Southern Africa

7 Day Unhurried Cape - Self Drive  
This tour is designed for maximum yet relaxed enjoyment of the Cape area. The routing allows clients to experience the diversity of the Cape whilst simultaneously staying off-the-beaten-track for most of the time. Enjoy the true hospitality of South Africans in the peace and quiet of our unspoilt nature.

Why choose this region

What to see

Accomodations

Travel options

Day 1
You will be met on arrival at Cape Town International Airport by a Welcome Tourism Services representative, handed your world-class documentation and assisted to the Europcar rental counter to collect your vehicle. Depart Cape Town and travel via the Strand and coastal road to Hermanus, an ideal lunchtime break. Continue on to Bredasdorp and through the wheat farming areas to Malaga, the last hand operated ferry service in South Africa. A short drive from here you will reach Breede River Lodge in Fort Beaufort. Approximate travel time: 3.5 Hours from Cape Town International Airport to Breede River Lodge - bed and breakfast basis

Situated at the meeting of the waters of the Breede River and the Indian Ocean, the Breede River Lodge is located mid-way between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Accommodation consists of waterfront cabins, leading onto a wooden deck overlooking the private harbour and river; and rooms and self-contained lodges under thatch, designed in historical style. All cabins and rooms have underfloor heating, TV with M-Net, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities, while the luxury lodges have a spacious lounge and dining area, fully equipped open plan kitchenette, timber deck and fireplace. The restaurant, overlooking the estuary, offers breakfast and light lunches. The evening meal is a choice of table d`hote or à la carte menus, specialising in wild oysters, fresh fish and the Lodge's famous "bouillabaisse du Cap." The Breede River is the Cape's premier fishing estuary and boasts a history of record catches of spotted grunter, leervis, cob and white steenbras. Up-river at Malgas, a hand-operated pont still ferries vehicles across the water. For the fishing or boating enthusiast, there is a private harbour with ample mooring facilities and a slipway. One can also charter a boat for a wonderful day of river adventures.

Day 2
Full day at leisure to enjoy a long walk on the beach, deep-sea fishing or horse riding. Breede River Lodge - bed and breakfast basis

Day 3
Depart Fort Beaufort, via Riversdale and Mosselbay to Knysna, situated in the heart of the Garden Route. You will be accommodated at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays for two nights. This hotel is situated on the banks of the famous Knysna Lagoon and faces the sea through the Knysna Heads. Approximate travel time: 3.5 Hours from Breede River Lodge to Protea Hotel Knysna Quays - bed and breakfast basis

One of the finest hotels in Knysna is undoubtedly the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays. Located next to the bustling Knysna Quays Waterfront, the luxurious Protea Hotel Knysna Quays introduces the discerning visitor to a world of uncluttered elegance and unrivalled comfort on the shores of the exquisite Knysna Lagoon. All rooms are decorated in light nautical hues and feature deluxe en-suite bathroom with separate shower. Most rooms offer magnificent views of the lagoon and yacht basin.

Day 4
Knysna Quays is perfectly situated to explore the splendours of the acclaimed Garden Route. Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay are within easy driving distance. The surrounding forests provide excellent walking, birding and biking opportunities, whilst the sandy white beaches are a sunbather's delight.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays - bed and breakfast basis

Day 5
The trip continues to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. Visit the magnificent Cango Caves and one of the many ostrich farms in the area.
Approximate travel time: 2 Hours from Protea Hotel Knysna Quays to Hlangana Lodge - bed and breakfast basis.

Welcome to one of the finest small luxury establishments in South Africa - and the best choice for your stay in Oudtshoorn. Hlangana Lodge is a four-star guesthouse set on more than a hectare of exotic gardens. With 12 standard rooms, 6 superior and 1 honeymoon suite all opening onto a verandah and overlooking lush gardens, we offer the highest standard of luxury and service. We are perfectly situated to serve as a haven from which you can explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding countryside.

Day 6
Drive along the famous Route 62 through Calitzdorp and the Huisrivier Pass, skirting the Klein Karoo to Barrydale and finally Montagu, with the night at the beautiful Mimosa Lodge. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and healing hot mineral springs. Visitors will discover the Wildflower Nature garden, bird sanctuaries, several nature reserves, museums, art galleries, historic homes, lovely hiking trails, 4X4 and mountain bike trails and ideal rock climbing opportunities.

A warm welcome awaits you in the historic, carefully renovated house. Accomodation comprises 9 classic bedrooms and 7 suites, all uniquely decorated. All suites are situated in the garden, each with a private patio or balcony. Relax in this magnificent garden and enjoy the highly acclaimed creative cuisine.
Approximate travel time: 3 Hours from Hlangana Lodge to Mimosa Lodge - bed and breakfast basis.

Day 7
After breakfast return via Kogman’s Kloof, the Breede River, and Worcester to Cape Town or the International Airport.
Approximate travel time: 2 Hours from Mimosa Lodge to Cape Town or the International Airport

 

Unhurried Cape – Self Drive
May 1st to August 31st 2008 rates:                       
Gross Price:                 US$  553 CA$  581
Single Supplement:     US$  184 CA$  193

September 1st 2008 to November 30th 2008 rates:                       
Gross Price:                 US$  671 CA$  706
Single Supplement:     US$  180 CA$  189

 

   
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