Garden Route & Lesotho - camping or lodge adventure travel

Along the Kwazulu-Natal province lies the Ukuhlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Whether you use the Zulu name uKhahlamba, which means "Barrier of Spears," or the African name Drakensberge, which means "Dragon Mountains," these mighty mountains will be our backdrop for the next two nights. On our way, we stop to visit the picturesque Howick Falls and visit the nearby site that marked the arrest of South Africa's most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

We set out on a long hike this morning. While we encourage everyone to make the most of the day in the mountains, we can offer separate options depending on the group's activity level. With a variety of hiking trails, we can ensure that we meet everyone's needs, the main goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy this mountain paradise at their own pace.

Our journey today begins with a mountain pass as our route winds through the magnificent cliffs of Golden Gate National Park, before we enter Lesotho in the afternoon. We pass the capital Maseru as we continue our ascent to our base high up among the mountain peaks.

The clean air of the mountains accompanies us this morning as we explore the surroundings, which offer a unique and adventurous landscape on foot, and we will set out on the path that takes a few hours.

Upon our return to South Africa, we descend the mountains and aim across the vast Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and offers a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. Today, we cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River as we travel through the vast landscape of the Karoo.

This morning you have the opportunity to participate in a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the city and the vast plains that stretch below. On the way to the coast, we will cross the open plains of the Karoo again and make our way to the famous Addo Elephant National Park, where we will enjoy a half-day game drive in our vehicle, in search of the famous elephants that call Addo their home.

We are once again heading to Addo Elephant National Park for our safari. The recent expansion has resulted in Addo becoming the third largest national park in South Africa. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife and we will spend the morning in search of the animals.

This morning we set off early and make a short visit to the surfer mecca of Jeffreys Bay. Famous for its waves, this small town is also home to a small surf museum. Then we head west to the Tsitsikamma region, where we will settle in for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await us.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the most important marine reserves in South Africa, and this morning we set out on foot to explore the rugged coastline. Our hike on the Waterfall Trail takes us through the first section of the world-famous Otter Trails. This is not an easy hike, and those who prefer a more relaxing option can use the wooden walkways to the Storms River Mouth. After our hike, we return, and you have the option to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon – to experience the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biome and learn more about the history of the area as well as the native flora and fauna.

After a stopover in the town of Knysna, we head inland, cross the Outeniqua Mountains, and drive down to the town of Oudtshoorn. We go to the famous Cango Caves to join a guided tour, where we admire the amazing formations that have developed in these impressive limestone caves.

After breakfast, we leave Oudtshoorn and travel through the picturesque Little Karoo as we continue our journey along the Garden Route. Along the way, we pass charming country towns and gentle farmlands before we reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Take your time to explore the rugged coast and take unforgettable photos at this iconic landmark. We continue our scenic drive towards Hermanus, known for its spectacular whale watching opportunities (seasonally from June to November) and its vibrant coastal atmosphere. After we have settled into our accommodation, we enjoy a relaxing evening in this charming coastal town. In the evening, your guide will organize an optional dinner at a selected local restaurant, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine and great company.

This morning we have time to walk along the Cliff Path (promenade) in Hermanus, which offers a panoramic view of the ocean and, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the southern right whales (seasonally June - November). We leave Hermanus and drive along the beautiful Cape Whale Coast, which is an untouched stretch of the South African coast, and stop at one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins, the Stony Point Nature Reserve. If time allows, we might take a scenic detour through a section of the renowned Cape Winelands, where we have the opportunity to stop, stretch our legs, and grab a bite to eat (optional). Your tour ends with the arrival in downtown Cape Town.