Day 1
Departing from Cape Town today, you will need to drive along the major route past the winelands of Paarl and Franschhoek, connecting with Route 62. This inland scenic route provides very unique landscapes, and mountain passes worth exploring during your stay within the country. Stop off at the farm stalls, taste the olives, smell the wild Renosterveld vegetation, and let all your senses be touched by this unique region. 

2 x overnights at Mardouw Country House on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis

Day 3
Your drive via Oudsthoorn, down the Outeniqua Pass to the Garden route, will take you through the contrasts of the dry Karoo region, inhabited by Ostriches, to the lush forest coastal area. Continue along the coast through the picturesque town of Knysna to Plettenberg Bay. 

TIP: A visit to the Cango Caves, and a drive to Die Top (The Top) of the Swartberg Pass for a bird’s eye view of the patchwork Karoo farmlands below, from Oudtshoorn, are definitely worthwhile, before a visit to one of the Ostrich Show Farms for a tour and lunch.

3 x Overnights at Tsala Treetop Lodge on a bed & breakfast basis

TIP: A dinner on your private deck can be arranged, or in the gardens of the sister property, Hunters Country Lodge, are both exquisite experiences, and highly recommended for one of your nights stay. 

Day 6
You can continue up to Port Elizabeth and an Eastern Cape Safari, or return to Cape Town today.
END

Alternative accommodation suggestions for this itinerary:
The Relais & Chateaux properties owned my Liz McGrath in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay are well combined when taking a relaxed, romantic trip up the Garden Route.  Stay at The Marine in Hermanus, and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, and be sure of correlative service along your entire itinerary.


Please be advised that the South African Traffic Department are now enforcing a law which was passed in 1998 that travelers to South Africa wishing to rent a motor vehicle whilst in this country must be in possession of a valid "International Drivers Permit/License". Should travelers neglect to obtain this document before leaving their country of residence, they will not be permitted to hire a vehicle in South Africa.