In a nutshell

More than 700 kilometers of stunning views and natural monuments on the coast of South Africa: this is the Garden Route, the most famous panoramic road on the African continent which links Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, passing through some of the country's rarest treasures. A land experience lasting three days and two nights for real lovers of “on the road” adventures.

Just imagine heavenly beaches, colorful lagoons and indigenous forests stretching out along a road that runs alongside the ocean, and then nights in a typical local accommodation where you can take a deeper dive into the local culture and hospitality: this is the Garden Route, one of the most stunning experiences that can be had on wheels in the entire world.

Main stops

Visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park
Knysna
Mossel Bay
Visit to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

The programme

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, you will be transferred transfer to Knysna, one of the main towns on the famous Garden Route. En route stop over at Tsitsikamma National Park for spectacular scenery & photographic opportunities. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Tsitsikamma area. Located between George and Plettenberg Bay, the picturesque town is renowned for its oysters and other yummy seafood dishes. Tourism and the timber industry form the cornerstones of Knysna's economy. The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, fed by the Knysna River. Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafés beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. Arrive at Plettenberg Hotel and check-in. Spend the remainder of day at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities and your surrounds. Meet at Plettenberg Hotel Restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, board the coach for a scenic transfer towards Mossel Bay and onto Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will have lunch and then shown to your air-conditioned tented suites, each with private wooden deck and views of the river or mountains. The tented suites are elegantly decorated with four-poster beds. The en-suite bathrooms have deep oval baths and refreshing outdoor showers. Botlierskop is an ideal venue for those who have not been on Safari before. Late afternoon you’ll depart on your dusk game drive where you will enjoy sundowner drinks amongst the animals. At Botlierskop, you’ll have the opportunity to see rhinoceros, lions, buffalo, giraffe and zebra who reside within the 100 hectare enclosure. Discuss the day’s adventures over dinner back at the resort.

Day 3 - Depart from the lodge on an early morning game-drive, accompanied by your game ranger. Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by time to pack your belongings and complete check-out formalities prior to departure. Depart Botlierskop and travel by road to Cape Town. En route you will pass towns such as Mossel Bay, Barrydale, Swellendam, Grabouw and travel over the scenic Sir Lowry’s Pass as you enter Cape Town. Stop en route to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town, you will transfer to Cape Town harbour, where you will re-join the ship.

Good to know

Guests require 2 blank pages per entry into South Africa
The contents and order of activities in this programme are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.
During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.
Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.
Please note that the game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and that the game-drives can be “bumpy”. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back problems.
This tour is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that spouse accompanies them and can help. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of “wheelchair friendly” rooms at the time of booking.
Clients need to be flexible regarding journey times and arrivals at places and in South Africa the service at mealtimes may be slower as most dishes are prepared to order and meals are viewed as a relaxed and leisurely affair.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
The experience can be cancelled up to 90 days before the start date of the shore excursion.
The presence of a Tour Expert from Costa is not garanteed.