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Exclusive Package Series HPCPEC2: 4-5 Star Grading Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari |
Morning arrival at Cape Town International Airport in South Africa.
You collect your Group B rental car (Nissan Tiida 1.6 manual with aircon and power steering), and make your way into Cape Town, to your hotel. The drive is only about 30 minutes.
You’re spending four nights in Cape Town, at the lovely Colona Castle Hotel, in a luxury room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
More about Colona Castle Manor House...
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Colona Castle Manor House |
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The resident Excecutive Chef’s inspired presentations are an artful combination of the Cape’s finest and freshest ingredients – a rare culinary delight in the suberb architecture of the candlelit Dining Hall. Alternatively discerning visitors may enjoy a myriad of excellent restaurants in the vicinity. Colona Castle is truly a sophisticated, elegant and enchanting base from which to explore the fascinating city of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands. Wonderful leisure options include picturesque mountain or beach walks, water sports and whale watching. Several world-class golf courses are situated within convenient access. A special microclimate ensures that the weather is pleasant all year round. With lesser rainfalls, Lakeside is usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer than surrounding areas. French and Swahili are spoken. |
Check in to Colona Castle, and the balance of the morning is at your leisure to settle in and freshen up.
This afternoon why not begin your stay with one of Cape Town essential sight-seeing options – a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was interned for 27 years. This highly emotional 3½ hour tour is well worth doing! It must be booked in advance during the summer months as demand is high and places on the ferry are very limited.
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Robben Island Tour |
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Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. The three and a half hour tour includes a return trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner and a 45 minute bus tour with a guide providing commentary. |
The ferry to and from Robben Island departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Stay on when you return, and explore this world-famous area of shops, markets, restaurants, bars and other entertainment options.
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The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront |
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Traditional Cape Meets modern day Cape Town in a divine and exciting cultural experience. Attracting more than 20 million visits per year, Cape Town's V&A Waterfront is a cosmopolitan mixed-use property development situated in an historic working harbour. Offerings include the unique working harbour ambience, scenic views of Table Mountain, historic buildings, museums, boat and helicopter charters, aquarium, IMAX cinema, annual special events and street musicians and the recently opened Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island. |
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With more than 300 speciality stores, craft markets and 70 eateries, the V&A Waterfront opens a world of opportunities to shoppers and diners alike. |
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Overnight at Colona Castle.
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After breakfast this morning, if the weather is clear, take the opportunity and go up Table Mountain on the Cableway. The view of the entire Cape Peninsula from up here is spectacular! It’s best to go up the Mountain at the first clear opportunity, as it is often covered with its “tablecloth” of dense cloud, and therefore closed. |
The balance of your day is free to explore the V&A Waterfront further, or simply relax on one of the beautiful white sand beaches.
Overnight at Colona Castle.
After breakfast today we suggest you spend the full day exploring the Cape Peninsula in your car.
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Cape Peninsula Day Tour
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Overnight at Colona Castle.
After breakfast today you have the full day at leisure in Cape Town.
Perhaps visit the eclectic typically Cape craft market at Greenmarket Square –an excellent place to buy curios. Or simply relax and work on that tan on one of the lovely beaches.
Overnight at Colona Castle.
This morning you bid farewell to your hosts at Colona Castle, and today you embark on an exploration of the Cape’s magnificent winelands. Whilst this is your primary motivation, there is a lot to see and do besides visiting the wine estates!
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Paarl |
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The Afrikaans language had its formal origins in Paarl in 1875, with the foundation of the Society of True Afrikaaners. The Afrikaans Language Monument on the southern slopes of Paarl Mountain was unveiled in 1975 to commemorate the birth and development of the Afrikaans language in Paarl a century earlier. To appreciate Paarl’s wealth of historic buildings, take a walk down Main Road. Starting at the Strooidak Kerk (Thatched Roof Church), dating back to 1805, the walk takes visitors past Zeederberg Square (surrounded by several historic buildings) to the Afrikaans Language Museum. The only language museum in the world, it focuses on the history of Afrikaans. The walk ends at the Oude Pastorie Museum, build as a parsonage in 1786. The graceful U-shaped manor house with its pedimented gable, contains a fine collection of antique Cape furniture, silverware and copper. |
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Franschhoek A prominent landmark on the eastern outskirts of the town is the Huguenot Monument; the three arches symbolise the Trinity, while the figure of a woman with the Bible in her right hand and a broken chain in her left represents freedom of religious belief. The nearby Huguenot Memorial Museum houses exhibits on the history of the Huguenots, and is also a research, information and education centre. Franschhoek is famous for its many fine restaurants offering Cape Huguenot, French, traditional South African and Malay cuisine. |
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Stellenbosch |
Stop for lunch in Franschhoek – it’s famous for it’s food!
The day ends in Stellenbosch, where you are spending tonight on a working wine farm, at the Auberge Rozendal Country Inn. You have a luxury room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Auberge Rozendal |
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Guests are accommodated in simple elegance and comfort. Each room has both an en-suite bathroom and patio. The rooms have been decorated in European style with a South African touch – the walls of many decorated by works of well-known contemporary South African artists. Relax at the pool or enjoy a leisurely walk or hike in the adjacent forests and mountains. |
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Auberge Rozendal’s environmental and health-conscious approach to life ensures clean air and pure water. No poisons are sprayed, while water is sourced from an underground stream Noise pollution and electrosmog are lessened by the absence of television sets and air-conditioning systems. |
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Overnight at Auberge Rozendal.
After breakfast this morning, you continue along your way. If you’re in the Cape during whale season (June to early November), you’re in for a real treat today! Your destination today is Hermanus, South Africa’s whale capital, and the drive takes less than 2 hours.
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Hermanus |
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Hermanus is the only place in the world to have its own whale crier. So when you encounter a guy with a funny feather in his hat, patrolling the streets and blowing a weird looking kelp horn, don't think that you have encountered one of Robin Hood's merry men, it is the whale crier alerting everyone to the whereabouts of the whales. The feather, incidentally, is a whale tail. Different horn 'Morse' codes refer to the different points along the coastline where whales have been spotted. The key to these codes, as well as the number of whales spotted at each location, are noted on the sandwich board he proudly wears. |
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In between whale-spotting, don’t miss the tiny village craft shops and market! |
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You’re spending tonight at Abalone Guest House, perfectly located to watch the whales from your bedroom window! Your accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.
More about Abalone Guest Lodge...
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Abalone Guest Lodge |
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Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Abalone Lodge is easily accessible from the main road, and due to the well-known scenic cliff path to the front of the lodge, is a wonderful whale-watching spot. The unique and most exciting feature of this area is the abundance in marine mammals in the bay which is flanked by two marine nature reserves and therefore rich in food for the resident whales and dolphins. About 150 whales visit Hermanus between July and December every year and come to within 10 meters of the shore. |
The afternoon is free to whale-watch and explore the quaint town of Hermanus.
Overnight at Abalone Guest House.
You are on your way again after breakfast this morning. Before you venture too far though, you might like to take in an optional Dyer Island Marine Cruise or go Shark Cage Diving! Both activities take place just outside Hermanus.
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Dyer Island Cruises |
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The west coast of South Africa is split into sections for whale watching, with one permit holder per section. The permit holder is allowed to approach the whales to a distance of 50m. Dyer Island Cruises holds the permit for area 7, Danger Point to Quoin Point, and we are based in Kleinbaai. We find most of our whales at Pearly Beach, a shallow bay banked by a golden stretch of sand. While we respect the 50m limit, inquisitive whales frequently swim to the boat for a close encounter, which is allowed. We never chase or harass the animals. |
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After spending time with the whales, we make our way to Dyer Island. During this stretch we occasionally bump into some Humpback whales, who prefer the deeper water. We also spot Giant petrels and Cape gannets. At Dyer Island we can approach close enough to view African penguins, Cape cormorants and many other species. |
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Neighbouring Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. The stretch of water between the two islands is Shark Alley. We visit Shark Alley to view the seals. The colony is thriving and there is always lots of activity, especially around November time when the tiny pups are born. Dyer Island Cruises regularly consults with experts in the field of cetaceans, especially Dr Peter Best, South Africa's leading southern right whale researcher. We remain in close contact with other whale watching operators, both nationally and internationally, so that we can exchange interesting information about our sightings. We firmly believe that we provide the most informative whale watching cruise in South Africa. |
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Continuing on your journey, you join Route 32 to Oudtshoorn. This is considered the World’s Longest Wine Route as it meanders through the Cape’s lesser known, but equally important, wine growing areas.
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Route 62 |
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Your destination this evening is Oudtshoorn, otherwise known as Ostrich Capital! You’re spending the next two nights here at De Opstal Country Lodge, on a bed and breakfast basis.
More about De Opstal Country Lodge...
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De Opstal Country Lodge The Lodge consists of a group of typical Little Karoo farm buildings, beautifully restored and fitted with modern conveniences, set in lush, tranquil garden surroundings. The complex has a swimming pool and a rustic restaurant where traditional breakfasts and hearty farm-style dinners are served. The entire complex has an old world ambience with subtle modern touches which ensure a luxurious stay. |
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The old stables, old wagon house, old farmhouse, share cropper's cottage, old barn and bungalow have been lovingly restored by hosts Albertus and Matilda de Bod and furnished tastefully with antiques, Cape cottage furniture, Victoriana and heirlooms from the Schoeman family of which Matilda is a member. The tasteful interiors, together with the unique Little Karoo hospitality and personal attention to detail and guests' whims offered by Albertus and Matilda, create an atmosphere of intimacy and homeliness that makes one welcome immediately. |
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Overnight at De Opstal Country Lodge.
After breakfast today you have a day jammed full of things to do and see in the Oudtshoorn area!
Firstly we suggest you make your way to the Cango Caves:
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The Cango Caves is the oldest attraction in Oudtshoorn. Tourists have been exploring this limestone wonderland which runs deep into the ancient Swartberg Mountains for hundreds of years – but man has been sheltering here for hundreds of centuries. |
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The Standard Tour departs every hour on the hour, between 09h00 and 16h00, lasts for 60 minutes, and exposes the main attractions of these suberb underground caves The Adventure Tour departs every hour on the half-hour between 09h30 and 15h30. Definitely for the brave at heart, you will spend 90 minutes as you’re shown through the entire tourist route of 1,2km. You’ll literally crawl through a series of 4 tunnels ending in the incredible "Post Box". |
Next on the list is a visit to an Ostrich farm:
More about Cango Ostrich and Butterfly Farm...
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Cango Ostrich and Butterfly Farm Visitors are introduced to the Ostrich industry - from eggs, the chicks to the mature birds and allow visitors (within weight limits) to sit on and ride the Ostriches, or stand on the eggs (no weight limits.) Those who are not so daring can hug and feed the birds. You can hug and kiss the super-friendly female, Linda and feed them by hand. The duration of the tour is approx. 45 minutes and the facilities are not overcrowded as they only accept one group at a time. In the winehouse they exhibit and sell most of the wines produced in the Klein Karoo. They offer wine tasting on a pre-booked basis. |
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The Rietkraal open-air eating venue, has the most spectacular view. Renovated 150 year old houses have been converted into the most breathtaking open-air eating facility overlooking the Schoenshoek valley. During the late afternoon and evening they have the most beautiful weather. However, should the weather turn bad, part of the facilities are indoors. They offer a variety of ostrich meat dishes. |
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In the Curio shop are Ostrich Products, local crafts and Ostrich leather products of exceptional high quality. The Butterfly farm is the first and only one in Southern Africa. Conservation, education and a little bit of fantasy are the ingredients of this wonderful world. |
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And finally for today, a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch:
More about Cango Wildlife Ranch and The Valley of the Ancients...
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The Cango Wildlife Ranch and The Valley of the Ancients |
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We invite you to pay us a visit and explore the facts and fiction surrounding crocodiles, view elegant cheetahs and giggle at the antics of our Bengal tiger cubs. For the adventurous we offer face to face encounters with wildlife in our Natural Encounters programme, where you can touch a cheetah, enjoy the closeness of a tiger cub, wrap yourself in a python and even dive with Nile crocodiles. Join us on a journey back in time, to a wild place, a place where you will follow the footsteps of ancient explorers. Years ago this secret valley was inhabited by a few brave researchers, all of whom have disappeared - and all that remains today are the animals that drew them here. Please step with us into the Valley of Ancients!! |
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The Valley of Ancients promises to be so much more than you expect. The Valley was developed with only one thing in mind – to entertain you, the visitor, and is a thrilling experience for the whole family. WET YOUR PANTS – WE DARE YOU! |
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Overnight at De Opstal Country Lodge.
You are headed back down to the coast today, to one of the most charming towns on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay.
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Plettenberg Bay |
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No less than ten important nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. The bay itself is nursery to the endangered Southern Right Whale which comes here to calve in the winter and spring (July to December). |
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Plettenberg Bay is an ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route. The area is a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all kinds of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. |
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You’ll be spending the next three nights here at the lovely Southern Cross Beach House, on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Southern Cross Beach House |
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This plantation-style home is tastefully decorated in the colours of sand, sea and sky, with a spacious open-plan living room and breakfast area. Five luxurious, en-suite bedrooms each have a TV and the best linen, knitted blankets and duvets. After a delicious breakfast on the wooden deck, with its uninterrupted views of Robberg beach, take the boardwalk that leads from the house, through dune forest, down to the sea. Spend the day enjoying the waves or walking to the headland and its nature reserve. Over sundowners, watch seals, dolphins or whales at play. |
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The balance of your day is at leisure to relax in your beautiful surroundings.
Overnight at Southern Cross Beach House.
After breakfast you have the full day at leisure to explore – or simply relax.
We highly recommend a full day visit to the nearby town of Knsyna:
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Knysna Don’t miss the Nelson Bay Cave in the Robberg Nature Reserve, where the Nelson Bay Cave is to be found. This is an archaeological site with evidence of human habitation that dates back more than 120 thousand years. |
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Discover the world of monkeys, lemurs, gibbons and other primates at the Monkeyland sanctuary, and find out about the plight of the African Elephant as you meet the rescued elephants that now live in a controlled, free range environment at the Knysna Elephant Park. Spend some time with these unique animals on an Elephant Interaction, or even try an Elephant Ride. |
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You’ll visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique 150ha private reserve, embraces the whole western head of Knysna, one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites, embraced by the world famous landmarks, the spectacular Knysna Heads (2 giant sandstone cliffs which mark the Knysna River's entrance). It is home to 2 of the Garden Route's icons, namely the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker, one of Africa's smallest antelope species. Other wildlife found on the Reserve include the Cape Mountain Tortoise, Blue Crane South Africa's national bird, rare Black African Oyster Catcher, White breasted Cormorant and Bushbuck to name a few. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the area, while picnicking under Milkwood Trees with sightings of the elusive and brightly coloured Knysna Loerie. Relax with peaceful walks amid indigenous Fynbos and enjoy visits to the 'Beachcomber' caves, while discovering the secrets of Coffin Bay. |
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Enjoy the fine art, the craft route, museums, great shopping and excellent restaurants, not to mention Knysna’s most famous export, fresh oysters grown in the Knysna Lagoon. A visit to Knysna is a great adventure, and it has been voted South Africa’s favourite town. |
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Overnight at Southern Cross Beach House.
After breakfast today its time to move further along the coast, and today your destination is Tsitsikamma, otherwise known as South Africa’s Adventure Capital!
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Tsitsikamma Over time rivers have cut awesome gorges through the coastal plateau as they flow down to the spectacular coastline. An abundance of birds, antelope, bushpig, honey badgers and the occasional leopard call this paradise home. Whales and dolphins frequently visit the coast. |
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The Tskitsikamma offers a wide variety of adventure opportunities for all, from the adrenaline-junkie to the laid-back and restful. The Storms River Village is the hub of adventure tours, from bridge-walking to bungi jumping, to the lyrically beautiful gentle ‘Woodcutters Journey’ walk through the forests and excellent guided snorkelling trails. Explore the indigenous forest on Africa’s first tree-top walkway, the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour. |
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Tonight you are staying at Tsistsikamma Lodge, in luxury chalet, on a bed and breakfast basis.
More about Tsitsikamma Lodge...
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Tsitsikamma Lodge |
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Tsitsikamma Lodge offers luxurious en-suite log cabins in a garden setting with a restaurant, forest and river walks, conference facilities and special honeymoon suites with their own spa-baths. Each cabin has its own deck and barbeque area. All cabins are equipped with own spa bath, as well as radio, TV, M-net and coffee & tea facilities. Swim in our sparkling pool, brace the waters of a mountain stream or dolphin the blue waves of the Indian Ocean. For quiet time alone, escape into the Reading Lounge, Small Library or Games Room. |
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Enjoy a number of exclusive trails in the area. The romantic adventurer will enjoy the famous Striptease River Trail. The Indigenous Forest Trail is recommended for all bird-lovers where the famous Otter & Tsitsikamma mountain trails start. The Sunbird Trail is for the not-so-fit nature lover. Whilst staying at the Lodge visit the National Park... go on the Woodcutters Journey, have lunch with the Monkeys, treat yourself to a Picnic in the Forest, nibble home-made cheese and freshly baked bread at the cheese farm. |
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There is a great deal to see and do this afternoon!
Overnight at Tsitsikamma Lodge.
You’ve completed the Garden Route now, and now your safari experience awaits you! After breakfast you check out of Tsitsikamma Lodge, and head through the city of Port Elizabeth and inland to Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve. You’ll be spending the next three nights at Blaauwbosch, in a luxury suite, inclusive of all meals and two game activities daily.
More about Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve...
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Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve The Lodge is a discrete collection of thatch roofs in a crisp unspoiled landscape. The colours are earthy and muted, floors screaded and polished, but scattered with richly coloured carpets. The bush is all around you and while you may intend to read for an hour or so there will be distractions. The lodge is surrounded by bush where birds and animals appear unexpectedly. |
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There are moments when you need your own space in the bush. Blaauwbosch offers only six luxurious suites that accommodate fourteen guests. The suites are spacious and designed to create your own sanctuary. They all have mountain views, generous bathrooms and dressing rooms. Beds are not simply made; they are dressed in fine linen with an eye to a private or romantic cocoon. Personal bathrobes, verandas and mountain views complete the experience. |
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A late and substantial breakfast after the early morning game drive fuels you for the day and light lunches fill the gap before the option of an evening game drive. This is real food country. The emphasis of the menu is on fresh contemporary flavours with a nod to universally appealing dishes. Guests are encouraged to venture beyond their familiar repertoire of tastes and match food with a fine selection of South African wines. |
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The smell of the bush is rich and exotic for those new to it but for others this familiar territory and deep breath is always a reminder of why you return. Karoo sunsets turn the sky into a wash of burned orange and deep purple. It is at this moment that rangers pause for refreshments at a high vantage point. As night falls the open Land Rovers move on. |
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With professional rangers, view the Big 5, as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on our game drives. This is a birdwatcher's paradise and binoculars are trained to spot rare specimens amongst the abundant birdlife. The latest exciting project for the reserve is the introduction of cheetah. A walk-and-stalk cheetah encounter is the highlight for many of our guests! |
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You will have lunch at Blaauwbosch and the afternoon is at leisure. Late this afternoon you will have their first game drive in open safari vehicles, and your first opportunity to look out for the Big Five! A stop is made along the way for refreshments in the bush.
Return to Blauuwbosch for dinner and overnight.
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This morning you have a very early wake-up call, and following coffee and tea, depart on the early morning game drive. (Game drives are always conducted early in the morning and in the late afternoon / evening as this is when the best game viewing takes place – during the heat of the day the animals retire into the shade and are not often visible.) |
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Return to Blaauwbosch for breakfast, after which you are at leisure to relax by the pool and enjoy the African bushveld for the day. Sometimes the game rangers take guests on safari walks, to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. After late afternoon tea and coffee, the evening game drive departs to try and track down those animals you have not yet managed to see. Being wild animals free to roam the reserve, there is no guarantee what you will see, and this is part of the whole exciting experience! |
Dinner and overnight at Blaauwbosch.
One last early morning game drive takes place this morning, followed by breakfast at Blaauwbosch. Then its time to drive back to Port Elizabeth (the drive takes about an hour). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport you hand your rental car back, and check in for your flight to Johannesburg and connect on to your international flight home.
Pricing for the above tours is as follows:
January to April 2008
** Single surcharge assumes third adult travelling, sharing same group car, staying in own room. Rates for larger car upon application.
***One child under 12 may share with 2 adults. A separate room is required for more than one child.
Cape Town
| Robben Island Tour: | ZAR180.00 per person |
Tsitsikamma
| Bloukrans Bungy Jump | ZAR600.00 per person |
| Flying Fox Gorge Swing: | ZAR160.00 per person |
| Double Rush (both of the above): | ZAR700.00 per person |
| Bridge Walking Tour: | ZAR 60.00 per person |
| Treetops Canopy Tour: | ZAR395.00 per person |
| Woodcutters Journey/Tea Trip: | ZAR 90.00 per person |
| Woodcutters Journey/Lunch Trip: | ZAR175.00 per person |
Prices for the above are subject to change without notice and will be converted to Sterling at the prevailing rate on the day of booking.
The accommodation suggested above is in each case at excellent, small establishments. In most cases I have used highly recommended Guest Houses, Lodges and Inns instead of larger hotels. Whilst the costs are similar to comparatively graded hotels, the atmosphere and attention to detail cannot be compared, and we think your clients will enjoy the more personal experience they offer. Each of the establishments in this itinerary is very different, but in its own way, each of them is very special and excellent value for money!
| More than 6 weeks prior to departure: | 25% of the total tour cost |
| 4-6 weeks prior to departure: | 50% of the total tour cost |
| Less than 4 weeks prior to departure: | 100% of the total tour cost |
| After departure: | 100% of the total tour cost |
| holidaysplease Southern Africa Services fulfilled by: Specialised African Tour Services (Pty) Ltd PO Box 76225, Wendywood, 2144 2nd Floor, 3 Kramer Road, Kramerville, Sandton, South Africa |
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