DAY ONE.  CAPE TOWN 

This tour is offered as an extension to “South Africa Adventure: Safari and Cape Town” tour. However, this tour can be booked as a stand-alone trip. Or you can join the group on Thursday, October 19 for “Cape Town and the Garden Coast.” You can inquire with the OutWest office about logistics and pricing.

This is a free day to explore Cape Town on your own. In Cape Town there are numerous optional activities/attractions available: Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, V&A Waterfront, and boat cruises to Seal Island.

Accommodations: Park Inn Greenmarket Square

DAY TWO.  DRIVING THE GARDEN ROUTE TO KNYSNA 

In the morning we begin our drive toward Knysna. The Garden Route encompasses a verdant and highly attractive stretch of coastline. Along the route are beaches, forests with great walks, and small coastal villages. The narrow coastal plain is mostly bordered by extensive lagoons that run behind a barrier of sand dunes and white beaches. Inland mountains reach as high as 5,500 feet. We’ll cross some spectacular mountain passes with great views of sea, sand, cliffs, forests, and mountains.

Knysna is a large town or small city depending on your perspective. Perched on the edge of a serene lagoon and surrounded by forests, Knysna is considered a jewel of the Garden Route. The town has many restaurants, art galleries, local craft shops, and pubs in the waterfront area.

Our hotel, Knysna Hollow, is set on a secluded old country estate near Knysna's famous lagoon, 2.4 kilometers from the center of town. 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 property has a restaurant, pub, and swimming pool. Our hosts are Clive and Mark.

Accommodations: Knysna Hollow Estate 

DAY THREE.  OUDTSHOORN 

The Oudtshoorn area is best known for its ostrich farms. During the late 19th and early 20th century, fortunes were made from Ostrich feathers. Today Ostrich feathers have fallen out of fashion, but the heritage remains. We’ll visit a farm and learn more about these strange birds. On the itinerary are a tour of the Cango Caves as well as the Crocodile and Cheetah Ranch. That evening we’ll dine along the Knysna Waterfront.

Accommodations: Knysna Hollow Estate

DAY FOUR.  TSITSKIAMA FOREST CANOPY TOUR 

Tsitsikamma National Park protects 100 kilometers of coast. The coastal plateau lies at the foot of the Tsistsikamma range and is cut by rivers that have carved deep and abrupt ravines. The flora varies from evergreen forest of stinkwood and yellowwood to ferns, lilies, orchids, and coast fynobs. We’ll take a canopy tour where we climb to platforms and takes ropes between the treetops of the forest for a bird’s-eye view. Yippie!

Accommodations: Knysna Hollow Estate 

DAY FIVE.  FAREWELL 

Today we head back to Cape Town for flights back home or other excursion in Africa. Sala kahle (Zulu). Good-bye (English).