12 Day South Africa
Day 1: Cape Town International Airport – Cape Town
As you arrive at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by a friendly local tour guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Overnight in Cape Town
Travel route: ± 25km
Day 2: Cape Town – Table Mountain – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
We start our day at 09:00 with a short drive to Table Mountain Lower Cable Car Station, where we embark on a cable car ride to the summit. On the Table top we will be spending approximately 45 minutes taking in the stunning surroundings of views of Cape Town. After visiting Table Mountain we will continue our tour with a drive through the residential suburbs of Champs Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Sea Point and Green point, followed by a drive through the city center past the Statue of Bartholomeu Dias, Cape Town Train Station, NG Groote Kerk, The Slave Lodge, Parliament Buildings, Company’s Garden, St. George’s Cathedral and Bo-Kaap with its distinctive brightly decorated houses. After a relaxing lunch we will go for a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world.
Overnight in Cape Town
Travel route: ± 100km
Day 3: Cape Town – Cape Peninsula
Depart the hotel at 10:00 am for a scenic drive, following the Atlantic coastal road to Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay. Here we will embark on a cruise, to the Seal Island to observe these sea mammals natural habitat. After the cruise some time will be spend souvenir shopping in the harbor, followed by a breath-taking scenic drive. Chapman’s Peak Drive offers fantastic photo opportunities. Our journey continue to Cape Point Nature Reserve via Kommetjie, Misty Cliffs and Scarborough. Inside the reserve, we will be visiting the historical Lighthouse at the Point and the famous Cape of Good Hope, which is the most south western point of Africa. After lunch, our tour continues with a visit at Boulders beach, in Simonstown, home of the African Penguin Colony.
Overnight in Cape Town.
Optional activities: Funicular to the Lighthouse ± R70/person return trip
Travel route: ± 200km
Day 4: Cape Town – Paarl – Franschhoek – Stellenbosch
After breakfast and check-out, we will board the tour vehicle for a trip to Stellenbosch where we will spend the night. Our first destination for this day is Paarl, the 3rd oldest town in South Africa which was founded at the foot of Paarl Rock Mountain. A few interesting facts about Paarl: Paarl Mountain’s 500-million-year-old domes are one of the world’s largest granite outcrops and rock climbers from all corners of the world enjoy the challenge that it offers. The longest main road in South Africa leads into Paarl, which is 12km long. The Strooidak (Thatched Roof) Church is one of the oldest church buildings in South Africa still in use today and finally KWV is the largest wine cellar in the world under one roof. Established in 1918, which is the year Nelson Mandela was born. Our 2nd Destination is the Historic town of Franschhoek where we will enjoy a bubbly tasting (Methode Cap Classique – this is the South African version of the French Champagne), Franschhoek is a direct Dutch translation for ‘French Corner’. Steeped in history the valley was originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Our last stop for this day is Stellenbosch, named after the former governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, who established this settlement in 1679, The town is known for its beauty, established wines, street cafés, historical buildings and its famous university.
Overnight in Stellenbosch
Optional activities: Huguenot Monument at ± R30/person
Travel route: ± 240km
Day 5: Stellenbosch – Hermanus – Wilderness
We embark today on a scenic overland excursion on our way to the Garden Route known for its natural beauty. Its coastline is dotted with picturesque beaches, lagoons and lakes, rolling hills and the mountains of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma ranges that divide the lush green Garden Route from the arid Little Karoo. On route we will visit Hermanus, its shore comes alive from June to December with the much anticipated arrival of southern right whales. As one of South Africa’s Cape gems, Hermanus’s mountainous backdrop declines to a rugged shoreline, which alternating with white sandy beaches that hale names like Onrus, Kammabaai, Langbaai, Voelklip and Grotto Beach. Overnight in Wilderness, which will be our base for the next 3 nights. Wilderness is a very popular tourist destination with lots of good options for dining.
Overnight in Wilderness.
Optional activity: Whale Watching Cruise ± R800/person
Travel route: ± 470km
Day 6: Wilderness – Cango Caves – Oudtshoorn – Wilderness
Today we visit Oudtshoorn, located in the heart of the Klein Karoo, characterized by its magnificent red rocks and the wide-open spaces. Oudtshoorn was once internationally known as the Ostrich capital of the world. We will enjoy several interesting attractions today, including the world-famous Cango Caves (Heritage Tour – approximate 1hour), and a famed Ostrich Farms where you will have the opportunity to ride an ostrich (T&Cs apply), before returning to Wilderness for the evening.
Overnight in Wilderness.
Optional activity: The Cango Wildlife Ranch ± R160/person
Travel route: ± 190km
Day 7: Wilderness – Tsitsikamma – Bunjy Jumping – Plettenberg Bay – Wilderness
Today is packed with adventure, we will follow the beautiful Garden Route coast to the Tsitsikamma Forest where we will go for a hike to Storms River Mouth. The captivating beauty of the land that lies between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the sea is named after the San word that means ‘place of abundant water’. On our way, back we will be visit Bloukrans, the home of the highest Bungee Bridge in the world – 216m high, before we enjoy a few lookout points on our drive through the seaside town, Plettenberg Bay. The sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks. It is also home to Robberg Nature Reserve, which is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. During migration season whales can be spotted just of the coast.
Overnight in Wilderness.
Optional activities: Monkeyland & Birds of Eden ± R360/person, Bungee Jumping ± R950/person
Travel route: ± 290km
Day 8: Wilderness – Knysna Waterfront – The Heads – Wilderness
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart the hotel for a 45minute drive to the Knysna Waterfront, which is built on the Knysna Lagoon. We will spend a couple of hours at leisure here for shopping and taking in the sites and enjoy the warm and friendly locals. Knysna is famous for its oyster festival and the most magnificent views that are enjoyed from Leisure Isle to the Knysna Heads, which is Knysna’s most famed attraction. The Knysna Heads is the treacherous entry into the Knysna lagoon where many an ancient sailing vessels met their doom. The Knysna Eastern Heads will be one of our stops where you will enjoy magnificent views over the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon. We will also visit Thesen Islands.
Overnight in Wilderness.
Optional activity: Lagoon Cruise ± R190/person, ‘Be Touched by an Elephant’ @ Knysna Elephant Park ± R275/person, Elephant Snack Bucket ± R45/bucket.
Travel route: ± 130km
Day 9: Wilderness – George – Johannesburg – Hazyview
Today is spent traveling to Kruger National Park. Depending on the flight time we will set the departure time for the airport in George. You have the option to travel to Johannesburg and enjoy a scenic drive to Kruger National Park via the Panorama Route or you can fly to Nelspruit from Johannesburg. Whichever option you choose you will be met by our Guide at the airport arrival hall to escort you to your accommodation.
Overnight in Hazyview area.
Flight duration: approximate 2 hours, ± 1200km.
Travel route: ± 389km
Day 10: Hazyview- Kruger NationalPark – Hazyview
Spend the day on a true African Safari, we visit the famed Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle. We will be collected from the resort at approximately 05:00 am in summer months and 05:30 am in winter months, depending upon other pick-up points on the day. The duration of the full day safari is approximately 10 hours. Our guides will stop at rest camps during the drive to make use of the ablution facilities as well as to purchase food and beverages (for guest’s own account). We will return to the resort at approximately 4:00 pm..
Bottled mineral waters, blankets and waterproof ponchos are provided on the vehicles.
Overnight in Hazyview area.
Travel route: ± 290km
Day 11: Hazyview- Kruger NationalPark – Hazyview
Another great day in the bush include a Morning Safari in Kruger National Park and an Evening Safari in the spectacular Sabi Sands followed by Traditional Boma Dinner.
We will be collected from the resort at approximately 05:00 am in summer months and 05:30 am in winter months, depending upon other pick-up points on the day. The duration of the morning drive is approximately 6 hours. Our guides will stop at rest camps during the drive to make use of the ablution facilities as well as to purchase food and beverages (for guest’s own account). We will return to the resort at approximately 11:30 am.
Bottled mineral waters, blankets and waterproof ponchos are provided on the vehicles.
Around 2:00 pm we will be picked up from the resort and drive to the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve for an Exclusive night drive, the reserve is a 65 000 hectare wildlife sanctuary which forms part of the great Kruger National Park, where we board an open 4×4 safari vehicle and head off into the bush within the concession for game viewing. As the light dims, we stop for a sundowner drink and snacks in the bush, then carry on under spotlights, searching for nocturnal animals. A typical South African bush dinner in a boma set up around a camp fire, awaits you upon return to the Lodge. The return to the resort will be at approximately 10:00 pm.
Overnight in Hazyview area.
Optional activity: The Morning Safari can be swapped for a Bushwalk(Walking Safari)
The rate does not include beverages before and during dinner, a CASH bar is available.
Travel route: ± 290km
Day 12: Hazyview – Nelspruit
Depart for the Airport in Nelspruit. Please note the flight is not included in the tour price but we can assist with the booking.
