jpg "Lion at the private game reserve by Brian Snelson")
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 the excellent muscadels too.
Back on Route 62, our Garden Route Safari travels through magnificent mountain passes arriving in Oudtshoorn, in the Karoo, this afternoon. 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 all the products that one ostrich can provide (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 night 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.
Now we take a hair-raising drive through the Swartberg Pass, one of the many mountain passes built by Thomas Bain in South Africa, Swartberg being his final project and 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, 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 and some expensive real estate. There are many restaurants and shops if you are hungry or need some retail therapy.
Tonight we stay at the Graywood Hotel (or similar) in Knysna.
Leaving Knysna this morning our Garden Route Safari takes us east along roads bordered with tracts of indigenous forest, where legend has it, elephants still make their home. We are en route to Tsitsikamma National Park but divert from the main route to visit Nature's Valley a peaceful, relatively undiscovered piece of heaven, lying in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest, the site of monkey ropes, old man’s beard dangling from trees, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by mountains and forest, and miles of unspoilt white beaches - arguably the most beautiful part of this coastline. You may think it cannot get better, but Tsitsikamma National Park is a scene of dramatic, wild coastline, pounding surf, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos. This area is extremely popular with hikers and is the starting point of the famous Otter Trail, a South African favourite booked out years in advance. You may be fortunate to see dolphins playing in the surf, whales visit here in season, the Cape Clawless Otter makes its home here, as well as porpoise and the Blue Duiker. Bird lovers won't be disappointed either. Don't leave until you have walked across the suspension bridge - not for the faint-hearted.
We visit Plettenberg Bay, a town popular with South Africans and tourists, for its beautiful white beach and the many leisure activities. Perched on the hillside the town overlooks the beautiful bay and is surrounded by hills and mountains - lovely views from all sides. There is evidence of visits to the bay by Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries, evidence that includes the wreck of the Gonzales on view in the town.
During the day there is the option of visiting Monkeyland & Birds of Eden, a primate sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, as well as Tenikwa Wildlife & Rehabilitation Centre.
Tonight we dine in Knysna and overnight in our hotel.
After breakfast, our exciting Garden Route safari proceeds to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.
The Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is home to an array of free-roaming wildlife, including four of the Big 5 of Africa (lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos). You may also see antelopes like rare black impalas, along with cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and more. Our game drive is conducted by knowledgeable guides, who tell us more about the animals and plants of Botlierskop Game Reserve.
All too soon it's time to hit the road again for Cape Town where this short, 4-Day Garden Route Safari ends.
Flanked by the Outeniqua Mountains, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, lies Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. This 4,500-hectare game reserve is a malaria-free family safari destination. It's a family-owned and run private game reserve halfway between Mossel Bay and George on the Garden Route of South Africa.
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is home to four of the Big 5 of Africa namely lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos. It also hosts cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, various antelopes and more.
Botlierskop Game Reserve is open to day visitors and offers guided game drives, horseback safaris, a spa, a leisure area with water slides, a swimming pool, a kid's pool, a restaurant with picnic spots, 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 sun deck.
In a nod to Knysna's indigenous forest and 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.
All Cape Town Departures | All Garden Route Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
A short Cape Town Safari to Aquila Private Game Reserve, near Cape Town. This Big 5 Safari includes transfers, 4x4 game drives, lodge accommodation, and meals.
More on this 3 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An affordable 4 Day Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town in South Africa staying at luxury Sanbona safari lodges.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
A 5-day Cape Town to Garden Route and Addo Safari in South Africa filled with adventure, wildlife and beautiful scenery, travelling in backpacking style and ending back in Cape Town.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
An affordable short Big 5 Cape Town Safari to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town in South Africa with luxury Sanbona safari lodge accommodation.
More on this 3 Day Budget Lodge Safari
A 3 Day Garden Route Safari with spectacular sea and mountain landscapes, visiting Oudtshoorn, Knysna & the private Botlierskop Game Reserve.
More on this 3 Day Budget Lodge Safari
This budget-friendly Cape Town Holiday combines a Big 5 Cape Town Safari in Aquila Game Reserve, a Cape Peninsula & Winelands Tour and a Waterfront hotel stay.
This affordable Cape Town Tour Package includes a half-day Cape Town City Tour, a full-day Cape Peninsula Tour, an airport transfer & Cape Town hotel accommodation at the Waterfront Signature Lux Hotel.
A short Cape Town Tour Package ideal for South Africa holidays! Enjoy a Cape Peninsula & Cape Winelands Tour, shark diving and V&A waterfront Cape Town hotel.
An affordable Private Garden Route Tour in South Africa. The ideal road trip for diverse scenery, nature, and adventure in Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Plett, and more.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
