Mossel Bay

Tours

Take a 3-hour guided game drive at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and experience close encounters with rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and more. Situated in spectacular mountains near Mossel Bay, the reserve boasts a great diversity of habitats and 26 different species of wildlife.  The 4,200 hectare reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with more than 200 species to be seen. In an open game viewing vehicle, your guide will take you to the best locations to spot lions, zebras, elephants, and other animals. After the game drive, spend some time enjoying the facilities, including a restaurant and an open-air swimming pool.

Take a 3.5 hour guided game late afternoon drive at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and experience close encounters with rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffalos and more. Located in spectacular mountains near Mossel Bay, the reserve boasts a great diversity of habitats and 26 different species of wildlife. The 4,200 hectare reserve is ideal for bird watchers, with more than 200 different varieties to be seen. In an open game viewing vehicle, your guide will take you to the finest locations to spot lions, zebras, elephants, and other animals. After the game drive, spend some time enjoying the facilities, including a restaurant and an open-air swimming pool.

Day 1: Botlierskop, Oudtshoorn Travel route about 450km / 6 hrs daily. Leave Cape Town or Stellenbosch early morning ( between 6am to 7am) and trade the silhouette of Table Mountain for the lush green scenery of the start of the Garden Route region after about 450km of driving. The first game reserve visited is 5 hours driving away (subject to weather, stops and traffic), but the route is scenic with a few photo and rest stops along the way. The 3500ha Botlierskop private game reserve is located in a malaria-free area and home to an abundance of wildlife including four of the Big Five, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, well over 26 different species of animals, and more than 200 bird species. Spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open-top 4x4 vehicle and particularly keep your eyes open for lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino sightings. Leopards are nocturnal hunters, evasive and not contained by fences so it's unlikely to see them during these game drives. The ranger will stop the safari vehicle to explain in more detail when spotting smaller wildlife, insects and plants of this unique coastal Renosterveldt region.  Then a short drive to end your day in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Enjoy your evening at leisure under the Klein Karoo's twinkling starry skies. Ask your guide to book a restaurant meal or optional 'local braai' barbecue dinner (subject to availability) to taste local delights, such as ostrich 'sosatie' kebab & 'pot brood' bread. Overnight in Oudtshoorn as per your stay package selected: Uthando Backpackers (Dorm or Own Saver package) or 88 Baron van Reede guesthouse (Comfort package) or Buffelsdrift (Luxe package) or Mooiplaas guesthouse (Farmstay package) . Day 2: Oudtshoorn, Route 62 After breakfast, jump straight into the thick of the Klein Karoo bush this morning as you set out on an open-topped 2-hour 4x4 bush drive to seek out more of Africa’s smaller wildlife at Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve. Your expert guide and ranger will help spot wildlife and share some of nature’s secrets while teaching you about the region’s fauna and flora. This bush drive focuses more on looking closer to see details of nature as the reserve is not home to many big game. Join elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation in Nature activity (at extra expense) to see three rescued elephants in their natural habitat near the waterhole. Learn about these gentle giants, under the watchful eye of the elephant guides. As you observe these lovable creatures you can take photos and ask ellie-related questions. End-off the day with a 400km drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world! Capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, and rugged Karoo plains before arriving in Cape Town or Stellenbosch by evening (between 8pm to 10pm).

Note - this tour itinerary may run in reverse or different order subject to availability. Day 1: Route 62 Travel time today is about 450km/5-6 hours. Start with a morning pickup (6am to 7am) from your accommodation in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Travel along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, with a wine-tasting stop (non-alcoholic tasting available too) before reaching Oudtshoorn by afternoon. Overnight Stay at Uthando Backpackers (Backpack package) or 88 van Rheede Guesthouse (3 star Comfort package) or Hlangana lodge or similar (4 star Luxury package). Day 2: Oudtshoorn Travel time today is about 250km/4-5 hours. Head to the mountains to go deep underground in the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves, exploring vast halls filled with ancient stalactites before traveling onward for about 400km to reach the Addo town region. On the route stop at a local "padstal" informal restaurant-deli for a sit down South African traditional treats tasting experience; sampling bobotie, roosterkoek, koeksisters and melktert. Overnight Stay at Avaco Cabins (Backpack package) or Happy Lands (Comfort package) or Addo Wildlife lodge or similar (Luxury package). Day 3: Addo, Jeffreys Bay Travel route about 300km/3-4 hours. Rise early for the best chance to spot wildlife as the bush awakes in Addo Elephant National Park, the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. Join your own group after breakfast for the included 2-hour van game drive with your guide to search for some of the big five animals; if lucky you'll spot elephants, buffalos, lion & more. Travel about 200km to J'bay to either spend free time at the beach or choosing between optional surfing or beach horseback riding (extra cost). Overnight at Island Vibe (Backpacker package) or Sea Whisper (3 star Comfort package) or On The Beach Lodge or similar (Luxury package). Day 4: Tsitsikamma, Sedgefield Travel route about 300km/3-4 hours. After breakfast, drive inland to experience an optional highest Bungy jump bridge in the world, optional Waterfall Zipline over waterfalls in Tsitsikamma forest (both at extra cost) or choose to have free time and arrive early to spend more time in Tsitsikamma National Park. After all had some time to explore the park, drive onward with a photo stop at Knysna's lagoon en route to Sedgefield. Overnight at Pili Pili Backpackers (Backpacker package), or The Rex (Comfort package), or Protea Hotel Knysna or similar (Luxury package). Day 5: Garden Route Safari Travel route about 400km/6 hours. Take the road back along the coastline until a 2-3 hour safari activity stop in the heart of the native bushveld. Search for most of the Big 5 and other wild animals from an open 4x4 vehicle in the Botlierskop Reserve. Journey back to Cape Town with evening drop-offs in Cape Town or Stellenbosch (between 8pm to 10pm).

Day 1: Oudtshoorn Morning pickup (6am - 7am) from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch. Travel about 450 km ±6hrs. Set off along the famous Route 62, where you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, vast Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. Pop in at one of the many farm stalls along the way, stocked with locally crafted delights before arriving in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Delve deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going guided Heritage Tour or by contrast, the Adventure Tour allows you to wiggle your way through limestone on a daring underground route. Spend the evening in Oudtshoorn at leisure. As per package selected; overnight at Uthando (Dorm or own room Backpack Stay) or 88 Baron van Reede (3 star Comfort) or 4 star Luxury Hlangana Lodge(ask to upgrade to Buffelsdrift extra cost) Day 2: Wilderness Today you'll drive about 400 km ±4hrs. As the dawn breaks in the dusty Klein Karoo, opt for a close encounter with Mother Nature and join elephant guides on an (optional with cost) Elephant Observation in Nature. Gentle giants (Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo) made Buffelsdrift their home after being relocated from Kruger when their parents were poached. Follow and observe these 3 rescued African elephants as they roam freely in this natural bush veld habitat. Then, take to the water for a leisurely paddle along the reed-lined banks near the Wilderness National Park region. It’s not until you stop paddling and let the gentle current guide you, that the rich birdlife becomes apparent (or seasonal waterfall). The adventure continues as you reach Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jump. Opt in to hurtle face-first down the 134 (216 m) drop if you dare (optional with cost) or those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground can visit the nearby forest area. Spend the evening soaking in the slow town way of life in Sedgefield or Wilderness, subject to your accommodation location. Feel the white sand between your toes as you sip on cocktails or rooibos ice tea with dinner. As per selected package; choose to stay at PiliPili Backpackers (Dorm or own room Backpacker Stay) or Fairy Knowe (3 star Comfort) or Dolphin Dunes (4 star Luxury) Day 3: Garden Route Start the day in the heart of the African bush. Spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Search for white rhino, lion, elephant, zebra, and wildebeest, just to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger, sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife. Travel about 450km ±6hrs. End the day with a journey through the landscape of rolling farmlands as you say farewell to the Garden Route on your way back to Cape Town by evening (between 8pm - 10pm).

Explore Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Addo, and Mossel Bay on an adventurous 6-day trip from Cape Town with accommodation, transportation, and most meals included. Discover wildlife and indigenous forests, taste local wine, canoe, hike, and visit the beaches of Mossel Bay. Day 1: Cape Town - Hermanus - Cape Agulhas Start your trip by departing from Cape Town to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for being the home to hundreds of southern right whales from July to November. Later, drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2: Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World, via Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery before checking into your accommodation, a working game farm in the Little Karoo. As the sun goes down, join a tour of the ostrich farm. Take in the views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background before calling it a night. Day 3: Oudtshoorn - Sedgefield After breakfast, head to Outeniqua Mountain Pass and explore the Wilderness National Park by canoe. Paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest with an abundance of bird life. After about 40 minutes, leave the canoes for a 2 km hike along a boardwalk to a waterfall with rock pools. In the late afternoon, spend time exploring Sedgefield with its expansive views and beaches. Day 4: Sedgefield - Knysna - Tsitsikamma - Addo Head to the famous town of Knysna via the lavish Lake District of the Garden Route. Visit the Knysna Heads Viewpoint for sweeping views over the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. Next, stop at Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest bungee jump bridge. Midday will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park, with its unique combination of indigenous forest and Indian Ocean coastline. The park has a wide choice of activities including hiking, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the afternoon, leave the Garden Route for the Big Five country, Addo. Day 5: Addo - Wilderness - Sedgefield Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. Get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and other animals including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs, and more. After a morning on safari, drive back to the Garden Route where you'll stay overnight in the Wilderness or Sedgefield area. Day 6: Wilderness - Sedgefield - Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the beach. Hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex, which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000-foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Later, arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening for drop-off.

Take to the skies of South Africa's Garden Route on a paragliding adventure. Soar over the towns of George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and Sedgefield. Enjoy a tandem flight with a certified pilot and take in the views of the coastline. Meet your pilot and get a safety briefing before taking off. Sit back and relax as you take to the skies. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you glide through the air. Take in the views of the coastline and the surrounding towns.

Experience the thrill of paragliding over the Garden Route. Fly near towns of George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and Sedgefield. Tandem flying is fun, safe, and easy. Within in a few minutes you could be flying like an eagle. A SAHPA tandem rated pilot will fly with you and you can sit-back and relax while you share the joy of flying with them. The flying experience is amazing . The Adventure flight is a longer flight and the Instructor will give you chance to handle control toggles and guide you so that you will fly the paraglider safely if conditions allow.

Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn: Cango Caves and Buffelsdrift Bush Safari Game Drive Pick-up is between 06:00 and 06:30 am from your Cape Town accommodation. Our 5-hour trip to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital along the Garden Route, includes breaks for refreshments and rest stops. When we reach Oudtshoorn, we'll visit the Cango Caves for a 1-hour Heritage Tour of these ancient caves. Join a guided walk through the caves and delve deeper into one of the prominent attractions along the Garden Route. Following the Cango Caves visit, we'll drive for about 20 minutes to Buffelsdrift Game Reserve for an Afternoon Safari Experience. At 13:30, we'll have lunch. Following our Bush Safari Experience at Buffelsdrift, we'll journey to Chandelier Game Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Day 2: Chandelier Giraffe & Ostrich Tour and Botlierskop Big 5 Safari Rise to the sounds of African wildlife and enjoy breakfast at Chandelier restaurant around 8:00 am. The morning includes a 30-minute Giraffe encounter at 9:00 am and a 1-hour Ostrich Tour at 10:00 am. After these experiences, guests will check out and head to Botlierskop. After morning activities and check-out, we'll depart Chandelier Game Lodge for Botlierskop Game Reserve. Enjoy lunch and a thrilling 3-hour afternoon Big 5 safari starting at 14:00. Encounter Rhinoceros, Lions, Elephants, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, rare Black Impala, Golden Wildebeest, Mountain Zebra, Hippos, and more! Following our thrilling Big 5 safari game drive at Botlierskop, we'll leave the Garden Route and head back to Cape Town. The journey will take roughly 4 to 4.5 hours, and we anticipate arriving in Cape Town around 21:00.

Get the chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and more on a two-day safari tour from Cape Town. Enjoy two game drives and an overnight stay with included dinner and breakfast. On the first day, depart Cape Town and drive along the scenic coastal road to Cape Agulhas via Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world. Make a stop at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Continue on to the Garden Route Game Lodge. Here, embark on a sunset safari in an open-air vehicle (cost of game drives not included). Observe a variety of native animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, and more. After the safari, settle in for a three-course dinner. Spend the night in one of the beautiful 4-star wooden chalets and admire the clear skies over the lodge. In the morning, head out for another game drive to see some of the animals you might have missed the evening before. After your drive, tuck into breakfast. After breakfast make your way to Mossel Bay, about 30 minutes away, to meet face-to-face with the Great White Sharks in a cage-diving experience (cost not included). After that, we will make our way back to Cape Town.