Garden Route round trip with guesthouses for connoisseurs

The best time to travel to Cape Town and along the Garden Route is in the South African spring, from September to November, and the fall, between April and May. Expect pleasantly warm temperatures and low rainfall. A popular time to travel is also the South African summer months, from December to February. However, since many accommodations are booked up quickly because of the South African summer vacations, we recommend booking your trip well in advance.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, you will meet our representatives and receive assistance to pick up your rental car.

Your accommodation is ideally located to explore Cape Town's many attractions, such as Table Mountain, the famous Alfred & Victoria Waterfront, the idyllic beaches, the excellent restaurants and the colorful city center.

Use the following days to go on excursions to the beautiful surroundings. Cape Town is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a captivating mixture of African and European culture. Table Mountain, Company's Garden, the Malay Quarter Bo-Kaap, the Castle of Good Hope as well as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront are the places to go during a visit to the city center.

We also recommend a round trip around the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. During this day tour you can also pay a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach as well as the Botanical Gardens in Kirstenbosch.

For another day trip, the Paarl-Stellenbosch-Franschhoek town triangle, also known as the cradle of South African wine, is a good choice. There are several wine routes along very beautiful wine estates here, almost all of which offer cellar tours and wine tastings. The many buildings of Cape Dutch architecture are another charming feature, which you can admire during a leisurely drive through the sleepy villages of the Winelands.

Time spent traveling from the airport in Cape Town to the hotel in Cape Town: approx. 25 minutes / approx. 21 km

3 nights with breakfast in Cape Town, South Africa

Your journey continues today to the small town of Gansbaai, about 130 km away, near the resort town of Hermanus. Here you have the best opportunities to observe whales from land.

Your accommodation, the Sea Star Lodge, is located on the coast of Walker Bay. It is best known as one of the few places in the world where you can seasonally watch whales, dolphins and seals from the beach.

If you're lucky, between July and November you can see the southern right whales that come here every year to calve and nurse their young. They often meander through the kelp layers of the coast, just a few feet from the rocks.

Take endless walks to the Walker Bay Nature Reserve or relax with a cocktail on the hotel terrace.

Time spent traveling from Cape Town to Hermanus: approx. 2 hours / approx. 120 km

2 nights with breakfast in Hermanus, South Africa

Continue along the famous Route 62 through the enchanting old villages of the Klein Karoo to Oudtshoorn, the stronghold of South African ostrich farming. Visit one of the numerous ostrich farms and learn about the largest flightless birds. However, ostriches are not the only attraction Oudtshoorn has to offer.

Nearby are the 20-million-year-old Cango Caves: a cave system with a series of hidden rooms leading deep into the rock. Known as one of the natural wonders of the world, South Africa's oldest tourist attraction still draws many visitors today. As in many other parts of Africa, you will find plenty of wildlife and breathtaking nature. Oudtshoorn offers the right activities for everyone.

Time spent traveling from Hermanus to Oudtshoorn: approx. 4 hours / 362 km

2 nights with breakfast in Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Today you will drive through the diverse landscape of the Garden Route via George, Wilderness and Knysna, to Plettenberg Bay, a resort town with beautiful beaches, clear water and an impressive mountain backdrop.

Your accommodation is located in Plettenberg Bay, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Robberg Peninsula and take wonderful walks. The Tsitsikamma mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop. Enjoy long walks on the beach or visit one of the many attractions in the area, such as Monkeyland or Birds of Eden, two sprawling animal sanctuaries. For sports enthusiasts, the area offers opportunities for golfing, horseback riding and hiking. Enjoy the scenic highlights of the Garden Route by land and water. You can take a sailboat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, visit the Tsitsikamma Forest and much more.

If you love fresh oysters, Knysna is the place to be: The bay is home to South Africa's largest oyster farm. Nowhere in the country will you find fresher or more delicious oysters.

Time spent traveling from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 170 km

3 nights with breakfast in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

On the way to St. Francis Bay, you will drive through the beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest.

Today you will spend the night at St. Francis Bay, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The fine sandy beach offers excellent conditions for surfers. But whale season, from August to October, also attracts many visitors.

The village is one of a kind in South Africa, as almost all houses are thatched. The only exception is the Mediterranean style of the harbor district. The harbor is the bustling center of squid fishing and often a popular starting point for deep sea fishing trips.

Explore the surroundings of St. Francis Bay or just relax at the beach or swimming pool.

Time spent traveling from Plettenberg Bay to St Francis Bay: approx. 2 hours / approx. 169 km

2 nights with breakfast in St. Francis Bay, South Africa

You will spend the rest of your vacation at the Kariega Game Reserve, a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. Two rivers make this game reserve unique in South Africa as a home to a host of exotic animals. Go on safari and spot the Big Five as they stalk through the park. You can go on game drives or walks with an experienced ranger of the lodge. In addition, the reserve offers best conditions for fishing or canoeing on the Kariega River (for a fee). You also have the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable cruise on the Kariega River aboard the Kariega Queen (for a fee).

Make the most of your two days in the Kariega Game Reserve to get to know Africa from its most beautiful angles.

Time spent traveling from St. Francis Bay to the Kariega Game Reserve: approx. 2.5 hours / approx. 218 km

2 nights full board and activities at Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa

Every journey comes to an end. You will drive to the airport where you will drop off your rental car and fly back home from Gqeberha. We hope you enjoyed your vacation and that it will remain in your memory for a long time.

itravel - for that moment.

Cape Riviera Guesthouse****, Cape Town, South Africa.

This accommodation awaits you in the upscale suburb of Oranjezicht at the foot of Table Mountain. Each of the 12 rooms is spacious and features modern design. They also feature an en suite bathroom, a small refrigerator, air conditioning, a telephone and a TV. Start your day with a delicious breakfast and unwind by one of the two outdoor pools. You can reach the city center with its numerous sights, restaurants and shopping opportunities in just a few minutes.

One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel*****, Hermanus, South Africa

Located on the waterfront in the popular seaside town of Hermanes, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel exudes country charm with its brightly modern, cozy interiors. Enjoying great views of the bay and - if you're lucky - views of passing whales, you can relax on the sun terrace and in the heated outdoor pool. The luxurious, air-conditioned rooms ensure your well-being and comfort including coffee and tea making facilities. Start the day right in the breakfast room. Restaurants in the close vicinity invite you to dine and linger.

La Plume Guesthouse****, Oudtshoorn, South Africa.

La Plume Guesthouse is situated on an ostrich, alfalfa and wine farm with magnificent views of the Olifants River valley and the Swartberg mountain range. The Victorian residence has been in existence since 1902 and is characterized by its tranquil setting and spaciousness. In 2005, the Du Toit family decided to open their home to guests. Antiques, gathered over the years, are complemented by selected paintings on the walls. The 11 guest rooms, all with private bathrooms, are individually decorated and equipped with air conditioning, television, coffee/tea facilities and mini-bar.Enjoy South African wine and fine cuisine. La Plume offers not only a full breakfast (included), but also candlelit dinners (not included). Relax by the swimming pool on hot summer days.

Periwinkle Lodge****, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.

Rooms are decorated in radiant and friendly tones that reflect the colors of the surrounding sea and mountains. The seven sunny rooms all have private bathrooms, television, telephone, bar fridge, hair dryer. Six of the rooms are even equipped with private balconies. From the terrace, you can watch whales and dolphins cavorting in the ocean during a rich breakfast (seasonal). For dinner, several restaurants are available nearby. The lounge has magazines, books and CDs, and a warming fire on cold winter days.

Sandals Guesthouse****, St. Francis Bay, South Africa

Each of the ten cozy rooms, furnished with natural materials like wood and sisal, have bath/shower, TV, telephone, and a private deck or veranda overlooking the idyllic garden.Relax in the tropical-style lounge, which leads out onto the covered breakfast deck. Your breakfast is included in the rate. A swimming pool and poolside bar complete the facilities.

Kariega River Lodge****, Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa.

Kariega River Lodge is located in a malaria-free area of approximately 10,000 hectares. Here you can experience five very different eco-systems, home to many different species of plants, game and birds. More than 280 species of birds, including Osprey, Marshall and Crowned Eagles, call this reserve home. The Main Lodge offers 21 spacious wooden chalets, all with air conditioning, bathrooms and a private viewing deck, some with a splash pool. Here you can relax and listen to the cry of ospreys. The restaurant serves traditional South African cuisine. In good weather, meals are served in the traditional boma (a seating area set around a fire pit). Full meals are included during your stay. A bar and swimming pool complete the facilities. Satellite television in the bar/lounge.

Closest airport: Cape Town International Airport

Duration of the trip: 15 days / 14 nights

Included

• Meet & Greet at the airport in Cape Town
• 14 nights in the mentioned accommodations
  • 3 nights at Cape Riviera Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a Superior Room, Cape Town, South Africa
  • 2 nights at One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel***** with breakfast in a Pool View Room, Hermanus, South Africa
  • 2 nights at La Plume Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a Superior Suite, Oudtshoorn, South Africa
  • 3 nights at Periwinkle Lodge**** with breakfast in a Superior with balcony, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Sandals Guest House**** with breakfast in a superior room, St. Francis Bay, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Kariega River Lodge**** with full board and activities in a Luxury Suite, Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa
• 14 rental days of Toyota RAV (or similar) including all additional drivers, exemption from theft and collision damage, personal accident insurance, unlimited kilometers, airport surcharge, tourism tax, VAT of 15%, young driver surcharge per day per driver, carbon emission tax, document administration fee, tire, hubcap, rim, water, windshield, sandblasting and underbody damage, sat nav device, one way fee. Pick up of the rental car at Cape Town airport on the day of arrival and drop off of the rental car at Port Elizabeth airport on the day of departure.
• Detailed travel documents
• Activities at Kariega Game Reserve
• 2 x game drives per day
• guided bush walks
• Fishing and canoeing
• Kariega Queen cruise on the Kariega River
• The starting price is valid in the travel period 01-05.22 - 31-05.22

Not included

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of services
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Additional costs for rental car (will be charged directly to credit card): R 3.700 for the petrol deposit, R 90 for the contract fee, R 1.800 for the one way fee, R 390 for the navigation system.

Experiences included

• Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge
  • 2x game drives per day, boat trips and guided bush walks, fishing and canoeing

Our recommendation

• Meet & Greet at the airport in Cape Town
• 14 nights in the mentioned accommodations
  • 3 nights at Cape Riviera Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a Superior Room, Cape Town, South Africa
  • 2 nights at One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel***** with breakfast in a Pool View Room, Hermanus, South Africa
  • 2 nights at La Plume Guesthouse**** with breakfast in a Superior Suite, Oudtshoorn, South Africa
  • 3 nights at Periwinkle Lodge**** with breakfast in a Superior with balcony, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Sandals Guest House**** with breakfast in a superior room, St. Francis Bay, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Kariega River Lodge**** with full board and activities in a Luxury Suite, Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa
• 14 rental days of Toyota RAV (or similar) including all additional drivers, exemption from theft and collision damage, personal accident insurance, unlimited kilometers, airport surcharge, tourism tax, VAT of 15%, young driver surcharge per day per driver, carbon emission tax, document administration fee, tire, hubcap, rim, water, windshield, sandblasting and underbody damage, sat nav device, one way fee
• Detailed travel documents
• Activities in Kariega Game Reserve
• 2 x game drives per day
• guided bush walks
• fishing and canoeing
• Kariega Queen cruise on the Kariega River
• The from price is valid in the travel period 18.12.21 - 10.01.22 and 01.02.2022 - 28.02.2022