DAY 1
Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport your local
English-speaking guide will meet you.
Enjoy a tour of the "Mother City" passing City Hall and
Parliament. Visit the District Six Museum, the Company Gardens as
well as the Malay Quarter, otherwise known as "Bo-Kaap". Take the
rotating cable car to the summit of Table Mountain (weather
permitting) from where the most spectacular views of the Bay and
City can be enjoyed. Lunch en route.
Transfer to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day at
leisure. In the evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Cape Town Hollow offers stylish, serene accommodation in the heart
of the Mother City of South Africa. The hotel consists of 56
en-suite rooms with the finest modern amenities, including
individually controlled air-conditioners and heating, remote color
satellite TV, direct dial telephone, international adaptor and data
port, tea and coffee making facilities and e-mail access for guests
with their own laptops.
Bed and Breakfast: CAPE TOWN HOLLOW ***
Website: www.capetownhollow.co.za
DAY 02
Cape Point
After breakfast depart on a full day excursion of the Cape
Pensinsula. The drive takes you along the Atlantic Seaboard passing
Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay to Hout Bay. Continue via the
scenic Chapman's Peak Drive (if open) to the Cape Point Nature
Reserve and Cape Point, the most southwesterly point of Africa and
where many believe the cold Benguela current on the West coast and
the warm Agulhas current on the East coast merge. Take a scenic
trip with the funicular to the old lighthouse.
Continue to Simonstown and visit Boulders Beach with its colony of
African Penguins. Lunch en route. End your day with a visit to the
world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. They are a
celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous
South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are
intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for
easy walking. Return to the hotel. Enjoy dinner at one of the many
fine restaurants in Cape Town.
Bed and Breakfast: CAPE TOWN HOLLOW ***
Website: www.capetownhollow.co.za
DAY 03
Robben Island
After breakfast, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the
Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront's
Clocktower. From here, you will take a ferry trip to Robben Island
(weather permitting). Once there, a guided tour of this infamous
Island will give you an insight into the early days of white
settlement at the Cape when it was once used as a prison.
The so-called 'delinquents' that were brought here, were mainly
rebellious Khoikhoi. With very few exceptions, attempted escapes,
failed and most of the escapees drowned during the long swim to the
coast.
In 1961, South Africa's most notorious prison was established on
Robben Island. Political prisoners of the anti-apartheid movement
were kept here together with hardened criminals. The most prominent
inmate was Nelson Mandela, who later became the first President of
the new democratic South Africa. In this 5sqm cell Mandela spent
most of his 27 years as a political prisoner.
After the guided tour, board the ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy
lunch at the Waterfront, home to refurbished historical buildings,
waterfront walks, restaurants, craft markets, shops and boutiques.
After your transfer to the hotel, your guide will once again meet
you in the early evening for dinner.
Bed and Breakfast: CAPE TOWN HOLLOW ***
Website: www.capetownhollow.co.za
DAY 04
Winelands - Arniston
Depart Cape Town and head for Stellenbosch, the heart of South
Africa's wine industry and a place of great beauty and culture
(South Africa's oldest town) steeped in South African tradition.
History is reflected in many of its buildings; its neo-Dutch,
Georgian and modern Victorian architecture, which encompasses
simple lines, fine detail and elegant proportions. Visit the town
with its Village Museum, and also visit one of the many charming
wine estates. Enjoy the opportunity to taste some South African
Wine and learn more about the viticulture of the country. Lunch en
route.
Continue along the N2 and the R316 via Caledon and Bredasdorp to
Arniston, a peaceful fishing village, surrounded by pristine
beaches and nature reserves.
This luxurious 4-star Hotel is internationally known as one of the
world's great getaways. The Pool Facing Rooms all have en-suite
bathrooms, with both shower and bath and these exquisitely
furnished rooms have a balcony that overlooks the crystal clear
hotel pool.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: THE ARNISTON SPA HOTEL ****
Website: www.arnistonhotel.com
DAY 05
Oudtshoorn
After breakfast visit Cape Agulhas, the southern most point of the
African continent. This is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans
join forces in creating one of the most feared points on early
explorers' sea travels, and it still proves to be a worthwhile
entrapment to the modern explorer's sense of adventure. Also visit
the Lighthouse Museum. Lunch en route.
Continue on the N2 via Swellendam, and via the Tradouw Pass on the
R62 to the Oudtshoorn, home of the world's largest Ostrich
population with a number of specialized farms. Visit one of the
ostrich farm and enjoy to learn more about ostrich farming and the
various stages of the bird's development. Thereafter a scrumptious
barbecue dinner is served.
Situated in a farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn,
the Protea Hotel Riempie Estate is a charming hotel with
well-appointed thatched rondavels, only 20 minutes away from the
Cango Caves and moments away from the crocodile and ostrich farms
for which Oudtshoorn is famed.
Thatched chalets providing 40 bedrooms, all have private bathroom,
hairdryer, individually controlled air-conditioning, color TV,
radio and telephone.
Bed and Breakfast: PROTEA HOTEL RIEMPIE ESTATE ***
Webiste: www.proteahotels.com
DAY 06
Oudtshoorn - Knysna
After breakfast visit the magnificent Cango Caves.
29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley,
lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the
Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well
known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone
caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations.
Lunch en route.
Continue to Knysna, one of the Garden Route´s best known travel
destinations. Situated between lush forests and the shores of the
peaceful estuary it offers many activities and attractions to a
wide variety of people.
Visit the Knysna Oyster Company. Since as early as 1949 the Knysna
Oyster Company has been titillating gastronomes from all over the
world by cultivating the finest oysters on the beds in the pristine
Knysna River Estuary. That's over 54 years experience in producing
the tastiest oysters in the land!
Thereafter transfer to you hotel to freshen up before dinner at
the Knysna Waterfront.
The Graywood is ideally situated to enjoy Knysna's many
attractions and activities. 49 tastefully decorated en-suite
bedrooms invite you to unwind in comfort and style. Each room is
equipped with air-conditioning, electronic safes, remote control
TV's (local channels only), direct dial telephones, hairdryers and
tea and coffee facilities.
The hotel evokes the character and spirit of the surrounding
indigenous Knysna forests with its wonderful woodwork. It depicts a
fascinating steam train theme, and is decorated with many original
railroad memorabilia and historic photographs.
Facilities include a swimming pool and wooden sundeck, which is
surrounded by a beautifully manicured courtyard garden. Wake up to
a full buffet breakfast served in the restaurant or on the wooden
sundeck. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the bar before sampling one of
Knysna's many excellent restaurants.
Bed and Breakfast: THE GRAYWOOD HOTEL ***
Website: www.graywood.co.za
DAY 07
Knysna
Today you will go on a trip to the Featherbed Nature
Reserve.
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a
South African Heritage site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of
paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible
by ferry only. The Reserve is also a prime example of eco-tourism
and in order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty.
The Featherbed eco-experience starts with a 25-minute ferry
cruise. Your local guide on board will share fascinating tales
about the Lagoon, the early shipping industry and oyster
cultivation. On arrival at the Reserve, visitors can enjoy a drive
to the top of the Western Head in a 4 x 4 unimog vehicle with
trailers, stopping at a magnificent view point en route. Here
unsurpassed views of the Lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be
enjoyed, whilst our knowledgeable guides explain the history and
ecology of the Reserve. Thereafter a tasty lunch is served in the
restaurant surrounded by Milkwood trees.
After your return to the Knysna harbour the rest of the day is on
your own leisure. Dinner at the Waterfront
Bed and Breakfast: THE GRAYWOOD HOTEL ***
Website: www.graywood.co.za
DAY 08
Tsitsikamma National Park
After breakfast depart Knysna and make your way to the Tsitsikamma
National Park.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is a coastal reserve on the Garden
Route, an 80 km long coastal strip between Nature's Valley and
Storms River. The Park is recognized the world over for its forests
which contain and conserve one of the few true monarchs of the
world's forests.
The heartland of the park stretches some 5 km to sea, protecting a
wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish. Dolphins
frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of
life, and the gentle giant of the ocean, the southern right whale
visits here, coming inshore to breed.
A warm welcome and friendly service awaits you at the privately
owned and managed Tsitsikamma Lodge, winner of the prestigious AA
Award for Best Leisure Hotel in South Africa in 2002, 2003 and
2004. Hall of Fame for 2005 and 2006
Treat yourself and the special person in your life to a very
romantic getaway. Stay in a cosy log cabin; relax in a romantic spa
bath, while you enjoy a bottle of bubbly. Each cabin has its own
deck barbecue area, television, coffee/tea trays and
telephone.
Bed and Breakfast: TSITSIKAMMA LODGE ***
Website: www.riverhotels.co.za
DAY 9
Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg
Today you make your way to Port Elizabeth from where you will fly
to Johannesburg. On arrival your new English Speaking Guide will
meet you. En route to your hotel enjoy an orientation city tour of
this the biggest metropolis in South Africa, and affectionately
called the "city of the gold".
The Protea Hotel Waterfront, located on the safe and tranquil
Centurion Waterfront, has direct access to a modern shopping
complex, restaurant, bars, boutiques and cinemas.
This luxury, selected services hotel has its own breakfast restaurant and resident`s bar on the premises. The hotel also offers room service.
132 luxury bedrooms and 19 self-contained suites feature a specially designed work desk with computer plug points and touch dial telephone with direct international line. All bedrooms have 51cm television with 12 satellite channels and remote control. Bathrooms include spacious, separate walk-in shower and separate bath. Every room is equipped with air-conditioners, electronic safes, hairdryers and coffee/tea making facilities.
Bed and Breakfast: Protea Hotel Waterfront
Webiste: www.proteahotels.com
DAY 10
Panorama Route - Hazyview
After breakfast depart and continue to the province of Mpumalanga.
Visit the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window
(weather dependent!) and the Bourke' s Luck Potholes. One of the
major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon, home to
spectacular wildlife, birdlife and plant-life and some of the best
views in the country. The Canyon is also the third largest canyon
of its kind in the world with magnificent rock formations and
waterfalls. The Panorama route is truly an area of breathtaking
scenic splendor. It is no wonder that Mpumalanga is known as
Paradise Country! Lunch en route.
In the early evening visit the Shangana Cultural Village. Share in
the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque villages
are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and
grassland. Be part of the evening festival when the Kraal Chief and
his family are the hosts, where choirs, actors and dancers gather
to tell the story of the Shangaan people (only possible if a
minimum of 15 people are booked).
Thereafter transfer to your hotel.
Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the banks of the Sabi
River in Hazyview, only ten minutes from the world famous Kruger
National Park the country estate offers guests an "Out of Africa"
feeling, and leaves them feeling totally relaxed and
refreshed.
The hotel rooms all overlook the picturesque gardens with its two
swimming pools or the mighty Sabi River.
Bed and Breakfast: HIPPO HOLLOW COUNTRY ESTATE ***
Website: www.hippohollow.co.za
DAY 11
Kruger National Park
After breakfast you will make your way from the Hippo Hollow
country estate to the Kruger National Park. Here you are sure to
have a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and
the world! Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South
African Lowveld, this National park of nearly 2 million hectares is
unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in
advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Enjoy a
full day of game viewing from your vehicle. Lunch en route.
Optional: Full day game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle.
Skukuza is the Kruger National Park's largest rest camp and
administrative headquarters. It is situated on the southern banks
of the Sabie River. The camp is well foliaged and there are some
lofty trees along the river's edge. Activities and facilities are
diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp
and in the surrounding areas.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: SKUKUZA RESTCAMP
Website: www.sanparks.org
DAY 12
Kruger National Park
After breakfast depart Skukuza and head towards the south of the
Park. Enjoy another full day of game viewing from your vehicle.
Lunch en route.
With a little bit of luck you might spot the famous "Big Five"
(lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) - a truly
unforgettable experience indeed!
In the late afternoon you will arrive at Berg-en-Dal
Restcamp.
Optional: Full day game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle.
Berg-en-Dal is situated on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit with a
view of softly undulating hills to the east. On the northern and
southern sides dry riverbeds and a dam border the camp. There are
large trees along the streams and dry riverbeds. Special care has
been taken to preserve the natural vegetation in the camp.
Berg-en-Dal is also the only camp set in a rugged mountain
environment and is built on the site of a prehistoric
settlement.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: BERG-EN-DAL RESTCAMP
Website:www.sanparks.org
Day 13
Kruger National Park - Dullstroom
After a refreshing breakfast depart the Kruger National
Park and continue to Dullstroom. (Lunch en route).
Be it for a quick break away to country fresh air, for a fine
dining experience or for family fun, Dullstroom has a lot to offer.
The village, situated at 2100m above sea level in the
Steenkampsberg range, dates back to the early 1880's, when Dutch
settlers came to the area. The town derives its name from one
Wolterus Dull, chairman of the Dutch immigrants. The "stroom"
(stream) refers to the abundance of water in the area: The
Crocodile River, which runs through the Kruger National Park, has
its origin in Dullstroom. Other major tributaries, like the
Lunsklip, Klip River, Steelpoort and Elands River, do not only feed
important rivers and marshlands, but have also become synonymous
with some of the best trout fishing in the country. The area is
known for its cool, sub-alpine climate and its misty atmosphere,
reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. It is also known as habitat
for the three endangered cranes, a vast variety of wild flowers and
rare species of mammals - a true paradise for the nature
lover.
The hotel is set around a lake within tranquil gardens. At
Critchley Hackle privacy within a public space is held sacrosanct,
and the setting, furnishings and service have been carefully
tailored to imbue a sense of familiar luxury.
Each room is individually decorated and offers a fire place,
ensuite bathroom, television with limited DSTV channels, writing
desk, telephone, tea/coffee facilities, wall safe and private
patio.
Bed and Breakfast: CRITCHLEY HACKLE ****
Website: www.critchleyhackle.co.za
Day 14
Dullstroom - Johannesburg Airport
After breakfast head back to Johannesburg and the OR Tambo
International Airport for your return flight. Your South Africa
journey sadly comes to an end today - but surely wonderful memories
have been made!
Group Travel pictures
Click on a photo to view a larger version
