Lesotho and Garden Route - South  

  Duration12 Days

Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice. A detailed, up-to-date dossier itinerary is available to download.

Day 1 – Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park 

Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Whether you go by the Zulu name uKhahlamba, meaning ‘barrier of spears’, or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning ‘dragon mountains’, these towering mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way we make a short stop to view the scenic Howick Falls and a visit to the nearby site that marked the capture of South Africa’s most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

Day 2 – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park 

We set out this morning for a lengthy hike. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in mountains, we may offer separate options depending on the activity level of the group. With a number of trails available we can ensure that we cater to every need, the most important aim is to ensure everyone enjoys this mountain paradise at their own pace.  

Day 3 – Lesotho 

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass as our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon, we pass the capital city of Maseru as continue the climb to our base high amongst the mountain peaks.    

Day 4 – Lesotho  

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the surrounding area offers a unique and adventurous landscape to explore on foot and we will set out on the trail which is a couple of hours.    

Day 5 – South Africa – Graaff Reinet 

Returning to South Africa, we descend the mountains and take aim across the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and presents a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is set in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. We cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River today as we journey through the vast countryside of the Karoo. 

Day 6 – Gqeberha (Gateway to Addo Elephant National Park) 

This morning you will have the opportunity to join a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and head to the famous Addo Elephant National Park where we will enjoy a half day game drive in our Nomad truck, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home. Our overnight accommodation is in the heart of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).  

Day 7 – Greater Addo Elephant National Park area 

This morning we leave the city of Gqeberha and once again head into Addo Elephant National Park for our game drive.  Recent expansion has seen Addo grow to become the third largest of South Africa’s National Parks. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the morning in search of the animals.   

Day 8 – Tsitsikamma National Park 

Setting out early this morning we make a brief visit to the surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay.  Most famous for its waves this little town is also home to a small Surfing Museum. We then turn west to the Tsitsikamma region where we set up for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await.  

Day 9 – Tsitsikamma National Park 

Tsitsikamma National Park is one of South Africa’s premier marine reserves and this morning we set out to explore the rugged coastline on foot. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail sees us cover the first section of the world renowned Otter Trail. This is not an easy hike and those who prefer a more leisurely option can make use of the boardwalks to the Storms River Mouth. We return after our hike and you will have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – experiencing the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learning about the history of the area and its indigenous fauna & flora. 

Day 10 – Oudtshoorn 

After a stop in the town of Knysna, we make our way inland, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains and descend to the town of Oudtshoorn.  We head to the famous Cango caves to enjoy a guided tour where we marvel at the astonishing formations that have formed in these impressive limestone caves. 

Day 11 – Route 62 – Hermanus 

This morning prior to bidding farewell to the Klein Karoo, we stop to experience one of Africa’s most endearing creatures – The meerkat! You’ll have the opportunity to sit and watch these curious animals go about their day in the natural world without much disturbance form humans, as they wake up and catch the morning sun rays. We then follow a section of the scenic Route 62, stopping to experience some of the many farm stalls on the way. One of the more quirky highlights today is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all, but a rather interesting country pub! After passing through some quaint Overberg villages, we reach the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Agulhas.  We will then drive along the beautiful Cape Whale Coast which is a pristine stretch on the South African coastline. Stretching from the town of Rooiels for roughly 150km, to the east, making up a collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves and valleys.  We will arrive in Hermanus in search of the southern right whales that frequent the shores in the months of July to November.

Day 12 – The Cape Whale Coast Route & Africa’s Southernmost Tip 

We wake up and stop at the largest breeding colony of African Penguins, Stony Point Nature Reserve, before travelling along the coast to the city centre of Cape Town. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in the city centre of Cape Town.