Things to do in Swellendam

Experience African hospitality at its best at the Aquila Private Game Reserve with a sunset safari accompanied by a game ranger. Get tickets to the park, sip on a welcome drink, savor refreshments, and relax by the pool. Upgrade to spa treatments on site. Arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve by 3:00 PM. On arrival, a welcome drink will be served followed by a selection of teas, coffee, and snacks. At 16:00, you will start your 2-3 hour game drive. After a hot day in the African bush, the animals are just starting to stir, moving towards the watering holes and coming out of the shade. The safari is led by an experienced guide who will share exciting inside stories and facts about your surroundings, easily rousing your inner wild side. While at the reserve you can enjoy a number of complementary activities. You can relax poolside, browse the curio shop, visit the Aquila labyrinth or play a game of giant chess. Join this tour to witness wild animals and enjoy a magical sunset experience. 

Choose your direction, from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or vice versa and plan your own itinerary, decide which stops you would like to make, and how much time you want to spend in each town. There is no time limit on your ticket. It will only expire when you reach your final destination Buses are 19-seater buses with on-board Wi-Fi, USB ports, TV, DVD players, air conditioning and trailers capable of carrying surfboards and bicycles.

Discover the stunning coastal route on a 5-day Private Garden Route Tour or more, from Cape Town. Embark on a personalized experience and create lasting memories. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure along South Africa's stunning Garden Route! Day 1: Embark on the Private Garden Route Tour from Cape Town: Our 5-day adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Cape Town and surrounding areas. We'll head east along the N2 highway, passing through Somerset West and Sir Lowry's Pass, before reaching the charming coastal town of Hermanus. Take a whale watching tour (seasonal) to spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Our next stop is Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views and a unique chance to stand at the tip of the continent. Day 2: Explore Cape Agulhas and Mossel Bay: Today, we'll visit Swellendam, a historic town with well-preserved architecture, before continuing to Mossel Bay. We'll explore The Point and the Cave, and enjoy a thrilling zipline adventure at Botlierskop Game Reserve Safari. Take in the stunning scenery as we make our way to Mossel Bay, where we'll spend the night. Day 3: George and Knysna: After breakfast, we'll head to George, where we'll visit Redberry Farm for a taste of their delicious fruit products. We'll then venture to Cango Wildlife Ranch for a fun-filled animal encounter. Next, we'll stop in Wilderness and take in the breathtaking views from the Map of Africa viewpoint. We'll arrive in Knysna in the afternoon and explore the waterfront on Thesen Island, taking in the picturesque views of this charming town. Day 4: Knysna and Plettenberg Bay: Today is packed with adventure! We'll visit Elephant Park for an unforgettable elephant experience, before heading to Plettenberg Bay for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, two world-class wildlife sanctuaries. We'll also stop at Tenikwa Wildlife Reserve Knysna for an exciting wildlife encounter. If you're feeling brave, take a leap of faith with a bungy jump off The Bridge, located near Nature's Valley. Day 5: Tsitsikamma National Park and Return to Cape Town: After breakfast, we'll explore Tsitsikamma National Park, known for its stunning coastline and scenic hiking trails. We'll take in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean before making our way back to Cape Town. We'll drop you off at your hotel or accommodation in Cape Town city centre or surrounding areas, marking the end of our 5-day Private Garden Route Tour Package. Please note: At All attractions entrance fees, experience fees food, drinks, and accommodations are at the guest’s own expense.Read less

Depart from Cape Town at 8am and travel on N1 to the R62 Wine Route. Continue from Worcester to Robertson to Montagu until we reach Oudtshoorn on the R62 Wine Route. Stop-over in Oudtshoorn and visit a wildlife Ranch for a guided tour. Depart from Oudtshoorn going past George and Wilderness. Reach Knysna in the evening. Knysna, a picturesque town nestled between lush forests and a stunning lagoon. Overnight at aha the Rex Hotel or similar in Knysna. Day 2 depart from the hotel after breakfast and head to Addo National Park for a game drive. Addo National Park is the 3rd largest game reserve in South Africa. It is also home to the big 5. We are likely to see a lot of animals including some of the big 5 as we drive around the park. Addo National Park has the largest elephant herd in South Africa. We depart from Addo National Park in the afternoon and head to Bloukrans Bridge where there is the world’s highest bungy jump (own expense). Thereafter we head back to aha the Rex Hotel in Knysna or similar for the night. Day 3 depart from the hotel after breakfast and head to Robberg Nature Reserve, a mere 30 minutes drive from Knysna for a 2 hour hiking. Thereafter visit one of the white sand beaches in Plettenberg Bay to relax and for lunch (own expense). Depart from Plettenberg Bay and head to Knysna Heads, beautiful scenery and views of Knysna with great photo opportunities. Relax at Knsyna Quays in the afternoon. Jump into the sunset boat cruise at 5pm. We take the sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Enjoy the afternoon sail on Knysna lagoon that provides close views of all the iconic sights along the way. Sit back and soak up the spectacular scenery, a truly unique experience. Overnight at aha the Rex Hotel or similar in Knysna. Day 4 depart from Knysna after breakfast and head to Swellendam for a brief tour of one of South Africa’s oldest town. is a town steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty, and renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture. From Swellendam we proceed to Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa. Cape Agulhas, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, maritime history, and rugged coastal landscapes. From Cape Agulhas proceed to Hermanus for the night. Day 5 tour of Hermanus after breakfast. Excellent whale watching in season. Depart from Hermanus after lunch and head to Benguela Cove Wine Estate for wine tasting of 5 top different wines. Thereafter proceed to Betty's Bay to view the endangered African Penguins. Thereafter proceed on the very scenic Whale Coast Route to conclude the tour in late afternoon in Cape Town.

The 5 day itinerary Day 1: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn • Morning: Depart from Cape Town at 8am • Travel on the R62 Wine Route passing through the towns Worcester, Robertson, Montagu and Oudtshoorn • Afternoon stop at Oudtshoorn for a tour of this town • Proceed to Cango Caves. The Cango Caves: • Frequently described as one of the great Natural Wonders of The World. • The biggest show cave system in Africa. • Inhabited since the Early Stone Age. • It is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction. • The formations are unique: they would not have normally formed in this area and are a result of faulting. • Overnight in Oudtshoorn at Karoo Retreat or similar Day 2: Depart from Oudtshoorn after breakfast and head to Botlierskop Game Reserve for a 4x4 Game Drive • 3 hour Game drive at Botlierskop Game Reserve. Botlierskop Game Reserve has the lions, elephants, rhino, kudus, buffaloes, impalas, zebras, giraffes and many more animals. • Depart afternoon and head to Wilderness, brief tour • Then head to Knysna • Overnight in Knysna at the Russel Hotel or similar Day 3: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay • Morning: visit Robberg Nature Reserve for hiking. Robberg Nature Reserve situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay, is not only a nature reserve, but also a World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years. One of the best nature reserves in South Africa with stunning views. • Visit white sand beaches in Pletenberg Bay • Visit the Bloukrans bridge for the world’s highest bungy jump (optional extra) • Visit the Knysna Heads • Afternoon - Visit the Knysna Quays Waterfront • Sunset boat cruise in Knysna (optional extra) • Evening: Explore the beaches of Plettenberg Bay and dine at a local restaurant • Overnight in Knysna at the Russel Hotel or similar Day 4 depart from Knysna after breakfast and head to Swellendam for a brief tour of one of South Africa’s oldest town. is a town steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty, and renowned for its Cape Dutch architecture. • From Swellendam we proceed to Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa. Cape Agulhas, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, maritime history, and rugged coastal landscapes. From Cape Agulhas proceed to Hermanus for the night. • Overnight in Hermanus at a Lodge or Hotel 3 star Day 5 tour of Hermanus after breakfast. Excellent whale watching in season. • Depart from Hermanus after lunch and head to Benguela Cove Wine Estate for wine tasting of 5 top different wines. • Thereafter proceed to Betty's Bay to view the endangered African Penguins. • Thereafter proceed on the very scenic Whale Coast Route to conclude the tour in late afternoon in Cape Town.