Adventure and comfort on the Garden Route

Welcome to South Africa and welcome to Cape Town, the Mother City. What makes Cape Town so special? It simply has it all. With its lush greenery and its dramatic setting against Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Alongside the vibrant city life you will find white sandy beaches, colourful flower fields and impressive mountains. There is plenty to do. From relaxing on the beach to enjoying long lazy meals on sunny terraces, hiking up Table Mountain or visiting the penguins in Simonstown.

Time to soak up everything that makes Cape Town so special, from culture to nature, from food to history. This city has so much to offer that one day is never enough to see all the highlights.

A drive along Chapman’s Peak is an absolute must. This world famous coastal road offers spectacular ocean views and leads you to the dramatic landscape of Cape Point, where you can spot wildlife and take in the breathtaking panorama at the southwestern tip of Africa.

A township tour is a powerful way to experience daily life in local communities and learn about the resilience and hospitality of the people who live there. With all these possibilities your adventure in this beautiful city is far from over.

The route takes you over Sir Lowry’s Pass with beautiful views of the coast and the mountains. This area is famous for its vineyards, apple orchards and fresh mountain air. A wonderful place to unwind. The drive takes about one and a half hours.

Next stop: Hermanus. This beautiful coastal town is a paradise for nature lovers. Spot countless whales that visit the bay during the season from June to November, hike through the mountains, wander along the beach or follow the Hermanus Cliff Path. End your day with a drink at one of the cosy restaurants and bars Hermanus has to offer. Our favourites? Dutchies and Bientang's Cave.

Swellendam is a charming little town with a long history. It has more than fifty heritage sites, most of them built in classic Cape Dutch architecture. Whether you are here for adventure or simply to relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of this farming community, you will quickly understand why travellers from all over the world have never really left Swellendam behind. The town is beautifully tucked between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River.

Welcome to the ostrich epicentre of South Africa, the Little Karoo. The Little Karoo is a spectacular valley stretching 350 kilometres and almost completely surrounded by mountains. It is only forty to sixty kilometres wide, sandwiched between the towering Swartberg mountains to the north and the vast Langeberg and Outeniqua ranges to the south. This is a place to experience life Charlie’s Travels style. We not only offer a true Charlie’s Braai Class where you learn to braai like a local, but also the Charlie’s Field School where you discover everything about the area while walking through this unique landscape.

Safari time. You stay at Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay, in a beautiful lodge with breathtaking views over the valley and the Outeniqua mountains. A large pool, stylish lounge, cosy bar, excellent kitchen and a lovely veranda with an even lovelier view. Gondwana Game Reserve has it all. From here you head into the bush for a series of exciting game drives. The famous Big Five lives in this area, but you will also spot many other classic African animals such as giraffes, hippos, cheetahs and zebras.

Time to step off the beaten track of the Garden Route. Onward to Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, two hundred kilometres of untouched and rugged mountain landscape. In this breathtaking reserve you can enjoy beautiful hikes with incredible views at every turn, not to mention the unique flora and fauna. Baviaanskloof is beloved by locals and thankfully still off the radar for most travellers. A must see for all nature and adventure lovers.

Today you drive from Baviaanskloof to the lush forests and rugged coastline of Tsitsikamma. You can choose to take the spectacular Prince Albert Pass along the way, a winding gravel road through dense forest. Stop at the iconic Angie’s G Spot for a coffee or beer and a chat with the locals. The drive takes about four to five hours depending on your route.

In Tsitsikamma you enter a completely different world. Dense forests, high cliffs and the wild Indian Ocean. Here you can walk across the famous suspension bridges, go ziplining through the rainforest, kayak on the Storms River or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze and dramatic views.

Onward to Addo Elephant National Park. This park was founded in 1931 as a refuge for the eleven remaining African elephants in the area. A mission that turned out to be very successful, because today at least 450 elephants live in Addo. Other animals you may encounter here include buffaloes, rhinos, antelopes, lions and hyenas. You can also spot African penguins and the rare gannets here.

All good things come to an end, and so does this beautiful adventure through South Africa. Fully recharged you pack your bags and board the plane home. With a healthy glow on your cheeks you settle into your seat, close your eyes and drift off, replaying all the incredible moments you experienced. Once you open your front door again you are filled with inspiration and an overload of unforgettable memories. Untouched nature, abundant wildlife, inspiring people and vibrant cities. You now have enough stories to share around the fireplace with family and friends. Welcome home. One adventure finished, another chapter of rich experiences gained.