Family Garden Route Safari Tour
Day 1 - Cape Town
Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you are met and transferred to your hotel in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The rest of the morning is at leisure to relax and freshen up after your international flights. You are collected from the hotel at 13h30 by a tour guide and taken on a city tour of the one of the world's most beautiful cities. You will visit the historic Castle and the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful mosques. You view the Houses of Parliament and then, weather-permitting, you 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). If the weather is inclement, you will be taken on a scenic drive up Signal Hill. You will be dropped off at the hotel after the tour.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Radisson Waterfront -more info
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is spectacularly situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking its own private marina and famous Robben Island. So close to the ocean is the Radisson that a guest has described it as “like a cruise liner without the motion”. This is a first class international hotel, combining high levels of luxury with friendly service and the warmth of true South Africa hospitality.
The business-class bedrooms are extremely spacious and all have wonderful sea views. The standard rooms have mountain views. The Radisson is ideally situated with the V&A Waterfront within a few minutes’ stroll, and the business district and golf courses a short drive away.
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is graded 4-star superior
Option 2: City Lodge V&A Waterfront -City Lodge V&A Waterfront
Within walking distance of the centre of Cape Town and situated right at the gateway to the world-famous V&A Waterfront, this hotel maintains a tasteful décor throughout the hotel, and it is well known for its superb service and friendly environment.
A nautical theme runs through the hotel and there is an outdoor plunge pool. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath unit.
The City Lodge V&A Waterfront is graded 3-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Cape Point
This morning your Group O hire car (Toyota Condor or similar) is delivered to the hotel. We suggest you might like to take a drive along the Atlantic seaboard via glamorous Clifton to the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay. Here you can take a boat ride from the fishing harbour out to the seal colony on Seal Island. Continue via the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives one an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. You can then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where you can visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs will bring you back to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Radisson Waterfront -
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is spectacularly situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking its own private marina and famous Robben Island. So close to the ocean is the Radisson that a guest has described it as “like a cruise liner without the motion”. This is a first class international hotel, combining high levels of luxury with friendly service and the warmth of true South Africa hospitality.
The business-class bedrooms are extremely spacious and all have wonderful sea views. The standard rooms have mountain views. The Radisson is ideally situated with the V&A Waterfront within a few minutes’ stroll, and the business district and golf courses a short drive away.
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is graded 4-star superior
Option 2: City Lodge V&A Waterfront -
Within walking distance of the centre of Cape Town and situated right at the gateway to the world-famous V&A Waterfront, this hotel maintains a tasteful décor throughout the hotel, and it is well known for its superb service and friendly environment.
A nautical theme runs through the hotel and there is an outdoor plunge pool. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath unit.
The City Lodge V&A Waterfront is graded 3-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 3 – At leisure
We suggest you spend this day at leisure exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay 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 could visit the Waterfront's Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. The Waterfront is Southern Africa's trendiest shopping precinct and is a great place to look for gifts. This evening would be a good time to go up Table Mountain if the weather was inclement on day 1.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Radisson Waterfront -
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is spectacularly situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking its own private marina and famous Robben Island. So close to the ocean is the Radisson that a guest has described it as “like a cruise liner without the motion”. This is a first class international hotel, combining high levels of luxury with friendly service and the warmth of true South Africa hospitality.
The business-class bedrooms are extremely spacious and all have wonderful sea views. The standard rooms have mountain views. The Radisson is ideally situated with the V&A Waterfront within a few minutes’ stroll, and the business district and golf courses a short drive away.
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is graded 4-star superior
Option 2: City Lodge V&A Waterfront -
Within walking distance of the centre of Cape Town and situated right at the gateway to the world-famous V&A Waterfront, this hotel maintains a tasteful décor throughout the hotel, and it is well known for its superb service and friendly environment.
A nautical theme runs through the hotel and there is an outdoor plunge pool. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath unit.
The City Lodge V&A Waterfront is graded 3-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 4 – At leisure
Today, you might like to spend the day at leisure at one of Cape Town's beautiful beaches. Fish Hoek beach is on the warmer Indian Ocean side and is lovely for younger children, but Clifton on the colder Atlantic side is trendier and might be more popular with teenagers. You can take a stroll through the glorious Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, devoted almost exclusively to the indigenous flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Shopaholics can return to the shops at the Waterfront or trendy Long Street, while Museum lovers can wander through the South African Museum and the National Art Gallery.
Accommodation:
Option 1: The Radisson Waterfront -
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is spectacularly situated right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking its own private marina and famous Robben Island. So close to the ocean is the Radisson that a guest has described it as “like a cruise liner without the motion”. This is a first class international hotel, combining high levels of luxury with friendly service and the warmth of true South Africa hospitality.
The business-class bedrooms are extremely spacious and all have wonderful sea views. The standard rooms have mountain views. The Radisson is ideally situated with the V&A Waterfront within a few minutes’ stroll, and the business district and golf courses a short drive away.
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel is graded 4-star superior
Option 2: City Lodge V&A Waterfront -
Within walking distance of the centre of Cape Town and situated right at the gateway to the world-famous V&A Waterfront, this hotel maintains a tasteful décor throughout the hotel, and it is well known for its superb service and friendly environment.
A nautical theme runs through the hotel and there is an outdoor plunge pool. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath unit.
The City Lodge V&A Waterfront is graded 3-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 5 - Winelands
This morning you depart Cape Town and drive to the Cape Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys. We suggest you spend the day following the Wine Routes – Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. You can stop for tastings at wine estates along the way and you will have the chance to purchase some of the wines you have tasted. At Spier Wine Estate, one of the estates on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, there is a cheetah breeding programme that allows visitors to get up close to these beautiful cats. You can also explore Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and known as the "town of oaks". A scenic drive over the Helshoogte Pass (Hell's Heights) takes you from Stellenbosch to the Franschhoek Valley where you can visit the memorial to the French Huguenots, who sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and settled here in the late seventeenth century, bringing grape vine cuttings from the great vineyards of France. Franschhoek is also the gastronomical capital of South Africa. We especially recommend a visit to Boschendal Estate near Franschhoek, where one can buy picnic baskets to enjoy under the oak trees. Paarl, with its three imposing granite domes and monument to the Afrikaans language, is also an interesting stop. In the late afternoon you check into your hotel in Stellenbosch.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Lanzerac Manor & Wine Estate -Lanzerac Manor & Winery
Set on a working wine estate near Stellenbosch and surrounded by vineyards, is the exclusive Lanzerac Manor & Winery. The hotel is one of the oldest historical hotels in the Western Cape and the 300 year old Cape Dutch Manor House and out-buildings that house the hotel have been declared a National Monument. All rooms are individually decorated and have a private patio overlooking the vineyards or sculptured gardens. Facilities include three swimming pools and walks through the magnificent grounds of the estate.
Dine in the elegant Governer’s Restaurant or on the shaded Lanzerac Terrace. The Lanzerac is an hour from Cape Town, and is a good base for exploring the Cape wine routes.
The Lanzerac is graded 5-star.
Option 2: d'Ouwe Werf -D'Ouwe Werf
D'Ouwe Werf in Stellenbosch is the oldest Inn in South Africa and is a National Monument. This Georgian style establishment has 31 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms which combine atmosphere and tradition with the comfort of modern facilities. The rooms either overlook the beautiful landscaped courtyard and garden or Church Street. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool.
D'Ouwe Werf is situated in the middle of the historic town, making it easily accessible to various shops and restaurants, and its location in Stellenbosch makes it a good base for exploring the Winelands.
D'Ouwe Werf is graded 4-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 6 – Winelands to Oudtshoorn
After checking out of your accommodation, you drive over the spectacular Sir Lowry's Pass, catching your last glimpse across the Cape Flats towards Cape Town and Table Mountain. Continue via the historic village of Swellendam nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and then travel via rolling wheatfields to the seaside town of Mossel Bay. Stop to visit the old "Post Office Tree", a 500 year old milkwood tree used by 15th century Portuguese sailors as a mail box. There is still a postbox at the tree and letters mailed from it are given a special Post Office Tree stamping. Other sights worth seeing in Mossel Bay are the Bartholomew Dias Maritime Museum, which houses a replica of the tiny ship in which he rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. You then cross the protea-covered Robinson Pass, descend into the arid Little Karoo and travel to Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world. We suggest you visit the Safari Ostrich Farm on your way into Oudtshoorn for a fascinating insight into the world's largest birds.
Accommodation:
Option 1: De Zeekoe -De Zeekoe
De Zeekoe guest farm is an expansive, privately-owned working ostrich and alfalfa farm on the banks of the Olifants River just outside Oudtshoorn. Richly-decorated rooms each with its own private entrance, are tastefully styled with textures of wood, earthy fabrics, colourful rugs and soft lighting.
Wake up with the call of the fish eagle and a view of the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains and hear the silence all around you.
De Zeekoe is graded 4-star.
Option 2: De Opstal -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 you can drive to the Cango Caves, where you embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations. The Adventure Tour is highly recommended as it takes you to parts of the caves little frequented by tourists and would be greatly enjoyed by older children. Younger children would prefer the shorter standard tour.
You then drive over the Outeniqua Mountains to George and the Garden Route. You continue via Wilderness and the scenic Lakes District to Knysna.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Belvidere Manor -Belvidere Manor
This award-winning hotel right on the edge of Knysna Lagoon offers exclusive comfort in relaxed surroundings of incomparable beauty. You are accommodated in charming Cape-style cottages offering a comfortable lounge with fireplace, en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen and a wide verandah with beautiful views of the gardens and Knysna Lagoon.
Dine in historic Belvidere House and enjoy superb cuisine and Cape wines, or relax in The Bell Tavern. For several years in a row, Belvidere Manor has won the Automobile Association’s prestigious accommodation award in its category and its wine list has won it a place in the Diners Club Top 100 restaurants.
Belvidere Manor is graded 4-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
Today is at leisure in Knysna. This quaint seaside village is full of arty-crafty shops to browse through. We suggest you take a ferry on the Knysna Lagoon, which will take you out to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A 4x4 trailer takes you up to the top of the Western Head, one of the large sandstone cliffs guarding the narrow mouth to the lagoon. From here you can either enjoy a guided nature walk down through indigenous vegetation or you can ride the trailer again. Enjoy lunch under the milkwood trees on the edge of the lagoon before returning to Knysna. You could have dinner at one of the Knysna quayside restaurants, do a tour of an oyster farm or take a walk in the Knysna Forest.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Belvidere Manor -
This award-winning hotel right on the edge of Knysna Lagoon offers exclusive comfort in relaxed surroundings of incomparable beauty. You are accommodated in charming Cape-style cottages offering a comfortable lounge with fireplace, en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen and a wide verandah with beautiful views of the gardens and Knysna Lagoon.
Dine in historic Belvidere House and enjoy superb cuisine and Cape wines, or relax in The Bell Tavern. For several years in a row, Belvidere Manor has won the Automobile Association’s prestigious accommodation award in its category and its wine list has won it a place in the Diners Club Top 100 restaurants.
Belvidere Manor is graded 4-star..
Option 2: 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 9 – Knysna to Tsitiskamma
After checking out of Belvidere Manor, take a scenic drive to nearby Plettenberg Bay. Here you may also wish to take a 45 minute "eco-walk" 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 also affords excellent views of any dolphins or whales that may be visiting Plettenberg Bay. Continue to the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. We suggest you stop at Monkeyland, a primate sanctuary in the forest where rescued monkeys, apes and lemurs are given a safe haven. We then suggest you drive down the pass to the aptly-named Storms River Mouth where there are numerous short walking trails into the forest. Check into your accommodation, where you will be charmed by their warm country hospitality.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Hog Hollow -Hog Hollow
Set in a private nature reserve and framed by the Tsitsikamma mountains, verdant indigenous forests and lush gardens, Hog Hollow Country Lodge is the perfect place to explore the Garden Route or unwind, lazing in the warmth of the African sun.
Accommodation is in unique African-styled suites with private wooden decks, hammocks, king-sized beds and cosy fireplaces. Superb cuisine is served around the convivial dining room table. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna.
Hog Hollow is graded 4-star.
Option 2: 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.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 10 – Tsitsikamma
There are many adventure activities on offer in nearby Storms River Village, such as a tree-top canopy tour where you travel between treetop platforms by gliding along in harnesses along steel cables 30 metres above the forest floor. A visit to the 800 year old "Big Tree" is also recommended and there are several short hiking trails leaving from your accommodation.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Hog Hollow -
Set in a private nature reserve and framed by the Tsitsikamma mountains, verdant indigenous forests and lush gardens, Hog Hollow Country Lodge is the perfect place to explore the Garden Route or unwind, lazing in the warmth of the African sun.
Accommodation is in unique African-styled suites with private wooden decks, hammocks, king-sized beds and cosy fireplaces. Superb cuisine is served around the convivial dining room table. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna.
Hog Hollow is graded 4-star.
Option 2: 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.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 11 – Tsitsikamma to Jeffreys Bay
You leave the Garden Route behind and drive to the nearby surfing mecca of Jeffreys Bay. Here you check into your accommodation right on the beach, with uninterrupted views across the bay. Jeffreys Bay is on the international surfing circuit and one stage of the World Championships is held here every year. It is known as the "Home of the Perfect Wave". The long sandy beaches offer safe swimming and the Indian Ocean is warm. There are lots of rock pools for little ones to paddle in. Jeffreys Bay is also famous for the variety and quality of shells that are deposited on the beaches every day.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Diaz 15 Luxury Apartments -Diaz 15
Superb climate and long stretches of sandy beaches draws thousands of visitors to Jeffreys Bay. Diaz 15 Holiday Apartments offer luxurious accommodation right on the beachfront. All the apartments are superbly appointed and luxuriously spacious with faultless self-catering facilities.
Breakfast is offered on request. The apartments are within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants, as the apartments are situated on the Main Beach.
Diaz 15 is graded 4-star.
Option 2: Super Tubes Guest House -Super Tubes Guest House
Super Tubes Guest House in Jeffreys Bay is right beside the world renowned surf break - Supertubes. The guest house offers luxury and elegance in their beautifully styled en-suite bedrooms. Each room has a balcony overlooking the ocean. Beautiful bathing beaches line the coastline and are covered in highly sought after rare shells. Jeffreys Bay is a cosy laid-back town where the surfing atmosphere is part of life!
Super Tubes Guest House is graded 4-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Days 12 & 13 – Jeffreys Bay
The next two days are at leisure to relax on the beach at Jeffreys Bay. Take a slow walk down the miles of sandy beach, delve into rock pools, build sand castles and stop to watch the surfing at the world-famous Supertubes. Alternatively, you may like to try your hand at surfing lessons, which can be arranged through the owners of your accommodation.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Diaz 15 Luxury Apartments -
Superb climate and long stretches of sandy beaches draws thousands of visitors to Jeffreys Bay. Diaz 15 Holiday Apartments offer luxurious accommodation right on the beachfront. All the apartments are superbly appointed and luxuriously spacious with faultless self-catering facilities.
Breakfast is offered on request. The apartments are within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants, as the apartments are situated on the Main Beach.
Diaz 15 is graded 4-star.
Option 2: Super Tubes Guest House -
Super Tubes Guest House in Jeffreys Bay is right beside the world renowned surf break - Supertubes. The guest house offers luxury and elegance in their beautifully styled en-suite bedrooms. Each room has a balcony overlooking the ocean. Beautiful bathing beaches line the coastline and are covered in highly sought after rare shells. Jeffreys Bay is a cosy laid-back town where the surfing atmosphere is part of life!
Super Tubes Guest House is graded 4-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 14 – Jeffreys Bay to Lalibela Game Reserve
You have this morning to have a last swim in the sea before departing Jeffreys Bay for one of the Eastern Cape's malaria-free game reserves. You check in and are transferred by landrover to your lodge. There is time this afternoon to settle in. After high tea, you are taken on your first game drive at Lalibela. This late afternoon/evening game drive is an opportunity to search for nocturnal animals, such as the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the curious spring hare. You return to the lodge in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Ecca Lodge in Kwandwe Game Reserve -Kwandwe Game Reserve
This malaria-free private game reserve offers an exceptional safari experience in a region steeped in history and culture. It is home to the Big 5, as well as cheetah, giraffe and many species of antelope. Kwandwe is a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ with six of South Africa’s seven biomes converging in this region of the Eastern Cape. Experienced CC Africa rangers and Xhosa trackers will lead you on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, bringing you close to Africa’s Big Five.
Accommodation at Kwandwe Lodge is in unobtrusive thatched stone and glass luxury chalets, each with its own plunge pool and a timber deck with views across Great Fish River. The chalets feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Ecca Lodge is Kwandwe’s child-friendly lodge and embodies a “funk meets futuristic farmhouse” ambience. At both lodges, delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed in the boma (outdoor dining area).
Kwandwe is graded 5-star.
Option 2: Mark's Camp in 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 beverages and game activities included)
Day 15 – Lalibela Game Reserve
This morning after a light breakfast you are taken on another game drive. Game drives bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from the mighty Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) to tiny blue duiker and rock Hyrax. Your game reserve is also home to cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. You return to the lodge for a grand brunch. There is time to relax around the sunny pool, do some bird-watching from the observation deck, or read a book in the privacy of your room's private deck. After high tea you set off on another night drive, returning again in time for dinner.
Accommodation:
Option 1: Ecca Lodge in Kwandwe Game Reserve -
This malaria-free private game reserve offers an exceptional safari experience in a region steeped in history and culture. It is home to the Big 5, as well as cheetah, giraffe and many species of antelope. Kwandwe is a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ with six of South Africa’s seven biomes converging in this region of the Eastern Cape. Experienced CC Africa rangers and Xhosa trackers will lead you on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, bringing you close to Africa’s Big Five.
Accommodation at Kwandwe Lodge is in unobtrusive thatched stone and glass luxury chalets, each with its own plunge pool and a timber deck with views across Great Fish River. The chalets feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Ecca Lodge is Kwandwe’s child-friendly lodge and embodies a “funk meets futuristic farmhouse” ambience. At both lodges, delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed in the boma (outdoor dining area).
Kwandwe is graded 5-star.
Option 2: Mark's Camp in 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 beverages and game activities included)
Day 16 – Lalibela Game Reserve and departure
This morning you are taken on your last game drive at Lalibela. After brunch you are transferred by landrover to reception, where you driver will be waiting for you. It is approximately one hour's drive to Port Elizabeth airport.