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Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

Exclusive Package Series
HPCPEC2: 4-5 Star Grading

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

I T I N E R A R Y

Holiday Day 1:

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...

Colona Castle Manor House
Gracing the mountainside above a tranquil Lake District on the warmer False Bay coastline, Colona Castle is a splendid 5 star graded Mediterranean retreat, offering character, exclusivity and infinite charm. Majestic views of the Cape Peninsula stretch from Table Mountain across the Winelands and the sapphire blue waters of the South Atlantic Ocean to Cape Hangklip. In this refined haven of serenity, guests are assured of outstanding hospitality and exceptional personal service. Four luxurious and exceptionally decorated full suites and two superior bedrooms and a family suite cater for every comfort and convenience. All suites are furnished with treasured antiques and objets d’art collected over many years.

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.

More about Robben Island Tour...

Robben Island Tour
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometers off the shores of Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. The duty of those who ran the Island and its prison was to isolate opponents of apartheid and to crush their morale. Some freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela, spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs.

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.

More about the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront...

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination.

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.

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.

Overnight at Colona Castle.

Holiday Day 2:

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.

Holiday Day 3:

After breakfast today we suggest you spend the full day exploring the Cape Peninsula in your car.

More about Cape Peninsula Day Tour...

Cape Peninsula Day Tour
Your drive today takes you along Africa’s premier tour route to the romantic meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Sir Francis Drake, the explorer, called it “the fairest Cape that we saw in the circumference of the Globe.” Things to see and do include:

  • Hout Bay, with a cruise to the Seal Colony on the only glass-bottomed boat in Cape Town offering spectacular underwater scenery.
  • Chapmans Peak Drive with its spectacular scenery
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve
  • The Cape of Good Hope
  • The Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach
  • Lunch at the Brass Bell pub in Kalk Bay (almost in the sea)
  • Simonstown Naval Base
  • Constantia, the oldest of the wineland areas
  • The magnificent Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Table Mountain

Overnight at Colona Castle.

Holiday Day 4:

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.

Holiday Day 5:

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!

More about Paarl...

Paarl
When the Dutch fiskaal (revenue collector) Abraham Gabberna, and his party first saw the granite domes which dominate the Berg River Valley glistening like gems in the rising sun in October 1657, he named them the “Paarl” and the “Diamant” (Pearl and Diamond).

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.

Franschhoek
Franschhoek was established in 1688 when 207 French Huguenots, who had fled France to escape religious persecution, arrived at the Cape. The French origins of the town still persist in the surnames of many residents and the distinctly French names of many of the farms in the fertile valley.

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.

Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch has the most wine estates of the three most famous wineland areas. Other points of interest to be seen in Stellenbosch are the beautiful Cape Dutch, Cape Georgian and Victorian houses. A walk along Dorp Street reveals one of the longest rows of historic buildings in the country. Well worth a visit is the Stellenbosch Village Museum comprising four buildings from different periods of the town’s history. Art lovers should not miss Oom Samie se Winkel and the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum in the historic Libertas Parva homestead. The nearby cellar is now known as the Stellenryk Wine Museum.

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.

More about Auberge Rozendal...

Auberge Rozendal
Auberge Rozendal is a family owned and run country inn with 16 en-suite guestrooms all with terraces. Our rooms are situated between the vineyards with majestic mountain views of the Stellenbosch and Simonsberg mountains, providing an environment of beauty and tranquillity.

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.

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.

Overnight at Auberge Rozendal.

Holiday Day 6:

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.

More about Hermanus...

Hermanus
Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.

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.

In between whale-spotting, don’t miss the tiny village craft shops and market!

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...

Abalone Guest Lodge
Abalone is an unusually artistic and unique Guest House situated on Sievers Point, a landmark beachfront position midway between the town centre and beautiful white beaches of Hermanus.. Abalone offers comfortable, tastefully decorated en-suite accommodation that offers you every luxury, and stunning all round views of Walker Bay and the mountains. All rooms are en-suite with panoramic sea and mountain views. Each room is individually appointed with original South African art and decor. All rooms have private balconies or patios.

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.

Holiday Day 7:

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.

More about Dyer Island Cruises...

Dyer Island Cruises
Gansbaai is quite possibly the only place in the world where one can see a mighty whale and a great white shark on the same boat trip. Whale watching trips are about 2½ hours long. They run from July – December. All trips are weather dependent. Southern Right whales are guaranteed between July and December, and you’ll also see seals and penguins, and often Great White sharks, Bryde’s whales, and Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More about Route 62...

Route 62
Today you will drive along Route 62 to Oudtshoorn. Known as “The Traveller’s Route”, it meanders through the Winelands, and into the Breede River Valley, and through the Klein Karoo. It’s a road that crosses mountain passes and sweeps through the plains of the mesmerizing countryside of the Cape with ever-changing beauty. It’s also the World’s Longest Wine Route, and includes the smaller wine farms of the Paarl, Wellington, Tulbach, Worcester, Robertson and Klein Karoo Regions. Stop along the way and visit the estates and co-ops, and try South Africa’s very best!

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...

De Opstal Country Lodge
Welcome to De Opstal Country Lodge in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley. De Opstal is just 12 km from Oudtshoorn on the main road (R328) to the world famous Cango Caves. It is also within easy reach of tourist attractions such as the Cango Wildlife Ranch and the Cango Ostrich Show Farm.

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.

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.

Overnight at De Opstal Country Lodge.

Holiday Day 8:

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:

More about Cango Caves...

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.

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...

Cango Ostrich and Butterfly Farm
The Cango Ostrich and Butterfly farm is a family concern and is situated in the beautiful Cango Valley, halfway between Oudtshoorn and the world famous Cango Caves. The farm offers guided tours of the Ostrich farm, a winehouse, the Rietkraal open-air eating venue, a curio shop 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.

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.

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.

And finally for today, a visit to the Cango Wildlife Ranch:

More about Cango Wildlife Ranch and The Valley of the Ancients...

The Cango Wildlife Ranch and The Valley of the Ancients
Welcome to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients, endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire. The oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre worldwide offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with our hand reared cheetahs and getting actively involved in saving this species and others from extinction.

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!!

  • Traverse the deadly Snapper Gorge via a hang bridge while 4 meter Nile crocodiles keep a close watch on you from the Cage Diving pool below. Meet the Valley’s largest carnivores, Hannibal, Ma Baker and Sweet Sue.
  • The only opportunity in the world to get close, very close to these super predators during a Croc Cage Dive.
  • See these mighty beasts leap for their lunch and stand in awe by the bravery of your guides as they encourage huge Nile crocodiles to take meat from their hands whilst standing on a moving jetty in the Jumping Jaws Crocodile Demonstration
  • See the rare Madagascar Ring-tailed Lemur in the exotic setting of Lemur Island depicting the environment of Madagascar. Hear the lemur’s haunting sound and staring eyes which led early explorers to think of them as ghosts. Sharing Lemur Island is a group of Greater flamingos who will dazzle you with their pink plumage.
  • Pygmy Hippo Village: Be enticed into the heart of Africa with the Congo as your next stop where Pygmy people and Pygmy Hippos fight for survival. See the rare and elusive Pygmy Hippo once thought to be a baby Nile Hippo and only classified as a species in 1911!
  • Otter Waterfall: Still in Africa witness spotted-necked otters frolicking in the water underneath cascading waterfalls like naughty children
  • Meet Malcolm and Lyons, two Marabou Storks who recently took up residency in the Valley. Learn why Marabou Storks are known as the undertakers in nature and why they would actually want to defecate on their own legs.

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!

Overnight at De Opstal Country Lodge.

Holiday Day 9:

You are headed back down to the coast today, to one of the most charming towns on the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay.

More about Plettenberg Bay...

Plettenberg Bay
The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay, originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers. The town lies on South Africa's spectacular south coast 210 kms from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer the nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an exciting opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of South Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife. Nearly 300 species are to be found in the great variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands.

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).

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.

You’ll be spending the next three nights here at the lovely Southern Cross Beach House, on a bed and breakfast basis.

More about Southern Cross Beach House...

Southern Cross Beach House
Southern Cross Beach House is the only guest house which offers uninterrupted and direct access to the beach. The views from the living / dining room are spectacular and all bedrooms open onto a verandah overlooking a sunny garden courtyard. The sound of the sea is always with you and at night you may even hear the magical sound of the whales blowing.

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.

The balance of your day is at leisure to relax in your beautiful surroundings.

Overnight at Southern Cross Beach House.

Holiday Days 10 and 11:

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:

More about Knysna...

Knysna
The weather in this part of the world is always mild, and the waters hold an uncommon richness of marine life. This is where the cold and warm waters of the Indian Ocean meet and mix. You are likely to see big schools of common dolphins, as well as endangered Bottlenose and shy Humpback dolphins, as well as the resident Orca and Bryde’s whales and the migratory Humpback and Southern Right whales (the whale season has just started!) It’s also the only place in the world where the rare Tropical Beaked whale has been found. Many elevated look-out points offer excellent land-based whale watching, and marine safaris provide the chance to see these gentle giants at closer quarters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overnight at Southern Cross Beach House.

Holiday Day 12:

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!

More about Tsitsikamma...

Tsitsikamma
Today’s drive is short, but dramatically beautiful. You’ll drive to Nature’s Valley and Storm’s River, into the Tsitsikamma National Park. Here the high mountains, deep gorges and rugged coastline are covered with tall indigenous forests and vast, unspoilt stands of the Cape’s unique fynbos. This is a place of abundant waters, with rivers and cascades tumbling to an ocean lined with rocky crags and white, sandy beaches. Beautiful indigenous forests are home to ancient trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood, Hard Pear, Ironwood, Kamassi and many others.

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.

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.

Tonight you are staying at Tsistsikamma Lodge, in luxury chalet, on a bed and breakfast basis.

More about Tsitsikamma Lodge...

Tsitsikamma Lodge
A Warm Welcome friendly service and personal attention awaits you at the Tsitsikamma Lodge, winner of the prestigious AA Award for Best Leisure Hotel in South Africa.

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.

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.

There is a great deal to see and do this afternoon!

  • Try the World’s Highest Bungy Jump off the Bloukrans Bridge
  • The Flying Fox Gorge Swing
  • The Treetops Canopy Tour (very highly recommended)
  • The Woodcutters Journey through the forest (for the less adventurous)
  • The Marine Tour along the rugged coastline

Overnight at Tsitsikamma Lodge.

Holiday Day 13:

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...

Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve
Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve is an exclusive 5-star private game reserve, set in the heart of the Malaria free foothills of the Winterhoek mountain range in the Karoo. The reserve offers a unique and private experience where guests can relax in comfort. It is newly established but is mindful of the sensitivity of its location.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Holiday Days 14 and 15:

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.)

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.

Holiday Day 16:

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.

End of Land Arrangements

Pricing for the above tours is as follows:

January to April 2008

  • GBP 1,649.00 per adult sharing
  • GBP 649.00 single surcharge**
  • GBP 749.00 child sharing with 2 adults***

** 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.

Included in this African Safari Holiday Itinerary:

  • National Alamo Car Rental group B car (Nissan Tiida 1.6 or similar, airconditioned, power-steering, CD) inclusive of VAT, Contract Fee, Airport Surcharge, Tourism Levy, Additional Driver Surcharge, CDW, TLW, Personal Accident Fund, unlimited kilometres, windscreen damage, tyre damage, untarred road cover and undercarriage damage
  • Accommodation for four nights at the five star Colona Castle Boutique Hotel in Cape Town, in a luxury room, on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Accommodation for one night at the four star standard Auberge Rozendal Country Inn in Stellenbosch, in a standard room, on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Accommodation for one night at the four star Abalone Guest House, in a seafacing room, on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Accommodation for two nights at the four star De Opstal Country Lodge, in a standard room, on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Accommodation for three nights at the four star Southern Cross Beach House, in a standard room, on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Accommodation for three nights at the five star Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve, in a luxury suite, inclusive of all meals and two game drives (with refreshments) daily.
  • Economy class flight on Nationwide Airlines from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg

Not included:

  • International flights to Cape Town and out of Johannesburg
  • National Alamo Car Rental excludes fuel, Delivery & Collection Fees, One Way Drop Off Fees, Fine Handling Fee, Accident Handling Fee and Optional Equipment.
  • Meals, drinks and snacks not stated as included in the itinerary
  • Entrance Fees where not included in booked activities
  • Activities not stated as included in the itinerary
  • Any other items not specifically stated in the above itinerary
  • Visa and passport costs if applicable
  • Travel Insurancev
  • Porterage (usually ZAR10.00 per bag) and tipping (usually 10-15% depending on level of service)
  • All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls etc

Optional Holiday Activity Rates:

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.

Other African Holiday Information:

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!

  • Please note that prices quoted current and can be subject to alteration if any parts of the tour are not available when bookings are made, or if rates for any of the services change. Prices quoted are subject to availability of all elements of the trip at the time of booking.
  • Prices quoted are valid for the number of people mentioned in the proposal above. An increase or decrease in numbers may affect the quote.
  • Any deviations to the above itinerary may affect the quote.
  • Where the accommodation mentioned above is not available, we will substitute with an establishment of a similar standard and price.
  • The tour price is quoted in British Pounds (GBP) and is based on the cost (including hotel accommodation and other services as detailed above, to be provided by SATS) at rates of exchange prevailing as at the date of the quotation.
  • Should there be any increase, between the acceptance date and the departure date, in the cost to SATS for providing the Services as a result of increases in costs or any other reason over which SATS has no control, SATS will be entitled to increase the tour price proportionately. The client shall be obliged to pay the amount of the increase to SATS prior to the departure date, failing which SATS shall be entitled to cancel the contract, and retain deposits paid.
  • Upon acceptance of our quotation, reservations will be made. A deposit of 25% of the amount quoted will be required immediately upon confirmation. The balance of payment, as per the amount stated on the confirmation advice once reservations are made, is due no later than 10 weeks prior to your clients’ arrival. Payment may be made via the
  • Please note that cancellation policies are usually strictly enforced by suppliers, particularly in busy periods. The following cancellation policy exists:
    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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