Post Trip: Garden Route Indulgence

Transcription

1 Post Trip: Garden Route Indulgence 17 April 21 April

2 SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is often described as a world in one country and is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. South Africa is enriched with fascinating experiences, world renowned people and a variety of places that must be visited! From watching the big five in one of the world s biggest national parks to enjoying a relaxing time at our blue flag beaches. You can choose to sift through our unmatched cultural and wine routes or you can opt to learn a lot through our world heritage sites. You can watch whales doing acrobatics at the world s whale watching capital or come up close and personal with the great whites or simply take part in any of the endless adrenalin pumping adventure sports that we offer in the air, sea or on land. South Africa has a wide range of world class accommodation available to the discerning traveler. Geography of the Country Located in the extreme south of the African continent, between 22 and 35 south latitude, South Africa extends all the way from the Limpopo River at north until the Cape Peninsula to the southwest for 2000km and east to west from the Namaqualand Desert until the subtropical coast of Natal for 1500km. The country covers 1,221,000 km² (equivalent to twice the size of France). South Africa shares its borders to the west with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Two independent states are found internally in the South African territory: Lesotho and Swaziland. These territories have never been part of the country and have remained under British protection until their independence in the 1960s. The country was divided after 1994 into 9 provinces. Climate The seasons of the year are inverted in comparison with those of the northern hemisphere. The country has a very strong sun, and the resorts around Cape Town enjoy 300 hours more sun than those of the Canary Islands every year. In general, South Africa is characterised for its relative dryness, because the percentage evaporation is always superior to that of precipitation. Two thirds of the country gets less than 500mm of rain per year. In the interior, the awaited rains, fall mainly during the summer months (between October and March) normally in the form of precipitation. Formalities Foreign travellers must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the return date, and must have at least two full blank pages available on the passport, they must also be in possession of a return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay. Other documentations includes: a valid visa, if required, as well as yellow fever certificates if the journey stars or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America. 2

3 TRIP OVERVIEW DAY ROUTE AM LUNCH PM DINNER OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT Oudtshoorn Inn Hotel 1 7 Departure from Cape Town/ Oudtshoorn En-route to Oudtshoorn. OWN ACCOUNT Cango Caves, Cango Ostrich Farm Hotel for 3*/ Restaurant in Oudtshoorn for 4&5 * OR Thorntree Country Lodge OR Rosenhof, Oudtshoorn Graywood Hotel 18 Oudtshoorn/Knysna Transfer to Knysna OWN ACCOUNT Afternoon at own leisure OR **Optional Featherbed Cruise, Eco Safari, Elephant interaction** Restaurant in Knysna OR Knysna Log Inn OR Turbine Hotel, Knysna Graywood Hotel 19 Knysna Morning at leisure OR **Optional Tsitisikamma Forrest visit** OWN ACCOUNT Afternoon at own leisure OR ** Optional Knysna Dinner Cruise supplement** Restaurant in Knysna OR Knysna Log Inn OR Turbine Hotel, Knysna 20 Knysna/Garden Route Game Lodge Transfer to Garden Route Game Lodge Lodge Afternoon game drive Lodge Garden Route Game Lodge, 21 Garden Route Game Lodge/ Cape Town Morning game drive Transfer back to Cape Town OWN ACCOUNT Arrive Cape Town On board On board 3

4 DAILY ITINERARY Sunday, 17 April 2016 Depart Cape Town/Oudtshoorn 08h00 Depart Cape Town, you will be met by an English speaking Tour guide in the hotel lobby, proceed to the vehicle, luggage to be loaded and travel to the Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn, the "ostrich capital of the world" is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Two ostrich-feather booms, during and , truly established the settlement. With approximately 60,000 inhabitants, it is the largest town in the Little Karoo region. The town's economy is primarily reliant on the ostrich farming and tourism industries. En-route to Oudtshoorn we will stop to strech our legs, Lunch for own account (excluded). Arrive at Oudtshoorn, we visit the Cango Caves and the Cango Ostrich Farm. Oudtshoorn Tour Oudtshoorn Tour - 29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lie the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the Cango Caves. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. Cango Ostrich Farm complies with the Bio Security Regulations and Standards set by the Department of Veterinary Services. The farm is registered as a production, export and show farm. Cango Ostrich Show Farm is located in the lush Cango Valley, Schoemanshoek, 14km outside of Oudtshoorn on the main route towards the world famous Cango Caves, making it easy to find and making your trip more time efficient. 4

5 After the caves and ostrich farm we proceed to the hotel, on arrival, complete check-in formalities. Evening at own leisure, dinner at the Hotel ** For Oudtshoorn Inn Hotel only**. Dinner at a Local Restaurant ** For Thorntree Country Lodge and Rosenhof Country Hotel** Meals for the day include : Dinner Overnight at Oudtshoorn Inn hotel on a Dinner, bed and breakfast basis OR Thorntree Country Lodge OR Rosenhof Country Hotel on a Bed and breakfast basis. Monday, 18 April 2016 Depart Oudtshoorn/Knysna Breakfast at the hotel. 09h00 After breakfast meet your English speaking Tour guide in the lobby and proceed to Knysna. Knysna At the end of South Africa's Garden Route, you'll come upon the forested town of Knysna which grew around an extensive lagoon of the same name. The town is well developed, but it feels as if you re travelling in woodcutter country. Knysna's most famed attraction is the Knysna Heads, today the Featherbed Nature Reserve pays homage to the richness of fauna and flora that Knysna has to offer on the southern head, while the northern head forms part of the sprawling residential development that is Knysna. Afternoon at leisure OR ** Optional Featherbed cruise, Eco Safari, Elephant Interaction** Dinner at the a Knysna Restaurant. Meals for the day include : Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at either Graywood Hotel OR Knysna Log Inn OR Turbine Hotel on a Bed and breakfast basis. 5

6 Tuesday, 19 April 2016 Knysna Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure OR **Optional Tsitsikamma Forest visit** Lunch for own account (excluded) Afternoon at leisure OR **Optional Dinner Cruise - Supplement** Dinner at the a Knysna Restaurant. Meals for the day include : Breakfast and Dinner Overnight at either Graywood Hotel OR Knysna Log Inn OR Turbine Hotel on a Bed and breakfast basis. Wednesday, 20 April 2016 Knysna/ Albertina Breakfast at the hotel. 10h00 After breakfast meet your English speaking Tour guide in the lobby and proceed back towards the direction of Cape Town and stop off at Garden Route Game Lodge, Albertina. Albertina Albertinia, a peaceful little town lying at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain range, is known as the home of the Aloe. The indigenous Aloe ferox, or Cape Aloe, grows prolifically in the area and the leaves are collected and drained for its bitter-tasting sap used in the health and skin care industries. There are two Aloe factories in Albertinia - the only place in South Africa where the aloe juice and gel are extracted from the colourful aloe species that cover this area during the winter months of June and July. A skincare manufacturer is also based in the town and welcomes visitors to tour their facilities and learn more about the Aloe. On arrival enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by the afternoon at leisure. Afternoon game drive, followed by dinner at the Lodge. Meals for the day include : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight at Garden Route Game Lodge on a Full board basis including an afternoon game drive. 6

7 Thursday, 21 April 2016 Albertina/ Cape Town Early morning wake-up call for tea and coffee. Morning Game drive. Breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast meet your English Tour guide in the lobby and proceed back to the Airport. Lunch for own account (excluded) 18h00 Arrive Cape Town International Airport. END OF OUR SERVICES PRICES RATES ARE NET PER PERSON SHARING IN DOUBLE/TWIN OCCUPANCY Costs based in USD: Description Per Person Sharing (Twin/Double) Single Supplement 3 STAR OUDSHOORN INN & GRAYWOOD HOTEL USD 595 USD STAR THORNTREE COUNTRY LODGTE & KNYSNA LOG INN USD 690 USD STAR ROSENHOF COUNTRY HOUSE & TURBINE HOTEL USD 820 USD 225 7

8 OUR PRICE INCLUDES: Meet & Greet and assistance with an English speaking guide during group s stay. Transport in an air-conditioned bus/coach throughout. Accommodation in hotels of the above mentioned categories (variety of star grading). Meals mentioned on programme. Flights, accommodation, meals and transport of guide. Activities and entrance fees as mentioned on programme. Tourism levies. Porterage. OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE : Domestic and International flights. Airport taxes. Visas. Meals not included in the itinerary as indicated in bold. Personal expenses. All Drinks, water or any refreshments. Tips (guide, driver, etc) to pay directly. Optional activities. Travel, repatriation, luggage and cancellation insurances. Other services not mentioned on the programme. 8

9 OPTIONAL PRICES Afternoon only: 18 th of April 2016 Knysna Elephant Park Cost: USD 30 per person (approx. 2 hours ) Depart from the hotel: 14h00 Arrive back at the hotel: 17h00 Includes: Return transfers and the elephant interaction The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last twenty years, the park has cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviours. Afternoon only: 18 th of April 2016 Eco Safari Cost From: USD 95 per person (approx. 2.5 hours ) Depart from the hotel: 14h00 Arrive back at the hotel: 17h00 Includes: Return transfers and cruise only Eco Tour serves to highlight both the geological characteristics and the biodiversity of Knysna s estuarine and marine environment. Their tours include various historical and cultural anecdotal tales of the area as well as information about the wonderful web of life that exists above and beneath the surface of this watery world. The tour is designed for both holiday travellers and nature enthusiasts alike. 9

10 Evening only: 18 th of April 2016 Featherbed Cruise Cost: USD 45 per person (approx. 2 hours) Depart from the hotel: 17h00 Arrive back at the hotel: 20h00 Includes: Return transfers and the cruise only Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides. Morning only: 19 th of April 2016 Tsitisikamma Forest, Woodcutters Journey Cost : USD 35 per person (approx. 6 hours ) Depart from the hotel: 07h00 Arrive back at the hotel: 13h00 Includes: Return transfers, morning tea/coffee on arrival and the forest activity only Join us on a journey down the old Storms River pass, and experience the indigenous forest from the comfort of a specially designed vehicle. Follow the elephant trail down to the water, passing tree ferns, stinkwoods, yellow woods and many other tree species, whilst hearing about the history of the area and the local flora and fauna. Watch out for a glimpse of the elusive Narina Trogan and the inquisitive Knysna Loeire who enjoys the tranquil shade of the leafy canopy. Stop and relax where wagons, since the last century. 10

11 Evening only: 19 th of April 2016 Knysna Dinner Cruise Supplement Cost From: USD 50 per person (approx. 2.5 hours ) Depart from the hotel: 18h00 Arrive back at the hotel: 21h00 Includes: Return transfers, Buffet dinner and cruise only The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa's only paddle-driven vessel, offering a unique and unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon. Magnificent 360 Lagoon views during a wonderful cruise and dinner - leave at sunset, see the Heads at twilight and return under the stars. POST JOHANNESBURG HOTEL OPTIONS Metcourt Hotel - Cost From: USD 90 per person sharing in a twin or double room on a bed and breakfast basis Single supplement: USD 70 Including: complimentary shuttles to and from OR Tambo International Airport Mondior Hotel - Cost From: USD 95 per person sharing in a twin or double room on a bed and breakfast basis Single supplement: USD 55 Including: complimentary shuttles to and from OR Tambo International Airport 11

12 ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Oudtshoorn 3 options of star grading on offer. The Oudtshoorn Inn 3* ( Hotel is renowned as a venue of choice for brief corporate stay-overs through to adventurous leisure escapes. Positioned in the heart of the Klein Karoo in the world renowned Ostrich town of Oudtshoorn. The Thorntree Country House 4* ( Is situated on the route to the Cango Caves, the Swartberg Pass and the circle route to Prince Albert via Meiringspoort. It is also within easy reach of the Cango Ostrich Farm and Cango Wildlife Ranch. The homestead and outbuildings date back to the 1800's and reflect the typical Klein Karoo architectural style. They have been gracefully restored to their original splendour, and equipped with all modern conveniences. 12

13 Rosenhof Country House 5 *( Is situated on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn en route to the Cango Caves and Ostrich Farms. The carefully renovated homestead (Circa 1852), with its yellowwood beams and ceilings and a tasteful collection of antique furniture, exudes an aura of authenticity. The lovely rose garden, which gave Rosenhof its name, leads to stylishly decorated bedrooms, each individually furnished. Knysna 3 options on of star grading on offer. The Graywood Hotel 3 * ( Is centrally situated on the corner of Gray and Trotter Streets in Knysna. Easy walking distance to the Knysna Waterfront and the town centre. In keeping with the character and spirit of the surrounding indigenous Knysna forest the hotel enjoys beautiful woodwork throughout. The wood is complimented by an inside courtyard garden which feature a sparkling swimming pool suspended in a wooden sundeck. An extensive collection of original railway and steam train memorabilia recall a bygone era, while our selection of historic photographs gives you deeper insight into Knysna s locomotive past. 13

14 Knysna Log Inn Hotel 4* ( Built in 1998, the Knysna Log-Inn Hotel embodies an indigenous concept that combines the character and spirit of the surrounding forests with Knysna s romantic history of wood cutting and elephants. The spectacular lobby with its yellowwood trunks and amazing 3m high stained glass windows brings a calm and relaxing ambience to the tired traveller, while keeping the wood cutting history of Knysna alive. The Knysna Log-Inn Hotel is situated in the heart of Knysna, making it the ideal base to stay while exploring Knysna and the rest of the Garden Route. The Turbine Hotel and Spa - 5 * ( In Knysna which offers guests an extra special experience.this exceptional boutique hotel in Knysna is situated on Thesen Island which is considered one of the most the prestigious locations on the Garden Route. The Turbine Hotel and Spa was an ambitious project which transformed the old power station into a unique 5 star boutique Knysna hotel on the Garden Route with a massive wow factor. All the old machinery which was used in this power station has been loving restored and forms an integral part of the hotels aesthetics. 14

15 Albertina Only 1 option on offer in this area. Garden Route Game Lodge 3 * ( Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa s world famous Garden Route Coast. Only 3½ scenic hours drive from Cape Town, this malaria free, family owned and operated private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and birdlife including the Big 5. 15