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Tour Name: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
Destination: South Africa
Duration: 11 nights/ 12 days
Group Size: Minimum of 2 Guests
Itinerary:
Day 1: Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel situated on the water’s edge in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront precinct. You will spend the next four nights here.
Overnight at the Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront or similar in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and Breakfast
Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront
Take in views of the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the private marina from the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town. This seaside hotel is close to the city centre, as well as all the big cultural offerings. The striking ocean views set the stage for a memorable stay in Cape Town. Wake to the sound of gentle waves breaking on the shore before embarking on a day of exploration. Take our complimentary shuttle bus to and from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – a popular shopping, dining and entertainment area. Other nearby attractions includes Table Mountain and Robben Island, which is home to one of the city’s most visited museums. Sample a local or international favourite dish paired with South African wine at Tobago’s Restaurant, which also offers a striking sea view. Alternatively, relax by our heated rim-flow pool with a cocktail at Tobago’s Bar & Terrace, with even more exceptional views of the Atlantic. If you’d like to relax after sightseeing, feel your tension melt away at our Amani Spa. With special group packages perfect for corporate retreats, bridal parties or other special occasions, it’s a stunning place in which to unwind. Pets are unfortunately not allowed at our hotel.
Day 2: Cape Town
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be met for your private morning Cape Town City and Table Mountain tour.
After collection from your city-based hotel, travel towards Table Mountain for the commencement of the Table Mountain Tour. Arrive at Table Mountain National Park for a tour of the profound landmark that has become a symbol of Cape Town culture (weather permitting). Declared as one of the seven wonders of the world, Table Mountain offers panoramic views over the Mother City and the Atlantic Seaboard with Robben Island lying sleepily in Table Bay Harbour. After decent, travel back towards City Centre for a tour of The Company Gardens. The park and heritage site were originally established in the early 1650s by the European Settlers arriving in the area. The gardens provided fresh fruit and vegetables to the ships seeking replenishment when rounding the Cape on their journey to the East. The Gardens now offer a natural retreat from the bustle of the City. After your stroll through the serene Company Gardens, make your way to the Wale Street end of the gardens where the iconic ”Arch” monument stands. The monument was created to commemorate the life and work of Desmond Tutu – lovingly referred to by South Africans as ”The Arch” – as well as a tribute to the values of the South African Constitution. The Arch was installed beside the historic St. George’s Cathedral which is also known as the ”People’s Cathedral” for its role in the resistance against the Apartheid Regime. Alongside the iconic Arch, stands the historical Slave Lodge which is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. Built in 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, the building was initially used as housing for over 9000 slaves, convicts and the mentally ill up until the early 1800s when the building was converted into government offices. The building was restored in 1960 for use as a cultural history museum but was only officially renamed as The Slave Lodge in 1998. Today the historical building houses an array of exhibits that address the controversial and deeply ingrained history of slavery in South Africa. As you drive through the city you shall get a feel for the cultural melting pot that it is. End the tour with a stop at Truth Cafe a ”steampunk inspired” artisan coffee shop serving all hand-roasted coffees in a vintage cast-iron drum (any meals for own account). Tour ends with drop off at your hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront or similar in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: Cape Town
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be met for your private full-day tour of Cape Point and Peninsula.
After your collection, travel toward the Cape Peninsula for the commencement of your tour. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay, a quaint seaside village with magnificent mountain views. Continue onto Chapmans Peak Drive, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Watch the dramatic clash of the seas from the view point which can be accessed by foot or the Flying Dutchman Funicular. A lunch stop will be discussed with your guide en-route to Simons Town. Arrive in the historic Simons Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulder’s penguin colony is home to a growing colony of the protected African penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view penguins in their natural habitat. Continue on to the well-known Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. End the day with a visit to the Kirstenbosch Garden. Founded in 1913 in an effort to preserve South Africas unique flora, the gardens encompass five of South Africa’s six different biomes and is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora it displays as well as for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The tour ends with drop off your hotel.
Overnight at the Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront or similar in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and Breakfast
Day 4: cape Town
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be met for your private full-day Cape Winelands Tour.
Depart Cape Town City and head inland toward the heart of the South Africa wine industry, the world-renowned Cape Winelands, which has come to produce some of South Africa and the world’s finest wines. Explore the second oldest town in South Africa and walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings, cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Simon van der Stel – the Governor of the Cape Colony at the time – established the town in 1679 and the remaining Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of this Dutch colonial history. However, ten years later in 1690, French Huguenot refugees settled in the area and planted grapes in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch giving way to the birth of the South African Wine Industry. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing on the tour. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, which was also subsequently settled by the French Huguenots in the 17th century. Billed as the gourmet capital of South Africa, this charming town, in the most picturesque valley, retains a strong French Huguenot style represented in the longstanding architecture and lifestyle. Enjoy a wine tasting before taking the time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award-winning restaurants. Onward to Paarl, one of the Capes first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Renowned for its haunting scenic beauty and deep viticulture and fruit-growing heritage, Paarl’s fertile soil and Mediterranean-like climate provided the perfect conditions for farming. Settlers planted orchards, vegetable gardens and grape vineyards, thus rooting Paarl’s long and continuing history as a major wine and fruit producing area of South Africa. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to the bustle of the city after an enthralling day in the countryside. The tour ends with drop off at your hotel.
Overnight at the Radisson Blue Hotel Waterfront or similar in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and Breakfast
Day 5: Cape Town – Barrydale – Oudtshoorn (Guided)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will check out of your hotel and depart on a 4-day private guided tour of the scenic Garden Route. Your English-speaking driver-guide will depart Cape Town and travel along Route 62, meandering through the countryside and quaint villages to Barrydale for lunch (not included in cost). From here you continue to Oudtshoorn – the ‘feather capital’ of the world. Visit a working ostrich farm for a guided tour. Check into your accommodation in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner.
Overnight at Surval Boutique Olive Estate or similar in a Standard Room – Bed, Breakfast and Dinner
SURVAL BOUTIQUE OLIVE ESTATE
Surval Boutique Olive Estate offers elegant accommodation near Oudtshoorn. It is located in a restored 18th-century building and features panoramic views of the Schoemanshoek Valley and Swartberg Mountain Range. All the air-conditioned suites and rooms at Surval Boutique have satellite TV. Some rooms have an open plan bathroom whilst others have a separate one. A minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi are also provided in all accommodation. A continental buffet and hot breakfast are served daily. Su Casa restaurant offers menus inspired by the regional produce of the Klein Karoo area. The estate has a communal lounge area with comfortable seating; as well as a swimming pool with mountain and valley views. Olive tasting and farm tours can be arranged on advance request. Mountain bikes are available for rental and there are walking trails on the premises.
Day 6: Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay (Guided)
Enjoy a morning tour of the Cango Caves – one of the natural wonders of the world. Later, you drive to Knysna passing through beautiful forest and coastal scenery. Enjoy some time at leisure at the Knysna Waterfront before proceeding to The Crags near Plettenberg Bay. Embark on an informative cruise up the Keurbooms River before arriving at your accommodation where you shall spend the following two nights. Freshen up before dinner at the lodge.
Overnight Hunters Country House or similar in a Standard Room – Bed, Breakfast and Dinner
HUNTERS COUNTRY HOUSE
Hunters Country House has all the refined exclusivity of an English country house, but set amidst beautiful African flowers and trees in the heart of the Garden Route. The thatched main lodge is decorated with antiques, comfortable furniture and open fireplaces, and this theme is continued in the rooms. The en suite rooms are situated throughout the pretty grounds and are fully equipped with television, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and air-conditioning. Each room has its own private terrace area leading into the wonderful gardens, which are full of bright colours and peaceful corners. Hunter’s has three excellent restaurants: ‘Crystal’ and ‘Sage’ for fine-dining and ‘Summerhouse’ for more relaxed tapas-style fare. Guests can also walk to the restaurant Zinzi which is located on the estate. Hunter’s also has a large swimming pool and spa offering various treatments. Hunter’s welcomes families and has a children’s play area complete with climbing frame, sandpit and paddling pool as well as the ‘Cub House’, which has toys, games, books and videos and is fully supervised by trained staff.
Day 7: Plettenberg Bay Area (Guided)
After breakfast visit Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Proceed to Hog Hollow Horse Trails for a horse-drawn carriage and wine tasting experience followed by lunch (to own account). Return to the lodge for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before dinner. Optional: discuss the availability of additional activities on offer in the area with your guide.
Overnight Hunters Country House or similar in a Standard Room – Bed, Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Plettenberg Bay – Port Elizabeth (Guided)
Journey along the final leg of the Garden Route to the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park – ‘garden of the Garden Route’. Enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth gorge offering incredible views. The tour ends on arrival in Port Elizabeth at approximately 18h00 with drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight at the Beach Hotel in a Sea-Facing Room – Bed and Breakfast
Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel is one Port Elizabeth’s finest family hotels, situated on the magnificent beachfront, directly opposite Hobie Beach. The Beach Hotel combines splendid service with quality accommodation, stylish cuisine and facilities for a perfect family holiday, business trip or relaxing getaway. The stunning four-star hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea-views and others opening onto the tranquil courtyard. Guests are spoilt with choice, offering three onsite restaurants to suit everyone’s palate. Enjoy a relaxing environment, sipping a cocktail while overlooking the ocean at The Verandah restaurant, or indulge in our famous buffets at The Crest. Resident foodies will love the fine dining cuisine at Ginger, voted one of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth, it is definitely a must.
Day 9: Port Elizabeth – Hoedspruit – Kapama Game Reserve
This morning you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the Port Elizabeth Airport to be in time for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg and onwards to Hoedspruit. (Flight fare not included.)
Upon arrival at the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to the Kapama Private Game Reserve. Nestled between the Blyde River Valley and Kruger National Park, Kapama offers an escape for nature lovers from across the globe. This untouched part of Africa is home to some of the most endangered, beautiful and fascinating wildlife.
Kapama Buffalo Camp
High in the treetops, accessible only by elevated wooden walkways, the old-world luxury tents of Buffalo Camp are the closest you’ll get to living alongside South Africa’s magnificent wildlife. This luxury tented camp, in Kapama Private Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park, is a quiet and intimate lodge where you can unwind in the shade of the trees and simply absorb the surrounding peace. The perfect luxury South African Safari escape. Set among tall, shady trees, with a seasonal river below, Buffalo Camp’s suites are ultra-luxurious tents that consistently delight our guests. Dark wood and leather finishes add a nostalgic air, while oil lanterns illuminating the walkways at night create a wonderfully romantic ambience. Each luxury tent features en-suite bathrooms and air con, as well as heated blankets for cooler weather comfort. Tea and Nespresso coffee facilities come standard, along with a fully stocked minibar. For peace of mind, there’s a lock-up safe for your valuables, and for our guests from abroad, international plugs for convenience. The intimate Buffalo Camp lounge, nestled under a vaulted, thatched roof, is the perfect place to sink into a comfortable sofa for a spot of birdwatching – refreshing cocktail in hand, of course. The sun loungers around our elevated rim-flow pool offer excellent views of the surrounding fauna and flora. For breakfast and lunch, tuck into delicate delights from our a la carte menu under traditional thatch, surrounded by natural beauty. At night, gather around a roaring, open fire in a true African boma as you dine on traditional fare to the soundtrack of wild Africa.
Overnight at Kapama Buffalo Camp in a Luxury Tented Room or similar – All meals, teas and snacks, all local and select premium drinks, two daily safari activities and bush walks.
Day 10 – day 11: Kapama Game Reserve
Spend the next few days enjoying early morning and evening safari drives, as offered by the lodge.
Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species. Since this is a Big Five reserve, encountering lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of bird recorded on the reserve. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife such as nyala antelope, Vervet monkeys or even a few of the Big Five.
You may also choose to experience the African bush on foot under the guidance of a skilled ranger. Your guide will point out medicinal plants, insects and birdlife along the way, and share traditional tracking skills such as using animal footprints and scat to identify animals. This truly memorable, authentic and intimate encounter with nature and our wildlife is included in your stay.
Overnight at Kapama Buffalo Camp in a Luxury Tented Room or similar – All meals, teas and snacks, all local and select premium drinks, two daily safari activities and bush walks.
Day 12: Depart Kapama Game Reserve – Hoedspruit – Johannesburg
After enjoying a final game drive (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport to be in time for your flight to Johannesburg and onwards. (Flight fare not included.)
***END OF OUR SERVICES, ENJOY YOUR TRIP***
