Safari, Cape Town, Garden Route and Kwa-Zulu Natal Tour
Day 1 – Arrival in Johannesburg, on to Jock Safari Camp
This morning you will arrive in Johannesburg from your international flight. You will be met and assisted with your luggage and taken to domestic departures, where you will check in for your flight to Skukuza Airport. On arrival at Skukuza, you will be met by your game ranger and vehicle, and transferred to Jock Safari Lodge for four nights on full board basis (all meals, accommodation and game activities). Situated on the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers, this luxury lodge offers lovely views with the swimming pool virtually on the edge of the rivers. Each luxury suite is set along the river, and they all evoke style and romance of the past, as well as hints of the indigenous Swazi and Shangaan cultures.
Jock Safari Lodge
Days 2 to 4 – Jock Safari Camp
For the next few days you are at leisure in the beautiful area where Jock Safari Camp is situated, and you have the chance to partake in open-vehicle land rover game drives in search of the Big 5, you can take a guided walk around the surrounding area, bird watch, or even experience a historical tour of the area that will take you along the paths of legend and mystery that have shaped South Africa to what it is today. You can also relax in the comfort of your suite overlooking the river, or bask in the sun at the swimming pool. All this time you will enjoy true bush cuisine at its finest, and every delicacy is served to your enjoyment.
Day 5 – Jock Safari Camp to Johannesburg, PM flight to Cape Town
This morning you will board your open-vehicle land rover for your last game drive, followed by brunch. You are then transferred by road to Skukuza Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in the afternoon, check in for your direct flight to Cape Town. At Cape Town International Airport you are met in the early evening and transferred to the glorious Mount Nelson Hotel for two nights on B&B basis. Built in 1899, The Mount Nelson Hotel is undoubtedly Cape Town's oldest and most distinguished hotel, occupying a breathtaking site on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The hotel is renowned for its cuisine and beautiful gardens. The location means that the hotel is only 5 minutes away from the city centre, and 10 minutes from the world-famous V&A Waterfront, for which a complimentary shuttle is available.
The Mount Nelson is Cape Town's most glamorous 5-star hotel and it has hosted royalty and heads of states on many occasions. Enjoy a complimentary Passion Flower Cocktail on arrival, served in your room. There will be an arrangement of elegant red roses and a bottle of internationally celebrated South African sparkling wine on ice in your room. Other special arrangements included in the honeymoon package are delicately scattered rose petals on turn down, floating candles, aromatherapy oils and a loofah. I suggest you enjoy dinner in the Mount Nelson's award-winning Cape Colony Restaurant.
Mount Nelson
Day 6 – Cape Point
This morning a romantic breakfast with sparkling wine is served in your room. Your group B hire car (VW Polo 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 the hotel in the late afternoon. You may like to finish up the day with a ride up the Table Mountain Cable Car to enjoy the spectacular views over the Mother City and across Table Bay to Robben Island.
Day 7 – At leisure
This morning you enjoy breakfast in the Mount Nelson's Oasis Restaurant before checking out. You drive to Abbey Manor, which is a few roads up from the Mount Nelson. Abbey Manor is a luxury guesthouse set high on Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town city. 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. 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.
This evening would be a good time to go up Table Mountain if the weather was inclement the day previously.
Abbey Manor
Day 8 – At leisure
Today you might like to visit some more cultural aspects of South Africa. Museum lovers can wander through the South African Museum and the National Art Gallery. Alternatively, July is the start of the whale watching season in South Africa and the little seaside town of Hermanus, just one hour's drive from Cape Town, offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Every year Southern Right Whales make their way from the cold waters of the Antarctic to the sheltered bays of the Southern Coast of South Africa to mate and calve. The bays at Hermanus are deep, allowing the whales to come within metres of the shore and the high cliffs afford whale watchers excellent views. Hermanus even has a "Whale Crier", who announces where the best sightings are.
Day 9 – The Winelands
This morning you depart Cape Town and drive to the Cape Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys and vineyards. We suggest you stop for a wine tasting at Fairview and Boschendal Estates. Check in at Franschhoek Country House for two nights on B&B basis. Surrounded by enchanting vineyards and majestic mountains, the restored manor house and former perfumery is situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Franschhoek. An indulgence to discerning travellers, the guest house consists of individually appointed rooms and suites, with a wide range of facilities complemented by unobtrusive personal service. The famous Monneaux Restaurant is rated as one of South Africa's best and serves an inspired fusion of French and Eastern cuisine to delight any gourmand.
Franschhoek Country House
Day 10 – The Winelands
I suggest you spend today following the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Routes. 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. Other sights worth seeing in the Winelands are Stellenbosch, the "town of oaks" and South Africa's second oldest town. 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. Paarl, with its three imposing granite domes and monument to the Afrikaans language, is also an interesting stop. Return to Franschhoek and overnight.
Day 11 – The Winelands to Knysna
Check out of Franschhoek Country House and make your way over the spectacular Sir Lowry's Pass and towards the Garden Route. You drive past the scenic apple orchards of Grabouw and on to Swellendam, a charming village found at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. This charming village has many beautiful buildings to marvel at. You will bypass the towns of Mossel Bay and George, and then continue through the scenic Lake District and Wilderness. You will reach Knysna in the late afternoon, and check in to Augusta Bay for one night on B&B basis.
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. Enjoy dinner this evening at one of Knysna Waterfront's trendy seafood restaurants.
Augusta Bay
Day 12 – Knysna to Tsitsikamma
This morning you should browse through the arty-crafty shops in Knysna, and then drive along the coast to nearby Plettenberg Bay. 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. As you are in the heart of the Garden Route, you should take a scenic drive along the Old Passes road, stopping for a swim at the unspoilt beaches of Natures Valley.
Continue towards the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. Check in to Tsitsikamma Lodge for one night on B&B basis. 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 cabin, which are set in lush gardens. Gentle river and forest walks are offered in the surrounding Tsitsikamma forest.
Tsitsikamma Lodge
Day 13 – Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth
Today is spent in the Tsitsikamma Forest. 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 you to the 800-year old "Big Tree".
You will leave the Garden Route behind, reaching Port Elizabeth in the late afternoon. Check in to your accommodation for one night on B&B basis. Fifth Avenue Beach House is an elegant modern 3 star guest house set in lush gardens less than a block from the Friendly City's beachfront. Beautifully decorated en-suite rooms and a swimming pool make for a comfortable stay in this upmarket suburb.
Accommodation:
5th Avenue Beach House -more info
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 14 – Port Elizabeth to Durban, on to Umdloti, Umhlanga Rocks
You have the morning at leisure to wander along the Friendly City's beachfront promenade, purchasing curios along the way. Check out of your guest house and make your way to Port Elizabeth Airport, hand in your hire car and make your way to domestic departures. Check in for your flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban, you are met and transferred to Umdloti, approximately 40 kilometers outside of Durban, and who arguably has the best beaches in South Africa. Check in to uShaka Manor for four nights on B&B basis. This modern home located within walking distance to the beach and shops, is decorated in an African theme, combining style and comfort with warm hospitality and personal service. A rock swimming pool is featured in the tropical garden for those who would like to relax on the grounds.
uShaka Manor
Days 15 to 17 – Umdloti, Umhlanga Rocks
Spend the next few days relaxing at your guest house or on the beachfront. At the guest house, they are able to organise deep sea fishing excursions, dolphin and whale watching trips, horse riding along the beach, and micro lighting flips. You are also nearby to restaurants and pubs, as well as a casino.
Day 18 – Umdloti, Umhlanga Rocks to Johannesburg
Spend your last day on the beachfront, before you are collected and transferred to Durban International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, meet the complimentary shuttle service to Southern Sun Johannesburg International, where you will stay for one night on B&B basis. The hotel's exterior is encased in a modern, glass façade, which sets the tone for this contemporary hotel. The cool, spacious lobby, with its tasteful furnishings creates a welcoming atmosphere. Bernoullis Restaurant provides an extensive choice of cuisine, while Bernoullis Bar is the perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink.
Accommodation:
Southern Sun Johannesburg International -Southern Sun Johannesburg International
The Southern Sun Johannesburg International hotel is a mere 500 metres from South Africa’s busiest airport and is the ideal hub for those with early or late flights at Johannesburg airport.
The hotel’s exterior is encased in a modern, glass façade, which sets the tone for this contemporary hotel, which has an energetic, international ambience. Guest rooms are spacious and offer every modern comfort with added benefits such as lavender and jetpack packs, with masseurs or chiropractors on call.
Southern Sun Johannesburg International is graded 4-star.
Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Day 19 – Johannesburg and home
This morning, check out of your accommodation, catch the complimentary shuttle back to Johannesburg International Airport and check in for your flights home.