Overview

This 13 day Lesotho & Garden Route tour takes you down the South African coast from Durban to Cape Town. On this tour we visit a number of world renowned National Parks including Addo Elephant National Park where you can view the Big 5 on safari. Running the length of the Kwazulu-Natal province, the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site and 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 first two nights of our tour. Our route winds its way through the magnificent cliffs off the Golden Gate National Park before we enter Lesotho and continue the climb to our base high amongst the mountain peaks. The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park and upon arrival in the greater Addo region we enjoy a game drive in our Nomad truck, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home. From Addo, we explore the famous Garden Route that takes us on our final stretch towards Cape Town. We explore Tsitsikamma National Park, with its rugged coastline and pristine beaches. We make our way inland, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains and descend to the town of Oudtshoorn 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. Our final days are spent at the coast in search of the seasonal whale that travel the coastal waters of Hermanus and we visit a penguin colony to view the African penguin, before reaching the mother city.

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 day of hiking to explore the mountains of the Drakensberg, along our way we will have the opportunity to view examples of San rock art with a local guide at Battles Cave. 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 – Malealea

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass and an opportunity to visit a Vulture restaurant where we hope to view these fascinating birds. 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 – Malealea

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the mountains on foot, our hike concludes with a village visit and the opportunity to gain insight into the community that calls these mountains home. The Basotho are famous for their traditional hats, blankets and their sturdy ponies. Basotho ponies are renowned for their surefootedness in the mountains and you have the opportunity of an optional pony trek this afternoon to experience this first-hand.  This activity is not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.

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. This evening you will have the opportunity to join a sundowner excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide open plains stretching out below. Kindly note that during the winter months, this activity will become a Sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation the following morning.

Day 6 – Greater Addo Elephant National Park area

Setting course for the coast once again, we pass through the open plains of the Karoo and the wildlife charms of the Addo National Park. Upon arrival in the greater Addo region, we set up camp and head to the National Park to enjoy an afternoon game drive in our Nomad truck, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo home.

Day 7 – Greater Addo Elephant National Park area

This morning we will make the short drive to the windy city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), before heading into Addo Elephant National Park for our afternoon 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 afternoon 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 Tsitiskamma 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 – Barrydale

This morning we bid farewell to the Klein Karoo and we 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!

Day 12 – Africa’s Southernmost Tip

After passing through some quaint Overberg villages, we reach the De Hoop Nature Reserve where you will have time to walk and explore a small section of the reserve.  After having stretched our legs, we visit the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Agulhas.  We will overnight in the town of Stanford.

Day 13 – The Cape Whale Coast Route

Made up of a collection of villages, farms, rivers, bays, coves and valleys, the Cape Whale Coast is a pristine stretch of the South African coastline which runs from the town of Rooiels for roughly 150km, to the east.  Beginning early, we will have a short time to stroll along the boardwalk in Hermanus in search of the southern right whales that frequent the shores in the months of July to November. Next we stop at the largest breeding colony of the African Penguin, Stony Point Nature Reserve before travelling along the coast to a well wine farm for a wine tasting experience. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in the city centre of Cape Town.

  •   Crew3 Crew
  •   Max Passengers 20 Passengers Max
  •   Vehicle 20 Seater Vehicle
  •   Duration13 Days and 12 Nights
  •   From / ToDurban to Cape Town
  •   Meals12 Breakfast  12 Lunch 12 Dinner
  •   Countries South Africa, Lesotho

Dates

Pre & Post Tour

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Nomad can book accommodation before and after your tour.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Durban

From R1,480
  Airport Transfer Available Garden Court South Beach Hotel

Situated in the warm subtropical city of Durban, on the lush coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, Garden Court South Beach is the ideal home away from home for our travellers. The hotel lies within easy reach of Durban’s popular South Beach, and provides an ideal springboard from which to explore Durban and… … Read More

Post Tour Accommodation - Cape Town

From R1,790
  Airport Transfer Available Double Tree Hilton Upper Eastside Cape Town

Our Cape Town departure point for scheduled tours. Nearby the base of Table Mountain with views of Devil's Peak. This hotel is a 15-minute walk from The Old Biscuit Mill, and offers free shuttle services to the V&A waterfront – please book in advance. Rooms feature city views and walk-in… … Read More

Reviews

Enquire Now

Enquire Now

  • You are making an inquiry about Lesotho and Garden Route - South.
  • If you have been in contact with one of our Consultants regarding this enquiry, please indicate it here.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.