Study Abroad in Stellenbosch: Cultural Travel
6-day excursion to the Garden Route (Included in fee)
There is much to experience on the Garden Route, including swimming in natural hot springs or walking along the highest hanging bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. The Garden Route boasts unspoiled stretches of rocky coast, mountains covered by indigenous forests, beaches, amber-colored rivers and chains of lakes. At the Knysna Elephant Park, students can join the elephants, who live in a free-range environment, for a unique and exclusive walk, touch them and even feed them. If students have time left, there are game reserves and safaris elsewhere in South Africa and in neighboring countries.
Friday, July 10 Depart Stellenbosch and join the world-famous whale route in Gordons Bay for a stunning drive along the picturesque R44 mountain pass overlooking False Bay to the vibrant coastal town of Hermanus. Continue to the southernmost tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas National Park before embarking on an exciting sundowner ski-boat cruise off Die Plaat, the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere.
Saturday, July 11 Head north through rolling wheat fields to Swellendam and enter the little Karoo through the beautiful Tradouws Pass. On toward the Warmwaterberg Spa and Hot Springs, where students will enjoy lunch while taking a relaxing swim in the 110° F natural Hot Springs.
Sunday, July 12 Morning departure from the Karoo over the magnificent Outeniqua Pass to the green coastal belt of the Garden Route. Students visit Knysna, rated South Africa’s most beautiful town, before embarking on a 2-hour ferry boat cruise on the lagoon. After the cruise, students visit Tsitsikamma National Park and take a short 2km hike through dense indigenous forest before walking across the longest hanging bridge in the Southern Hemisphere.
Monday, July 13 After breakfast, students start the day with a visit to the Crags Orphaned Elephant Sanctuary for a truly wonderful close encounter wildlife experience. While half of the group is with the elephants, the other half will be “taking a walk on the wildside” on a guided tour of the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. Return to accommodation for traditional South African braai (barbeque) at sunset.
Tuesday, July 14 Morning departure for Plettenberg Bay, a vibrant holiday town renowned for its superb beaches. Time to explore the town and beach, do some shopping, or go sea kayaking. After lunch, continue on to Mossel Bay, where Europeans first set foot on South African soil in 1488.
Wednesday, July 15 After lunch on the road and a scenic drive via historic Swellendam and over the mountains of Sir Lowry’s Pass, students head to Cape Town airport. Departure to U.S.
Accommodations, transportation, breakfasts, sightseeing, professional guide and entrance fees as indicated are included in the fee. Lunch is not included. Dates and itinerary may be subject to minor changes.
