Day 2 - Capetown

Day 2 - Capetown

Your guide will meet you to take you a full day tour of Cape Town, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are nestled on the southern slopes of Table Mountain, this garden of approximately 528 hectares and has become one of the major tourist attractions of Cape Town. Proclaimed in 1913, it consists of both cultivated and nature reserve sections and was a gift to the nation from Cecil John Rhodes. The gardens were planned as a garden where indigenous flora of Southern Africa would be collected, propagated, studied and preserved. (Overnight, B)

Day 3 - Capetown

Day 3 - Capetown

Today you will visit Cape Point with your private guide. The coastline stretches for almost 40 km’s and includes some of South Africa’s most dramatic scenery including the Cape of Good Hope where you have the option to walk up to the lighthouse (weather permitting). You will continue onwards to Boulders Beach National Park where there are great views of an African Penguin colony.

Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simonstown and the Cape Point, the penguin colony has grown from just two breeding pairs in 1982 to around 3000 pairs today. You will drive along Chapman’s Peak before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. (Overnight, B)

Day 4 - Depart Capetown to Franschoek

Day 4 – Depart Capetown to Franschoek on self drive of garden route (Driving distance: 100km)

This morning you will collect your rental car from the Waterfront depot. Maps and a GPS will be provided. Depart Capetown for the village of Franschoek, while driving through the picturesque winelands region of Stellenbosch. Visit wine estates for cellar tours and tastings. There are many estates and museums to visit at your leisure before arriving to Franschoek and the La Fontaine Guest House for the evening. Charming Guest Homes are located in the center of this charming town, or stay in a lovely 4 star hotel. (Overnight, B)

Day 5 - Franschoek to Hermanus

Day 5 – Franschoek to Hermanus (Driving distance: 80km)

This morning depart Franschoek for the quaint town of Hermanus. Hermanus was originally established as a fishing village in the late 1800’s, it has grown rapidly and today lay claim to being the “Whale Capital of the World”. Large numbers of Southern Right Whales start to arrive in late June and leave again in November. Hermanus is a hive of activity with its regular craft and produce markets, speciality stores, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, wine wanders and many varied outdoor activities. Steeped in history, there are several museums documenting Hermanuspietersfontein's illustrious past, it's growth from a small seaside resort to the burgeoning tourist attaction of today. Beautiful buildings and well preserved homes can still be seen which date back to the early 1900.

You could overnight at one of the most beautiful buildings in Hermanus, Whale Rock Lodge, with its shining white facade, glowing woodwork and thick heavy thatch framed in rolling lawns, has an air of welcome, of warmth and of well-being that will not disappoint you. En-suite rooms with choices of king, queen and three-quarter beds elegantly decorated in traditional colonial style, provide spacious accommodation with all the luxuries. (Overnight, B)

Day 6 - Hermanus to Ladismith

Day 6 – Hermanus to Ladismith (Driving distance: 260km)

Today you will travel via Swellendam and inland via the Tradouw Pass and enter the country of the ostriches, also known as the Little Karoo. It runs eastwards for about 250km from the town of Montagu and is sandwiched between the Swartberg to the north and the continuous range of the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains to the south. Lunch could be taken in Barrydale famous for its fruit and wine. Continue onto Ladismith, which lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg mountain range, where majestic Towerkop, with its split peak, looms above the town.

Mymering is a guest house on a working farm, nestled in the fertile Dwar srivier valley amongst picturesque winelands. The area is abundant with fruit farms and the magnificent Towerkop mountain.   Secluded enough to allow your undisturbed enjoyment of nature, the farm provides uninterrupted views of unsurpassed beauty. Walking, hiking and mountain biking trails (ranging from gentle to strenuous) invite you to explore the many beauties of the farm itself - including the abundant birdlife and the export quality grapes and olives. (Overnight, B)

Day 7 - Ladismith to Oudtshoorn

Day 7 – Ladismith to Oudtshoorn (Driving distance: 130km)

Today head towards The Port capital, Calitzdorp. Visit one of the oldest estates and cellars in the Klein Karoo which produce red, white and dessert wines as well as the famous port for which Calitzdorp is renowned (entrance fees additional). View the strange and rare “Red Hills” which have enabled geologists to trace the earth’s development over the last 600 to 800 million years. The phenomenon is said to be found at only two other places in the world. Enjoy a scenic 2 hour trip through the Swartberg pass including lunch at Kobus se Gat open air lapa. Continue onto Oudtshoorn where you will check in at your guest house for dinner.

You could spend the night in a stylish and luxurious four-star guesthouse situated on a family run working ostrich farm just south of Oudtshoorn, in the heart of the Klein Karoo. This is big sky country! It is the most diverse region in the Western Cape and is famous for its friendly people, the mystique of the magnificent landscapes, scenic routes through picturesque towns, world famous sights, lush vineyards and orchards and the dry open veld that stretches into the distance. (Overnight, B, L, D)

Day 8 - Oudtshoorn to Knysa

Day 8 – Oudtshoorn to Knysa (Driving distance: 150km)

Today includes a visit to a working ostrich farm. Options for today include, Cango Caves where the mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations have been sculptured by nature through the ages as well as the Cango Wildlife Ranch. These activities would be additional.

The famous Cango Caves are a sequence of caves. A specialist guide can be hired to take you into the wonders of Cango One, the first sequence of the caves, which runs for approximately 760 metres (Cango 2 and Cango 3 which stretch for another 1800 metres are not open to the public). The largest chamber in Cango 1 is the Grand Hall – 116 metres across and 16 metres high. The exciting history and the unique geology of the area will be explained.

Cango Wildlife Ranch is far more than just a petting zoo, this endangered species breeding facility is the oldest and largest cheetah contact centre on the planet. Visitors have the opportunity of interacting with hand-reared cheetahs as well as getting actively involved in conserving endangered species. Take a stroll on the ‘catwalk’ and view lion, cheetah, puma, white Bengal tigers, meerkats, pygmy hippos and many bird species. You can also visit rare and rather large reptiles at the snake park and crocodile pools.

The rest of the day would be spent meandering through to Knysa, a pretty coastal town where you will overnight for the next 2 nights. (Overnight, B)

Day 9 - Knysa

Day 9 – Knysa

Spend the day exploring Knysna and the surrounding area:

• Choice of superb golf courses, such as Pezula Championship Course.
• Kayaking or boating trips on the lagoon
• Mountain biking trails through the forests
• Exploring the arts and craft shops in town
• Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Steam Train and Railway
• Museum in George
• Abseiling
• Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve

(Overnight, B)

Day 10 - Knysa to Tsitsikamma

Day 10 – Knysa to Tsitsikamma (Driving distance: 85km)

Depart Knysa and continue driving down the Garden Route.   You will travel thru to the Tsitsikamma and Storm’s River. Tsitsikamma Village Inn consists of 49 free-standing rooms, village-style, where each cottage is individually decorated and has its own garden matching the specific colonial building style found in the Garden Route. The main building, which traces its roots back to 1845, has a spacious dining room, incorporating the De Oude Martha Restaurant, the Hunters Pub, Cafe Bacchus and Guest Lounge.

You can opt for a room in the imposing Cape Dutch style, the Drostdy or the Landdrost’s (magistrate’s) house, or you can choose to stay in one of the charming Victorian forester’s cottages. You can also stay in a quaint fisherman’s cottage or a simple Karoo Pastorie (pastor’s home) with its deep stoep and sash windows, a humble barn, a honeymoon room, or rustic log homes for the more adventurous. Each cottage has its own individual garden that matches the specific style of gardening reminiscent to each individual colonial building style. Each room is tastefully decorated in the appropriate style for the period. (Overnight, B)

Day 11 - Tsitsikamma

Day 11 – Tsitsikamma

Spend the day exploring the Tsitsikama Park and the Storm’s River area. Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning "place of abundant or sparkling water", and the park offers the contrasting beauty of river, forest, sea, and fynbos. Take in a short walk along the rugged coastline before an open-air lunch with spectacular views of the sea. The Tsitsikamma’s spectacular scenery includes the Indian Ocean breakers, pounding rocky shores beneath 180 m high cliffs, ever-green forests and fynbos (proteas and heath) rolling down to the sea in a lush carpet where ancient rivers have carved their path to the ocean through rocky ravines.

Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. This is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the world, conserving 11 percent of South Africa’s Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline. Approximately 30% of the park is covered in fynbos (Cape Floral Kingdom), scattered amongst the forest vegetation, boasting a wide variety of beautiful flowers, including proteas and heath. (Overnight, B)

Day 12 - Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth

Day 12 – Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth (Driving distance: 200km)

Today you will depart Tsitsikamma for your final destination on the Garden Route, Port Elizabeth. Enjoy the museums, galleries and beaches of Port Elizabeth before dinner at your guest house. Perhaps try one of the charming Guest homes (some with walking paths, pools, &/or tennis courts) and still have easy access to the airport. (Overnight, B, D)

Day 13 to 15 - Port Elizabeth to Durban to Maputaland Coast

Day 13-15 – Port Elizabeth to Durban to Maputaland Coast

This morning you will return the car rental to the airport and depart on an early morning flight to Durban. Upon arrival to Durban, you will pick up your car rental and drive approximately 4½-5 hours to Maputaland Coast.

There are some wonderful Lodges in this area, see the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving. Many lodges are all inclusive for meals, drinks, and activities (scuba diving is always extra and should be pre-booked). Enjoy the activities offered by the lodge.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. The 332 000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year- old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place. (Overnight, B, L, D)

Day 16 - Pinda Reserve

Day 16 – Pinda Reserve

Today you will check out of your accommodations and drive to Phinda Forest Lodge (recommended). Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the spectacular Forest Lodge at Phinda fuses architectural design and conservation. The creation of this award-winning safari lodge was an exemplary exercise in building eco-sensitive structures with a light footprint (not one tree was felled during construction). Inventively designed in Zulu Zen style, each handcrafted, glass-encased suite is a combination of glass, wood and minimalist design incorporating high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and crimson Zulu artifacts. These 16 private stilted suites each feature luxurious ensuite bathrooms with slate hand basins, and viewing decks where guests can awake to the sight of graceful nyala and duiker outside the glass walls. Unwind in the lodge’s sparkling rim flow swimming pool, or relax in the Lodge sitting areas with expansive viewing decks affording panoramic views of the game-filled plains.

Included in your stay: Meals, snacks, drinks are included in stay (excludes premium alcohol) and laundry. Game activities such as game drives, bush walks, village visit or canoeing are included in stay. (Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge, B, L, D)

Day 17 to 18 - Phinda Reserve

Day 17-18 – Phinda Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) of prime wilderness land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, including that of cheetah, &Beyond Phinda features Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), endangered black rhino, and 415 bird species.

Phinda is described as “Seven Worlds of Wonder”, with its seven distinct habitats - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, river courses, marshes and pans. Phinda is a wilderness sanctuary where intimate encounters and rare discoveries can be experienced firsthand. With unspoiled beaches and spectacular reefs nearby, and an abundance of wildlife, Phinda offers the perfect bush and beach adventure. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope or the gracious nyala, or track the movements of the incredible and endangered rhino, following in their ‘footsteps’. Observe the fascinating African elephant, as herds of these majestic gentle giants meander through the fever tree forests, or listen to the rhythmic purr of an elegant cheetah mother as she bonds with her cubs or teaches them how to sharpen their hunting skills.

During your stay in the Phinda Reserve, the following activities are included in your stay:

• Twice daily game drives - conducted in an open air safari vehicle in the early morning and late afternoon/evening and accompanied by an armed ranger and Zulu tracker.
• Interpretive bush walks - a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush, accompanied by an armed ranger.
• Mzinene River canoeing - coast smoothly down the Mzinene River in a sturdy canoe disturbed only by the dipping of your oars and the occasional splash of a water bird. Take in the riverine vegetation and the local bird life, and, if you’re lucky, your quiet approach might earn you a choice wildlife sighting as the animals come down to drink.
• Additional activities like horseback riding and Black Rhino tracking can be arranged for an additional fee.

A typical day at Phinda:

• Morning Game Drive - As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Phinda is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide guests with a glimpse of all of these animals.
• Breakfast - Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options.
• Lunch - If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch.
• Afternoon Tea - Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in an afternoon siesta or simply watch the wildlife from your private veranda. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.
• Evening Game Drive - This game drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Listen to lions roar in the dark or admire the small nocturnal animals. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. If you prefer, you may be able to go on a boat cruise or canoe down the Mzinene River, watching the wildlife as they come down to drink.
• Dinner - A mouthwatering dinner is waiting for you at your lodge's boma or in a surprising bush location.

(Overnight, B, L, D)

Day 19 - Phinda Reserve to Durban and Johannesburg

Day 19 – Phinda Reserve to Durban and Johannesburg

After breakfast, depart the Phinda Reserve and drive approximately 3½-4 hours to Durban. You will need to allow time to drop off your car before checking in for your late afternoon flight to Johannesburg.

Day 20 -Johannesburg

Day 20 – Depart Johannesburg

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