ITINERARY

DAY 1:
Depart from Cape Town and drive along N2 (national motorway) through South Africa's third oldest town, Swellendam to Mossel Bay, a lovely old harbour town, where we have time to visit The Diaz Museum, The Post Office Tree and other historic attractions. Late Afternoon drive back towards Albertinia on the way to a Sunset Game Drive at the Garden Route Game Lodge. Dinner and jacuzzi under the stars before overnighting at the Santos Express (a converted train) on the beach at Mossel Bay.

DAY 2:
Depart from Mossel Bay and drive over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass on the way to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, famous for the indigenous Ostrich. Spend the day at the Cango Caves, ride Ostriches at the Cango Ostrich Farm and view Cheetahs, Crocodiles and many other big wild cats. Overnight at Faery Knowe backpackers in the beachside resort village of Wilderness, which has the option of canoeing on the lagoon spotting 200 different species of birds.

DAY 3:
Depart Wilderness and drive to George. Catch the oldest commercial running steam train in South Africa, the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe to Knysna. Thereafter we visit the World's highest Bungy site (216m) the incredible at Bloukrantz River Gorge (plenty of time to jump for those thrill seekers – extra R550pp) as well as walk the hanging bridge over the beautiful Storms River Mouth. Overnight at Stanley Island Backpackers (SA's only privately owned island) which includes half an hour champagne cruise. Dinner at own expense this evening in Plettenberg Bay. Optional extra (approx. R 150.00) of gliding effortlessly with qualified pilot over Plettenberg beaches spotting dolphins and whales (in season).

DAY 4:
Depart Plettenberg Bay and explore secluded castles on the beach at Noetzie. Visit the Knysna heads, natural sentinels providing the entrance to the lagoon from the Indian Ocean and awesome views of the surrounding area. There is further time to explore the town of Knysna. Thereafter we have a tour of an aloe factory outside Albertinia. Overnight at the Buffeljagts Dam just outside Swellendam with the option of going on the longest foefie-slide in Africa.

DAY 5:
Depart Swellendam and follow the coastal route towards the whale watching town of Hermanus. There is time for an optional extra Great White Shark Cage Dive (diving certification NOT required). Visit the beer brewery (plenty of tasting!). Thereafter we explore Hermanus including whale watching (in season) and wine tasting at Hamilton Russell. From Hermanus to Betty's Bay where we go and visit the penguins at the Penguin Colony. Return to Cape Town late afternoon via the stunning False Bay coastline where hopefully we will see more whales or dolphins.