The Garden Route

Africa in Luxury

South Africa Adventure awaits along South Africa’s Garden Route. Dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, world-class waves and an easy-going atmosphere await. This combined with superb restaurants, elegant hotels and a great climate make a journey that can be enjoyed by surfers, partners and families alike. Tropicsurf ’s Garden Route itinerary explores the magnifi cence of Capetown, SA’s leading vineyards, the windswept cliffs and beaches of the Garden Route, malaria-free Big Five game viewing and the amazing perfection of J-Bay or Cape St Francis.

Proposed ItineraryTropicsurf trips allow you to choose from guided or self-drive itineraries.

Guided itineraries include an expert Tropicsurf guide who will drive, surf guide, coach and arrange everything so that you enjoy your holiday minus the headaches.

Self-drive itineraries allow you the freedom and privacy alone. However your fi rst day commences in Cape Town with our guide who will set you up with a Garmin GPS, maps and advice as well as touch base with you daily to ensure you’re fi nding the best waves and that your travels are running smoothly.

This brochure features the accommodations we believe to be the best and most luxurious while maintaining a surf focus. In many locations, we’re also able to deviate to cater to personal interests. The duration of your holiday is determined by you. Obviously the longer the better, but on this tour

we do recommend at least twelve nights as a minimum.

Cape TownOne of the world’s most picturesque cities, Cape Town’s cosmopolitan excitement will captivate

you. From the numerous golden beaches and chic beachside cafes to the dizzying views of Table

Mountain, the sights, fl avors and action will enthrall. Your fi rst stop is perfectly positioned to enjoy

the city’s attractions whilst still scoring the best waves to be found.

Cape Town WavesThe water is cold but the surf can be hot. With numerous breaks on either side of the Cape, two

oceans, plenty of swell and a large range of set-ups, this means somewhere is frequently offshore

and cooking. There are waves for every ability – perfect learn to surf conditions right through to as

much juice as you can handle. You can surf both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the same day or

take a road trip up the coast to surf the fabled Elands Bay, made famous in Endless Summer.

Cape Town AccommodationThe Bay Hotel (2 Nights Suggested (minimum)A distinctive blend of sophisticated elegance and casual comfort, The Bay Hotel at trendy Camps Bay is the ideal base for exploring the fabulous sights of Cape Town. It’s a superbly designed hotel with 78 Rooms and suites that offer fi ve-star luxury in an unsurpassed setting. Numerous hotel pools with expansive sun decks offer superlative views over the Atlantic Ocean and majestic Lion’s Head. Renowned as a haven for romantics, leisure is their catch-word. Consequently The Bay Hotel is a Cape Town base for Tropicsurf ’s local surf guiding operations.

Alternative AccommodationsOne and Only – Sophisticated, fi ve-star hotel at inner city waterfront.

Camps Bay Retreat – sanctuary for the soul on lush nature reserve

Cape Grace – Old world, classic, African-chic luxury

Cape PeninsulaThe Cape Peninsula is only a little way out of town but presents an ideal playground to explore the

Cape of Good Hope Reserve, it’s numerous surf breaks and other attractions. Enjoy stunning views

from the cliff-top scenic drives, walk on white sand beaches and dine in sophisticated restaurants or

at the private residence of celebrity chef Bruce Robertson – all set amidst a backdrop of stunning

sea views of Cape Town.

Cape Peninsula WavesBased out of the picturesque lobster-fi shing village of Kommetjie, a 30 minute drive from the city,

your guide will dial you into a range of waves in both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Perhaps you

prefer the thundering left barrels at Outer Kom, or the smaller longboard waves at Inner Kom...

or some secluded spots scattered around the Cape Reserve. There’s tons of surf to be had here,

however you’ll likely be just as happy to ride the fun left and right peak that is directly in front of

your bedroom at your enchanting and intimate hotel, The Last Word Long Beach.

Cape Peninsula AccommodationThe Last Word Long Beach - 2 nights suggested

The Last Word Long Beach is a stylish and intimate fi ve-star hotel directly in front of the Cape’s

most popular wave. This is a romantic hideaway where service is exemplary and intuitive. From the

inviting pool or your private deck you can watch whales frolic and the action at the surf break right

out front. Rooms are generously spacious, with stylish comfortable interiors and private patios. Be

sure to book early to secure the top fl oor rooms with the best views.

Garden RouteThe Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the South-Eastern coast of South Africa.

The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the

numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. The Garden Route is also renown for surfi ng

– with the famous Jeffreys Bay being the highlight. Expect scenic driving, beachside holiday towns,

classy accommodations and a host of activities ranging from wineries to whale watching.

Garden RouteBirkenhead House, Hermanus – 1 night suggested

Birkenhead House is located in the picturesque, seaside town of Hermanus. Take in nature’s splendor with breathtaking nature walks, pristine beaches and spectacular sightings of the Southern Right Whale – which venture tantalizingly close to shore. Perched high on the cliffs, the regal Birkenhead House accommodates guests in utmost luxury. This is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living and sophisticated dining. Elegantly appointed and augmented by the opulence of beautiful furnishings and comforts, this is a hotel you will remember.

(Sorry - no children under 12.)

Alternative Accommodations

-Birkenhead Villa for families with children

Garden Route AccommodationViews Hotel, Wilderness – 1 night suggested

In the heart of the Garden Route, with Indian Ocean waters at your feet, the Views Boutique Hotel & Spa is an ideal location from which to surf the classic right point of Vic Bay – just a 20 minute drive South. The town of Wilderness is fondly known as the “Garden of Eden” where nature was indeed generous. Her bounty includes indigenous fl orals, bird-rich lakes, black tannin rivers, narrow gravel mountain passes, whales, dolphins, and kilometers of beaches with not a footprint to be seen. Modern, eclectic and fresh, the 18 rooms feature natural light through frameless glass windows. Spectacular views can be seen to the Indian Ocean in the south and the Outeniqua Mountains to

the north.

Alternative Accommodations

-Charlotte House at Stilbaai (less luxurious but offers excellent alternative surf options.)

Garden Route AccommodationThe Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay – 1 night suggestedThis Relais & Châteaux property, with 37 individually, decorated rooms and suites, showcases breathtaking vistas with views of the ocean, surf, mountains and golden beaches. The Plettenberg is situated in the heart of South Africa’s favourite seaside vacation spot, Plettenberg Bay. It is world-renowned for outdoor activities, dolphin and whale sightings, bungee jumping and treetop canopy tours... not to mention some quality surfi ng. Charming service and setting combines to create the ultimate story, one of a South African seaside experience unlike any other.

Alternative Accommodation

- Christiana Lodge – a lovely four-star guesthouse with the best coffee you’ve ever tasted

Garden Route AccommodationAfrican Perfection, Jeffreys Bay – 3 nights suggestedJeffreys Bay is legendary, and for good reason. It is simply one of the best right hand waves in the world. So it makes sense to stay here as long as you possibly can in order to give yourself the best chance of scoring the ride of your life. There are no fi ve star resorts in town, however a very comfortable bed & breakfast situated right on the break with unsurpassed views of Supertubes and the entire bay is every surfer’s dream. Imagine waking up, the sun rising over the bay. You look from your bed to the pumping surf below. Autumn swell lines stacked to the horizon. Hot coffee in front of the fi re in the living room. Now … which break do I surf? Supers? Tubes? Point? Ahhh... the choices we must make! And J-Bay is more than just surf. There is a variety of unique things to do and see in the Eastern Cape for non-surfers too.

Alternative Accommodation

- 4-star luxury apartments in Cape St Francis- Super Tubes Bed & Breakfast- Dolphin House Khaya Zinza

Jeffreys Bay - The Waves

Jeffreys remains an immortal list-topper: a perennial contender for world’s-best-wave status. At it’s best, the wave shines as a litmus test for performance, style and wave-reading abilities, a challenge no matter your skill level. A speed rush like no other. The wave is longer than you realize. To see lines stacked to the horizon is a sight to behold. But do not fear - if you’re not seeking the screaming tube of a lifetime, there are easier sections suited to all abilities. Paddle down the headland just 200 metres to The Point - a mellow, easy wave ideal for longboarding. J-Bay is most crowded with the biggest swells over Winter. Meanwhile Spring and Autumn favor low crowds and consistent swells. Thirty minutes down the road is Cape St Francis, offering a variety of quality breaks that are frequently uncrowded. Here’s your chance to surf Bruce’s Beauties - ‘the perfect wave’ from Endless Summer. You simply must surf this area at least once in your life.

Luxury Game Safari Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - 2 nights suggested

Before your tour’s fi nale in Port Elizabeth, an authentic African safari is a must. Nestled in the heart of the unspoilt Eastern Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class safari experience in 22,000 hectares (54,000 acres) of malaria-free pristine private wilderness. Renowned for understated luxury, exquisite scenery and the thousands of animals that call the Reserve home, the four award-winning Lodges offer to make your dream of an authentic African safari come true. Enthusiasts from around the world visit Kwandwe to view Africa’s famous Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – but the Reserve is also home to a wealth of other unique and interesting animals, including cheetah sightings which are also frequent.elephant, buffalo and rhino – but the Reserve is also home to a wealth of other unique and interesting animals, including cheetah sightings which are also frequent.

BookingsContact Tropicsurf to book your Cape Town stay and/or Garden Route tour:-

Head Offi ce:

Email - info@tropicsurf.netWeb - www.tropicsurf.netAustralian Telephone - +61 (0)7 5455 4129Address - PO Box 1525 Noosa Heads Qld 4567 Australia

South African Offi ce: Ingram Casey

Email - ingram@tropicsurf.netSouth African Telephone +27 (0)21 7910333 South African Mobile +27 725176682

art of luxury surfing....

Surf Photos by Cheyne Bjergfelt and Tropicsurf