South Africa Cape & Garden Route 2018 1
Itinerary One of the world s most spectacular settings at the tip of Africa, the extraordinary landscapes of the Cape and the Garden Route offer a wonderful region for walking with mountain and ocean views, wildlife, history and culture. check into your room before the afternoon tour). Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens must surely be some of the finest gardens in Africa, nestling on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The gardens cover 560ha of land, stretching up the slopes of Table Mountain. There are several walks that lead through the garden, where staff cultivate 6,000 of the 22,000 southern African flowering plants in a setting of mountain streams, pools and rolling lawns. The land was a bequest from Cecil John Rhodes, who had bought it in 1895. Remains of Jan van Riebeeck s wild almond hedge around the first Dutch settlement can still be seen in the garden. We begin with Cape Town, including a walk on Table Mountain and a visit to Robben Island, then head into the scenic countryside of the Swartberg and down to the coastal Garden Route before finishing with a classic African game experience. Day 1: Overnight flight to Cape Town. Day 2: Cape Town On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, we will be met by our local guide. From the airport, you will go directly to Kirstenbosch Gardens. (Please ensure you have everything you need accessible for a walk, including your boots or sturdy shoes, hats and sunscreen as you will not be able to We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns followed by a stroll through the gardens in the company of a specialist guide from the botanical gardens. Late afternoon we ll check into the hotel, relax, refresh and unpack prior to dinner. Our hotel is located close to the centre of Cape Town in an attractive neighbourhood close to the Company Gardens. 2
Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town (4 nights) (Meals included: lunch, Day 3: Cape Town city centre and Robben Island This morning we take a walking tour of Cape Town city. Cape Town is affectionately known as the Mother City. South Africa s oldest city, founded in 1652, is best discovered initially on foot with the elegant walk that runs past the Houses of Parliament and the Company Gardens to Cape Town s Museum Mile, including the old Slave Lodge, the South African Museum, the National Art Gallery, the South African Jewish Museum and South Africa s earliest churches. As we continue our tour, important landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum, which details forced removals under the apartheid system, are included. In the city centre, Greenmarket Square is a vibrant African market in the heart of the urban area. Duration of walk: approximately 3 hours. We end our walk at Cape Town Castle where we have lunch before transferring to the waterfront and taking the ferry to Robben Island. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12km from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs, the most famous being Nelson Mandela. Those imprisoned on the island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison hellhole into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation. Robben Island came to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. We will take a guided tour of the prison and the island before returning to the mainland. Day 4: Table Mountain This morning we take the short transfer from the hotel to the foot of Table Mountain. The imposing slopes of Table Mountain and the panorama of the plateau are 3
surely the symbol of Cape Town and provide a dramatic scene along with the city and the bay. Today there are two walking options Easier walk: Table Mountain summit Take the cable car up to the top of the plateau from where there are panoramic views, not only across the city and the bay, with views of Robben Island, but also across to the Twelve Apostles and the beaches beyond. Once on the top there is a network of paths that we can take. The top is quite rocky and there are some short and steep ascents and descents all along, but the paths are well marked. We will aim for the true summit of the mountain, Maclear s Beacon at 3,563ft/1,086m but our route will be determined by conditions on the day and the preferences of the group. We take the cable car back down the mountain (3 miles/5km; approx 65ft/20m of ascent). Harder walk: From the lower cable car station, we will drive up to the parking area beneath the beginning of the Platterklip Gorge walk. There is a unrelenting and strenuous ascent up to the summit plateau. It is a zig zag car park we ll walk up the sloping lower flank until we reach the beginning of Platteklip Gorge. It is then a steady ascent up to the summit plateau, on a zigzag path to the gap that marks our entrance point onto the plateau, views of the sparkling bay and the city below being gradually revealed all the time. We ll take this walk quite steadily. It is do-able and enjoyable for the most walkers who have a reasonable level of fitness, so do not be put off by the level of ascent (a walking pole is recommended). Once on the top there will be plenty of time to take in the views over the city and the ocean, but also behind to see the back of Table Mountain stretching across down to the spectacular Twelve Apostles formation and the coastline, beaches and Cape Point beyond. We will then descend the mountain by the cable car (2 miles / 3km; approx 2,400ft/750m of ascent). This afternoon, time permitting there may be some time at leisure. This evening we will travel into a pleasant part of the city for dinner. Day 5: The Cape of Good Hope Today we travel by coach out of the city along the Atlantic seaboard passing through the prosperous suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. After descending to the charming fishing village of Hout Bay, we continue along the magnificent Chapman s Peak Drive through small coastal towns to the entrance of the Cape Peninsula National Park. On arrival at the Cape Point Nature Reserve, we take a short walk down to the Cape Point Old Lighthouse and enjoy the magnificent views. 4
After lunch, we enjoy a walk down to the Cape of Good Hope, then depart to Simons Town and visit Boulders Beach, where there is a large colony of African penguins, before heading back to Cape Town. Dutch colonial architecture. The fertile soil and pleasant climate provide some of the best wines in the world, and the area is dotted with lovely boutique vineyards. Despite its reputation among early navigators as a Cape of Storms, the Cape is also a place of gentleness, tranquility and alluring beauty. To many thousands of visitors who have vivid memories of flower-studded outcrops, exquisite azure skies and sun-soaked beaches, this is indeed The Fairest Cape. The reserve offers brilliant scenic and exploratory walks. Many of the beaches and walks remain secluded despite all the visitors to the reserve, in part because of the incredible geometry of the landscape, with some of the highest sea cliffs in the world (3 miles/5km - total distance for both walks; 265ft/80m of ascent). Day 6: To the Cape Winelands and Montagu After breakfast we depart on a drive into the Winelands. The area around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek is a very scenic landscape of green mountains, rolling pastures and pretty towns with Cape We enjoy a walking tour through the beautiful Cape Winelands. The moderate walk through rolling countryside offers lovely views as we walk through fields and past vineyards. We stop for wine tasting and get a chance to appreciate the history of the introduction of wine into South Africa. Many of the nearby estates and towns have fine examples of early Cape Dutch architecture (approx 3.1 miles/5km; 300ft/100m of ascent). We enjoy lunch in the Winelands, before continuing to the town of Franschoek. Settled in the late 17th century by French Huguenots, the small town enjoys a picturesque setting below the mountains and surrounded by vineyards. Late this afternoon we drive into the Langeberg Mountains and the town of Montagu, a charming small town with Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture along its main street that has become popular with artists and artisans. Montagu is known as the Gateway to the Little Karoo and is surrounded by beautiful mountain 5
scenery, with thermal and mineral water springs nearby. Accommodation: Montagu Country Hotel (2 nights)oct/nov groups will stay at the Galenia Estate. Day 7: Cogmanskloof Mountains Today we spend the day hiking the majestic Cogmanskloof Mountains surrounding Montagu. Today there are two walking options: Easier walk: After a short drive to the banks of the Cogmanskloof River, we start our walk on a sandy and in parts rocky trail hugging the river, featuring ancient rock formations and the possibility of seeing wildlife like antelope and dassies. Our destination is the hot mineral springs. For the energetic there is the option of returning along this linear trail. And for the rest, the allure of the hot springs and a drive back to the hotel. Distance: approx. 1.5 miles/2.4kms one way. 130ft/40m of ascent. Harder walk: Starting from the same point as the easier walk, we begin with an easy path through the eucalyptus forest. The trail emerges from the forest onto a rocky stream bed and then a steep and quite stony mountain path. Once on top, it s a short walk to the summit of Cogmanskloof Mountain with a spectacular view over Montagu and Ashton with other peaks towering above us. A long descent on a zigzag path follows and we eventually reach the banks of a river which we follow on a fairly level path. Later we start to climb again, this time quite gradually. We reach a point where we have the option of taking a short cut into Montagu or traversing the same steep path back down the hill to where we started. Distance: approx. 7.5miles/12kms (9kms taking the shortcut). 1,500ft/450m of ascent. Day 8: The Garden Route to Oudtshoorn and De Rust This morning we travel via Route 62 on to Oudtshoorn. We stop en route for a coffee break before continuing on to Calitzdorp for a port tasting. Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry climate such as that of Calitzdorp. There are quite a lot of similarities between the climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro valley in Portugal. The poor, well-drained soils of Calitzdorp, where vines struggle to ripen, are very suitable for port production. We continue on the journey until we reach Oudtshoorn where we will visit an ostrich farm. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and the region produces the best feathers, leather products and ostrich 6
meat worldwide. Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, three have distinguished themselves worthy to be named show farms. We will enjoy lunch in Oudtshoorn with the chance to try ostrich steaks. We continue to the coastal village of Wilderness. Accommodation: Wilderness Hotel Resort & Spa (2 nights), Day 9: The Touw River There are two activity options- the whole group must so one or the other: Option 1: After breakfast we take a short drive to the Touw River where we climb aboard our two person canoes. We paddle up the river for about an hour (approx. 2km), looking out for jumping fish and diverse birdlife. Where the river becomes very shallow we beach our canoes and start a walk through the indigenous forest toward the Outeniqua Mountains. The path is partly sand and partly on a wooden boardwalk. After about 1.5km we reach a pretty waterfall to enjoy a snack and some rest. We then retrace our steps, boarding our canoes and returning to our start point. A picnic lunch will be ready on our return. Distance: approx. 4.35 miles/7km (Including both canoeing and walking) 160ft/50m of ascent. Option 2: Instead of boarding canoes, we follow the course of the Touws river on foot. A typical forest path leads us through the indigenous forest and occasionally close to the water s edge. Bird life is vibrant and we should be on the lookout for Knysna turacos and kingfishers. Our half way point is the aforementioned waterfall where there should be time for a snack and some rest and swimming or paddling is an option for those who wish to. We then retrace our steps, arriving back to a picnic lunch on the banks of the river. Distance: approx. 4.35 miles/7km. 160ft/50m of ascent In the afternoon we return to the hotel. Day 10: Knysna, Featherbed Nature Reserve 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 sea water 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. Today you will take a leisurely cruise on the lagoon, aboard the MV John Benn; a boat beautifully crafted from solid Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna forests. This fully-enclosed vessel is aptly named after the famous pilot and local ship-builder, John Benn, who navigated all ships through the treacherous Knysna Heads entering the port back in the 1800 s. Following this a hearty lunch is served at the Cruise Café in Knysna. 7
After a delicious meal it s off to the Birds of Eden Sanctuary which boasts a unique two hectare dome (the World s largest), spanning over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Spend the afternoon in this haven exploring the fauna and flora and birdlife housed here. Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 11: Tsitsikamma National Park Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan (early inhabitants of the area) word meaning place of much water. The park incorporates 80km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. On arrival, we will take a short walk through the forest and across the suspension bridge Today there are two walking options: Easier Walk: Loerie Trail/ Blue Duiker Trail. These are mostly forest walks. Many trees and shrubs are named and there are information boards with points of interest along the trail. From the start of the trail, the path climbs steeply into the forest. Soon we reach the edge of the plateau and the path passes through some coastal fynbos. A wooden platform has been built which provides spectacular views over the forest and along the coastline. The path then travels inland and, shortly after entering the forest, it splits. The Loerie Trail (left hand branch) drops down to the coastal road and provides a short 0.62 mile/1km option. The longer Blue Duiker trail continues West, dropping down to a stunning path which hugs the ocean and forms part of the famous Otter Trail. (2.5miles/4km in total; 250ft/76m of ascent). Harder Walk: Tsitsikamma National Park, waterfall walk & Storms River suspension bridge. We undertake the first 3km of the famous Otter Trail. It does require some fairly strenuous rock scrambling and boulder-hopping. The trail can also be slippery when wet. The main attraction is the superb coastline, the interesting rock strata and the birdlife. It is a linear walk to a magnificent waterfall that cascades over several steps into a pool below. On our return we branch off the rocky terrain and walk through a stunning hardwood forest to our pickup point. The first part of the forest section involves a short but sharp ascent. (3.7 miles/6km; 450ft/137m). Afterwards, we transfer back to the hotel together. Day 12: Kariega Game Reserve After an early breakfast we continue to the Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, a 10,000 hectare private game reserve. It is sanctuary for abundant game and wildlife including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, 8
zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species, including nesting martial, crowned and fish eagles. We then depart for Kenton-On-Sea for a walk along a spectacular Blue Flag beach. The picture perfect setting lies between Kariega and Bushmans rivers. The sand it white and soft and the Indian Ocean invites a swim or paddle during the summer months. The lodge is set in a wonderful African wilderness setting, close to nature and high above the spectacular Kariega River valley in the heart of the 1820 Settler Country, with its rich historical heritage. The golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are less than 15 minutes away. You will have some time to relax and have lunch prior to this afternoon s game drive. Accommodation: Kariega Lodge (2 nights). Day 13: Kariega Game Reserve We rise early in the morning and take a sunrise game drive. Around dawn is one of the best times to see the animals where they are at their most active. It is also a memorable experience to be in the African bush in the stillness of the early hours. We return to the lodge for breakfast. Upon return to the lodge, we have a short break and then board the game drive vehicles, our destination a picnic spot deep in the bush. We will then have the option of a guided game walk through the reserve. The walk will not be a huge distance, lasting about two hours, but with our naturalist guide, we will be stopping frequently. A walk is a great way to observe closely the flora in particular but also offers an interesting perspective on wildlife. The alternative option is to experience one last game drive. This becomes a popular choice in the event members of the big five have been elusive! Day 14: Departure day We enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the Kariega River before breakfast. Afterwards there is time to refresh and pack up before we transfer to Port Elizabeth for our flight home. 9
(Meals included: breakfast, lunch Accommodation In Cape Town we stay at the Sun Square Hotel, Cape Town (4 nights) with a great central location close to the foot of Table Mountain and a short walk to Company Gardens and the city. In Wilderness, we stop at the Wilderness Hotel Resort & Spa (2 nights), one of the Garden Route's oldest and best loved hotels, rooms will have views of the gardens, mountains, or lagoon. 9 minutes walk to the beach, the hotel also offers swimming pools, tennis courts. www.thewildernesshotel.co.za On the Garden Route coast we stay at Tsitsikamma Village Inn (2 nights) where individual cottages, styled in the fashion of a colonial Cape village, surround village greenlike, beautifully kept gardens. www.tsogosun.com/sunsquare-capetown At Montagu, our accommodation is at the The Montagu Country Hotel (2 nights). www.montagucountryhotel.co.za www.tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za The Kariega Lodge (2 nights) is a traditional style African safari lodge located in the Kariega Game Reserve, an area of rolling hills and small settler towns by the Bushmans River. The rooms are comfortable, spacious en-suites and there's a swimming pool too. 10
It has an excellent team of game guides offering game drives and walks in possibly the best malaria-free big five game viewing area in Africa. www.kariega.co.za Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (November 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking sandals/flip flops (shoes that can be easily taken on and off at temples Walking socks Warm jacket for winter months Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, 11
plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume and towel. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for at least one month after leaving South Africa, and have at least 2 blank pages. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian and USA passport holders. Parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child s full birth certificate and if only one parent is travelling, parental or legal consent from the other parent. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Typhoid, Rabies and Hepatitis B vaccines are sometimes recommended too. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, 12
and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for 13
you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 10177 (ambulance & fire) or 10111 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see page 11) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate South Africa enjoys an enviable climate, the main factors influencing the weather being the altitude and its closeness to the sea. Cape Town and the Garden Route share a Mediterranean type climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summer is from late September to March and usually offers good conditions for walking. Local currency & money matters South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs are found in most major towns and cities. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Cape Town & the Garden Route 2015 Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom 1995 Bryce Courtenay The Power of One 1989 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 220V, 3 round pin plugs 14
GMT/UTC +2 hours Time difference Group size Maximum 17 guests plus local tour leader HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 15