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Magnificent Garden Route

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Magnificent Garden RouteOudtshoorn - Knysna

4 Days / 3 NightsMin: 2 Max: 16 Persons

Reference: 2016 FLAGSHIP

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OverviewMagnificent Garden Route - FLAGSHIP

4 days Fully Guided Flexible & Combinable Journey

Cape Town or Stellenbosch | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | Port Elizabeth

Between Cape Town in the south, and East London on the Eastern Cape coast, runs an astoundingly beautiful stretch

of coastline, the Garden Route, our own garden of Eden

Destination Accommodation Nights Basis Room Type

Oudtshoorn The Queen's Hotel 1 B&B

Knysna Knysna Hollow Country Estate 2 HB

KeyRO: Room onlySC: Self CateringHB: Half BoardB&B: Bed and breakfastD, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfastFB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunchFB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities dailyFI: Fully inclusive

PriceR 9 855.00 nett per person sharingR 10 755.00 nett per single occupancy

IncludedDining Inclusions3 Breakfasts | 1 Lunch | 1 DinnerPlusHotel porterage included

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Day 1: The Queen's Hotel, Oudtshoorn

South AfricaEvery country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park which alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins - there is something here for any person with any interest of any age.

Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).

OudtshoornOudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.

Day NotesDay 1: (Wed) Oudtshoorn

We depart by 07h30 from Cape Town and travel on to Stellenbosch for further collections. We then continue via the town of Montagu on the scenic ‘Route 62’ to the pretty village of Barrydale where we stop for tea (own account). Then it’s on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ thanks to its huge ostrich industry. After a fascinating tour of an ostrich farm, we continue to our Oudtshoorn hotel for check in and overnight.

Accommodation: Queens Hotel or similar

Distance travelled today: 480 kms

ActivitiesSafari Ostrich ShowfarmBarrydaleMontagu PassOudtshoornThompsons Africa Tourist Guides

Safari Ostrich ShowfarmSafari Ostrich Show Farm is an operating farm where visitors will see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the surrounding fields. Visitors are assured of personal attention and upon their arrival are greeted by one of our multi-lingual guides who will, during the course of the tour explain every aspect of ostrich farming, from breeding to rearing. The tour starts in the breeding camp, with a nest of ostrich eggs, where the first stage of the ostrich life cycle is explained. Visitors will get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on

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them - a great photo opportunity. During the breeding season visitors get to see ostrich eggs hatching in the incubator rooms. Visitors get to sit on an ostrich and those who are brave enough can even try their hand at riding one. Every tour ends with an "Ostrich Derby" where local jockeys display their riding skills. A highly entertaining and educational tour is guaranteed.

BarrydaleFrom the inhabitants and their occupations to the scenery, with its various landscapes, microclimates and vegetation, the picturesque village of Barrydale enjoys harmonious diversity, which is unique for a small town that is typically centred on farming. Barrydale borders the Overberg and Klein Karoo regions of the Western Cape and has a well-developed tourist infrastructure that ranges from wine farms to flower gardens.

Montagu PassThe Montagu Pass is the second of the four passes that were built in this valley. After being approved by the Hon. John Montagu in 1844, convict labour was used to create the pass and it was opened to the public three years later, but the official opening only occurred in January 1948. Before the pass, it took three full days to get over the tortuous Cradock Pass. The pass made it possible to do this within three hours. Today, it takes 15 minutes or less.

OudtshoornOudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches and the magnificent Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62, which takes motorists past one awe-inspiring sight after another, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town. Other than ostriches and the wonderful feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also boasts the spectacular Cango Caves; the largest show cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations.

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Thompsons Tourist GuidesThe very best calibre of staff has been employed as our permanent specialist guides. Consistently being awarded as winners in various Guiding categories such as Western Cape Guide, Tourist Guiding Excellence and Best Tourist Guide of the Year, many of these passionate staff members hold university degrees in marketing, photography, tourism and education but have chosen to place their focus on realising the dreams of our guests. Join them on one of our exciting guided journeys – you will be completely blown away by their knowledge, excitement and passion! They speak English, German and Spanish, and our wider network of guides speak most other languages.

Overnight: The Queen's Hotel The Queen's Hotel is an oasis of colonial elegance and wired modern convenience in the heart of Oudtshoorn - the capital of the beautiful semi-arid Klein Karoo. Finished in 1880, this grand dame of South African hoteliery has recently been restored to her full original beauty and continues to offer sumptuous accommodation, service and dining that is reminiscent of a bygone era but driven by dynamic modern hotel management.

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IncludedAccommodation

Day 2: Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Knysna

KnysnaNestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

Day NotesDay 2: (Thu) Knysna (BB, D)

This morning we go underground to marvel at the icy formations in the Cango Caves, regarded, for good reason, as one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. We then drive via the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to the town of George, then onto Knysna, perhaps South Africa’s most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route. Spend the rest of the day discovering the joys of the town’s many art galleries, craft shops and coffee bars.

Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

ActivitiesCango CavesKnysna WaterfrontDolphin PointKnysna

Cango CavesThe spectacular Cango Caves are a subterranean wonderland of magnificent stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that attracts thousands of visitors annually. They extend more than two kilometres into the Swartberg Mountains and visitors can take guided tours that wind through narrow passageways and steep stairways linking the massive caverns.

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Knysna WaterfrontThe Waterfront is a central point of activity in Knysna. From here one can board a sunset cruise or ferry ride around the lagoon, do some shopping, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and find accommodation for your stay in Knysna.

Dolphin PointDolphin Point Look Out in Wilderness is one of the most popular view sites along this eastern section of the Garden Route. Receiving its name from the number of dolphins that are spotted from this vantage point at a regular basis, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of the ocean. Whales are also spotted at Dolphin Point Look Out in winter during breeding season.

KnysnaNestled between the imposing Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by world-renowned forests, Knysna offers a wealth of activities for visitors. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, jet-ski, boat, fish, walk on soft sand and take ferry rides. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready to be explored. The region isn’t known as the “Garden of Eden” for nothing! A birding route is available for avid bird watchers. World class golf courses are at your doorstep. And of course the area is famous for the Knysna Heads and delicious oysters.

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Overnight: Knysna Hollow Country Estate Knysna Hollow is beautifully set on a secluded old country estate near Knysna's famous lagoon. Set amongst timeless oaks and pecan trees, the gracious old manor house forms the focal point of the lodge. Built in a bygone era, it is finished with pressed ceilings, yellowwood floors and indigenous furniture.

The Knysna Hollow Restaurant is situated in the Manor House and serves fine food in relaxed and warm surroundings. The scintillating, yet refined menu reflects flavours and influences from around the globe, with a selection of dishes sure to stimulate the senses. Choose between ocean-fresh seafood such as Cape Crayfish and linefish, South African specialties such as Karoo Lamb and Venison dishes or decadent desserts.

Enjoy pre-dinner drinks next to a roaring fire in wintertime or in the yellowwood-panelled pub, "The Rutland Arms". Your Hosts, Clive, Danie & Grant, provide Cape hospitality at it's personal best and will assist in your selection of a fine wine.

IncludedAccommodation, Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Knysna

Day NotesDay 3: (Fri) Knysna (BB, L)

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Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon then visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches surrounding it. After lunch spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying this lovely and special town.

Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar

Distance travelled today: 60 kms

ActivitiesKnysna LagoonFeatherbed Nature ReserveKnysna Heads

Knysna LagoonThe beautiful Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places in the world that supports an oyster hatchery and these oysters have a reputation for being some of the tastiest on the planet – hence they are honoured during the popular, annual Knysna Oyster festival. The lagoon is the focal point for most of the recreation and leisure activities in and around Knysna. The lagoon and its beaches are famous for an abundance of wildlife and a variety of water sports.

Featherbed Nature ReserveThe pristine Featherbed Reserve is a South African Natural Heritage site situated on the Western Knysna Head and is only accessible by ferry. A visit to the reserve includes a ferry cruise, nature drive and guided walk – all of which offer unsurpassed views of the lagoon, mountains and the town of Knysna.

Knysna Heads‘Knysna’ is a Khoi word but its exact meaning is uncertain. One possibility is ‘straight down’, which is an obvious reference to the Knysna Heads. This striking geological feature is famous along the entire southern African coastline.

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The Knysna lagoon opens to the ocean after passing between these two large, statuesque headlands. The Heads have become infamous due to the numerous wrecks that have resulted from boats trying to pass through the treacherous and unpredictable waters between them.

IncludedAccommodation, Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Departure

Day NotesTDay 4: (Sat) Port Elizabeth

This morning we explore part of the glorious indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest and enjoy spectacular coastal views from the Storms River mouth. We continue on to Port Elizabeth to arrive mid-afternoon. The tour ends at approximately 14h30 at the airport or at a central hotel.

Distance travelled today: 315 kms

ActivitiesTsitsikamma National ParkStorms River MouthBloukrans Bungee Jump

Tsitsikamma National ParkMuch of the indigenous forest in this eastern part of the Garden Route falls within the Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is not only a breathtaking haven for indigenous flora and fauna but also for marine life. A marine conservation belt forms part of the park, stretching five and a half kilometres out into the ocean.

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Storms River MouthThe mouth of the Storms River is surrounded by national parks and accommodation, and offers plenty of fun activities. This is where the Otter Trail and Dolphin Trail start as well as numerous smaller hikes. Other activities include crossing the mouth via a suspension bridge, dining at the restaurant overlooking this beautiful site, and swimming and snorkelling in the sea.

Bloukrans Bungee JumpIf it’s adrenalin you’re after, look no further than the Bloukrans Bridge. At 216 metres high and with a 7 second free fall, Bloukrans is the world’s highest bungy jump. Your experience of the highest bridge in Africa doesn’t have to include a bungy jump, however, as you can also participate in a walking tour of the structure.

IncludedBreakfast