Our Garden Route Itinerary – Part 1

Meiringspoort to Wilderness via Oudtshoorn

After driving through the Swartberg Mountains and discovering the Meiringspoort waterfall, we knew we struck gold. We couldn’t wait to uncover the hidden gems that awaited us on this route. Roadtripping through the Garden Route is truly awe-inspiring.

Tourist attractions:

Cango Caves
Ostrich Farm
Outeniqua pass (Oudtshoorn to George)

Cango Caves

The tour guide suggested that it is the biggest cave in Africa but this little fact does not check out. Let’s just say it’s the most well known in South Africa. This is definately a must-see on your roadtrip.
Cave tours can be booked online or at the ticket office on site. Tours eave on the hour for the less risky one, and on the half hour for the more adventurous. Prices are approximately R120 per person (i.e. March 2019).

Link: http://www.cango-caves.co.za/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxAzWwEAryS/

Ostrich Farm

The Ostrich Farm we visited is a short drive from the Cango Caves.
There are a number of farms along the route – some geared for kids, others for educational tours, with shops to buy goods i.e. bags, leather etc.

Price: R50 per person for the educational tour

Outeniqua Hop

If you headed to George from Oudtshoorn, then in all likelihood you will drive through the Outeniqua Hop. At sunset, this drive is breathtaking. It’s a long, hilly, winding road, but lucky for us tourists there are a few stops along the way. Best of all it’s free.

Where we stayed

We were staying in Wilderness on our first night in the Garden Route. at Dolphin Dunes Guesthouse.

It was really a last minute booking, and we didnt have any complaints. The bathrooms are a bit dated in the cottages but the breakfast was good. There are loads of beautiful guesthouses here – if you book early you can pick and choose.

For dinner we went to Salina’s. Nothing beats fresh seafood at the coast.

If i did this trip all over again, I would definately try stay over at Oudtshoorn. The drive from Gariep Dam to Oudtshoorn with sightseeing all day really wears you out. See our blog post – Johannesburg to the Garden Route and what to do along the way.

Sightseeing from Wilderness to Knysna, and George

Tourist attractions

Take an early morning walk on Wilderness Beach.
Enjoy 180 degree views of Wilderness from Kaimaans Pass.
Surf watch or take a swim in Victoria Bay, George.
Immerse yourself in the local scene with brunch at the Wild Oates Farmers Market. Only open on Saturdays from 8am to noon. There is a craft market nearby where you can find lovely curios and gifts.
Ride a canoe or have a picnic at the Wilderness National Park.
Don’t miss a great photo opportunity of the Wilderness Lakes.
Go dolphin spotting at Myoli Beach.
Watch the sun go down in Brenton.

Where we stayed

Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Turbine Hotel & Spa – Thesen Island

In Knysna we stayed at the picturesque Thesen Island. Centrally located for sightseeing, with easy access to the Waterfront, SanParks museum, shops, and restaurants. We would definately recommend at least a night’s stay here.

The hotel is part of the heritage of Knysna and one can still see remnants of the old power station. It’s a quirky, creative and fun space. The best of this hotel is that it overlooks the canal, and during low tide you may be able to see the famous Knysna seahorse. Sunset cruise tours leave from just outside the hotel in a comfortable and luxurious barge.