EXPLORING THE GARDEN ROUTE - CAPE TOWN TO PORT ELIZABETH

A delightful one way drive along South Africa's Garden Route with time to stop and explore on the way.

Day 1 - to Montagu (150km)
First stop today is the beautiful Winelands region where the historic Dutch town of Stellenbosch provides the perfect location for lunch. At the town of Worcester, with its fine botanical gardens, you'll join the famous Route 62, one of the most scenic drives in Africa. Overnight at Mimosa Inn.

Day 2 - to Oudtshoorn for 2 nights (250km)
The journey along the '62' is simply stunning, with several small farming communities to visit on the way, including Calitzdorp, famous for its port wine. Oudtshoorn is a great base to explore the scorched little Karoo region. A visit to a working ostrich farm is a must, as well as the impressive Cango Caves and the nearby Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert. Overnight at De Opstal.

Day 4 - to Knysna for 2 nights (110 km)
Drop down through the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to George and the lush coastal section of the Garden Route, with some fine beaches and ancient forests of Yellowwood and other native trees. Knysna, at the centre of the region has plenty of shops and galleries to explore and an excellent excursion by boat across the saltwater lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve. Overnight at Knysna Hollow.

Day 6 - to Port Elizabeth (250km)
20 miles from Knysna is the upmarket seaside town of Plettenberg, with a lovely sandy beach. Two further places to visit are Monkeyland - more sanctuary than theme park - and the awesome Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. Finish in Port Elizabeth or ask your consultant about extending your self drive with two nights in an Eastern Cape Game Lodge.

6 day Exploring the Garden Route self drive - From £275

Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary.