The coastline between Cape Town and Durban encompasses a huge diversity of habitats. From the mountains, lakes, cliffs and dense indigenous forests of the South Coast, aptly called the Garden Route, to the hilly grasslands with Xhosa huts dotted around the ridges, green valleys, crystal clear streams and wild unspoilt coastline of the Eastern Cape (the former homeland of Transkei), one experiences the natural beauty which will captivate even the well traveled.

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We also visit the semi-arid valley, called the Little Karoo. This region in turn offers natural wonders such as the Cango Caves and its ideal habitat for ostrich farming makes it the ostrich Mecca of the world. The Art Capital of South Africa, Grahamstown, and the Addo National Elephant Park, a 145 000 ha piece of evergreen bushveld supporting more than 420 elephants, Cape buffalo and black rhino amongst other animals, are two highlights in the Eastern Region.

Depart from Cape Town and drive eastwards via Sir Lowry's Pass and the famous apple country of Grabouw to Swellendam and Mossel Bay. Here we visit arguably the oldest post office in Africa, the Post Office Tree and the site of the first landfall, made by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Diaz in 1488. Then we travel further over the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo to visit an ostrich show farm for some unique experiences, including ostrich racing. Overnight in Oudtshoorn, also called the “Feather Capital”, as more than 90 percent of the world's ostrich farms are found here.
Overnight at La Plume Guest Lodge or similar.

We visit the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa's foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch we travel past Oudtshoorn and over the Outeniqua Mountains to George and Wilderness for a visit to the Wilderness National Park lakes area. We skirt around the lakes to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea, guarded by two promontories known as “The Heads”. The area falls within a national park proclaimed to conserve the extraordinary natural beauty of the lakelands and adjacent indigenous forests. Knysna also offers shopping opportunities of unusual, locally made arts and crafts, etc.
Overnight at Fish Eagle Lodge or similar.

We explore the village, travel further to Plettenberg Bay for a short visit, and then traverse magnificent scenic river valley passes. We visit the Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for “The place of much water”) stretching over more than 100 km of wild and rocky coastline, characterised by massive cliffs, narrow isolated beaches and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. Our next stop is Storms River with the impressive Paul Sauer Bridge across the valley, towering 139 m above the river . The final part of our journey takes us past a few coastal holiday villages to Port Elizabeth, also called the “Friendly City”, for a short city tour.

Our first stop is at the Addo Elephant Park where we have an excellent chance to encounter these giants of the bush. The park also provides sanctuary to lion, black rhino, buffalo, a variety of antelope, and many birds. Grahamstown, the small cathedral city, is our next stop. It is considered the art capital of South Africa, and is steeped in history. This afternoon we reach Port Alfred, an outstanding holiday village situated on the Kowie River Mouth. After a short visit, we travel further north to East London, the only river port in South Africa, and the place where a prehistoric coelacanth was caught in 1938.
Here we overnight in Quarry Lake Inn.

Today's journey is along the coast again, and we enjoy the lush vegetation and rugged coastline. Then we turn inland and enter the former homeland of Transkei. We traverse over hilly grasslands dotted with Xhosa homesteads, and through valleys and clear streams to Umtata, capital of the former homeland, where we visit the Mandela Museum. From here we travel via Port St Johns to enter KwaZulu- Natal at Port Edward.
We overnight in the Estuary Hotel.

This morning's drive takes us along the coast to Durban. We drive through lush subtropical vegetation and numerous holiday villages dotted along the seaboard. Visit the Oribi Gorge and experience some spectacular scenic panoramic views. Arrive in Durban, the subtropical Holiday Mecca of South Africa, in the late afternoon.

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