Highlights of South Africa Tour
17 night self-drive itinerary, taking in Cape Town, Garden Route and fly-in to Kruger Park
Day 1
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport, where you will be met by our representative, who will assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle. Drive yourselves to the Waterfront Village Apartments, approximately 40 minutes' drive away. The Village Waterfront Apartments make for the perfect Cape Town holiday base. They are situated within the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Development, with a backdrop of Table Mountain, and are within safe and easy walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants, the Robben Island ferry, and also the Two Oceans Aquarium. They lie on the water’s edge, next to the Cape Grace Hotel and the One&Only Hotel, offering guests the sumptuousness of a hotel with the freedom of superior serviced apartments. Crafted around tranquil waterways the inspired architecture maximises the panoramic views, creating international desirability. Rooms Feature: Elevator service, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, main en-suite bathroom - shower or bath only, built-in hairdryers, electronic safes, satellite television, DVD player, guest amenities, telephone. Food & Beverage: Breakfasts at the One & Only Hotel, Cape Town, a short ferry ride away, will be included during your stay. Days 2, 3 and 4 You will be able to spend these days exploring the Cape Peninsula, enjoy such excursions as taking the Cableway up Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island and the Two Oceans Aquarium. World class beaches, like Camps Bay and Clifton are a short drive away. Day 5 After breakfast, you will drive yourselves to the Cape Winelands, where you will stay at Klein Waterval Riverside Lodge, just an hour and a half away. Klein Waterval lies on the banks of the Berg River, half way between Paarl and Franschhoek and 20 minutes from Stellenbosch, surrounded by vineyards and dramatic mountain views. It offers friendly country hospitality in a relaxed farm atmosphere. A choice between a farmhouse or continental breakfast may be taken in the beautiful breakfast room or on the veranda. There is also a fully licensed “Honesty Bar”. Wi-Fi connection is available at reception, bar and lounge area. Klein Waterval has secure off-street parking available with a security guard on duty 24 hours a day. There are various activities at the lodge, such as hiking down to the Berg River and watching the different stages of grape farming or merely relaxing around the big swimming pool. Klein Waterval is the ideal spot for anyone who wants to relax, unwind and enjoy country hospitality and majestic views. Day 6 Visit nearby Wine Farms, places of historical interest, and mountain passes to view the simply spectacular scenery. Klein Waterval on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 7 After breakfast, you will drive to the town of Hermanus - about 2 hours' drive away, with the coastal route offering some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery. Hermanus is a small coastal town, offering beautiful beaches, whale watching in season, markets, shopping and a variety of restaurants. In Hermanus you will be accommodated at On the Cliffs Guest House, situated on the seafront with stunning sea views. Beautiful en suite rooms and a putting green, sauna, guest lounges, pub, pool etc. Hermanus golf club is 5 minutes away. All rooms are en suite with king-size or twin beds, private balconies or patios, luxury fittings and have panoramic sea views for whale watching. On the Cliff is only a 1km walk to the village centre. You will be able to explore the town, its crafts, shops and restaurants at your leisure. Your stay at On the Cliff will be inclusive of breakfasts. Day 8 Explore Hermanus - the Guesthouse can arrange cruises, scuba diving, parasailing, horse riding on the beach, fishing, golf, or great white shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai. Or you can simply relax on the beach. Overnight at On the Cliff Guesthouse on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 9 Today you will hear to Oudtshoorn, approximately 5 hours' drive away. Oudtshoorn is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, with approximately 60,000 inhabitants, and it is the largest town in the Little Karoo region. The town is famous for the Cango Caves, and it is also home to the world's largest ostrich population, with a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms. You will stay at Hlangana Lodge, situated on the outskirts of the town, in a double room, on a bed and breakfast basis. This 4-star Victorian guest house is set in a large exotic garden. Its signature buffet and champagne breakfast is served in the sunny lounge. Guests may enjoy the Karoo sunset from the landscaped garden, or have a drink in the tastefully decorated lounge. Day 10 A day to explore Oudtshoorn, whilst staying at Hlangana Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis. Vertical Divider
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Day 11
After breakfast at Hlangana, you will drive to Knysna, approximately 120km away. In Knysna, nature quite literally knocks on your front door. The town nestles between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. Whether you're an adventurous type or simply like it lolling around in the sun, Knysna has it all. Situated on the west shore of the Knysna Lagoon, Belvidere Manor offers a quiet retreat, with a swimming pool and beautiful gardens, with accommodation in Cape style cottages. Enjoy lazy breakfasts on the terrace of Belvidere House and light lunches at the pool. Dinner is served at Caroline's bistro where country-style dishes are served with South African flair. Meet the locals at The Bell, Knysna's smallest pub, and open daily for light meals. At Belvidere Manor, you will be accommodated in Cottage situated in the gardens with lagoon views. Your breakfasts will be included, and additional meals may be settled for directly. Days 12 and 13 Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well-known attraction being the Heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. Outdoor adventures like horse riding, hiking, yachting, fishing and canoeing, or extreme sports like abseiling, paragliding, scuba diving or water skiing are offered here too. Day 14 Today you will leave Knysna, driving to Port Elizabeth, approximately 260km away, where you will be staying at the Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast. Located in the upmarket beach front suburb of Summerstrand, Beachwalk offer a 4-star guesthouse accommodation only 60 metres from Hobie Beach and an easy 400m walk from the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. Room facilities include: Twin single beds, double bed and family rooms available; All rooms with en-suite bathrooms; Bar fridge, microwave, tea & coffee making facilities in each room; Ceiling fans, DSTV, telephones & ADSL connections are standard; Hairdryers available on request ; Separate entrances, covered patios in a tranquil garden setting; Secure off-street parking. Your stay will be inclusive of breakfast.. Day 15 After breakfast, you will drive to Port Elizabeth Airport, where you will return your hired vehicle, before checking in for British Airways, flight BA6238, departing Port Elizabeth at 08h50, and arriving at Johannesburg International Airport at 10h25; connect with flight SA8865, departing Johannesburg at 13h20, arriving at Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park at 14h10. You will be met at Skukuza Airport by a Guide from Imbali Lodge, and driven to the Lodge. Imbali Safari Lodge continues the tradition of Safari in the romantic style of the past. With an air of opulence befitting royalty, this is the perfect departure point for an African Safari. Set on the banks of the Nwatswitswonto River, this palatial haven comprised of 12 immaculate suites of unrestrained luxury, is the ideal place to begin the ultimate adventure. Experience the colonial delights of four o'clock tea, succulent evening meals, cigars and brandy. Flickering hurricane lamps, fine mosquito netting and exceptional service, rivalled only by the luxurious accommodation, will ensure you never forget your first taste of the African Safari experience. All suites are beautifully appointed with only the finest furniture and imported linen. Spacious decks offer stunning salas and private plunge pools with views over the river bed and onto the plains beyond. All 12 rooms have large king beds, an antique-styled bath en-suite, and a private veranda. You will be accommodated in a triple and a double suite. The Lodge has a swimming pool overlooking the waterhole, and an open lounge with large fireplace. Days 16 and 17 Game viewing at Imbali Safari Lodge is of high standard and compares with the best in the world. Africa's Big 5, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, roam the reserve as well as a diverse variety of antelope, birds and insects. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks, and bird watching are all offered at the lodge. Guests not only get close to Big Game but also learn to identify birds and trees, taste edible fruit, follow in the footsteps of animals great and small and learn about local bush lore. The night game viewing is an experience of its own. Nocturnal sightings might include bush babies, the elusive genet, or predators hunting and stalking their prey. One may also visit the health spa, view video and slide presentations, traditional dancing, storytelling, special interest talks and even a canoe ride or a visit to the Sangoma or traditional healer! Day 18 After your morning activity and breakfast, you will be transferred from Imbali Lodge back to Skukuza Airport, in time to check in for flight SA8866, departing Skukuza at 14h50, and arriving back at Johannesburg International Airport at 15h35. |
Included in this itinerary:
• Cape Town International Airport Meet and Assist Service
• Car hire for 15 days, including contract fee, unlimited mileage, one-way fee; GPS Hire
• 4 Nights at the Waterfront Village in a luxury apartment
• Daily breakfasts and the One & Only Hotel
• 2 Nights at Klein Waterval Lodge; Daily breakfasts
• 2 Nights at On The Cliffs Guesthouse Hermanus; Daily breakfasts
• 2 Nights at Hlangana Lodge; Breakfasts
• 3 Nights at Belvidere Manor; Daily breakfasts
• 1 Night at Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast
• Scheduled flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg International Airport
• Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport
• Transfer from Skukuza Airport to Imbali Safari Lodge
• 3 Nights at Imbali Safari Lodge; Three meals per day, two guided game activities and VAT at 14%
• Return transfer to Skukuza Airport
• Scheduled flight from Skukuza to Johannesburg International Airport
Not Included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• Entry fees to places of interest
• Kruger Park entry fee
• Laundry
• International flights to Cape Town and from Johannesburg International Airport
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Cape Town International Airport Meet and Assist Service
• Car hire for 15 days, including contract fee, unlimited mileage, one-way fee; GPS Hire
• 4 Nights at the Waterfront Village in a luxury apartment
• Daily breakfasts and the One & Only Hotel
• 2 Nights at Klein Waterval Lodge; Daily breakfasts
• 2 Nights at On The Cliffs Guesthouse Hermanus; Daily breakfasts
• 2 Nights at Hlangana Lodge; Breakfasts
• 3 Nights at Belvidere Manor; Daily breakfasts
• 1 Night at Beachwalk Bed and Breakfast
• Scheduled flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg International Airport
• Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport
• Transfer from Skukuza Airport to Imbali Safari Lodge
• 3 Nights at Imbali Safari Lodge; Three meals per day, two guided game activities and VAT at 14%
• Return transfer to Skukuza Airport
• Scheduled flight from Skukuza to Johannesburg International Airport
Not Included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• Entry fees to places of interest
• Kruger Park entry fee
• Laundry
• International flights to Cape Town and from Johannesburg International Airport
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature