Scenic Garden Route Tour:

Transcription

1 Scenic Garden Route Tour: The route: Cape Town Stellenbosch Oudtshoorn Knysna Plettenberg Bay Zuurberg Mountain Inn Tour highlights: Table Mountain Cape of Good Hope reserve Winelands Cango Caves Swartberg Mountains Safari Ostrich Farm Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve Birds of Eden Knysna Lagoon boat dinner cruise Addo Elephant Park & Schotia Private Game Reserve

2 DAY 1: ARRIVAL CAPE TOWN (APPROX. 50 KM) On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be welcomed by your friendly English speaking True South Travel tour guide. Continue to Bantry Bay where you will check into the Bantry Bay Luxury Suites. Overnight: Bantry Bay Luxury Suites, Bantry Bay or equivalent (B&B) DAY 2: CAPE PENINSULA TOUR (APPROX. 250 KM) After breakfast you have the option to visit Table Mountain (Included Weather Dependant), Cape Town s most famous landmark. Take the Cable car to the top of Table Mountain. The five-minute ascent to the top of Table Mountain offers a 360 view of Cape Town, the ocean and the neighbouring peaks. Once at the top enjoy spectacular views and the peaceful feeling of being over one thousand metres above the city below. The Cableway operates in the Table Mountain National Park, an important part of the Cape Floristic Region and the single richest floristic area in the world. This area is also a World Heritage Site. After our visit to Table Mountain we depart on a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Travel via Lion s Neck to Camps Bay. Then travel along the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic Seaboard to the "Republic of Hout Bay". From Hout Bay we proceed via the world renowned Chapman s Peak Pass towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (Entrance Included), forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The Cape of Storms, later renamed the Cape of Good Hope by King John of Portugal, has claimed many a ship over the past few hundred years. The bare bones of a number of shipwrecks remain today as evidence of the danger presented to ships along this part of the South African coastline. A number of wrecks can also be found within the confines of Cape Point Nature Reserve. You have the option to enjoy a lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant (Own Account).

3 Our tour then takes you to Simon's Town to visit the African Penguin colony, one of the only two breeding colonies on the mainland, at Boulders (Entrance Included). Dinner is arranged at a typical African restaurant where you can try local dishes as well as local drinks (Included). Overnight: Bantry Bay Luxury Suites, Bantry Bay or equivalent (D/B&B) DAY 3: CAPE TOWN - STELLENBOSCH Today you enjoy a half-day at leisure in Cape Town (Guide available for assistance).you might decide to visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront renowned for its restaurants, shopping and beautiful views over the harbour as well as Table Mountain. If you are interested in South African history, book an excursion to Robben Island (Optional / Own Account), an island in Table Bay, 6.9 km west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town (Optional / Own Account). The name is Dutch for Seal Island. Robben Island is roughly oval, 3.3 km long north south, and 1.9 km wide, with an area of 5.07 km². It is flat and only a few metres above sea level, because of an ancient erosion event. It is of particular note as it was here that past President of South Africa and Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela and past South African President Kgalema Motlanthe alongside many other political prisoners, spent decades imprisoned during the apartheid era. Among those political prisoners was current South African President Jacob Zuma who was imprisoned there for ten years. You also have the option to book a Township Tour (Optional / Own Account), an experience you will not soon forget. This tour gives an insight into the past as well as focusing on post 1994 progress. We visit projects, which are helping previously disadvantaged communities develop a better life for all. It gives an insight into the "other" side of Cape Town and focuses on job creation via community-based initiatives. Another option would be to take the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus (Optional / Own Account) for some City Sightseeing. Explore Cape Town s attractions at your own pace. Simply hop off and on at any of our stops with your ticket. At 15h00 we depart for Stellenbosch. Overnight: Oude Werf Hotel Stellenbosch or equivalent (B&B)

4 DAY 4: STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS After breakfast you visit Stellenbosch, second oldest town of South Africa. Visit the legendary Street and Oom amie se Winkel (meaning Uncle Samie's Shop ), a store that is kept in the Victorian style, and operates the same way now as it did then. The store has been a Stellenbosch institution since 1904 and is now a national monument. The shop is a popular tourist attraction because it stocks rare items in the modern world items such as sticky toffee, boiled sweets and authentic old century butter churns. The shop also stocks rare antiques and traditional South African biltong (a dried spiced meat similar to jerky). Dorp After a drive through Stellenbosch you visit a Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch area and enjoy a Sparkling Wine Tasting paired with sweet treats (Included). Continue to Solms Delta Wine Estate for a Cape Food & Wine Pairing (Included). With a glass floor that floats above the exposed foundations of the old wine cellar, our Fyndraai restaurant explores the diverse culinary traditions of the Cape: Dutch, Indonesian and KhoiSan. Taste for yourself this fusion of Cape cuisine as it is paired with a selection of our Solms- Delta award-winning wines, in a tour that is sure to tantalize all the senses. Lastly you will visit a Wine Estate in the Franschhoek area for Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour (Included). Tonight you are free to dine at any of the fine restaurants in Stellenbosch. Overnight: Oude Werf Hotel Stellenbosch or equivalent (B&B)

5 DAY 5: STELLENBOSCH OUDTSHOORN (APPROX. 430 KM) Today we travel west on the picturesque Route 62 to Oudtshoorn. The Route 62 is one of the most beautiful travel routes in South Africa, leads through the winegrowing areas of Wellington, Tulbagh, Worcester, Robertson and the Klein Karoo and is thus one of the longest wine routes in the world. En-route you visit one of the Wine Estates in the Robertson area and have the opportunity to take part in a Wine Tasting (Included). During your drive to Oudtshoorn, the country road meanders through the fertile valleys of the Klein Karoo, past rugged rock formations, the tops of which are covered in snow in winter. Time and again the road leads over steep passes, which open up to spectacular views of the wide land. In the afternoon, you arrive in Oudtshoorn, the feather capital of the world. It lies in an area separated from the sea by the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains, and from the vast expanse of the Great Karoo by the Swartberg Mountains to the north. Ostriches are still the area s chief industry and tourist attraction, but this is also an area of immense natural beauty. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the Guest Farm (included). Overnight: Mooiplaas Guest Farm, Oudtshoorn or equivalent (D/B&B) DAY 6: OUDTSHOORN (APPROX. 100 KM) After a hearty breakfast we visit the world famous Cango Caves (Included), in the limestone of the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, described as one of the great natural wonders of the world. Sculpted by nature through the ages the fascinating limestone foundation occurs in a variety of colours. From the Cango Caves we travel west towards the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from where we will commence our ascend of nearly 900 metres up the world renowned Swartberg Pass, a National Monument constructed in Get close to nature and explore the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the full splendor of diverse fynbos species ranging from various protea species as well as cone bush and pin cushions. You may even spot a soaring

6 Verreaux Eagle or Jackal Buzzard while the agility of the Klipspringer (small antelope) over the rugged sandstone formations will astound you. At the summit ( Die Top ) of the Swartberg Pass, you enjoy a panoramic view over the Great Karoo to the north (170 km view) and the Klein - Karoo to the south. Your guide will also share with you the conservation and social upliftment initiatives pioneered by the H.O.P.E. Foundation. ( On our descent you can enjoy an leisure 30 min walk down the Swartberg Pass. (optional). We head for Karusa Vineyards where you will enjoy lunch and a wine and beer tasting. After lunch we visit a Ostrich Show Farm where you will learn more about these fabulous birds. The rest of the afternoon we will leisure at our guest house enjoying the tranquillity of this beautiful region. Dinner will once again be enjoyed at the Guest Farm (Included). Overnight: Mooiplaas Guest Farm, Oudtshoorn or equivalent (D/B&B) DAY 7: OUDTSHOORN KNYSNA (APPROX. 150 KM) After breakfast, you will check out and travel to Knysna via the Outeniqua Pass. Our road takes us along the scenic Indian Ocean coastline and after a light lunch enroute we arrive in Knysna in the afternoon. The estuary called Knysna Lagoon and the two spectacular sentinels, the Knysna Heads, which guard the narrow entrance to the bay from the sea, mark Knysna s enchanting multifaceted natural setting. An abundance of beautiful beaches and the ocean, dense indigenous forests, sweet water lakes and the Outeniqua Mountains together form a paradise for the holiday maker. The area is a veritable Garden of Eden: home to the only forest elephant in South Africa, the unique Knysna seahorse and the Pansy shell, the brilliantly coloured Knysna Loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales. Within the town, craft shops, flea markets and cosy cafe s beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. We enjoy lunch at the Knysna Heads Restaurant (included)

7 The Knysna Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of seawater from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands known as the 'Knysna Heads' - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon. In the evening you have the opportunity to round the day off on a unique dining experience on John Benn Lagoon Cruiser (included). Overnight: The Graywood Hotel, Knysna or equivalent (D/B&B) DAY 8: PLETTENBERG BAY (APPROX. 150 KM) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. We travel to Plettenberg Bay, the jewel of The Garden Route, which is tranquil, charming, hospitable and rather special. Originally christened Bahia Formosa (Beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay offers the visitor miles of sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers and sea. You have the rest of the morning at leisure to stroll along the beach or you can participate in one of the following optional excursions. Dolphin & Seal watching or Whale Watching with Ocean Safaris (Optional / Own Account). This is an activity not to be missed! Ocean Safaris is dedicated to the observation and conservation of the magnificent marine environment. Rated by Europe magazine as one of the top 25 marine eco-ventures worldwide, Ocean Safaris is widely regarded as the premier boat-based whale-watching company in South Africa. During South African Summer you have a great chance of seeing the Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphin, but you will also have a chance of seeing the common dolphin. Dolphin & Seal cruises are operated throughout the year and involve a round trip of the bay where you view all marine species that are visiting the bay. Discovery cruises do not have a close encounter permit so sightings of whales on this trip are done at 300m. On the Whale watching cruise, whales are approached to 50m and then whales can move closer to the boat. Only permitted boats may approach whales to this distance, all other sea vessels must maintain a 300m distance from the whales.

8 Enjoy Lunch at the Lookout Deck Restaurant (Included) is a legend in its own right. Nestled between The Lookout Rocks and The Look Out Nature Reserve, this Restaurant s location is unique on our Planet.From Sunrise to Sunset and the stunning rise of Full Moon, this place just makes you feel free. Be one with the Indian Ocean, reach out and touch the dolphins as they mingle with the surfers. In the winter months watch the whales as they laze about or cruise past the sundrenched deck. Alfresco drinking and dining unmatched. The cooking is fresh, simple and jolly good value the service is happy with laughter, yet serious on quality. The diverse Menu and extensive Wine list along with the choice of Exotic Cocktails and full Bar service caters for every palette. En route back to Knysna, you stop at the Tourist Route The Crags where you will visit Birds of Eden (Included), the largest free-flight aviary in the world. The sanctuary encompasses 2.3 hectare of partly forested land, covered by a 3.2- hectare mesh and criss-crossed by a 1.2 kilometre walkway. Visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace, with the use of Birds of Eden s specialized guidebook. The sanctuary is home to over 3,000 birds of around 200 species, including touracos, parrots, barbets, parakeets, waterfowl, flamingos, starlings, robins and cranes. This evening is at leisure, you can have dinner at any of the surrounding restaurants or at the Knysna Waterfront (Optional / Own Account). Overnight: The Graywood Hotel, Knysna or equivalent (B&B) DAY 9: KNYSNA ZUURBERG MOUNTAIN INN (APPROX 380 KM) After breakfast we depart to Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Our first stop for the day is the Tsitsikamma National Park (Entrance Included), an 80 kilometre long coastal strip between Nature's Valley and the mouth of the Storms River. In the park the visitor finds an almost untouched natural landscape. At Tsitsikamma follow a short walking path that leads through the coastal rainforests, to the suspension bridge at the mouth of the Storms River and to the famous Schietklip, a rock in the sea which causes thundering giant waves.

9 In the afternoon, wel arrive at Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Zuurberg Mountain is is centrally situated to visit Addo Elephant Park as well as Schotia Private Game Reserve. Overnight: Zuurberg Mountain Inn (D/B&B) DAY 10: ZUURBERG ADDO ELEPHANT PARK Today we visit Addo Elephant Park. Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa s third largest national park, stretching a massive hectares over Eastern Cape's Sundays River region. Responsible for the conservation of five of South Africa's nine major vegetation zones, the park encompasses a massive section of ecological biodiversity, with the types of flora and fauna ranging extensively over the various landscapes. Areas of conserved vegetation, many facing a possible extinction, include Albany Thicket, Fynbos, Forest, Nama and the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt - consisting of coastal dunes and grassy plains that make up the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere. Founded in 1931 to provide a sanctuary for the dwindling elephant population in the area, the park s focus is on the conservation of mega-herbivores. Starting with a population of only 16, Addo National Park is currently home to more than 550 elephants. Other mammals in the park include 400 Cape buffalo, more than 48 endangered Black Rhinos as well as a variety of antelope species. Lions and spotted hyenas have also recently been re-introduced to the area. Tonight we enjoy dinner again at Zuurberg Mountain Inn (included) Overnight: Overnight: Zuurberg Mountain Inn (D/B&B)

10 DAY 11: ZUURBERG SCHOTIA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE We enjoy a quiet morning enjoying a late breakfast and the tranquillity of our beautiful surrounding. You might even decide to lake a leisure stroll before we depart for our afternoon tooth & claw safari at Schotia Private game reserve. Schotia Safaris is the oldest private game viewing reserve in the Eastern Cape, bordering the eastern side of Addo Elephant National Park. This malaria free reserve is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year. Schotia was the first reserve in the Cape Province to have free roaming lions and can almost guarantee sightings of these magnificent animals on every Tooth & Claw game drive. Our guided game drive starts at 15h00 in an open Land Rover. Lions are nocturnal hunters and are best viewed from sunset. After the game drive we will enjoy dinner at Schotia before returning to our Lodge. Overnight: Zuurberg Mountain Inn (D/B&B) DAG 12: ZUURBERG MOUNTAIN INN PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT (APPROX. 160 KM) You final day in South Africa has unfortunately arrived After a hearty South African breakfast we will check- out and depart to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Johannesburg from where you will connect with your flight back home. Legend: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, Tour Cost - Fully Guided 01 March Dec 2013 Per Person Sharing - (2-3 Persons) ZAR Per Person Sharing - (4-6 Persons) ZAR Per Person Sharing - (7-10 Persons) ZAR Single Supplement - SA Rand ZAR Children Under 12 - SA Rand Please Enquire

11 Please note that tours can be tailored to suit your specific needs and budget. Self- Drive option is also available on request. Included: 4 Nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation 7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Lunch (Day 4;6;7;8) All entrance fees and wine tasting Porterage Connecting flight PE to Johannesburg Registered Tour Guide Vehicle rental Excluded: All International Flights All unspecified Meals All Beverages Gratuities Travel Insurance Please note that accommodation venue s published are subject to availability and if not avaiable will be substituted with similar graded accommodation. All prices are subject to change without notice. True South Travel is also the Founding member of the H.O.P.E Foundation. By travelling with us you can be assured that you contribute to the social upliftment programmes and conservation initiatives pioneerd by the H.O.P.E Foundation. Visit us on: We look forward to welcome you to our beautiful and friendly country!!