Day 1 – Garden Route to Oudtshoorn

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in 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 why it is one of the most loved areas in the country, by locals and visitors alike. 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. Among the dense coastal renosterveldt and Cape fynbos, search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife; including antelope species, birdlife and insects.

Just when you thought your bush experience couldn’t get any better, hop off the safari vehicle for an up close and personal encounter with nature on a tranquil bush walk. Follow your game ranger as you look for wildlife and learn about the medicinal value or names of the plants around you as you walk.

End off your day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. You’ll spend the evening here at leisure. Either head to town to enjoy a restaurant meal or taste local delights, such as an ostrich kebab during an optional ‘braai’ (similar to bbq) at a backpacker lodge under the vast twinkling starry skies.

Day 2 – Klein Karoo

A morning bush drive in an open-aired 4×4 at Buffelsdrift, a private game reserve on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, starts your day off with some fauna and flora. With the wind in your hair and a private ranger at the wheel, you’ll learn about the arid landscape and the wildlife that call it home. You could spot buffalo, giraffe, kudu, porcupine, caracals, meerkats, aardvark and the experience feels even more intimate in the open-air jeep. Rangers use their local knowledge to ensure you get the best out of the bush; so don’t be surprised if they jump out of the jeep and pick up a tortoise or a lizard for the ultimate show and tell.

Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join rangers on an optional Elephant Bush Walk. Follow three rescued elephants, Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, as they walk to the nearby waterhole. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the rangers as many questions as you wish.

End off the day with a drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world! Along this famous country road you’ll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, rugged Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Stop at one of the many farm stalls along the way before arriving in Cape Town by late evening.

Optional: Elephant Bush Walk