Garden Route Self - Drive

GARDEN ROUTE SELF-DRIVE – 6 DAYS
SELF-DRIVE SAFARIS
JENMAN
Discover South Africa’s greatest highlights at your own pace. We invite you to go on this adventurous self-drive safari from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth to explore this beautiful country independently as you drive through South Africa’s popular Garden Route.

Country(s): South Africa
Duration: Less than 1 week
Type: Self-Drive Safaris

An adventurous Garden route self-drive safari through South Africa’s popular Garden Route, starting in Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth – 6 Days

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Port Elizabeth – Known as one of the largest cities in South Africa, Port Elizabeth is situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770 km east of Cape Town.

Tsitsikamma Forest – The region of Tsitsikamma is a delight for travellers on a South African safari through the Garden Route, with its protected indigenous forest that contains the most amazing array of vegetation.

Knysna – Most famously, Knysna is known for its warm-water estuary that passes between two large headlands known as the Knysna Heads. The Heads boast a breath-taking lookout point, which gives visitors the optimal vantage point from which to appreciate the open ocean, as well as the chance to enjoy a meal at restaurants that offer stunning views and good, wholesome food.

Oudtshoorn – Here you can take a visit into the popular Cango Caves, which measure over four kilometers and are made up of a network of extensive tunnels and chambers. They boast spectacular trails amongst magnificent limestone formations and are located 29-kilometers outside of Oudtshoorn, an area well-known for its ostrich farming.

Bloukrans River – Daredevils can get their pulses racing with a leap off of the Bloukrans Bridge, known as the world’s highest bungee jump bridge.

Monkeyland, Knysna – Here you will be taken on a monkey safari in the forest to learn about these fascinating creatures.

ITINERARY

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, please proceed to the Avis Car Hire depot to collect your hired car and drive to your accommodation in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. The rest of the afternoon is spent on leisure.

ITINERARY

After breakfast, explore the historical Klein Karoo at your own pace and partake in some activities available such as a visit to the show farm to learn about the history and use of these unique birds, as well as their life cycle and how they are farmed or tour the famous Cango Caves – the mysterious limestone formations in the subterranean wonderland. The next day, drive along South Africa’s southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. You will experience a scenic drive to Knysna. you may also like to take a trip to the nearby Monkeyland, where you will get taken on a monkey safari in the forest to learn about these fascinating creatures, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar. Next door is Birds of Eden, a free flight bird sanctuary, complete with a canopy walk, mysterious ruin and walk behind waterfall. The main attraction is the 220 species of birds that inhabit the aviary.

ITINERARY

Continue your journey along the Garden route via Plettenberg Bay, where you can stop and relax at a stunning beach before making your way towards the Tsitsikamma Forest. Explore the coastal bush and rocky shoreline and if you are more adventurous plunge off the world’s highest bungee jump at the Bloukrans River.

ITINERARY

Drive along the costal shoreline the day is spent at your leisure by partaking in optional activities or enjoy the afternoon at the beach.

ITINERARY

Drive along the costal shoreline the day is spent at your leisure by partaking in optional activities or enjoy the afternoon at the beach.

Tour Map

Garden Route Self Drive step map

INCLUDED
Avis car hire as mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

EXCLUDED
Flights
Travel insurance and visas
Optional activities
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, tips etc.
Park fees unless stipulated
Any meals & drinks not stipulated in the itinerary

Vehicles:

Avis Car Hire, group B (VW Polo Vivo or similar).

ROAD TEST: Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,4 Mswenko - CAR Magazine

Premium insurance includes: theft and collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, unlimited mileage, location surcharge, third party liability insurance, general public liability insurance, tourism levy, VAT and claim admin fee, tyre, rim and hubcap damage, windscreen damage/repair, sandblasting damage, water and undercarriage damage.

Excludes: fuel, refundable rental deposit, rental contract fee, one way drop off charges, delivery and collection fees, traffic fine administration fee, additional driver, child safety seats, GPS navigation, additional spare tyre rental and deposit.

Meals: Breakfasts will be in restaurants at the various accommodation establishments. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit the countries stated on the itinerary.

Travel Insurance: Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman African Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.

Accommodation

Day 1: La Plume Boutique Guest House or similar

Day 2 & 3 : The Rex Hotel or similar

Day 4: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar

Day 5: The Beach Hotel or similar

La Plume Boutique Guest House

La Plume is a Boutique Guest House with Spa on a working ostrich, alfalfa, and cattle farm offering spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where Karin, the owner, has combined old-world charm with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.

guest house

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accommodation

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La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation from a Cottage, Private Farm Villa, Luxury Rooms to Luxury Junior Suite, Honeymoon and Superior Suites. With private entrances, sunny verandas and elegant, comfortable antiques, each of the 20 individually furnished air-conditioned units offer satellite television, free WiFi, minibar and abundant comforts.

activities

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Farm Tour

Spa

The Rex Hotel

Knysna is a haven of beaches, forests, lakes and sea, and aha The Rex Hotel is one of this coastal town’s most sophisticated accommodation offerings. A warm welcome and timeless elegance ensure guests enjoy a special experience during their stay at aha The Rex Hotel, as we promise superior service and exceptional comfort time and again.

Located on the world-famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style, making it one of the most exhilarating getaway destinations in its class. Expect an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts that capture the essence of 4-star luxury. The O Bar & Eatery serves Buffet Breakfast daily in a contemporary setting with cuisine that is beautifully presented and prepared using only the freshest ingredients that Knysna has to offer. aha The Rex Hotel offers travellers a gateway to Knysna’s outstanding restaurants, blossoming forests, nature reserves, arts and crafts, and the shores of the serene lagoon.

GUEST HOUSE

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ACCOMMODATION

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aha The Rex Hotel has 56 Standard Twin Rooms, that reflect an urban chic ambiance and mixes contemporary and classic décor with cool colours and rich fabrics. Every modern comfort is available, from the well-equipped kitchenette to the small touches that are aimed at making your stay as relaxing as possible.

STANDARD DOUBLE ROOM

Each of the 30 Standard Double Rooms has a Double Bed and an en-suite bathroom.

ROOM FEATURES:

Air Conditioning
Coffee & Tea Station
DSTV
Hair Dryer
Minibar Fridge
Safe
Shower
TV
Wi-Fi

STANDARD TWIN ROOM

Each of the 26 Standard Twin Rooms has a Twin Bed and an en-suite bathroom.

ROOM FEATURES:

Air Conditioning
Coffee & Tea Station
DSTV
Hair Dryer
Minibar Fridge
Safe
Shower
TV
Wi-Fi

The Rex Hotel Twin Room

ATTRACTIONS

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KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK

Visit this park and rescue facility to closely interact with seven beautiful elephants in their natural habitats. This is a small reserve that can be toured in a Jeep vehicle.

FEATHERBED RESERVE

This private nature reserve protects the blue duiker antelope, unique for its small size and under-eye scent glands, as well as being the only known meat-eating antelope!

TRANSPORT MUSEUM

The Outeniqua Transport Museum has an excellent collection of trains and associated memorabilia, as well as classic vehicles, models and other ‘bits ‘n pieces’.

OYSTER FESTIVAL

The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.

WATERFRONT QUAYS

The Knysna Waterfront Quays is one of the region’s most popular leisure and shopping destinations with a variety of shops, restaurants, boat cruises and fishing.

WHALE WATCHING

South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most exciting whale watching destinations in the world! Enjoy this unforgettable experience people often travel from afar to see these magnificent denizens of the deep.

ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE

The Reserve’s rugged peninsula offers a wild shot of the great outdoors, with crashing waves, barking Cape fur seals, stunning scenery, beaches and views Plettenberg Bay and the entire coastline up to Nature’s Valley.

ROBBERG BEACH

Popular for long walks, this beach stretches for kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and Beacon Island. Facilities include public toilets and various parking areas 2 km/2 min from Plett Central.

BIRDS OF EDEN

Visit the Garden Route’s very own world-class, free-flight bird sanctuary, a unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) that spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Here, you can explore the sanctuary’s own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall.

MONKEYLAND TOURS

The world’s first free-roaming, multi-species primate hosts 550 primates in a forest home: capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, saki monkeys, squirrel monkeys, vervet monkeys, two species of langur, howler monkeys, and gibbons.

PLETTENBERG BAY

Plettenberg Bay boasts some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches! The town’s 20 kilometres of picturesque Indian Ocean coastline features pristine, unspoilt sandy shores, enabling beachgoers of all ages to soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.

THE TSITSIKAMMA VILLAGE INN

The Tsitsikamma Village Inn, is a family-owned and managed hotel, originally established in 1946. Close to the Tsitsikamma National Park at Storms River Mouth, the hotel consists of 49 free-standing rooms, village-style, where each cottage is individually decorated and has its own garden matching the specific colonial building style found in the Garden Route.

This comfortable hotel is an ideal stopover along the Garden Route in South Africa and offers a great base for exploring Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness, Knysna and other tourist highlights.

ACCOMMODATION

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ROOMS

Barn Room
Each of the 7 units has a double bed, air-conditioning, television, coffee and tea facility, electric blanket, telephone, either bath or shower.

Log Rooms East
Log Rooms East are double storey wooden Swiss Chalets, each room has a double bed or twin beds, air-conditioning, television, coffee and tea facility, telephone, bath with shower in bath.

Log Rooms West
The Rooms are double storey wooden Swiss Chalets, each room has a double bed or twin beds, air-conditioning, television, coffee and tea facility, electrical blanket, telephone, bath and shower.

Premier Room
De Oude Pastorie, Albert & Victoria Honeymoon Cottage consists of a king-size bed, air-conditioning, television, coffee and tea facility, electrical blanket, telephone, bath and separate shower.

Village Room
Hanover, Drostdy, Ikaya, Arniston and the Victorian Cottages. Each room has twin beds, air-conditioning, television, coffee and tea facility, electrical blanket, telephone, bath and separate shower.

FACILITIES
Rooms/Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Laundry Service
Room Service
Secure Guest Parking
Safety deposit box
Satellite Television
Air-condition
ACTIVITIES
Storms River Mouth, in the Tsitsikamma National Park
Various Walks and Hikes
Snorkelling, Diving
Bicycle Rental
Kayak & Kloof trips
Tsitsikamma Boat Dives

The Beach Hotel

The Royal Beach Hotel is situated in front of one of the most beautiful bays of Nosy Be called Madirokely. It is near the traditional village of Ambatoloaka, known for its typical small restaurants and for the joy of life shown by its inhabitants, which make it one of the liveliest areas in Nosy Be. Snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean and enjoy delicious tropical cuisine while your every need is taken care of by the hotel’s friendly staff.

The Royal Beach Hotel has a mixed architecture – Creole and Malagasy, with its wooden tile roofs and decoration using the special woods of Madagascar and welcomes you with its 42 standard rooms, 6 suites and 3 villas.