Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger 16 days (14 day tour / 2 days flying)

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1 Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger 16 days (14 day tour / 2 days flying) Seniors price: From $6299 per person twin share Group size: 9 maximum Departs: Weekly Tour style: Guided group tour along the Garden Route Transport: Flights, mini bus & safari vehicles Accommodation: 4 star hotels, 3 star game lodge This tour encompasses three classic South African experiences. Discover vibrant Cape Town on a hop-onhop-off bus tour, then head east on Route 62 along the famous garden route. Visit the ostrich farms of the Klein Karoo and the coastal hub of Knysna. Then head north for seven days of safari game viewing and a sightseeing tour along the beautiful panorama route. Days 1-2: Sydney to Cape Town Depart Sydney and fly to Cape Town, where you will be met by an English speaking representative. Our representative will assist you to the transfer vehicle and transfer you to your hotel. Cape Town is one of the world's most picturesque tourist destinations and a city which offers a mix of attractions. Situated amidst majestic mountains and surrounded by pristine white beaches, the city is truly very beautiful. Often called the 'cosmopolitan hub of Africa', Cape Town is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, vibrant restaurants, scenic cruises and world-class, affordable shopping. Accommodation: The PortsWood Hotel (B). The PortsWood Hotel The PortsWood Hotel is seen as a piece of Cape Town s history. The restaurant and lobby are built around the original well and holding cells for prisoners en route to Robben Island 300 years ago. Today, The PortsWood is an exclusive hotel famous for its unique, personal approach to service. The PortsWood offers a choice of 59 twin rooms, 35 double rooms and 9 suites. The PortsWood Hotel has The Quarterdeck Restaurant which specialises in Cape Malay/Malaysian/ Indonesian infused cuisine. For those with a sense of adventure and who are historically driven, this restaurant is a must. Day 3: Cape Town Today you explore Cape Town at your own pace on the Hop-on, Hop-off City Sightseeing Cape Town Red Bus. The bus stops at Cape Town s major tourist highlights, including Table Mountain, Camps Bay, the Mount Nelson Hotel and the South African, District Six and Jewish museums. Accommodation: The PortsWood Hotel (B). Day 4: Oudtshoorn, via Route 62 This morning you depart Cape Town for the arid lands of the Klein Karoo via Route 62. This scenic and iconic garden route encompasses the contrasting expanses of the Western and Eastern Cape. With its vastly changing landscapes, Route 62 will usher you from the tranquil vineyards to cinematic mountain vistas and the unique beauty of the semi-arid Klein Karoo. Enjoy a comfort stop in the small artist s town of Barrydale at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. In a secluded valley, which was once a lake, you ll discover Calitzdorp, South Africa s port wine capital where you can enjoy lunch (own account). After lunch you continue to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves. The caves were discovered in 1780 and extend over 5km in length which offered a shelter for early humans for over 80,000 years. The gold and vermillion dripstone stalagmites and stalactites are a dazzling feature. Leaving this subterranean wonderland, you head back towards Oudtshoorn, which boasts the highest number of sunny days compared to any other place in South Africa. Accommodation: Hlangana Country Lodge (DB).

2 Hlangana Country Lodge One of the finest boutique luxury establishments in South Africa, Hlangana Lodge is perfectly situated on the quiet outskirts of Oudtshoorn, en route to the Cango Caves and walking distance to the best restaurants in town. Every room has a private veranda overlooking the exotic gardens and saltwater swimming pool. The wide selection at the full buffet and champagne breakfast will be just what you need in preparation for a day s exploring and activities. The lodge was awarded a 2014 Certificate of Excellence by the highly acclaimed Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Day 5: Knysna, via Wilderness Enjoy a country breakfast at the hotel, before embarking on an ostrich farm tour. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and has over 400 ostrich farms, as well as several Feather Mansions. Learn about these exotic birds and their industry, then dare to ride the world s biggest bird species. Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the Outeniqua Pass towards the Garden Route via George to Wilderness. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, lakes and lagoons Wilderness makes for a tranquil and splendid destination. Enjoy stunning and unspoilt scenery at Dolphin Point and Map of Africa look out points (weather permitting). Tuck into lunch (own account) before making your way along the coastal road to Knysna. In Knysna, you set out on a sunset Knysna Oyster Tour. An informative and interactive cruise, this tour introduces you to the wild Knysna oyster and its trade while enjoying the natural surrounding beauty. Dinner in town is included tonight, before you retire to your hotel. Accommodation: Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (DB). Protea Hotel Knysna Quays The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays enjoys a spectacular outlook of the renowned coastal town of Knysna. The hotel is nestled in the heart of the Garden Route and offers a unique guest experience with premium accommodation accentuated with scenic beauty and natural surrounds. The hotel is set on the Knysna Quays Waterfront with the lagoon at your doorstep. Facing the warm Indian Ocean through the Knysna Heads, the hotel offers a tranquil stay in spacious rooms overlooking the magical Knysna lagoon, historical train station and the Knysna town. The property boasts excellent facilities including a heated outdoor swimming pool, wellness therapist for rejuvenating massages, free internet service and a unique dining experience with four restaurants on offer. Day 6: Albertinia, via Mossel Bay Departing the hotel after breakfast we head for the historical harbour town of Mossel Bay, which was the first place Europeans landed on South African soil. Aiming to find the trade route to India, the Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias and his crew landed at Mossel Bay on 3 February You can visit the Dias Museum Complex which is made up of several different museums, among them the Shell and Maritime Museums. The Maritime Museum sports a life-sized replica of the ship that Dias sailed in In 1987 this replica was sailed from Lisbon to Mossel Bay as part of the Dias88 festival commemorating the 500th anniversary of Dias' landing. At the centre of the museum complex is the Post Office Tree. An ancient milkwood tree that has served as a post office since 1500 when a note was left for the Commander of the 3rd East India Fleet, Joao De Nova by a fellow sailor, Pedro De Ataide, warning him of impending dangers awaiting him in India. The note was discovered by De Nova by chance in Today one can still post a note to loved ones from the tree. Lunch can be enjoyed (own account) at The Point before we head to this evening's accommodation in Albertinia, near the Langeberg Mountains. Accommodation: Garden Route Game Lodge (BLD). Garden Route Game Lodge 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 Five. Visitors to the lodge enjoy game viewing in open Land Rovers, luxury accommodation and a memorable dining experience in an African-style restaurant. Friendly staff and management anticipate your every need which completes an unforgettable stay.

3 Day 7: Arniston, via Swellendam This morning s early game drive will give you the opportunity to see animals during their morning routines, as well as an opportunity to experience cheetah tracking. Back at the lodge, enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. A visit to the lodge's Cheetah Breeding and Conservation Centre gives you the opportunity to encounter and learn about this endangered species, followed by an informative visit to their Reptile Centre. Leaving the bush behind, we make our way via Swellendam and Bredasdorp to the village of Arniston. Lunch will be taken en route (own account). This town has two official names, Arniston and Waenhuiskrans, which refers to the size of one of the sea caves, apparently the size of a wagon house. Its limestone cliffs, caves and enormous sand dunes lie on the warm Indian Ocean and offer you a sense of tranquil serenity. Tonight, dinner will be served at your hotel. Accommodation: Arniston Spa Hotel (DB). Arniston Spa Hotel Arniston Spa Hotel is set in one of the Cape`s most exquisite locations, next to an old fishing village, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves offering the best in Arniston accommodation. Touched by the spray of the Indian Ocean, you enjoy panoramic views of the unspoilt ocean and endless beaches. Blessed with an abundance of sea life the hotel promises delicious oysters from nearby shores and the freshest fish from the local fishing boats. The sophisticated menu blends traditional South African cuisine with modern innovations from renowned chefs. Each room has a balcony, satellite television, wireless internet access and an en suite bathroom, with both a shower and bath. Day 8: Cape Town, via False Bay Sit down to a leisurely breakfast while you let the fresh sea air awaken your senses. This morning you journey to the rugged, windswept beauty of the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. A place where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cool Atlantic, the Cape of Storms has caused many ancient mariners to brave its waters and wreck their ships in the name of exploration and adventure. Continue on to the scenic coastal town of Hermanus, renowned for its whale watching, a place where southern right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November). Then travel along the magnificent False Bay coastaline, which offers panoramic views of Cape Point and Table Mountain. Stop at Gordon's Bay for a traditional fish and chips lunch (own account) before continuing the journey back to the gorgeous city of Cape Town. Accommodation: The PortsWoodHotel (B). Day 9: Makutsi Safari Springs, Kruger region After breakfast you transfer to Cape Town airport for your flight to Hoedspruit airport in the Kruger region. On arrival you will be met by a representative from Makutsi Safari Springs and transferred to your lodge for your six night stay. Makutsi Safari Springs is located within a private game reserve 60 km from the Kruger National Park. Owned and operated by the Weber family since the 1970s, Makutsi is the perfect game lodge for travellers who wish to do more than simply game drive. A stay at Makutsi includes accommodation, two meals per day, several game drives and excursions, including a drive along the panorama route. You can enjoy game viewing at the local hippo pool, or watch wildlife pass by from a hidden viewing platform when not out on excursions. If you are sports-minded you can play tennis, volleyball or table tennis, or use the lodge s fitness centre for a work-out. At an additional cost you can also go on a 45 minute scenic helicopter ride. Makutsi staff undertake anti-poaching helicopter patrols in order to keep track of animal numbers and movements, the helicopter also acts as a visual deterrent to poachers. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (DB). Makutsi Safari Springs Makutsi Main Camp is set on 10 hectares of tropical and landscaped gardens which ensures there are plenty of quiet places to relax and take in the surroundings. The camp is rustic, clean and well organized, offering privacy and personal attention to each and every guest. Nestled among indigenous trees, this delightful camp has two swimming pools with soft thermal mineral water that comes from the earth at 34 C, meaning you can swim year-round. Both the restaurant and the bar are built as an open lapa, or seating area, offering a natural and relaxed atmosphere for guests. Meals at Makutsi are a highlight with produce sourced from the lodge s own organic vegetable garden and local markets.

4 Day 10: Morning and afternoon game drives, Makutsi Reserve In the early morning your ranger will take you for a three hour game drive in an open LandRover. Most species of Africa s wildlife can be encountered in the game reserve, including: elephant, rhino, zebra, lion, giraffe, crocodile, hippo, leopard and much more. Breakfast is taken after your game drive, followed by ample time to relax and enjoy the facilities of the lodge. In the afternoon you depart for another three hour game drive, before returning just in time for a sundowner drink at the lapa, after which dinner is served. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 11: Game drive in Kruger National Park This morning you depart at 5.00 am for a full day s game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park. The early hours of the day are used for finding as much game as possible as this is when animals are often most active. Your guide will take a picnic style breakfast to enjoy at one of the many rest areas in the park. After breakfast, you are off on another game exploration which includes a lunch stop (at own expense) at one of the camps inside the Kruger National Park. After lunch there is time for more game viewing before you return to the lodge at around 4.30 pm. Dinner consisting of fresh vegetables and herbs from the lodge s large garden is served at the traditional lapa. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 12: Panorama Tour After breakfast you depart for a day of sightseeing along the panorama route which includes the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon region. Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon of its kind in the world and is home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife. Several stops are made along the way, including a visit to Bourke s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels viewpoint overlooking the Blyde Dam. A lunch stop is made during the day (at own expense), as well as stops at markets and shops to browse at locally made crafts and curios. You return to Makutsi in the late afternoon in time to freshen-up before dinner is served. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 13: Morning and evening game drives, Makutsi Reserve Today starts with an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. The remainder of the morning and early afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some of the many activities the lodge offers. This afternoon s game drive leaves an hour or so later so that you can experience some game driving at night. At night many African animals become more active and night drives give you the opportunity to see nocturnal animals. Rangers use spot lights to follow animal tracks and highlight the animals after dark. On your return you enjoy dinner at the lodge. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 14: Morning or afternoon game drive, Makutsi Reserve Enjoy a game drive in Makutsi Game Reserve, either in the early morning or in the afternoon. For the remainder of your day, enjoy relaxing in the hot mineral pools, reading on your terrace, visiting the hippo hide, a game of tennis or volleyball, or for an extra cost, take an anti-poaching helicopter ride over the property. In the evening join the other guests for dinner. Accommodation: Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 15: Johannesburg airport After breakfast you are transferred from Makutsi to Hoedspruit airport for your flight to Johannesburg. At Johannesburg airport you connect with your return flight to Sydney. If you have booked the four day Sun City extension, our representative will meet you in the arrivals hall of Johannesburg airport and assist you to the transfer vehicle, before driving you to Sun City. Day 16: Sydney Arrive at Sydney airport.

5 Cost includes: return economy flights from Sydney to South Africa, plus all internal flights meet, greet and airport transfer services 13 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels and game lodges English speaking guide / driver along garden route a maximum of nine passengers only along the garden route breakfast daily and 10 dinners Cape Town hop-on-hop-off bus tour and pass, Cango Caves, ostrich farm visit, two open 4WD safari drives along the garden route, Knysna sunset oyster cruise, Diaz Museum, Cape Agulhas lighthouse and museum, Panorama Route tour stopping at the Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon all game drives in a 4WD vehicle (except in Kruger National Park where drives are in minivan) entrance and conservation fees as per itinerary porterage for one reasonably sized piece of luggage per person. Cost excludes: international airport taxes (clients pay direct if applicable) driver / guide gratuities personal travel, baggage and medical insurance drinks, dining rooms tips, telephone calls, laundry and any items of a personal nature optional meals and excursions. Additional remarks: We may need to change some accommodation if children are travelling and in rare cases of nonavailability. Prices may vary when booking seasons overlap. Bookings over Christmas, New Year and Easter may incur holiday supplements. All passengers must have a passport with them for internal flights. Child, third person and single supplement rates can be supplied on request. Please refer to our cancellation policy if required. The price may vary due to flight availability at the time of booking. Like our page on facebook to view updates and our latest specials.