Fly & Drive – Garden Route at Your Own Pace

About the destination: Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Western Cape Province, as well as being the legislative capital of South Africa, Cape Town holds the parliament although the capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Cape Town is situated at the base of Table Mountains which is surrounded by both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Cape Town is a place which has everything from beautiful mountains and great beaches to scenic mountain ranges and delicious wine routes. Walk around Green market square or through the squirrel filled gardens by the SA Cultural History Museum just of the main Adderley Street. The esplanade in the shadows of the City Hall serves as a stage for political rallies as well as a market selling anything from food to clothes. The Castle of Good Hope overlooks the esplanade and it is the oldest colonial building in South Africa. One of the oldest residential areas of Cape Town, the Bo Kaap is a unique neighborhood with a strong cultural and social history. Visit Nobel Square and see a tribute to four of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize winners. Cape Town has some of the finest beaches in Africa, all of which have the clean white beach sand particular to the Cape. Cape Town is a spectacular place with something for everyone, sun, beaches, friendly people, African culture, good food, great wine and fantastic scenery. What are you waiting for?

About the destination: Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people. The wonderful spectrum of visitor accommodation ranges from internationally renowned auberges and guest houses to self-catering cottages on wine farms and much more besides. In the village you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town Franschhoek is the ideal base while you explore the entire Cape winelands. Historical and Cultural Heritage After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France in 1685, when Protestantism was outlawed, hundreds of so-called Huguenots fled their homeland, 277 of them arriving by ship at the Cape of Good Hope. Many of them were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Oliphantshoek (Elephant’s Corner) – so named because of the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. Soon after they settled here, it become known as Franschhoek (French Corner). This heritage lives on today with the Huguenot monument standing proudly at the top of the village. The museum nearby chronicles the history of those brave pioneers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell. Wonderful Wines Driving into Franschhoek you will notice that most of the farms still bear their original French names and are usually complete with a spectacular Cape Dutch homestead, towering oaks and luscious vineyards. There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, and large cellars that offer organized tours and conducted tastings. The Gourmet Capital Although it varies by year up to eight of South Africa’s “Top 100” restaurants are in Franschhoek – the gourmet capital of the country. Leading chefs create everything from world-class cuisine to light meals using the freshest produce of the valley, complemented by the wonderful local wines. Linger a while and savour the hospitality, ambience and variety of our many great restaurants.

About the destination: Hermanus is a town on the southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is famous for southern right whale watching during the southern winter and spring and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre as early as June and usually depart in early December. They were once hunted in the nearby town of Betty's Bay, but are now protected to ensure the survival of the species. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions that explain the whaling industry, and the De Wetshuis Photo Museum houses an exhibition of photos by T D Ravenscroft that depicts the history of Hermanus. The Whale Museum houses a skeleton of a whale and shows an audio-visual presentation of whales and dolphins twice daily.

About the destination: Discover the enchanting allure of Mosselbaai, a charming town nestled along the Garden Route in South Africa. This coastal haven, also known as Mossel Bay, is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity, making it a perfect destination for every type of traveler. Mosselbaai is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, boasting a plethora of activities such as hiking, surfing, and dolphin and whale watching. Its pristine beaches, like Santos Beach and Diaz Beach, offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. The town's favorable climate means that it's always a good time for an outdoor adventure. History buffs will find plenty to explore, starting with the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex. Here, you can learn about the town's maritime history and its significance as a refueling station for European sailors. Visit the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse, a still-operating lighthouse built in 1864, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. For thrill-seekers, Mosselbaai offers shark cage diving, an exhilarating opportunity to come face-to-face with the majestic Great White Shark in its natural habitat. If you prefer a more adrenaline-pumping experience on land, try sandboarding on the vast dunes on the outskirts of the town. The cultural diversity of Mosselbaai is reflected in its cuisine. From traditional African dishes to fresh seafood and international fare, the town's restaurants cater to a variety of palates. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as biltong (cured meat), boerewors (a type of sausage), and bobotie (a spiced, baked meat dish). Mosselbaai also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries showcasing the work of local artists. The town's craft markets are ideal for picking up unique souvenirs and gifts. Embrace the warmth of the locals, feel the cool ocean breeze, and lose yourself in the captivating scenery of Mosselbaai. Its blend of adventure, relaxation, history, and culture make it an unforgettable travel destination in South Africa. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush, a tranquil beach escape, or a journey into the past, Mosselbaai promises a unique and fulfilling travel experience.

About the destination: Knysna's beautiful city is placed to 73 kilometers of George's airport. There are 157000 hectares of the Route of the Garden, proclaimed National Park. It is surrounded the shores of the pristine estuary Knysna, Indian Ocean and thousands of the hectares of the beautiful indigenous forest. The visitors can explore his natural beauty doing mountain biking, seeing whales, to enjoy his magnificent beaches. The housing in this city changes from the life of municipality to houseboats, from top cabins of tree to hotels of luxury of five stars. There is a great variety.Some interesting things that you can do in Knysna are: go fishing in Knysna's lake, excursions to the mountain to estimate the fauna and the nature, do the tour featherbed through a natural reserve. It’s the perfect place to relax and to enjoy the nature.

About the destination: Port Elizabeth is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Dubbed the Friendly City, Port Elisabeth is a major sea port and tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay. A popular and significant destination for water sports, Port Elizabeth also offers many historical attractions, such as the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers. British heritage is reflected in the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and the Oldest Bowling Green in South Africa. Port Elizabeth’s greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity, and clean beaches washed by warm water.