The Classics: Garden Route

Recently Private Safaris was invited on a 4-day adventure with Go That Way to explore the Garden Route. This being my first time, I was incredibly grateful and elated to go along, and the trip did not disappoint! I got to experience so many wonderful and exhilarating new things that had my heart pounding with adrenaline. Not only is the Garden Route for the adventure-seeking type, but it is also for those who have a great admiration for the sheer beauty of the scenery along the route. They don’t call it the Garden Route for nothing, and as it is wintertime in South Africa now, you can expect even more vibrancy of the surrounding areas!

Of course, before any trip along the Garden Route can begin, there must be a starting point, and what better way to begin the trip than at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Nothing compares to this 5-star gem (also known as The Pink Lady). With striking interiors and exteriors and astonishing service delivery, this oasis of calm is the perfect starting point to a whole new series of incredible experiences.

From there on, there are so many activities that can be done along this breathtaking route, so be prepared as I list just a few of the excursions we did on our four-day adventure.

Highgate Ostrich Farm

Situated in the scenic Klein Karoo Valley surrounded by the picturesque Swartberg Mountains, Highgate Ostrich Farm presents the world’s largest bird with eyes that are sure to steal hearts! Conclude an ostrich tour with a hearty lunch at The Pepper Tree Restaurant. I can say in all honesty that the lunch I had here was some of the best food I have ever tasted!

cango caves

Head into the Cango Valley in Oudtshoorn and enter the cavernous depths of the Cango Caves, exploring the vast dripstone caverns in a guided tour. Striding through this underground wonder of towering formations formed over the course of a million years really makes you marvel at these naturally formed formations.

Ziplining at Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure

Zigzagging along cables across the Kruis River: this activity is pure fun as you manoeuver through the forest and pass waterfalls completely surrounded by the beauty of nature. Feeling the wind whipping past your ears, adrenaline coursing through your veins, as you speed along cables ranging from 100 meters to 200 meters long, is an absolute rush and a definite MUST to experience!

bungy jumping off the bloukrans bridge

Now, this one is for the more adventurous at heart. Bungy jumping from the largest bridge in Africa certainly has a nice ring to it wouldn’t you say. Leaping from that ledge will definitely be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! With an amazing team and a lively atmosphere in the arch assisting with the jumping, it’s basically a party 216 meters above the Bloukrans River!

Hog Hollow Horse Trails

So, who’s always wanted to be a cowboy or cowgirl? Well, with this offering, you have the chance to fulfil your dreams for a few hours by taking your horse by the reins and striding through farmlands, forests, meadows, and vineyards on horseback for the day.

Monkeyland

Visit the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary for a guided tour as you learn all about the different primates and their behaviours. Stroll through the beautiful forest sanctuary home to various species of monkeys jumping between trees and running along the ground. Trust me when I say your heart won’t stop melting for the pure cuteness of these lively monkeys.

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for Game Drive

Of course, no Garden Route journey is complete without a game drive. Heading out early in the morning and having a leisure drive through the game park, spotting some of the most majestic wildlife, definitely fills you with a new appreciation for the wild. The safari vehicle allows for spectacular views of the animals as they go about their day.