Depart from Durban and head off to Knysna

Swellendam - Travel along the N2, passing the towns of Paarl and Worcester on this scenic route until reaching Swellendam for the first stop. Swellendam is a charming inland town and one of the oldest in South Africa, boasting many historic buildings.

Wilderness - From Swellendam, continue past Mossel Bay and George before arriving at the picturesque coastal town of Wilderness.

Knysna - From Wilderness, travel a short distance further to reach Knysna. Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route and serves as the base for the next 3 days to explore the area.

In Knysna, spend 2 nights at The Premier Moorings Resort, a top-tier resort. PREMIER RESORT THE MOORINGS (KNYSNA)
Welcome to the idyllic natural surroundings of the Western Cape Garden Route.
A great base for exploring the Garden Route is Premier Resort The Moorings in Knysna, set in the idyllic surroundings on the banks of the Knysna lagoon, amidst enchanting woodland gardens. The resort offers private access to the lagoon for hotel guests, as well as boat launch and docking facilities. The area is serene in its secluded Knysna Heads setting, with spectacular views of indigenous forest and less than 3km from the town’s center.

Depart from the hotel after breakfast and travel to Botlierskop Game Reserve

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - Head to Botlierskop Game Reserve for a game drive safari in an open 4x4 vehicle. A game safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve offers an exhilarating adventure through the diverse landscapes of the Western Cape. Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. As you traverse the rugged terrain in an open 4x4 vehicle, you’ll have the opportunity to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more in their natural habitats. The reserve also boasts breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and meandering rivers, making the safari not just about wildlife but also about immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Depart from The Premier Moorings Resort Knysna and head off to Plettenberg.

Plettenberg Bay - In Plettenberg Bay, visit the beaches and some lovely hotels in the area.
Plettenberg Bay is a seaside town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks. To the south, Robberg Nature Reserve is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Northeast are Birds of Eden, a free-flight bird sanctuary in indigenous forest, and an elephant sanctuary. Whales come near the coast in migration season.

Robberg Nature Reserve - Within Plettenberg Bay, visit the Robberg Nature Reserve and go on a hiking tour. Robberg, situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland, and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula. Visitors can learn more at the Nelson Bay Cave interpretive center.

This day is spent in and around Knysna

Knysna Heads - Visit the Knysna Heads after breakfast. The Heads are a stunning sight to enjoy from a number of restaurants and provide the perfect backdrop for those indulging in water sports nearby. The East Head is the more accessible one, and visitors need only head to Leisure Isle and then follow the signposts to be part of the drama and scale of this headland.

The Waterfront Knysna Quays - The Waterfront Knysna Quays is a great place to relax, sip some wine, watch the lagoon, and have fun. It houses some of the top restaurants as well. The Waterfront is a popular hotspot for tourists and locals alike, known and loved for its leisure activities, dining, and spectacular views. It is also a shopaholic’s delight, as there are a number of fabulously unique shops. These range from designer clothing boutiques and jewelry designers to touristy goods and curio shops. There are art galleries, décor shops, and specialty stores to cater to the needs and preferences of just about everyone who visits.

After a visit to the Waterfront Knysna Quays, the afternoon can be spent leisurely enjoying the environment at the Premier Resort Moorings.

On day 5, depart after breakfast and head off to Hermanus en-route to Cape Town

Hermanus - The first stop is in Hermanus, known as the world capital for whale watching. Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s known as a whale-watching destination. Beaches include Voëlklip Beach and the broad Grotto Beach, overlooking Walker Bay. The Old Harbour Museum is a site encompassing the old harbour, a fishermen’s village, and the Whale House Museum. The latter has informative displays and a suspended skeleton of a whale.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate - From Hermanus, head off to Benguela Cove Wine Estate, a short distance away, for a world-class wine tasting experience. Benguela Cove’s award-winning wines are 100% estate grown, produced, and bottled in Walker Bay. Cool-climate, terroir-specific wines are available. The wine tasting includes 5 different wines.

Stony Point Penguin Colony - From Benguela Cove, head off to Betty’s Bay for an African Penguin watching experience, with penguins seen all around.

From Betty’s Bay, head off to Cape Town to end the tour at around 6pm.

• African Penguins at Betty’s Bay
• Safari at Botlierskop Game Reserve
• Knysna Heads and Waterfront Knysna Quays
• Wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate (18 and above)
• Knysna
• Breakfast
• Awellendam, Hermanus, Wilderness and many more
• Plettenberg Bay
• The ‘big 5’ - elephants, lions, buffalo, rhino, leopard and many more animals