For those looking to explore the Garden Route on an action packed itinerary, stopping at all the best highlights the area has to offer; you’ve found your match! Wander along the Garden Route – a piece of paradise on the Southeastern coast of South Africa. Search for members of Africa’s Big 5, walk along forest footpaths, canoe and interact with African wildlife, all in one exciting itinerary.
DAY ONE - CAPE TOWN - OUDTSHOORN
It’s an early morning departure from the volunteer house as we set off from Cape Town along with the rugged landscapes of Route 62, the longest wine route in the world! Along this famous country road, you’ll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Stop at one of the many farm stalls along the way to sample local delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the fascinating Cango Caves where your next adventure awaits.
Delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. The easy-going Heritage Tour you will embark on will allow you to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. You’ll spend the evening in the quaint town of Oudtshoorn where you could try local delicacies such as ostrich kebabs.
DAY TWO - OUDTSHOORN - SEDGEFIELD
Those seeking a meaningful experience can rise early and join rangers on an optional Elephant Bush Walk. You’ll have the opportunity to walk alongside three rescued elephants, in their own natural environment. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa, they were then transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. During your walk, you are free to take pictures galore and ask your rangers any questions you wish.
Then, you’ll take to the water for a leisurely afternoon canoe along reed-lined river banks in Wilderness. It’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the abundance of birdlife becomes apparent. Thereafter, you can take a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma area which provides picturesque photo opportunities. The evening is your free time to soak in the slow town ambience of Sedgefield.
DAY THREE - SEDGEFIELD - CAPE TOWN
Your journey today will begin as you leave the silhouette of Table Mountain behind and trade it for the lush green scenery of the Garden Route. You’ll soon understand where the area gets its name from, and why it is one of the most loved areas in the country. On your first stop of the day, spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4×4 vehicle in a malaria-free private game reserve. Search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, to name a few. An experienced game ranger will be on hand to lead the game drive.