Off the Beaten Track Destinations, South Africa

South Africa is a richly diverse travel destination.
In the Cape Province alone, the visitor has a myriad of options to choose from. Return visitors having explored the traditional “must see” first time destinations, often find it difficult to put together an exciting itinerary, due to lack of knowledge about the regions, the travel distances entailed, and after all......who is better informed about the “gems” than the locals?
Off the beaten track offers you an extensive variety of destinations and the assurance of top quality accommodation. Our itinerary is a mere guideline, affording you total flexibility in tailormaking your holiday with the undertaking that any of the 4 or 5 star listed accommodation establishments will offer you an unforgettable experience.
Despite the fact that Cape Town, Franschhoek and Plettenberg Bay are not off the beaten track destinations, they have been included in our travel route, allowing inclusion of this itinerary for both the first time and return visitor to the Cape.
Marvel in the splendour of the Karoo night skies, travel the legendary Route 62 and Swartberg pass, get your adrenalin pumping whilst cage shark diving, revel in the beauty of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the World’s floral kingdoms, sample World class wines and legendary cuisine in South Africa’s culinary capital, amble on pristine white beaches, watch whales and dolphins at play, explore quaint hamlets and revel in the hospitality that South Africans have to offer;

 

 

all of this and more on Off the beaten track destinations...

 


Itinerary commences with coastal destinations for the traveller who needs to unwind, relax and rejuvenate prior to exploring. Should you want to unwind on the last leg of your journey, start off in the city and end up at the coastal destinations close to Cape Town.

 

 

 


12 Nights Trip: Arriving in Cape Town, South Africa

 
 map-OTBT




Day 1 & 2: Coastal destinations

Pristine beaches, sea, mountains, whale watching, cage shark diving, dolphins, birding, horse trails, hiking, cycling, golf, walking…chilling

2 nights at Moonstruck on Pringle Bay on the Cape Whale Route Coast, 1 hour's drive from Cape Town International Airport

4 star luxury rated guesthouse in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Contemporary beach-house retreat offering panoramic ocean and mountain views, private patios and stylish decor
Ideal for whale watching in season, bird watching, hiking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, penguin colony, Cape floral kingdom, wine routes and exploring the Overberg
e-mail: info@moonstruck.co.za
web: www.moonstruck.co.za

…….. And/Or …….

2 nights at Cliff Lodge on the Cape Whale Route Coast, 2 hour's drive from Cape Town International Airport
4 star luxury rated guesthouse perched on a cliff in the village of De Kelders, overlooking Walker Bay in unspoilt nature
Ocean frontage accommodation; beach house retreat with contemporary luxury in mind
Excellent for exploring the marine tourist attractions such as whale watching in season, great white shark cage diving, bird watching, hiking, horse riding and exploring the Overberg
e-mail: info@clifflodge.co.za
web: www.clifflodge.co
 

Day 3 & 4: Country Destination off Route 62

A phenomenal road-trip on Route 62. See the real South Africa. Depart on day 3 and head for Montagu which is located on the renowned Route 62.

2 nights at bloomestate, located on the fringe of Swellendam, centrally located off Route 62 and the Garden Route, 2,5 hours from Cape Town

4 star rating distinctive modern guesthouse with personal service
7 bright garden rooms, tranquil setting in green gardens with large guest lounge with covered terrace and mountain view
Ideal to relax and unwind, open air Jacuzzi and on site wellness therapies
Explore Swellendam and surrounding natureparks and wineries
e-mail: info@bloomestate.com
web: www.bloomestate.com









Day 5 & 6 Klein Karoo

night skies, legendary Karoo homes and hospitality, visit Calitzdorp - South Africa’s Port capital, ostrich farms, Swartberg Pass, Die Hel, Prince Albert, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

Depart on day 5 and head on R62 for Calitzdorp
2 nights at Red Mountain Nature Reserve, 4.5 hour's drive from Cape Town

Luxurious accommodation with suites nestled in a tranquil garden
Explore the geographical wonders of the Red Mountains. Ideal destination to explore the Cango Caves, Prince Albert, ostrich farms, the Swartberg and other magnificent mountain passes.
e-mail: redmountain@iafrica.com
web: www.deredmountain.co.za


…….. And/Or …….

Depart on day 5 and head for Prince Albert via R62 and R328
2 nights at  De Bergkant Lodge, 5 hour's drive from Cape Town

4 star national monument homestead furnished with Cape antiques and Victorian bathrooms. Located in a quaint Karoo village. Drive the legendary Swartberg pass, explore Meiringspoort, visit Calitzdorp for world class port,Cango Caves, Die Hel and ostrich farms.
e-mail: bergkant@iafrica.com
web: www.debergkant.co.za
 

Day 7 & 8: The Garden Route

Knysna elephant park, Storm's River mouth, Nature’s valley, Buffalo Hills game reserve, sweeping Indian ocean beaches, Tsitsikamma National Park
Depart on day 7 and head for Plettenberg Bay on the famous Garden Route.

2 nights at Emily Moon River Lodge, 6 hours drive from Cape Town

Exclusive 4 star lodge on the southern bank of the Bitou River
Views encompass a wetland and winding river, with the call of the Fish Eagle as your background music
Ideal for exploring Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature’s Valley, Storm’s River Mouth, Monkeyland, Buffalo Hills Game reserve and the Knysna Elephant Park.
e-mail: info@emilymoon.co.za
web: www.emilymoon.co.za

….. And/Or …….

2 nights Lily Pond Country Lodge, 6.5 hour's drive from Cape Town

4 star unique architectural design in the tranquility of unspoiled nature
Surrounded by 12 hectares of magnificent indigenous forest and unique lily ponds
Ideal for exploring Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature’s Valley, Storm’s River Mouth, Monkeyland, Buffalo Hills Game reserve and the Knysna Elephant Park.
e-mail: info@lilypond.co.za
web: www.lilypond.co.za















Day 9 & 10: Winelands Destination

South Africa’s culinary capital, wine estates, mountains, French Huguenot style architectureDepart on day 9 and head for Franschhoek Valley.
2 nights at Klein Genot Boutique Wine and Country Estate Hotel, 1.5 hour's drive from Cape Town

5 star rating where Feng Shui philosophy meets farm-style hospitality Cradled by the Franschhoek and Stoney Brook rivers with views of the majestic Franschhoek mountains

Ideal for exploring South Africa’s culinary capital and the Cape Winelands region (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek). Renowned cuisine with home grown fresh produce, award winning homestead with panoramic views complete with wellness Spa.
e-mail: info@kleingenot.com
web: www.kleingenot.com

…….. And/Or …….

2 nights Akademie Street Guesthouse, 1,5 hour's drive from Cape Town

5 star rated guesthouses situated in shady beautiful gardens in a quiet area of the village of Franschhoek, offering quality décor, luxury and great attention to detail.
Ideal location for exploring Franschhoek town, sidewalk cafe’s, fly fishing, golf, cycling, tennis, walking, visiting antique stores and discovering the wonderful restaurants and wine farms.
e-mail: info@aka.co.za
web: www.aka.co.za


Day 11 & 12: Cape Town Destination

The Mother City has it all, voted as one of the top 10 destinations in the world

Depart on day 11 and head for Cape Town.

2 nights at Cape Riviera Guest House

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain in the heart of Oranjezicht

4 star historic home with modern addition has sweeping views over the City, Table Bay and Table Mountain. Ideal for exploring Cape Town’s beaches, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, V & A waterfront, Robben Island, Cape Vineyards.
e-mail: caperiviera@mweb.co.za
web: www.caperiviera.co.za

…….. And/Or …….

2 nights at Abbey Manor Guesthouse

Overlooking Cape Town City at the foot of Table Mountain, offering dramatic views from sumptuous rooms.

5 star rating, built in 1905 Arts-and- Crafts style and fully remodeled to ensure highest level of comfort.Ideal for exploring Cape Town’s beaches, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, V & A waterfront, Robben Island, Cape Vineyards.
e-mail:info@abbey.co.za
web:www.abbeymanor.co.za

 








Off the beaten track destinations brought to you by: Moonstruck on Pringle Bay © 2009 Design by: Conception Design Solutions