UNFORGETTABLE SOUTH AFRICA South Africa 14 day package 5 day small group tour combined with 9 day private package (standard accommodation) This tour includes three classic South African experiences: the city of Cape Town, the Garden Route and safari game viewing. Join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Cape Town, then head east along the Garden Route on a five day guided tour. Visit ostrich farms in the Klein Karoo and the coastal hub of Knysna. Then head to the Kruger for seven days of game viewing and a sightseeing tour of the Panorama Route. Page 1
Cost includes: meet and greet services and transfer at Cape Town airport Cape Town departure transfer and return transfers Hoedspruit airport to Makutsi 13 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels and game lodges 5 days on a guided small group tour along the Garden Route (max 14 guests) breakfast daily and 10 dinners Cape Town hop-on-hop-off bus tour and pass, Cango Caves, ostrich farm visit, two open 4WD game drives, Knysna sunset oyster cruise, Diaz Museum, Cape Agulhas lighthouse and museum, Panorama Route tour stopping at Blyde River Canyon and several lookouts. all game drives in a 4WD vehicle, except in Kruger National Park where drives are in an enclosed vehicle entrance and conservation fees as per itinerary Cape Town to Kruger (WEL9143) Accommodation: standard and deluxe Departs: Saturdays* and Mondays Itinerary overview: Day 1: South Africa, Cape Town - The Commodore Day 2: South Africa, Cape Town - The Commodore (B) Day 3: South Africa, Oudtshoorn - Hlangana Country Lodge (BD) Day 4: South Africa, Knysna - Protea Knysna Quays (BD) Day 5: South Africa, Albertina - Garden Route Game Lodge (BD) Day 6: South Africa, Aniston - Aniston Spa Hotel (BD) Day 7: South Africa, Cape Town - The Commodore (B) Day 8: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 9: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 10: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 11: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 12: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 13: South Africa, Kruger region - Makutsi Safari Springs (BD) Day 14: Hoedspruit airport (B) Cost excludes: visas and international flights international airport taxes if applicable meals not listed drinks, guide and ranger gratuities, dining rooms tips, porterage personal travel, baggage and medical insurance telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature B - breakfast L - lunch D - dinner *Bi-lingual departure on the Garden Route tour section of the itinerary. Page 2
Unforgettable South Africa Day 1: Cape Town On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in the popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Commodore Hotel. Commodore Hotel The Commodore Hotel lies where Table Mountain and the sea meet. Overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel offers luxury accommodation, quality service and a tranquil setting. There s also free internet access, a bar, restaurant and lounge and the Casuarina Spa and Wellness Centre. Themed in a nautical fashion to match its surrounds, Commodore Hotel is a popular hotel where guests are treated as friends and hospitality comes naturally. Day 2: 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 Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Mount Nelson Hotel and the South African, District Six and Jewish museums. You can follow in the footsteps of the earliest inhabitants, the thriving colonists and Nelson Mandela as you journey through the city. Perhaps choose to join a city walking tour, which highlights the early relationship between Australia and Cape Town. The first convict ships stopped here, en route to Sydney, to stock up on fresh vegetables from the Company Gardens, which can still be seen in the centre of the city. A guide on board will entertain the adults, whilst children have their own headphone commentary especially designed to keep them busy. Commodore Hotel (B). Day 3: Oudtshoorn, via Garden Route This morning you depart Cape Town for the arid lands of the Klein Karoo on your guided group tour. In a secluded valley, once an ancient lake, discover Calitzdorp, South Africa s port wine capital. Enjoy wine tasting (own account). The Klein Karoo also specialises in the farming of a rather unique bird, the ostrich. You visit an ostrich farm and learn about how the ostrich assisted the South African economy during colonial times. You also have the chance to watch a unique style of race; Ostrich racing. Hlangana Country Lodge (BD). 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 4: Knysna, via Wilderness This morning you visit the Cango Caves, a 20-million-year-old national treasure in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. The guided tour takes you underground to view Cango s spectacular chasms, stalagmites and mysterious caverns. Journey on to Knysna, stopping en route at scenic lookouts including Dolphin Point and Map of Africa. In Knysna board a sunset cruise which introduces you to the highly-regarded Knysna oyster. Dinner tonight is enjoyed on Thesen Island, overlooking the Knysna estuary. Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (BD). The Commodore - poolside Page 3
Aniston colonial cottages Protea Hotel Knysna Quays The Protea Hotel Knysna Quays enjoys a spectacular outlook of the renowned coastal town of Knysna. 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 lagoon, historical train station and 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 5: Albertina, via Mossel Bay Take a historical tour of the harbour town of Mossel Bay, the first place Europeans landed on South African soil. Visit the Dias Museum Complex, which consists of several museums. Amongst the complex is the Post Office Tree, an ancient milkwood tree that has served as a post office since the 1500s. Continue on to Albertina where your safari destination is located. Board an open LandRover for an afternoon safari in the lodge s private game reserve. Enjoy an outdoor dining experience (weather permitting) at the lodge this evening. Garden Route Game Lodge (BD). 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 3.5 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 LandRovers, 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. Day 6: Arniston, via Swellendam Today s early game drive allows you to see animals during their morning routine. Visit a Cheetah Breeding and Conservation Centre and Reptile Centre. Leave the bush behind and head to the picturesque village of Arniston on the warm Indian Ocean. Dinner will be served tonight at the hotel. Arniston Spa Hotel (BD). 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. Each room has a balcony, satellite television, wireless internet access and an en suite bathroom, with both a shower and bath. The mini bar can be stocked on request and there are coffee/tea making facilities. Day 7: Cape Town, via False Bay Journey to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. The Cape of Storms has caused many ancient mariners to wreck their ships in the name of exploration and adventure. Continue to the coastal town of Hermanus, renowned for its whale watching season from July to November. Travel along the False Bay coastline to Cape Town. Commodore Hotel (B). Page 4
Unforgettable South Africa Day 8: Makutsi Safari Springs, Kruger region Transfer to Cape Town airport for your flight to the Kruger (flight not included). On arrival you are met and transferred to your lodge for a six night stay. Makutsi Safari Springs is located within a private game reserve 60 km from the Kruger National Park. Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Makutsi Safari Springs Makutsi Safari Springs is located within a private game reserve 60 km from 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. 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 guest. This delightful camp is nestled among indigenous trees and has two swimming pools with soft thermal mineral water that comes from the earth at 34 C, meaning guests 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. Days 9-13: Makutsi Safari Springs, Kruger region Enjoy three morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five in Makutsi s private reserve and in the Kruger National Park. Look out for elephant, rhino, zebra, lion, giraffe, crocodile, hippo, leopard and more. Join a sightseeing tour of the Panorama Route, including the Drakensberg Mountains, Blyde River Canyon region, Bourke s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. During your down time take a soothing dip in Makutsi s 34C thermal spring pools, view game at the local hippo pool or watch wildlife from a hidden viewing platform. For the energetic, play a game of tennis, volleyball or table tennis. Makutsi Safari Springs (BD). Day 14: Kruger airport After breakfast you transfer from Makutsi to Hoedspruit airport (flight not included) (B). Passenger information: Please note that Makutsi Safari Springs is closed from 3 to 25 June 2017. The last seven days of this package can be replaced by our six day Kruger Encompassed package during this time, or as an upgrade at other times of the year. Rates for the total package are on request. The tour operator may have to re-route the group tour portion of the itinerary or change the accommodation in rare cases of non-availability. Activities at Makutsi Safari Springs may vary due to weather and time permitting. Children seven years and upwards are welcome on this package. Prices upon request. Prices may vary when booking seasons overlap. Bookings over Christmas, New Year and Easter incur holiday supplements. As prices are calculated in foreign currencies it may become necessary to add a currency surcharge. Prices for flights, airport taxes, park fees and government taxes may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed on. Please request our full cancellation policy if required. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Flamingos on Lake Manyara Makutsi Safari Springs Page 5