11-Day Cape Town to Durban Tour via Wild Coast
(Self-Drive option also available)
Day 1 - Oudtshoorn
After breakfast we collect you from your overnight destination or at the airport in Cape Town and make our way to Oudtshoorn along “Route 62”, the tourist route that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway. It's an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure — whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquillity. Innovation and pride, combined with a terrain and mild climate that are harmoniously balanced, results in the prominence of this region's wines. Route 62 will take you along the longest wine route in the Western Cape and most likely the whole world. We reach Oudtshoorn in the late afternoon, a town that is known as the "feather capital of the world”.
Overnight at Fosters Manor (or similar). Experience the days gone by of ostrich feathers and feather palaces at Foster`s Manor Bed & Breakfast - the embodiment of the ambiance of the era when the ostrich and its feathers reigned supreme in the Little Karoo.
Day 2 – Oudtshoorn. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today we visit the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn which are among the biggest stalagmite formations in the world. Some of the sandstone formations are colourfully illuminated and the bizarre shapes in the caves are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. They develop as limewater drips from the stones and evaporates. The structures growing down from the cave ceiling are called stalactites, while those that grow from the ground to the top are called stalagmites.
We will also visit a working ostrich farm where one can learn more about these fascinating birds. Commercial ostrich farming started during the late 1880's in South Africa; this was also the start of the ostrich industry worldwide. The fashion demand in Europe for ostrich feathers inspired the growth of the industry, with the Oudtshoorn district quickly being established as the “ostrich capital of the world”. During the first decade of the previous century, ostrich feathers gained record prices on foreign markets, ranking 4th on the list of South African exports, after gold, diamonds and wool. The consequence of this newly found opulence meant that ostrich farmers were able to build beautiful sandstone mansions. A unique feature of the farm experience is a visit to the Ostrich Palace "Welgeluk" which was built at the height of the feather boom in 1910. The homestead is a National Monument and is a superb example of the type of architecture that was used at the time. Safari Ostrich Show Farm was established more than 40 years ago. Lunch will be enjoyed at this farm.
From here we will make our way to Knysna, where we overnight at the Knysna River Club (or similar). The award winning Knysna River Club comprising of 35 luxury chalets is situated on the edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon, offering a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay at one of South Africa's prime destinations. The remainder of the day you are at leisure.
Day 3 - Knysna (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we make our way to the “Featherbed Nature Reserve”. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry, walk and lunch and a 25-minute ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western head (The Reserve is only accessible by ferry.) Upon arrival, guests board a Unimog drawn trailer and drive up to the top of the Reserve. While stopping at a scenic lookout point, our specialist guides will share with you some fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views. An optional 2,2 km guided nature walk takes you through the forest, onto the cliffs, into the caves and along the scenic coast. Once back in the Food Forest, a unique outdoor restaurant situated under the Milkwood Trees, guests can enjoy a spectacular 12 dish buffet lunch.
Overnight at the Knysna River Club (or similar). The award winning Knysna River Club comprising of 35 luxury chalets is situated on the edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon, offering a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay at one of South Africa's prime destinations.
Later this afternoon you are at leisure to stroll around the town or the cute Knysna Waterfront to catch up on some shopping or relaxation.
Day 4 - Knysna (Breakfast)
Today you have the option of a boat trip to search for marine mammals off the coast of Plettenberg Bay or a visit to the Tsitsikamma Forest to explore this interesting area. You may also opt to visit the very interesting Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay and then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Knysna. Whichever option you choose is for your own account, but your guide will be available to advise and transport you to whichever activity you choose.
Overnight Knysna River Club.
Day 5 – Addo Elephant Park (Breakfast, Dinner)
This morning we depart for the Addo Elephant National Park where we overnight. The Addo Elephant Park lies deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. Here the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 420 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. We will spend the remainder of the day game viewing in this popular game reserve – game drives to be conducted by your guide in his vehicle. Overnight Addo National Park. Along the way we stop at the Paul Sauer Bridge over the Storms River to take a stroll onto the bridge and for a refreshment break.
Day 6 – East London (Breakfast)
This morning after another game drive we travel the 300-odd kilometres to East London where we overnight at the Quarry Lake Inn in this coastal city. Located in a quiet suburb of East London, Quarry Lake Inn is a four-star graded guest house overlooking a rehabilitated quarry. Indigenous trees and plants were introduced to maintain a natural environment that supports an abundance of bird and animal life.
Day 7 – Wild Coast (Breakfast)
Today we travel the scenic route through the rural Transkei to our overnight destination on the stunning Wild Coast. Our preferred accommodation here is the Umngazi River Bungalows, but this is a very popular venue, and thus availability is very limited. Should we not be in a position to secure accommodation here, we will stay at a similar venue, to be advised. En route we will stop in Umtata and visit the museum dedicated to South Africa's favourite son, Nelson Mandela.
Day 8 – Wild Coast (Breakfast)
The days here are all yours to enjoy. While beach walks and activities may tempt the more active, simply relaxing in comfortable and private surroundings remains a substantial temptation. Along the Eastern Cape's east coast, is the largely untamed and extravagantly beautiful Wild Coast - the ultimate holiday destination. Craggy, rocky and untamed, the Wild Coast is the pearl in the crown of the Eastern Cape with countless natural attractions and a rich cultural heritage. Kilometre after kilometre of unspoiled coastline, forest and open spaces where you can enjoy sandy beaches, fishing, horse riding, birding, hiking, famous shipwrecks and caves.
Day 9 – Sani Pass (Breakfast)
Today we travel the scenic route through the rural Transkei to our overnight destination on the stunning Moorcroft Manor (or similar) where we overnight. Moorcroft Manor Country House is situated amidst rolling green hills and breath-taking sunsets on the outskirts of the country village of Himeville, 8kms from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg.
Day 10 – Sani Pass (Breakfast)
This morning we transfer to our 4X4 vehicles for the ascent up the Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Breathtaking scenery and alpine conditions dominate this truly magnificent corner of this province. Once we have entered Lesotho we will stop off at a Basutho village where one can learn more about the life of these very friendly people, in this, one of the world’s poorest countries. Lunch will be at the “highest pub in Africa”, the Sani Top Chalet. We will also have some time here to walk along the edge of the escarpment for stunning views into KwaZulu Natal, before descending the pass to Moorcroft Manor. *NB. Warm clothing is a must, no matter the season of the year! You will also need valid passports for the crossing into Lesotho. The ascent of the pass is subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
Overnight Moorcroft Manor.
Day 11 – Durban (Breakfast)
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we make our way to Durban via Pietermaritzburg and the “Valley of a 1000 Hills”. If time allows, we will do a short orientation tour of this city before dropping you off at your overnight accommodation or at the airport.
