4 Day Luxe Garden Route Selection | Join Scheduled Micro Group Africa Select Journey 4day Tour | Hotspots2c
$
  • R
  • $
  • £
trip filter
Type
Join Group
Private Transfers
Tailored

Transport
4x4 Jeep & Van
Mini-coach / Van

Tempo
Medium pace
Packed pace

Luxe Garden Route Selection

wishlist it

from

$1,434

per person sharing
Duration of tour
4 days
Join Group

Transfer Type

Mini-coach / Van
Departs when minimum requirements met

Overview

  doc

 

 A feast of variety, this tour offers a premium selection and combines some of South Africa's finest coastal seascapes with quintessential quirks of the Garden Route, and perfectly rounds them off along the robust Route 62 to give you an all-encompassing escape into this corner of paradise.

You'll traverse oceanside routes, gazing upon vast ocean expanses framed by distant mountains; taste local delicacies highlighting local flavours; immerse yourself in the sound of nature at private game reserves and join in the thrill of spotting wild animals on safari. The perfect recipe for an unforgettable escape, this 4-day itinerary selection is a travellers dream and we're confident you'll be left with fond memories of an unforgettable holiday.

As a bespoke luxury group option, our Africa Select Journeys division offers this premium micro group experience with a difference. This curated journey is aimed at the distinguished traveller who is not interested in the fast pace of a standard group tour, and has an affinity for the finer things in life but still enjoys the idea of travelling in a smaller, more intimate group.

If you decide to book the selected join group departure days, the group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people, guaranteeing each and everyone on the trip a window seat during private transfers. This ensures less time wasted on waiting on the large group and more flexibility and me-time to truly immerse yourself in the environment and enjoy the journey. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
Distance
±
1250
km
Tempo
Medium pace
Ideal For
Solo
Friends
Couple

Why You'll Love It

  • Get close to nature as you learn more about indigenous plant species, insects, birds and wildlife on a Buffelsdrift 4x4 bush drive.

  • Roadtrip along Route 62's semi-desert country plains with quirky pitstops along the way.

  • Walk amongst fragrant fynbos along the Hermanus cliff paths for some of the world's best seasonal land-based whale watching.

  • Wind along the wild beauty of the Kogelberg Biosphere with the dramatic coastal scenery of Clarence drive.

  • Stand at the point where two oceans meet at Africa's southernmost tip.

  • Spot some of Africa's Big Five on a 4x4 safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

  • Be in awe of the magnificence of nature on a hike through Wilderness National Park.

  • Experience the natural beauty of Knysna as you glide over azure lagoon waters as you cruise abroad a luxury yacht.

  • Drift down the Breede River while tasting Viljoensdrift's fine wines onboard a peaceful riverboat cruise.

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline can run in reverse or a different order.
Day 1
Cape Whale Coast > Cape Agulhas
±300km

Set out from Cape Town, expectant for the day ahead with a guaranteed window seat and the promise of many awe-inspiring moments to come. Set out along the spectacular Clarence Drive, marvelling at the dramatic twists and turns where the calm deep-blue ocean meets contrasting rocky mountain slopes. The view changes with each turn, revealing more of the silhouettes ahead and exposing the vast expanse of False Bay as the ocean stretches out before you.

The coastal beauty continues as you meander towards the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching between July-December. You’ll enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery and the quaint streets of Hermanus with a hearty lunch at a local eatery. Nearby, local stallholders offer a selection of African wares for shopaholics, and so eat your heart out as you browse and marvel over the local bric-a-brac.

From the fynbos lined paths of Hermanus, head on to the southernmost point of Africa and the very spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide. Whilst eagle-eyed visitors look for a discernible difference between the two oceans, most visitors will make the pilgrimage to the official plaque and take the requisite photo with one foot on each side of the ocean or for those that dare to brave the cooler Atlantic currents, in the water.

Watch the sky burst into colour as the sun kisses the sea and spend a relaxing night at the tip of Africa. Indulge in an included local seafood dinner and prepare to be blown away by the unique flavours that have been perfected by generations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 2
Garden Route Region > Knysna
±400km

After a leisurely morning soaking in the ocean air, you'll set course for an exhilarating afternoon at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, traversing vast hills in search of some members of the African Big 5. Hidden between Mossel Bay and George along the esteemed Garden Route, this 4200 hectare private reserve with sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean is the epitome of safari excellence. Home to four of the Big Five, Botlierskop offers a host of unrivalled wild animal viewing options. After lunch, you'll head out on a custom fitted 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable ranger; you can expect wild encounters with giraffes, honey badgers, Cape mountain zebra, vervet monkeys, hippos, waterbuck and the rare and endangered white rhinoceros. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Africa’s apex predators, the lions!

In the afternoon you'll reach Knysna for a 2 hour sunset cruise onboard a luxury catamaran as you take in the magnificent sunset views while enjoying a complimentary glass of ice-cold bubbly. Be prepared for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon, through the famous Knysna Heads and out onto the open ocean (if weather permits). Look out for pods of dolphins and other beautiful sea creatures with casual-style dinner - informal bbq "braai" - being catered for by the ship's Captian and yacht's staff.

As the sun begins to wane, you'll continue on to the eclectically quirky town of Knysna, famed for sensational coastal views, rare oysters and a bustling waterfront scene. This jewel of the Garden Route lazes on the edge of the lagoon, and the Knysna Heads - a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs - highlight the meeting place between the town’s lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Dinner can be enjoyed from the Eastern Head, affording you a breathtaking view and the chance to sample some world-famous Knysna oysters if you please!

 
 
 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 3
Karoo Region > Oudtshoorn
±100km

Enticed by the crisp morning air and fresh ocean scents, you will have a morning at leisure to drink in the surrounds and sneak in a little shopping at the Knysna Waterfront if you so desire.

A gem of the Garden Route, and a picture perfect representation of its essence; the Wilderness National Park awaits you next for a back-to-nature immersive hike. The Park’s lush terrestrial landscapes will transport you to a Garden of Eden type paradise as you follow the gentle hiking paths along reed lined banks covered by dense forest canopies. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for colourful Kingfisher’s flitting and feeding around the water’s edge or the region’s famous, but rare Knysna loerie with its green plumage and dark red wing feathers.

From the lush Garden Route to the vast arid plains of the Klein Karoo, your journey over the Outeniqua Mountain Pass really shows off our magnificent country of contrasts as the scenery changes before your eyes. Reach Buffelsdrift, a private game lodge on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, for a serene sunset bush drive. With the wind in your hair and a private ranger at the wheel, you’ll learn about the natural landscape in the Karoo and the critters that call it home; look out for buffalo, giraffe, kudu, porcupine, caracals, meerkats, aardvark, honey badgers and foxes.

When evening arrives, enjoy a sensational dinner on the deck overlooking the waterhole and if you're lucky enough you might get to see the resident hippos lazing about. Enjoy the sounds of the bush as you kick back tonight in one of Buffelsdrift's luxury glamping safari tents.

 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 4
Karoo Region
±450km

As dawn breaks and the animals of the bush, you'll begin your the slow journey back to Cape Town along the expansive Route 62. America might have the flashier Route 66, but South Africa’s most famous country road – Route 62 – charms from the first.

You'll travel along the Breede River Wine Route. Nestled between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountain ranges, this wine route offers a landscape of flower fringed roads, majestic mountains, and world-class wines.

Float along the cool waters of the Breede River, while toasting the good life with a glass of Viljoensdrift wine onboard their elegant flat-bottomed riverboat. Meander along the river, flanked by indigenous Breede River Yellowwood and Wild Olive trees teeming with a variety of bird species, while having the option for a pre-packed picnic lunch basket as on-board optional lunch. The perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon. 

Then it's time to take journey on the last bit of the Route 62; capturing the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, rugged Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards as you approach Cape Town...and suddenly the unmistakable silhouette of Table Mountain on the horizon marks the end of this sensational journey.

 
 

End with an early evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.

Included

Micro Group or Private

You can either join a micro group on scheduled departure days with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle or guide & guaranteed window seat on transfers, or you can book this as a private exclusive tour.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pickup + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.

Accommodation

3 nights accommodation and bedding according to your Ways 2 Stay package.

Breakfast & Dinner

3 x Breakfast, 2 x Dinners included

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Wilderness National Park Hike
  • Buffelsdrift 4x4 Bush Drive
  • Wind Along Coastal Clarence Drive
  • Reach Cape Agulhas - The Tip of Africa
  • Route 62
  • Viljoensdrift River Cruise + Wine Tasting
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
  • Knysna Lagoon Luxury Yacht Cruise

Excluded

Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

Lunch

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.

Optionals

If you'd like to request additional stops along the way.

Safari activities are shared with a group, unless a private safari activity add-on is requested at extra cost.

± Rates for optionals are subject to change by third party suppliers.

Searching Availability...

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 20% deposit to reserve. Full payment due at least 31 days before.

20% deposit is required to reserve. The remaining balance is due in full at least 31 days before the departure date.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
30+day notice 80% refund
21+days notice 50% refund
< 20 days notice no refund

 

  • Cancellation at least 30 days prior to tour departure date = 20% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation 21 to 29 days prior to tour departure date = 50% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation within 20 days prior to tour departure date or no-show will not be granted a refund

 

Refer to the full private tour booking terms online at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#privateterms 

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total booking price.

Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a Dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Benita Stroebel
Custom Journeys

When I started my profession in hospitality; working as a guesthouse manager for many years - I've always been involved in creating personalised experiences for guests to make the stay extra special. This has grown into my work passion and as a journey designer I love being able to create customer specific tailored trips that will be remember for the rest of their lives. In between my day job, I also create my own memories and test out experiences by spending time with my family (usually on the beach) and as a novice photographer; love to capturing it all on camera.

ask to plan your tour book guided transfer

country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
Filters