Oceans to Wildlife Garden Route Tour
Enjoy a six day tour along the Garden Route, experiencing the wonders of the Cango Caves and visiting Ostrich Show Farms before travelling along the Outeniqua Pass to George, Wilderness and Knysna. Stop along the way to explore these beautiful areas. Knysna is one of the Southern Cape Coasts best known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon.
Experience ultra luxury beach accommodation in a private castle, on one of the most stunning and secluded beaches along the Garden route. Join a guided safari through the worlds first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary at Monkeyland or visit the Craggs for an Elephant-back safari. Travel through Nature's Valley to visit one of the Big Five, Malaria Free Game Reserves, named among the top fifty resorts in Africa by Conde Nast Traveler and as one of the worlds leading conservation companies. Enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer.
Collect your hired car on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. Begin your journey of the Garden Route along Route 62, the tourist route between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, offering the shorter more scenic alternative to the N2 Highway. Make your way to Rosenhof Country House, situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. This journey will take approximately five hours from Cape Town. The carefully renovated homestead (Circa 1852), with its yellowwood beams and ceilings and a tasteful collection of antique furniture, exudes an aura of authenticity. The lovely rose garden, which gave Rosenhof its name, leads to stylishly decorated bedrooms, each individually furnished. Time permitting make your way to the Cango Caves, for a guided tour of these magnificent caves, where some of the largest stalagmite formations in the world are set in Precambrian (a time about 4500 million years ago) limestone.
Executive suites have their own pool, lounge and patio, with tranquil views of the Swartberg Mountains. With its luxurious facilities and excellent service Rosenhof is recognized as one of the finest establishments in the area.
Enjoy a tour of a working Ostrich Farm followed by a ride on one of these fascinating creatures.
Travel along the Outeniqua Pass to George, Wilderness and Knysna stopping along the way to explore these beautiful areas. Knysna is one of the Southern Cape Coast's best know holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon. The most well known attraction is the heads - where two great sandstone cliffs guard the mouth of the lagoon, which connects the estuary with the sea. Spend some time at the lookout which has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world, that supports an oyster hatchery. If you are an Oyster lover make your way to the Knysna Oyster Company, where you can enjoy an Oyster lunch on the shores of the lagoon. These oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. Take a stroll around the Town of Knysna, visiting some of the award winning Markets, which celebrate a healthy lifestyle. Visit some of the many art galleries
which display local art works. Or just enjoy the laid back vibe of the various shops and restaurants. Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well, one of the most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many places within the town. After a time of exploration make your way to Noetzie, where your accommodation in a Castle awaits you at Pezula Private Castle - Noetzie Beach. You will experience ultra luxury beach accommodation on one of the most stunning and secluded beaches along the Garden Route. The castles are built into the rugged coastal cliff-face, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the beach and the sea. Your every wish will be catered for by a professional team ranging from a resident chef, housekeeper and executive butler.
The suites open onto private terraces and have walk-in cupboards, king size beds, climate control, flat screen TVs and a seating area. The en-suite bathrooms are ultra-luxurious with heated marble floors, towel rails and freestanding baths.
After a leisurely breakfast on the patio set off to explore the wonders of the Garden Route. You will have the opportunity of an interactive experience with Elephants. Nestling in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, The Crags is situated just outside of Plettenberg Bay, and has become a firm favourite with tourists wanting to experience environmentally sensitive activities. You can take a walk with the Cheetahs of Tenikwa, through indigenous forest and Cape Floral Fynbos. Join a guided safari through the world's first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. Thereafter work up an appetite as you wander through the world's largest free-flight aviary at Birds of Eden.
Luncheon under the vines at The Crags very own Vineyard, Bramon Wine Estate. End off the day with an Elephant -back ride. It is truly an amazing experience to ride these magnificent animals. Or just enjoy a relaxing day on the Beach at Plettenberg Bay or Noetzie.
After a leisurely morning travel through Natures Valley and the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park on your way to Shamwari Game Reserve, situated in a Malaria-Free area. Shamwari has been named among the top fifty resorts in Africa, by Conde Nast Traveler and as one of the world's leading Conservation companies. The reserve is home to Africa's Big 5 wildlife and is situated among verdant bush along the Bushmans River. Steeped in pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.
There are six different lodges to choose from. The Eagles Crag is nestled in a valley and provides the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travelers. This is ultimate luxury personified in a contemporary African design. Shamwari's aim is for you to experience the 'safari of a lifetime'. You will be assigned a personal game ranger to a group of six. He will then design your daily program with you. Their wish is for you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer.
Enjoy an evening Game Drive in an open Safari Game viewing Vehicle, which has been especially converted to maximize comfort and viewing potential.
Your personal game ranger will provide insightful and valuable information about the fauna and flora. Enjoy sundowners in the Bush.
On your return to the lodge you can choose to dine in the Dining room or on the expansive balconies, with stunning views of the cliff or at the outdoor boma under the stars, around the fire.
Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximize your privacy in the most tranquil of settings. The en-suites boast a private deck with a pool, as well as, indoor and outdoor showers.
Enjoy an early morning game Drive which includes a coffee break along the way. These Game drives are usually between three and four hours long.
On your return to the Lodge you can choose to go on a Game Walk. Guided walks can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is only then that you gain a true perspective of the fauna and flora around you. Visit the two Big Cat Sanctuaries located at Shamwari. In partnership with the Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility, whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. You are able to view some of these rescued animals.
Spend some time relaxing, reading, swimming or enjoying a spa treatment.
Set off for dinner at one of the many Dining venues and enjoy the exquisite cuisine on offer. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 white and 12 red South African Wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available.
Enjoy an early morning Game Drive and delectable breakfast before you embark on your journey back to Port Elizabeth, for your onward flight.
