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The Magical Garden Route and Madiba Coast Tour - Detailed Information

DAY 1

With our last sight of the majestic Table Mountain, we wave good-bye to the 'mother city' of Cape Town and arrive in the town of Stellenbosch. Take a fascinating stroll through 'Oom Samie se Winkel' - Stellenbosch's first trading store, and admire the historical beauty of the heart of the winelands. Travelling over the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek, we pass through to the town of Robertson. From here, we arrive in Montague in time for a delectable country luncheon at Mimosa Lodge reputed as a place of fine hospitality and superb cuisine. After lunch, we continue through the Little Karoo before Barrydale until we arrive in the Tradouw Valley. From here, we take a nostalgic trip on a vintage tractor through the vineyards of the Joubert Tradouw Cellars, where we enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Crossing the Tradouw Pass, our journey to the beautiful town of Wilderness begins. Driving through Mossel Bay, marvel at the splendour of 'Dolphin Point' before arrival at our seaside paradise resort. Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

DAY 2

From our hotel in Wilderness, we board the famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe and travel to Knysna. On arrival at the Knysna Waterfront, we embark on the Featherbed Nature Reserve's ferry, nature trail and lunch. After the ferry returns to the Featherbed Ferry Terminus, the day's adventure ends with a scenic drive back to Wilderness for drop off at your hotel. Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

DAY 3

The day's adventure begins as we depart Wilderness to the historic town of Mossel Bay. Our tour continues via the Robertson Pass and on to the town of Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Show Farm and enjoy a traditional lunch. The day continues with a fully guided tour of the Cango Caves as well as the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients endangered species breeding facility. The day concludes with a scenic drive over the Outeniqua Pass to George and onward to Wilderness where you will be dropped off at your hotel. Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

DAY 4

Leaving the quaint seaside village of Wilderness we continue via Sedgefield to South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna. After a short refreshment stop at Knysna's East Head, continue via the 'millionaires playground' of Plettenberg Bay to the Tsitsikamma Forest area. Attractions here include the Big Tree and the Garden of Eden. After lunch at the scenic Storms River mouth (not included), gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storms River where photographic opportunities abound. Leaving the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Groot River Passes and Bloukrans, we arrive in Port Elizabeth. The day ends at your beachfront hotel. Freshen up for a delectable dinner featuring Cape Country cuisine at a local restaurant or the hotel's elegant dining room. Protea Hotel Marine Port Elizabeth or similar dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 5

After breakfast, depart Port Elizabeth and spend the morning visiting Addo Elephant National Park. Continue towards Grahamstown, 'the city of churches'. This cultural centre boasts a wide variety of interesting sites including schools, Rhodes University, historical early settler architecture and monuments. You will also visit the fascinating Camera Obscura, giving you a bird's-eye view of the city. Depart for a pineapple plantation. Arrive at the private game lodge in time for an afternoon game drive in an open safari vehicle. Kariega Game Reserve or similar dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 1 game viewing activity

DAY 6

Travel through the former homelands Ciskei and Transkei to experience a typical African City with its street markets and traders. The afternoon is spent following the early footsteps of Nelson Mandela's youth at his home village of Qunu. You will also visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. Holiday Inn Garden Court Umtata or similar dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 7

Depart Umtata to the Wild Coast. Traverse this unspoilt beautiful route to Port St Johns situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River - surrounded by towering cliffs, pristine beaches and indigenous forest. Leaving the beautiful and scenic Eastern Cape region (home of the Xhosa people) explore endless hillsides of traditional huts and villages until we cross the Mtamvuna River into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. Enjoy a refreshment stop in Ramsgate then continue up along the spectacular coastal road to Durban for drop off at hotel or Durban International Airport.