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DEPARTS ON DEMAND
Pack your bags and get ready to take an unforgettable adventure with us into one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. Our 5 -day Garden Route Adventure has been hand crafted especially for vegan travellers with vegan friendly accommodation, vetted animal sanctuaries, a wonderful wildlife reserve where conservation is a priority and of course deliciously decadent vegan meals throughout.
Starting in Cape Town we cross mountain passes and farmlands to reach Wilderness Lake region. Then we take a secret route through ancient forests with giant trees to the golden beaches of Plettenberg Bay. We explore the rivers by boat, walk along breath taking paths by the sea and visit forest sanctuaries for monkeys and birds. We end with a stay in Gondwana Game Reserve, home to many happy rhino amongst plentiful free roaming wildlife.
The beauty of the forests, lagoons, lakes and seas
Tasting local produce from a berry farm
Staying on the edge of a lake at Wilderness
Travelling along old forgotten roads through the forest
Delicious vegan meals cooked specially for us by some wonderful in- house chefs
Meet a “tree elder” one of the oldest trees in the Knysna Forest
Supporting the monkeys and birds at two beautiful sanctuaries
The views and sunrise from our accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
The sounds of the forest and birds on our boat cruise
Walking along the coastal path at Tsitsikamma National Park
Seeing rhinos in Gondwana Game Reserve
Being out in nature with animals and birds
YOUR GARDEN ROUTE VEGAN ADVENTURE BEGINS…..
DAY 1: SWELLENDAM |WILDERNESS LAKES
We collect you from your accommodation in Cape Town and set off over the mountains into the fruit and farming valleys of the Overberg. We enjoy a visit to a berry farm where we taste locally produced liqueurs and jams and then travel on to Wilderness Lakes for the night, where we stay in a tranquil lodge perched on the lake edge.
DAY 2: KNYSNA LAGOON | PLETTENBERG BAY
A beautiful start to the day awaits with a leisurely walk from your doorstep around the lakes or for those who would prefer a canoe trip. Our scenic journey then takes us along the Seven Passes Route crossing rivers through ancient forests to Knysna with its tranquil lagoon teeming with birds. We will also visit one of the venerated elder trees of the forest on our route and enjoy a picnic lunch. Our destination is Plettenberg Bay, where we stay for the next 2 nights overlooking the waterways of the Bitou River.
DAY 3: ANIMAL SANCTUARIES | TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
This morning we visit and support the animals and birds at Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, both ethical rescue sanctuaries located in the indigenous forests nearby. We then travel into the heart of the Garden Route to explore Tsitsikamma National Park with Stormsriver suspension bridge and gorge, forests and sea . There are some extra options you may add into your Tsitsikamma adventure today: a guided snorkeling experience/ Kayak trip up Stormsriver Gorge/ Open vehicle tour into the forest/ Zip lining.
DAY 4: RIVER CRUISE | GONDWANA GAME RESERVE
To really experience the magic of the Garden Route you need to do a boat trip and this morning we take a guided cruise up the river in Keurbooms Nature Reserve where you can spot forest wildlife and birds. Our Garden Route adventure continues with a stay in the magnificent Gondwana Game Reserve where we enjoy a guided open vehicle safari in the afternoon . Our overnight accommodation is in a luxury African styled hut in the reserve surrounded by wildlife.
DAY 5: GONDWANA GAME RESERVE| CAPE TOWN
Our last day is an exciting one starting with a choice of a mountain bike leisurely ride or guided walk through the section of the reserve where there are no dangerous animals. We then travel towards the historic town of Swellendam and arrive back in Cape Town where you are dropped off at your accommodation after 5 unforgettable days discovering the magical Garden Route.
How your Garden Route Vegan Safari is helping the Earth
We support the White Lion Protection Trust located in Timbavati part of the Greater Kruger Park biosphere and sacred home to the only protected 12 White Lions on Earth. On this tour you will helping to keep the White Lions safe by supporting the “Day of Freedom Campaign”
-see more on
https://whitelions.org/day-of-freedom
How do I sign up?
A 25% non -refundable deposit secures your place on this tour.
Where does the retreat start and end ?
We depart from and return to Cape Town.
What is included ?
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Services of a professional tour guide/driver
- Transport in a comfortable air -conditioned vehicle
- Collection and drop off from your accommodation in the city center ( airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost )
- 4 night’s accommodation in superior 4* – 5* lodging
- 3 delicious vegan meals daily
- Berry liqueur and jam tasting
- Walk in the Knysna Forest to one of the Big Trees
- Visits to TWO ethical sanctuaries- Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
- Tsitsikamma National Park entrance fee
- Boat cruise in a Nature Reserve by Plettenberg Bay
- One guided game drive and 1 nature walk in Gondwana Game Reserve
- A welcome goodie/gift bag with some snacks and treats
- A live Q&A session before the tour so you can ask any questions direct to your tour leader
What is excluded ?
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Any drinks with or without meals
- Gratuity for your guide and your ranger at Gondwana ( at your own discretion )
- Travel insurance: medical is compulsory and cancellation highly recommended
Payments and cancellation policy
Payment: A 25% non -refundable deposit secures your place with balance due 60 days before departure. We accept payment by electronic bank transfer (EFT) or Mastercard/Visa. If you are paying by credit card there is a 3% extra charge added on the total cost. You are welcome to contact us to arrange a payment plan if you prefer to pay in more than 2 instalments.
Cancellation: Your 25% sign up deposit payment is non- refundable should you cancel your place due to personal reasons. From 1-45 days prior to the departure date of your trip your balance of payment cannot be refunded as at this stage we will have paid all our suppliers.
We therefore highly recommend you take out travel insurance cover in case you need to cancel your trip.
Covid related Cancellations: should you be unable to travel due to Covid related illness we will offer you a full refund less 10% processing fee or preferably a voucher to the full value of your trip which you can use for a future date to travel on any of our scheduled or tailor made tours.
What is the group size ?
This trip departs on demand with minimum 2 guests.
Can you tell me what to pack ?
We will send you a suggested packing list prior to your departure. Some essential items include a refillable water bottle, good pair of closed walking shoes, a warm jacket, sunhat and sun glasses, a personal medical kit and plenty spare storage cards and batteries for your camera.
Are there luggage restrictions ?
We suggest one medium sized soft luggage bag ( max. weight 20kg ) and 1 piece of hand luggage inside the vehicle per person (ie) such as a small rucksack with your camera or handbag.
What is the weather like ?
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas in South Africa which is why its vegetation is so lush and green. Most of the rains occurs in the winter months ( June-August ), brought on by the humid sea-winds from the Indian ocean.
