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Classic Garden Route 3 Nights and 4 Days |
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| This morning, the spectacular Du Toit's Kloof Pass takes us over the mountains to Worcester, we stroll through the Karoo National botanical garden, a haven for rare or endangered plants. We then enter the verdant Breede River Valley, the largest of the Western Cape's fruit and wine producing valleys. As we follow the "fruit route" we enjoy magnificent mountain views, vineyards, orchards and indigenous flora. Stocks will be made at the roadside farm stalls to purchase fruit. We journey through the unique landscape of the arid little Karoo, passing through Barrydale and Calitzdorp, to Oudsthoorn, ostrich capital of the world. We visit and ostrich farm before checking in at our accommodation. There is time to cool off in the pool before trying ostrich steaks or karoo mutton for supper |
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| After breakfast we drive to the Cango Caves, where we embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations. We then leave the little Karoo behind and drive through the protea-covered Outeniqua mountains to George. You have the option of catching the Outeniqua Choo-tjoe steam train to Sedgefield, travelling via Wilderness and scenic lake district, or you can continue by bus. We reach Knysna in time for a long drive along the shores of the Knysna Lagoon to the quaint village of Belvidere. Restaurants in Knysna specialize in locally-caught fresh fish and this evening we have the chance to sample the catch of the day. |
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| This morning we have a few hours to browse through the best of Knysna's arty-crafty shops. We drive along the coast to nearby Plettenberg Bay where we set off on a gentle "eco-stroll" along the Robberg peninsula, a rocky headland which presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea. Robberg affords excellent views of any whales and dolphins that may be visiting Plettenberg Bay. Today we are in the heart of the garden route and we enjoy a scenic drive along the Old Passes road, stopping for a swim at the unspoilt beaches of Natures Valley. We stop at the Bloukrans Bridge to witness the world's highest commercial bungee jump, before reaching our overnight accommodation in the Tsitsikamma Forest. This evening we will enjoy country hospitality and typical South African cuisine at our accommodation's in-house restaurant. |
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| Today is a spent in the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. We drive down a steep pass to the aptly-named Storms River Mouth, where there are numerous short walking trails into the forest. The "Woodcutters' journey" is a trailer or Land Rover ride which follows an old elephant trail through the forest and is an opportunity to learn about flora, fauna and history of the area. After lunch in the forest (included in tour), a short walk brings us to the 800-year old "Big Tree". We leave the garden route behind, reaching Port Elizabeth in the late afternoon. |
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