Magical Garden Route - 3 Day

Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

Day 01
Departing Port Elizabeth, enter the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Bloukrans and Groot River Passes. Attractions to be visited through the Tsitsikamma Forest area include the Big Tree and the Garden of Eden. Gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storms River where photographic opportunities abound. After lunch at the scenic Storms River mouth (not included), continue via the millionaires playground of Plettenberg Bay to South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna. After a short refreshment stop at Knysna's East Head we continue via Sedgefield to the quaint seaside village of Wilderness. Enjoy a superb dinner at the resort.
Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis

Day 02
TIGK TOUR - Nature's Beauty and Nostalgia
From our hotel in Wilderness, we travel to George Railway Station to board the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoo. In 1922 the Railways and Harbours Board recommended the construction of a railway between George and Knysna, a distance of approximately 67 kilometres. When this line was built it was regarded as the most expensive piece of 'clickety clack' in the world. Today it is billed as the most beautiful. Travelling from George to Knysna is like being present at an animated art exhibition, each kilometre presenting a new canvas that calls forth exclamations of pleasure. One loses to a certain degree, the sense of time, thanks to a profusion of scenic delights. The line travels through two tunnels of moderate length, cut into the hills above the sea, before it approaches the Kaaimans River Bridge, 210 metres long and 36 metres high.
On arrival at the Knysna waterfront, board the ferry that will take us to Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Knysna Head. On arrival at the reserve, enjoy a spectacular 12 dish buffet lunch at the 'Food Forest' - a unique outdoor restaurant situated under the Milkwood Trees. After lunch, board a Unimog drawn trailer and drive up to the top of the reserve. While stopping at a scenic lookout point, our specialist guides will share with you some fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views. An optional 2,2 km guided nature walk takes you through the forest, onto the cliffs, into the caves and along the scenic coast. After the ferry returns to the Featherbed Ferry Terminus, the day's adventure ends with a scenic drive back to Wilderness for drop off at your hotel.
Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

Day 03
After a sumptuous breakfast, our journey to Cape Town begins. Driving through Mossel Bay, we travel over the majestic Tradouw's Pass toward Barrydale. On arrival in the Tradouw valley, take a nostalgic trip on a vintage tractor through the vineyards of the Joubert Tradouw Cellars where we enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Continuing through the Little Karoo, we arrive in Montagu in time for a delectable country luncheon at Mimosa Lodge reputed as a place of fine hospitality and superb cuisine. After lunch we traverse Kogmanskloof Pass through to the town of Robertson and over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. After a short visit to the town's 17th century Huguenot Memorial we travel over the Helshoogte Pass into the town of Stellenbosch. Take a fascinating stroll through 'Oom Samie se Winkel' - Stellenbosch's first trading store, and admire the historical beauty of the heart of the winelands. With Table Mountain in sight, the tour ends with drop off at your hotel or Cape Town International Airport.

AT A GLANCE

Accommodation
- Upper 3 and 4 star luxury accommodation

Flights
- No flights

Driver / Guide
- Services of SA Tourism Garden Route specialist tourist guide

Main Attractions
- Featherbed Nature Reserve on Knysna's West Head
- Nostalgic and scenic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe