Garden RouteCurious penguins and excellent wines

Leave Cape Town behind and set off for the picturesque Simondium wine region. Franchhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch are the three towns whose names are immortalized on many a wine bottle. Your hotel, the Babylonstoren Wine Estate & Farm, is located in this aromatic enclave, surrounded by exotic gardens and imposing mountains. Wine enjoyment is the focus of all endeavors here, but the idyllic Winelands have much more to offer.

Go hiking or horseback riding to explore this beautiful landscape. Or treat yourself to an enjoyable excursion to the region's most exclusive wineries. Whatever you have in mind, we will take care of the planning to ensure that your stay is a thoroughly enjoyable one. We would be happy to take you to places that remain hidden to other vacationers.

Today, the journey is also the destination, as your trip takes you along a breathtakingly beautiful coastline that demands plenty of photo stops. Be sure to visit the penguin colony at Stoney Point, where the lively animals are sure to make you smile. Your actual destination, however, is Gansbaai, where you will be welcomed at the fantastic Grootbos Forest Lodge.

Expect the finest service and unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding nature and the wild ocean: here, luxury and sustainability come together in perfect harmony! Take a hike through the fascinating natural surroundings, explore dimly lit caves, watch whales from land, and enjoy the exotic bird life. The lodge will arrange any adventure you desire.

Today, the famous Route 62, arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Garden Route, awaits you. Drive through the Little Karoo, a long, narrow plain crisscrossed by rivers and streams. Fruit and wine growing thrive here, and numerous ostrich farms have established themselves in the Oudtshoorn area. Time seems to stand still in the villages of the rolling hills. Finally, you will reach the Tsala Treetop Lodge between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. From here, you can explore further sections of the breathtakingly beautiful Garden Route or relax in your accommodation, which is literally nestled in the trees.

In addition to its magnificent natural surroundings, this lodge boasts an exquisite wine list and other culinary delights. Your paradise offers direct access to the attractions in Plettenberg. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a picturesque mountain backdrop await you right outside your door. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, visit Tsitsikamma National Park with its marine reserve and deep gorges. A dense forest with rich flora and fauna clusters off the rugged coast. At the head of the national park, the waters break against rough rock faces: don't miss this spectacle!

The crowning glory of your stay in South Africa is the obligatory exciting safari. For this, you will travel to the Kariega Game Reserve, which covers 10,000 hectares. Your lodge is located in the middle of untouched wilderness, through which an experienced ranger will guide you. If you opt for an evening safari at sunset, an exclusive romantic picnic awaits you. The lodge arranges two adventure excursions per day, for example to see the famous Big 5, always with the option of encountering giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes.

Your guide will be happy to take you on a walking safari, but you can also hop in a canoe and go on a river safari. A visit to the hotel's first-class spa will leave you feeling deeply relaxed, allowing your body and soul to unwind. Say goodbye to this impressive country and get into your rental car one last time. Your flight home departs from Port Elizabeth.