OVERVIEW
Garden Route & Lesotho - camping or lodge adventure travel
Full of natural splendor, coastal magic, and unforgettable moments at every turn, explore the picturesque coast of South Africa from Durban to Cape Town. Hike the wooded cliffs of Tsitsikamma, explore the underground wonder of the Cango Caves, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Garden Route.
Adventure through South Africa and Lesotho: 12 days of pure nature
Unfolds in a twelve-day odyssey through southern Africa, let yourself be enchanted by the coastline of South Africa and the peaks of the cloudy kingdom of Lesotho.
Your journey begins at the coast of KwaZulu-Natal and winds inland to the cradle of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Parks, these peaks protect the basin below and are referred to as the “Barrier of Spears”.
We spend two nights here and take advantage of the hiking trails that lead through emerald green hills, in the surroundings we experience the Howick Falls and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, which immerse you in the historical and cultural soul of the region.
On the way to Lesotho, you cross the sandstone of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the route rises into mountain views, a hike leads to prehistoric rock art and crashing waterfalls that split the valleys.
For cultural immersion, a pony trek or visiting a local village offers insights into a way of life shaped by the landscape.
Back in South Africa, the Karoo unfolds before us, time slows down in the colonial relic of the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, and an early rise rewards you with the Valley of Desolation in the first light.
In the afternoon, we move on to the Addo Elephant National Park, a spectacular hotspot for wildlife among golden acacia bushes, where we embark on afternoon safaris in our vehicles over two days.
Our journey turns towards the Garden Route, a lush panorama that awaits us, the Tsitsikamma National Park greets you with waves on rocky shores and the whisper of native fynbos plants.
Be ready for the Waterfall Trail or for wooden walkways along the Storms River Mouth with picturesque views.
The path swings inland to Oudtshoorn, home of the archaic Cango Caves, where you will explore the vast limestone chambers of the underground network.
We travel south through the Little Karoo and reach the southernmost point of the African continent, Cape Agulhas, before we arrive in the oceanic paradise of Hermanus.
On your last morning, you stroll along the captivating cliff path of Hermanus while the ocean roars below, and end your adventure along the Cape Whale Coast Route with a stop at the colony of African penguins at Stony Point.
This journey ends in Cape Town, with a heart full of stories and laughter, shaped by remarkable and wild landscapes.
Daily program: Garden Route & Lesotho - South Africa Lodge Safari
Day 8 - Kwa Zulu Natal Coast – UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
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.
Day 9 - Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
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.
Day 10 - Lesotho
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.
Day 11 - Lesotho
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.
Day 12 - South Africa - Graaff Reinet
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.
Day 13 – Gqeberha / Greater Addo Area
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.
Day 14 – Gqeberha / Groot-Addo Area
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.
Day 15 - Tsitsikamma National Park
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.
Day 16 – Tsitsikamma National Park
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.
Day 17 - Oudtshoorn
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.
Day 18 – Oudtshoorn - Hermanus/Arniston
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.
Day 19 – The Cape Whale Coast Route
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.
PRICE
from€2329.00 / person✓ Trip includes
✕ Trip does not include
- Meals as listed in the itinerary – 11 breakfasts 0 lunches 7 dinners – accommodation
- Provided vehicles: 12-seater minibus 4x4 safari vehicle
- Qualified personnel
- Transport in a 12-seater minivan or bus
- Including highlights according to the itinerary