14-Day South African Highlights Tour: - Cape Town to Johannesburg
We conduct exclusive tours to the game reserves and scenic destinations in South Africa. We like our clients to be able to make the most of their experience, hence the dedicated private tours where the agenda of others does not impair on your holiday. One of the best ways to make the most of visiting our wildlife and scenic venues would be the following suggested itinerary. We would collect you from the airport on your arrival or from your overnight accommodation after breakfast and set off on the tour.
Day One Cape Town.
Upon your arrival at the “Mother City” of Cape Town you will be collected from the airport and taken on a short orientation tour of this magnificent city, before being taken to your hotel close to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where you spend two nights. This is a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities on offer; Cape Town has something for everyone. From the landmark beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Cape Town city centre, the scenery of the Cape Peninsula and more - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten.For your own account, should you wish, and with weather permitting, we can visit Table Mountain before proceeding to the hotel. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar). Just minutes away from the Waterfront, the Breakwater Lodge was once a 19th Century prison, and today provides comfortable Cape Town hotel accommodation in a spectacular setting that looks over the bay and up onto Table Mountain.
Day Two – Cape Town -Cape Peninsula. (Breakfast)
Today, we depart from the hotel and travel along the Atlantic Seaboard through Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay and Llandudno before visiting the fishing village of Hout Bay.
From here we make our way via Chapman's Peak drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we visit Cape Point to explore the diversity of plant species in this reserve first hand and hopefully to view the rare bontebok and zebra, eland, baboon and other wildlife of the reserve. The scenery here is stunning and one has the option of getting to the view site by foot or by the less strenuous Funicular, (own account). We will have lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant (own account) before proceeding to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach to view and learn more about these fascinating birds.
We then travel through the naval-base town of Simon's Town along the False Bay Coastline, and should time allow we would visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. Overnight Breakwaters Lodge.Day Three – Cape Town - Oudtshoorn. (Breakfast)
After breakfast we make our way to Oudtshoorn along “Route 62”, the tourist route that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway. It's an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora. The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgettable adventure — whether this is in the physical sense or simply a kaleidoscope of scenic tranquillity. Innovation and pride, combined with a terrain and mild climate that are harmoniously balanced, results in the prominence of this region's wines. Route 62 will take you along the longest wine route in the Western Cape and most likely the whole world. We reach Oudtshoorn in the late afternoon, a town that is known as the "feather capital of the world”. Overnight at Fosters Manor (or similar). Experience the days gone by of ostrich feathers and feather palaces at Foster`s Manor Bed & Breakfast (3 star grade) - the embodiment of the ambiance of the era when the ostrich and its feathers reigned supreme in the Little Karoo
The Ostrich feather palace, Foster`s Manor, was the only one to be established as a charming Bed & Breakfast. The Manor was declared a national monument in 1974 and was restored to its former glory. The Great British sandstone architect, Charles Bullock, was the creator of the building - his original plans and documents are displayed in the breakfast room of the Manor. J.Foster, a local attorney, instructed Bullock to design a double storey mansion for him. Foster called this mansion "Rus in Urbe", formally known as Foster`s Folly- later renamed Foster`s Manor.Day Four – Oudtshoorn. (Breakfast)
Today we visit the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn which are among the biggest stalagmite formations in the world. Some of the sandstone formations are even colourfully illuminated. The bizarre shapes in the caves are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. They develop as limewater drips from the stones and evaporates. The structures growing down from the cave ceiling are called stalactites, while those that grow from the ground to the top are called stalagmites.
We will also visit a working ostrich farm where one can learn more about these fascinating birds. Commercial ostrich farming started during the late 1880's in South Africa; this was also the start of the ostrich industry worldwide. The fashion demand in Europe for ostrich feathers inspired the growth of the industry, with the Oudtshoorn district quickly being established as the “ostrich capital of the world”. During the first decade of the previous century, ostrich feathers gained record prices on foreign markets, ranking 4th on the list of South African exports, after gold, diamonds and wool. The consequence of this newly found opulence meant that ostrich farmers were able to build beautiful sandstone mansions. A unique feature of the farm experience is a visit to the Ostrich Palace "Welgeluk" which was built at the height of the feather boom in 1910. The homestead is a National Monument and is a superb example of the type of architecture that was used at the time. Safari Ostrich Show Farm was established more than 40 years ago.
For your own account you may have time to visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients, an endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire. The oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre worldwide offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with hand reared cheetahs and getting actively involved in saving this species and others from extinction.
For the adventurous there is an opportunity to come face to face with wildlife in the Natural Encounters programme where you can touch a cheetah, enjoy the closeness of a tiger cub, wrap yourself in a python and even dive with Nile crocodiles.
Day Five - Knysna. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today we travel from Oudtshoorn down the Outeniqua Pass to Knysna that is in the heart of the Garden Route, making our way on a tour to the “Featherbed Nature Reserve”. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry, walk and lunch and a 25-minute ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western head (The Reserve is only accessible by ferry.) Upon arrival, guests board a Unimog drawn trailer and drive up to the top of the Reserve. While stopping at a scenic lookout point, our specialist guides will share with you some fascinating tales about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views. An optional 2,2 km guided nature walk takes you through the forest, onto the cliffs, into the caves and along the scenic coast. Once back in the Food Forest, a unique outdoor restaurant situated under the Milkwood Trees, guests can enjoy a spectacular 12 dish buffet lunch. Overnight at the Knysna River Club. The award winning Knysna River Club comprising of 35 luxury chalets is situated on the edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon, offering an unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay at one of South Africa's prime destinations.
Choose between luxury Garden Chalets, set amongst forest ferns and trees or Waterfront Chalets, offering spectacular views over the tranquil Knysna LagoonLater this afternoon you are at leisure to stroll around the town or the cute Knysna Waterfront to catch up on some shopping or relaxation.
Day Six - Port Elizabeth. (Breakfast)
Today we travel to Port Elizabeth, stopping along the way to visit Plettenberg Bay and then on to the Bloukrantz Bridge where you have the opportunity to bungee jump at this, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216-metres! (own account). We then visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and walk to the suspension bridge over the Storms River, the round trip taking about an hour and a half and then we stop at the Paul Sauer Bridge over the Storms River and take a stroll onto the bridge and enjoy lunch here. (own account)After lunch we head to Port Elizabeth, which is situated 260 km from Knysna and 800km from Cape Town. Known as the “Friendly City” this is an ideal place to spend the day just catching our breath, utilising Port Elizabeth’s sunshine and safe sandy beaches. For the tourist wanting a total South African experience, Port Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the Garden Route. Located on the South Eastern coast of Africa, this major seaport and tourist destination is set along the beautiful shores of Mandela (formerly Algoa) Bay. Overnight luxury B & B
Day Seven – Durban. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Today we fly to Durban, (included) where we will do a short orientation tour of this city, possibly visiting a diamond outlet to learn about the diamond industry and the “S.A. Ideal Cut” of these precious gems. You will have time here to enjoy the warm beaches of the Indian Ocean. We will overnight at the Oyster Box Hotel (or similar) in the suburb of Umhlanga Rocks. For an intimate service, superb cuisine, gracious comfort and absolute beachfront, the Oyster Box Private Hotel - situated in Umhlanga, is just 15 km north of Durban.Day Eight, Nine – Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
We leave Durban after breakfast and travel through rural Zululand to St. Lucia where we will do an two hour boat cruise on the lake, on this, the first proclaimed World Heritage Site in South Africa, to see hippo (guaranteed!), crocodile and water birds. After lunch we proceed to the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park where we would spend two nights at the world renowned Hilltop Camp. The accommodation here is brick under thatch chalets, each with their own private bathroom. The meals would be at the excellent Mapunyane Restaurant.This is the game reserve famous for "Operation Rhino" where the then Natal Park's Board (now known as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), brought the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. One can see just how successful they have been. Sightings of rhino, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey and antelope such as impala, nyala and kudu are frequently seen and with the possibility of seeing lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, black rhino, hippo, crocodile, monitor lizards, hyena and antelope such as red duiker, steenbuck, waterbuck, eland, reedbuck, bushbuck and then the rare Samango monkey and wild dog, much less frequently.
This evening we include a night drive in an open safari vehicle, this to enhance the possibility of seeing the nocturnal species such as leopard (always difficult to find), lion, hyena, genet, bush babies and then the other nocturnal animals such as the smaller cats, owls and nightjars. You also get to see most of the diurnal animals, with their eyes lighting up like a little town in the reflection of the spotlights when you chance on a herd of Impala.
The rest of the time will be spent on extended game drives to various areas of the Park, with an early start to make the most of the day and to possibly chance upon one of the predators returning to their day-time lair.
Day Ten- Swaziland. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After our morning game viewing we leave the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park and travel to Swaziland making our way to Reilly’s Rock (or similar), situated in the Mliliwane Game Reserve. Reilly’s Rock’s unique Hilltop Lodge has been tastefully decorated in keeping with its colonial roots by Swaziland's leading conservation team, Ted and Liz Reilly. Notwithstanding the necessary subtle additions and renovations, the house still stands as it was built almost a century ago. Mliliwane Game Reserve is Swaziland's pioneer conservation area and is situated in a beautiful, secluded sanctuary in Swaziland's Valley of Heaven, the Ezulwini Valley, an area between Mbabane and Manzini.
Day Eleven, Twelve Kruger National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory in Swaziland before departing for the Kruger Park, which is an excellent venue with good sightings of lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, baboon, monkey, hippo and impala regularly seen. The more elusive animals like leopard are an exciting find. We include another night drive in an open safari vehicle on one of the evenings.In the game reserve we will have breakfast and dinners in the restaurants. Lunches are usually a snack type at one of the camps or at picnic stop cafes. Here the choice is limited to toasted sandwiches, burgers, fries and the like. We enjoy a full game-viewing programme for the balance of the days. Depending on which camps we will be staying at so the mid-day siesta period could be spent at the swimming pool - Kruger Park is pretty hot and humid in summer - or to visit one of the camp interpretation centres, which are always interesting.
We encourage an early start to make the most of the best time of day to view the animals. So first one out at dawn - this to see if we are able to sight some of the nocturnal predators returning to their daytime resting place and then to have breakfast possibly at a different locality. We recommend staying at different camps to make the most on what the Kruger Park has to offer and to get the best game viewing.
Day Thirteen – Panorama Escarpment (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After our morning’s game activities we travel to the Drakenberg Escarpment, also known as the “Panorama Route”. From the Kruger Park the scenery is pretty flat but this changes as we approach the Drakensberg Escarpment where we climb to the Highveld through scenic passes. This Drakensberg Escarpment area is really beautiful and has scenic vistas over the Lowveld of the Kruger National Park. Our meals will be at wayside cafes en route to and from the Park. The remainder of the day will be spent in visiting the Drakensberg Escarpment, also known as the Panorama Route, where we will visit the areas of the Blyde River Canyon, “God’s Window”, “Bourke’s Luck Potholes”, “Three Rondawels” and a waterfall or two in the area. Overnight at Forever Resorts, Blydepoort. Commanding excellent views of the Blyde River Canyon and the ‘Three Rondawels’, this Mpumulanga Resort is situated on the escarpment, 160km north of Nelspruit and a mere 50km north of Graskop. It is the ideal base for hiking trails and scenic trips by car to well-known Mpumulanga locations, including Pilgrim’s Rest. Accommodation comprises a luxury guest house (with 3 en-suite double rooms) overlooking the gorge, 98 2-5 sleeper rustic stone chalets, a 30 stand caravan park, all with power points, serviced by two ablution facilities.Day Fourteen – Tour Ends (Breakfast & Lunch)
This morning we will visit the historical pioneering town of Pilgrims Rest before making our way to Johannesburg where you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport.Package Includes:
All airport/hotel transfers.
Accommodation.
Meals as indicated.
Sundowner drives and boat cruise where indicated.
Transport in luxury air-conditioned vehicles.
Service of qualified Driver/Guide.
All entrance fees and levies.Package Excludes:
*Please note - to avoid disappointment
Items of a personal nature e.g. beverages, phone calls, laundry etc.
Travel insurance.
All Airfare, unless indicated.
Optional excursions where indicated.
Meals where indicated.
If, on this "once in a lifetime Safari”, having close-up sightings of the large cats, i.e. Lion, Cheetah and Leopard, along with Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino (also known as “The Big 5”) is a priority for you and your party, we suggest that you visit our recommended luxury private game reserves. Here the rangers track these elusive animals, off road if necessary, in a mostly successful attempt to secure a sighting. We are not allowed off the public roads in the Provincial and National Parks on our guided Safaris. On this tour you can substitute the 2-3 star Kruger National Park for our preferred luxury lodge in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and the 3 star Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park for one of either the luxury Phinda or the Amazulu Private Game Reserve.
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