Cape Town, Garden Route and Eastern Cape Safari Tour
Day 1 – Arrival in Cape Town
This morning you will arrive at Cape Town International Airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel or guest house for 3 nights' accommodation B&B basis.
This afternoon, on a city tour of one of the world's most beautiful cities, we visit the historic Castle and Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful mosques. We view the Houses of Parliament and then, weather-permitting, we will ride the cable car up Table Mountain to enjoy the view over Cape Town and across Table Bay to Robben Island (cable car fare is not included in tour price).
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Commodore Hotel -more info
Commodore Hotel
With its nautical theme, superb service and some magnificent views of the harbour and Table Mountain, The Commodore is one of the finest hotels in Cape Town, located at the V&A Waterfront.
The Commodore offers 198 elegantly furnished superior rooms, 27 business class rooms and 10 first class suites, assuring comfort, quality and luxury at all times. All the rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, tea & coffee making facilities and 24 hour room service.
At the hotel, you are able to take advantage of their fully-equipped gymnasium with sauna and steam room, and there is also a pool deck and terrace to laze at. After a long day, enjoy remedial massage therapy offered to restore fatigued limbs and minds.
The Commodore is graded 5 star
Option 2: Abbey Manor -Abbey Manor
Abbey Manor is a luxury guesthouse set high on the base of Table Mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town. There are dramatic views from sumptuous rooms, each individually decorated.
Abbey Manor was built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been fully remodelled to ensure the highest level of comfort. There is a heated swimming pool and a spa bath on the upper balcony. Abbey Manor is an easy hop from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront.
Abbey Manor is graded 5-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Full day Cape Point tour
This morning we start a tour of the peninsula by following the coastline southwards, travelling via the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay and the famous cliffside Chapman's Peak Drive. The highlight of this tour is a visit to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives us an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. We then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where we visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. We take a stroll through the glorious Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, devoted almost exclusively to the indigenous flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs brings us back to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Commodore Hotel -
With its nautical theme, superb service and some magnificent views of the harbour and Table Mountain, The Commodore is one of the finest hotels in Cape Town, located at the V&A Waterfront.
The Commodore offers 198 elegantly furnished superior rooms, 27 business class rooms and 10 first class suites, assuring comfort, quality and luxury at all times. All the rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, tea & coffee making facilities and 24 hour room service.
At the hotel, you are able to take advantage of their fully-equipped gymnasium with sauna and steam room, and there is also a pool deck and terrace to laze at. After a long day, enjoy remedial massage therapy offered to restore fatigued limbs and minds.
The Commodore is graded 5 star
Option 2: Abbey Manor -
Abbey Manor is a luxury guesthouse set high on the base of Table Mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town. There are dramatic views from sumptuous rooms, each individually decorated.
Abbey Manor was built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been fully remodelled to ensure the highest level of comfort. There is a heated swimming pool and a spa bath on the upper balcony. Abbey Manor is an easy hop from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront.
Abbey Manor is graded 5-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 3 – Full day Winelands tour
We are driven to the Cape Winelands with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys. We stop for tastings at a minimum of two wineries and you have the chance to purchase some of the wines you have tasted. We visit Stellenbosch, the "town of oaks" for a short guided tour of South Africa's second oldest town. A scenic drive over the Helshoogte Pass (Hell's Heights) takes us to the Franschoek Valley where we visit the memorial to the French Huguenots, who sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and settled here in the late seventeenth century. We return to Cape Town via Paarl, with its three imposing granite domes.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Commodore Hotel -
With its nautical theme, superb service and some magnificent views of the harbour and Table Mountain, The Commodore is one of the finest hotels in Cape Town, located at the V&A Waterfront.
The Commodore offers 198 elegantly furnished superior rooms, 27 business class rooms and 10 first class suites, assuring comfort, quality and luxury at all times. All the rooms have air-conditioning, satellite television, tea & coffee making facilities and 24 hour room service.
At the hotel, you are able to take advantage of their fully-equipped gymnasium with sauna and steam room, and there is also a pool deck and terrace to laze at. After a long day, enjoy remedial massage therapy offered to restore fatigued limbs and minds.
The Commodore is graded 5 star
Option 2: Abbey Manor -
Abbey Manor is a luxury guesthouse set high on the base of Table Mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town. There are dramatic views from sumptuous rooms, each individually decorated.
Abbey Manor was built in 1905 in the Arts-and-Crafts style, and has been fully remodelled to ensure the highest level of comfort. There is a heated swimming pool and a spa bath on the upper balcony. Abbey Manor is an easy hop from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront.
Abbey Manor is graded 5-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 4 – Cape Town to Hermanus
You have the morning at leisure to visit the fashionable shopping precinct of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you can book a ferry trip to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela's cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony.
This afternoon you will be collected and transferred to the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, site of some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Check in to The Marine, Hermanus on the edge of the sea and spend the rest of the afternoon on the cliff path watching whales.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Marine, Hermanus -The Marine, Hermanus
The Marine is situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, famous for whale-watching and dolphin viewing. Perched on the edge of the cliffs, The Marine enjoys unbroken views of the ocean. Built in 1902, the hotel has been given a modern look and boasts 45 luxury rooms and suites which have been designed in understated luxury and sophistication.
Whether you stay in a sea-facing or mountain-facing room, the views are spectacular. The award-winning cuisine at The Marine’s two restaurants is thoroughly contemporary. Hermanus is an hour and a half away from Cape Town and is a good stopover at the start or finish of your trip along the Garden Route.
The Marine is graded 5-star.
Option 2: Harbour House
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 5 – At leisure in Hermanus
From July to November, Southern Right whales travel from Antarctica to the sheltered bays and coves of the South African coast. Here, close to shore they give birth and tend their young until they are strong enough to swim back to Antarctica.
Enjoy the day on the beach watching the visiting whales, or you can view them from the comfort of your hotel.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Marine, Hermanus -
The Marine is situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, famous for whale-watching and dolphin viewing. Perched on the edge of the cliffs, The Marine enjoys unbroken views of the ocean. Built in 1902, the hotel has been given a modern look and boasts 45 luxury rooms and suites which have been designed in understated luxury and sophistication.
Whether you stay in a sea-facing or mountain-facing room, the views are spectacular. The award-winning cuisine at The Marine’s two restaurants is thoroughly contemporary. Hermanus is an hour and a half away from Cape Town and is a good stopover at the start or finish of your trip along the Garden Route.
The Marine is graded 5-star.
Option 2: Harbour House
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 6 – Hermanus to Oudtshoorn
After some early morning whale watching, you are collected for the start of the Garden Route tour. We travel over undulating wheat and sheep farmland to Swellendam. This small village nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains has many beautiful historical buildings. We continue via the Tradouw and Huis Rivier Passes through sandstone mountain ranges and experience the unique landscape of the arid Little Karoo. After passing through the towns of Barrydale and Calitzdorp, we arrive in the "ostrich capital" Oudtshoorn. We visit an ostrich farm before checking in at our accommodation. There is time to cool off in the pool before trying ostrich steak or Karoo mutton for supper.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Rosenhof Country House -Rosenhof Country House
Rosenhof Country House is situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn en route to the world famous Cango Caves. The Victorian homestead has recently been renovated and refurbished, and the well-established rose and herb gardens are meticulously manicured.
All bedrooms are individually decorated and open onto an outdoor swimming pool. Relax in any one of the luxury lounges, or on the wide veranda after a day in the sun. Rosenhof offers superb cordon bleu dinners on request in its gracious dining room.
Rosenhof is graded 5-star.
Option 2: De Opstal Country House -De Opstal Country Lodge
De Opstal is on a working ostrich farm, a mere 12 kilometres from the famous Cango Caves and also within easy reach of other tourist attractions such as the Safari Ostrich Show Farm.
The lodge consists of a group of historical Karoo farm buildings, beautifully restored and fitted with modern conveniences and en-suite bathrooms. You can relax beside the swimming pool or in the lush, tranquil garden surroundings. The entire complex has an old world ambience with subtle modern touches to ensure a luxurious stay.
De Opstal is graded 4-star..
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 7 – Oudtshoorn to Knysna
After breakfast we drive to the Cango Caves, where we embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations. We then leave the Little Karoo behind and drive through the protea-covered Outeniqua Mountains to George. We reach Knysna in time for a drive along the shores of the Knysna Lagoon to the quaint village of Belvidere. Restaurants in Knysna specialise in locally-caught fresh fish and this evening we have the chance to sample the catch of the day.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Augusta Bay -Augusta Bay
This unique and beautiful guest house is nestled against the Eastern Head of the Knysna lagoon, where the famous sea Captain John Benn II cottage once stood. The suites are luxuriously appointed and tastefully furnished. Guests enjoy the understated luxury of the bar, sipping a cocktail while getting to know other guests.
There is also a separate lounge area for those guests who want peace and quiet. The pool deck is conveniently situated on the same level and the guests can take a break and sip a cocktail, and if the conditions are right, watch dolphins swimming in the lagoon.
Augusta Bay is graded 5-star.
Option 2: Knysna Log Inn -Knysna Log Inn
As the largest known timber structure found in the Southern Hemisphere, the Knysna Log Inn provides its guests with a unique accommodation experience in the heart of the town of Knysna. Beautiful yellowwood interiors and massive stain glass windows creates a setting of timeless beauty and style.
The stylish en-suite rooms provide comfortable accommodation. Hearty breakfasts and sumptuous dinners are served at the in-house restaurant. There is an outdoor swimming pool.
Knysna Log Inn is graded 4-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 8 – Knysna to Tsitsikamma
This morning we have a few hours to browse through the best of Knysna's arty-crafty shops. We drive along the coast to nearby Plettenberg Bay where we set off on a gentle "eco-stroll" along the Robberg Peninsula, a rocky headland which presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea. Robberg affords excellent views of any whales and dolphins that may be visiting Plettenberg Bay. Today we are in the heart of the Garden Route and we enjoy a scenic drive along the Old Passes road, stopping for a swim at the unspoilt beaches of Natures Valley. We stop at the Bloukrans Bridge to witness the world's highest commercial bungi jump, before reaching our overnight accommodation in the Tsitsikamma Forest. This evening we enjoy country hospitality and typical South African cuisine at our accommodation's in-house restaurant.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Tsitsikamma Lodge -Tsitsikamma Lodge
This award-winning country-style lodge, built entirely of timber-logs, offers cosy accommodation and typical South African fare in their quaint restaurant. Spectacular mountain and forest views are enjoyed from each log cabin, which are set in lush gardens.
The cabins all have their own spa bath, as well as a private deck with barbeque facilities. There is a large outdoor swimming pool and a games room. Gentle river and forest walks are offered in the surrounding Tsitsikamma forest. The in-house restaurant provides excellent home-cooked meals.
Tsitsikamma Lodge is graded 3-star.
Option 2: Tranquility Lodge
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 9 – Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth
Today is spent in the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. We drive down a steep pass to the aptly-named Storms River Mouth, where there are numerous short walking trails into the forest. The "Woodcutters' journey" is a trailer or landrover ride which follows an old elephant trail through the forest and is an opportunity to learn about the flora, fauna and history of the area. After lunch in the forest (included in tour), a short walk brings us to the 800-year old "Big Tree". We leave the Garden Route behind, reaching Port Elizabeth in the late afternoon. You will check in to The Beach Hotel for 2 nights.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Beach Hotel -The Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel is situated right on the beachfront, overlooking the sun-drenched sands of Port Elizabeth’s famous Hobie Beach, and is a truly relaxing getaway hotel. Hobie Beach offers safe bathing and there is also a hotel swimming pool and deck. Many of the luxury en-suite rooms have sea views. There are three superb in-house restaurants: The Bell, the Crest and the Verandah.
The Beach Hotel is graded 4-star.
Option 2: 5th Avenue Beach House -Fifth Aavenue Beach House
Fifth Avenue Beach House is an elegant modern guest house situated less than a block away from Port Elizabeth’s pristine beachfront.
Beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms and a swimming pool set in lush gardens make for a comfortable stay in this up market suburb. The guest house is located within minutes from good restaurants, pubs and the Boardwalk Casino.
Fifth Avenue Beach House is graded 3-star
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 10 – Port Elizabeth
This morning your half day Port Elizabeth city tour takes you through the historic central where you will visit Fort Frederick, Donkin Reserve and the Settler Cottages. We also visit the Horse memorial and Settlers Park. Tea and scones are enjoyed at one of the quaint coffee shops in Port Elizabeth, and the drive back to your hotel takes you along the beautiful beaches of Kings Beach and Shark Rock Pier.
You have the afternoon at leisure to visit The Boardwalk Entertainment and Casino Complex or take a stroll along the beautiful beachfront. The Boardwalk Complex has some wonderful restaurants specializing in locally caught fresh seafood, Mediterranean meals and genuine steak ranches.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Beach Hotel -
The Beach Hotel is situated right on the beachfront, overlooking the sun-drenched sands of Port Elizabeth’s famous Hobie Beach, and is a truly relaxing getaway hotel. Hobie Beach offers safe bathing and there is also a hotel swimming pool and deck. Many of the luxury en-suite rooms have sea views. There are three superb in-house restaurants: The Bell, the Crest and the Verandah.
The Beach Hotel is graded 4-star.
Option 2: 5th Avenue Beach House -
Fifth Avenue Beach House is an elegant modern guest house situated less than a block away from Port Elizabeth’s pristine beachfront.
Beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms and a swimming pool set in lush gardens make for a comfortable stay in this up market suburb. The guest house is located within minutes from good restaurants, pubs and the Boardwalk Casino.
Fifth Avenue Beach House is graded 3-star
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 11: Port Elizabeth to Eastern Cape Game Reserve
This morning you are at leisure to visit the beachfront. You will be collected at 11h30 and transferred to your Eastern Cape Reserve, which is approximately an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth. Check in time for lunch, and then you are taken to your en-suite chalet for 3 nights on a full board basis (all meals, accommodation, two game drives a day and all drinks). Afternoon tea is served, before you embark on your first game drive, which extends into the evening. Dinner is a grand affair in the outside boma, or if the weather is inclement, indoors. After dinner, you are at leisure to have a drink at the bar, or you can retire to your chalet for the evening.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Shamwari Game Reserve -Shamwari Game Reserve
Voted “World’s Leading Conservation Company” and “World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve” for the last five years, this Big 5 private reserve is also home to cheetah, hyena, African wild dog, giraffe, hippo, zebra and numerous antelope species. Shamwari is also home to the Born Free Foundation Centre for rehabilitated animals which are not able to be released back into the wild.
Shamwari has five lodges: Long Lee Manor is a splendidly restored five-star Edwardian manor house set on sweeping plains. Bayethe Lodge is an East-African style tented safari camp. Eagle’s Cragg is an avant-garde masterpiece of rough-hewn stone and glass. Lobengula Lodge is a traditional stone and thatch safari lodge and Riverdene Lodge is a classically-styled and chic contemporary lodge.
Shamwari is situated one hour from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
All the lodges at Shamwari are graded 5-star.
Option 2: Lalibela Game Reserve -Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve, a Big Five game reserve near Port Elizabeth, is not only malaria-free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. Lalibela is unique in the Eastern Cape in that they have no public roads running through their property. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire reserve. They currently have Three lodges to offer their clients - Lentaba Lodge, Mark's Camp and Tree Tops.
The décor at all the lodges are infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. At each lodge, thatched chalets are placed where indigenous gardens merge with the surrounding bush. Each lodge has an outdoor dining area with views over a waterhole. At Lalibela, food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes.
Mark’s Camp is Lalibela’s child-friendly lodge and offers family suites, a children’s programme with special children’s game drives, child minders and children’s meals.
All the lodges at Lalibela are graded 4-star..
Basis:
Full Board (accommodation, meals, local drinks and game activities)
Days 12 & 13– Eastern Cape Game Reserve
The next two days are at leisure on safari. In the mornings you are woken for a cup of coffee, before you set off on your early morning game drive. After the drive you enjoy a hearty brunch. You have a few hours to relax by the pool, enjoy a guided walk with an experienced ranger or rest in your chalet. Enjoy lunch at the main lodge area, and then afternoon tea is served before you depart on your afternoon / evening game drive. Dinner is enjoyed once again in the boma or dining area, before retiring to your room for the evening.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Shamwari Game Reserve -
Voted “World’s Leading Conservation Company” and “World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve” for the last five years, this Big 5 private reserve is also home to cheetah, hyena, African wild dog, giraffe, hippo, zebra and numerous antelope species. Shamwari is also home to the Born Free Foundation Centre for rehabilitated animals which are not able to be released back into the wild.
Shamwari has five lodges: Long Lee Manor is a splendidly restored five-star Edwardian manor house set on sweeping plains. Bayethe Lodge is an East-African style tented safari camp. Eagle’s Cragg is an avant-garde masterpiece of rough-hewn stone and glass. Lobengula Lodge is a traditional stone and thatch safari lodge and Riverdene Lodge is a classically-styled and chic contemporary lodge.
Shamwari is situated one hour from Port Elizabeth in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
All the lodges at Shamwari are graded 5-star.
Option 2: Lalibela Game Reserve -
Lalibela Game Reserve, a Big Five game reserve near Port Elizabeth, is not only malaria-free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. Lalibela is unique in the Eastern Cape in that they have no public roads running through their property. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire reserve. They currently have Three lodges to offer their clients - Lentaba Lodge, Mark's Camp and Tree Tops.
The décor at all the lodges are infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. At each lodge, thatched chalets are placed where indigenous gardens merge with the surrounding bush. Each lodge has an outdoor dining area with views over a waterhole. At Lalibela, food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes.
Mark’s Camp is Lalibela’s child-friendly lodge and offers family suites, a children’s programme with special children’s game drives, child minders and children’s meals.
All the lodges at Lalibela are graded 4-star..
Basis:
Full Board (accommodation, meals, local drinks and game activities)
Day 14 – Eastern Cape Game Reserve, on to Cape Town and home
This morning you are woken for a cup of coffee, before you set off on your early morning game drive. After the drive you enjoy a hearty brunch. Check out is after brunch, and you are driven back to Port Elizabeth. Check in at Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town, check in for your flight home.