South African Self Drive Family Holiday – 1 night Johannesburg | 3 nights Cape Town | 1 night Stellenbosch | 2 nights De Hoop Nature Reserve | 1 night Knysna | 1 night Port Elizabeth | 2 nights Hluhluwe iMfolozi | 1 night Swaziland | 1 night Hazyview | 3 nights Northern Kruger
Overview
These guests had a basic itinerary in mind and wanted to cover quite an extensive area for a fun family holiday. They have three young girls and were celebrating the youngest one’s birthday while on tour. We set about planning their trip and settled on a self drive route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth including a number of stops. They then embarked on a wonderful safari experience in Hluhluwe and later in the Northern Kruger National Park where they had special wildlife experiences. All in all they had a beautiful family holiday together and loved their African adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Cape Town Luxury
- De Hoop Nature Reserve
- Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Big Cat Sanctuary Interaction
- Family Vacation
- Garden RouteNorthern Kruger National Park
- Garden Route
- Abundant Birdlife
- Self Drive Holiday
Itinerary
On arrival in Johannesburg on your morning flight you are met by our representative in the arrivals hall, who will hand over your travel documents and take you for a full day Johannesburg highlights tour before you are dropped off later in the afternoon at your hotel for your overnight stay. The evening is at leisure.
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and is the financial and commercial capital of Africa. It is in this fast-paced metropolis that the country’s radical political and social transformation is most evident – this is the `Rainbow Nation’ at work.
This morning you are collected from your hotel and taken to Johannesburg airport where you check in for your flight. On arrival in Cape Airport you are met by our representative and assisted to the hire car kiosk and collect your vehicle.
Transfer time – Johannesburg hotel to Johannesburg airport: approx. 40 minutes
Flight time – Johannesburg to Cape Town: approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes
Driving time – Cape Town airport to your hotel: approx. 45 minutes
Explore the Mother City and the Fairest Cape – from the oldest buildings in South Africa to trendy waterfront shopping; from majestic Table Mountain to sun drenched beaches; and from dramatic seascapes to verdant vineyards. Cape Town regularly tops many lists of world must-visit destinations and Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain has recently been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Cosmopolitan and fashionable, the relaxed atmosphere and pavement café culture give Cape Town a Southern European feel – but with a distinctive African twist.
This morning after breakfast, you check out of your hotel and make your way to the winelands. You spend the day visiting selected wine estates before you reach Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch, known as the `town of oaks’, is South Africa’s second oldest town. It is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys and verdant vineyards. Visit the many wine farms in the area and enjoy wine tasting and lunch on the various estates.
Driving time: Full day touring (direct drive: 45 minutes)
This morning you leave the Winelands behind as you continue on the coastal route, via Gordon’s Bay, Betty’s Bay and stopping in Hermanus for lunch before reaching De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Driving time: Full day touring (direct drive: approx. 3 hours)
The 36 000 hectares of De Hoop conservation area is a World Heritage Site comprising rich biodiversity and by over 70 kilometres of pristine coastline. A 19 km vlei (wetland) stretches across the reserve, which is on the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. The De Hoop Reserve is situated in the Overberg region near the southern tip of Africa.
The Overberg area is characterised by quaint towns, a blossoming wine industry and delicious local dishes. There are a number of activities on offer here and you can enjoy whale watching, star gazing, interpretive marine walk, mountain biking and a guided bird and Fynbos walk.
This morning is an early start as you set off for the Garden Route, reaching Mossel Bay before noon. You make your way to the launch site for the safety briefing before heading to sea for your shark cage diving experience.
From here you continue your drive to Knysna where you check in for your overnight stay. Knysna is the perfect base for exploring the Garden Route. Set on the shores of the beautiful Knysna lagoon and surrounded by the Knysna Forest, which form part of the Garden Route National Park, Knysna is blessed with great scenic beauty. This quaint seaside town is brimming with quirky arty-crafty shops and markets. Find yourself in foodie-heaven – with superb fine dining restaurants, legendary Knysna oysters and bustling wholefood markets.
Driving time: De Hoop to Mossel Bay – approx. 2¾ hours
Driving time: Mossel Bay to Knysna – approx. 1½ hours
After breakfast you drive further along the coast, passing the seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay and through the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. If you are feeling adventurous, you may like to make a stop for a quick bungee jump or a ziplining tour. At Tsitsikamma you also find the aptly named Storms River Mouth, where there are numerous short walking trails to the forest or take a walk across the suspension bridge which spans the River Mouth.
You continue to the coastal city of Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s second oldest city and also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape. What do the locals call Port Elizabeth? Anything from ‘PE’, ‘The Friendly City’ to ‘The Windy City’.
4 000 British Settlers arrived by sea in 1820, to become the first permanent British residents in the Albany District. On 6 June 1820, Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, named the new port in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth was a commercial hub before the up-country gold and diamond booms. Port Elizabeth traded in wool, mohair and ostrich feathers. As a result, the harbour became a bustling port. Many people travelled to the city in search of trade and labour opportunities because the city was now an established commercial centre.
Driving time: Knysna to Plettenberg Bay – approx. 30 minutes
Driving time: Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma – approx. 50 minutes
Driving time: Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth – approx. 1¾ hours
This morning you and make your way to the Port Elizabeth airport, where you return your hired car and check in for your flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban, you collect your hired car and make your way northwards to the Hluhluwe area. You check into your lodge near Hluhluwe Game Reserve where you enjoy a two night stay.
Driving time: Port Elizabeth hotel to Port Elizabeth airport – approx. 15 minutes
Flight time: Port Elizabeth airport to Durban airport – approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes
Driving time: Durban airport to Endomeni Lodge – approx. 2½ to 3 hours
Driving time – Cape Town airport to your hotel: approx. 45 minutes
Set in the heart of Zululand, this is the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the `big five’ of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Established in 1895, game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook waterholes, enabling visitors to see animals at close range.
You depart your lodge after breakfast for your drive to Swaziland. The Kingdom of Swaziland is old, peaceful, incredibly varied and unique – it is the last traditional kingdom in Africa. The cheerful, friendly Swazi people have preserved their rich culture and traditions as a vital element in their day to day lives and colourful, mystical ceremonies are held every year to celebrate the Swazi traditions.
The most spectacular ceremony is the annual Reed Dance, when thousands of singing and dancing maidens converge on the Royal palace dressed in vibrant traditional costumes. This ceremony takes place in August/September and the dates are determined by the phases of the moon and only announced a few weeks before the event. During the Reed Dance, the maidens cut and collect reeds which are then presented to the Queen Mother and used for rebuilding the enclosure around her home. In this way, they are paying respect to her and indirectly to the older ladies in the Kingdom. You can visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and watch skilled glass blowers turn broken bottles into works of art or visit the many street markets in the Capital.
Swaziland’s countryside is beautiful and extremely varied – it ranges from magnificent mountains and waterfalls in the west to the lush valleys of the middleveld and the low-lying bushveld of the east. Swaziland is ideal for nature enthusiasts because the landscape is so varied within a small, explorable area, with a huge variety of birds and flora. The climate varies too – it is particularly good in the western region. Summers are warm and sunny, reaching a maximum of 30°C; while the dry season (May to August) are mild, with cool evenings and mornings, and warm sunny days. Swaziland is malaria free. The currency of Swaziland is the Emalangeni which is interchangeable with the South African Rand (R1 = E1). Rands can be used throughout Swaziland.
After breakfast, you continue your journey through Swaziland to cross the border back into South Africa at Oshoek. From here you make your way to Hazyview River for your overnight stay.
Mogi Boutique Hotel to Oshoek Border post – approx. 1 hour
Oshoek Border post to White River – approx. 3½ hours
After breakfast you make your way further northwards to your lodge situated on a private reserve outside of the Kruger. Make sure to visit the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck potholes and Graskop on the Panorama Route before making your way to your lodge near the Kruger, where you check in for a three night stay.
Driving time: Full day touring (direct drive – approx. 1¾ hours)
The unique Kruger National Park and the world-renowned private game reserves that border it together make the Greater Kruger area one of the largest wildlife conservancies in the world.
The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 and is the oldest National Park in Africa. The 2-million hectare Park provides sanctuary to 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, as well as over 500 bird species. The Kruger National Park has more than its fair share of the Big Five, with an estimated 1,500 lion, 12,000 elephant, 2,500 buffalo, 1,000 leopards and 5,000 rhino. Cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, warthog and many antelope species are also regularly seen on game drives.
Boundary fences have been dropped between Kruger and its neighbouring private game reserves, such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Klaserie and Manyaleti, meaning that the animals are free-roaming over an area the size of Switzerland, resulting in an immense gene pool. Kruger is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
This morning is an early start and after breakfast, you set off back to Johannesburg and OR Tambo airport, where you return your hired car and check in for your international flight departing at in the late evening.
Driving time: Bundox Safari Lodge to OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg – approx. 6 hours
Johannesburg: Genesis All Suite Hotel
Set in the heart of Johannesburg, Africa’s economic hub, Genesis All-Suite Hotel is ideally and centrally located. It is a four star hotel and conference centre located within easy reach of Johannesburg’s central business district, offering free parking and an outdoor swimming pool. All apartments at Genesis All-Suite Hotel are equipped with LCD TVs with satellite channels and DVD players. Every apartment has a well-lit work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The Genesis Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All apartments have self-catering facilities including a microwave and a refrigerator. There is an outdoor splash pool with a sun deck and conferencing for up to 120 delegates can be accommodated. Two golf courses are available within two minutes of the hotel.
Cape Town: The Vineyard Hotel
Situated on the banks of the Liesbeek River in Newlands, Vineyard Hotel offers rooms with garden or Table Mountain views. It features a pool and is a 10-minute drive to the centre of Cape Town.
Vineyard Hotel is decorated with artworks by leading South African artists. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms have a private balcony or patio.
Guests can savour award-winning gourmet dishes at Vineyard Hotel’s restaurants. Square Restaurant features a magnificent glass roof and a sushi bar. Myoga Restaurant serves modern fusion cuisine.
Guests can get a variety of health and beauty treatments at Angsana Spa, which also offers traditional handicrafts, home furnishings, and unique gifts. Vineyard Hotel’s state-of-the-art Health and Fitness Centre features a well-equipped gym and an indoor pool. Wine tasting is available every Monday evening.
Vineyard Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the CTICC. A free shuttle service is provided within a 1.5 km radius from the hotel, which includes Cavendish Shopping Centre and Newlands Stadium. Free private parking is available on site.
Stellenbosch: Oude Werf Hotel
Oude Werf Hotel is situated in the historic heart of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. This intimate historic hotel blends contemporary comfort and period-inspired ambiance with the same warm, personal care they have offered guests for two centuries as South Africa’s oldest continuously-operating hotel.
Oude Werf has 58 rooms in three luxury styles, set across the hotel property. Most are centered on around the poolside gardens or in the historic inn-house. Most above-ground rooms have lift access, and some adjacent rooms are interleading so they are family-friendly. All rooms have been extensively renovated or are newly built, incorporating the latest interior fittings, an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, WiFi, optional mini bar, complimentary tea/coffee making facility, complimentary bottled water, dressing gowns, remote control satellite colour television, hairdryer, wall safe, international electrical sockets and 24-hour room service.
Superior rooms overlook the shady central garden, or quiet, vine-covered courtyard. These light, open-plan style rooms offer a bedroom and luxury en suite with shower only. Contemporary styling and ultra-modern fixtures are combined with subtle period-inspired details.
Deluxe rooms are found in the original, inn-house building and have generously spacious interiors that include large deluxe en suites with free-standing baths and separate showers. These, roomy high-ceiling interiors are favoured for their rich colouring and period-styled furnishings that echo some of the Hotel’s early history. Chef Albert van der Loo explores the region’s many flavours and vintages at a splendid new restaurant with in-situ kitchen, fireside interior and vine-covered courtyard – just off the poolside bar/coffee lounge and the famous ‘voorstoep’ on Church Street. The restaurant offers breakfast, dinner, lunch and high tea.
This is ‘Wine Country’ and the selection of wines at Oude Wert is always one of the latest and best, featuring top names from some of this world-famous wine region. The wine list offers styles from classic, award-winning vintages to innovative, easy-drinking favourites.
Oude Werf’s ‘Living Green’ ethos applies environmental, sustainability and resource-saving practices throughout the Hotel.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: Family Cottage
The De Hoop Collection accommodation has something for everyone, from families, couples seeking a comfortable getaway or just a relaxing getaway for friends. The Opstal area is a central base from which to explore the reserve. The Fig Tree Restaurant can be found here and is open all day, every day and serves delicious meals prepared using locally sourced produce. There is a tennis court, swimming pool and a boules courtyard.
There are a variety of different rooms available, the One Bedroom Suite is perfect for couples. The Suites can accommodate 2 people with an en-suite bathroom. Each suite has different views of the reserve, some face out on the grasslands, while others face the majestic fig tree courtyard.
The Figtree restaurant is located a few minutes’ walk away from your room. The Fig Tree Restaurant offers a la carte menus for breakfast and lunch and set dinner menus. Delicious picnic baskets can be pre-ordered from reception and enjoyed on the beach, under a fig tree, or next to the reserve’s 19km vlei.
Knysna: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Knysna Hollow Country Estate is set on a secluded 3-hectare Country Estate just 5 minutes from the centre of Knysna, a quaint seaside town widely regarded as the jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna Hollow re-opened in October 2018 as a brand-new contemporary country retreat offering stylish accommodation with warm personal service and authentic dining in our casual restaurant, Social Eatery.
Situated in the middle of the iconic Garden Route National Park of the Southern Cape Coast, Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the myriad of attractions the region has to offer. The history of Mossel Bay, the arid, semi-desert of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo and the coastal towns of Wilderness, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay are all within an hour’s drive, as is Tsitsikamma National Park which is renowned for the Storm’s River Mouth and some of the country’s best hiking trails.
Knysna Hollow accommodates guests in 44 spacious, contemporary Garden Suites, all elegantly decorated in subtle hues of the surrounding forests and ocean. These modern Garden Suites offer air-conditioning, satellite television, Nespresso® coffee stations, tea kettle, laptop safes, mini-bar fridges (stocked on request), hair-driers, telephones and private patios with outdoor seating overlooking the gardens and the two sparkling swimming pools.
USB charging points are located at the dressing table and at each bedside table and LED accent lighting is a feature of the headboards above the king-size, extra-length beds. All rooms ioffer large en-suite bathrooms with double ‘His & Her’ vanities, heated towel rails, L’Occitane guest amenities and a spacious walk-in ‘rain’ shower. If you’re looking for stylish Knysna accommodation in a picturesque setting, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the most impressive Knysna restaurants, Social Eatery & Bar is the social hub of Knysna Hollow, where everyone is welcome and where guests and Knysna locals alike come together to enjoy authentic local food, craft beer and great South African wines from unique and independent estates.
Port Elizabeth: The Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel is an iconic Art Deco 4-star hotel right on the beachfront, overlooking the sun-drenched sands of Port Elizabeth’s famous Hobie Beach, making it an ideal family hotel.
There is a choice of 3 fantastic restaurants for a variety of meals – from Buffet-style to Á la Carte, light meals and snacks, to decadent cakes for a sumptuous High Tea. The Verandah, with its ocean views, stylish décor and enticing menu, is a great place for lunch. The Crest Restaurant has a tantalising Seafood and Carvery Buffet every evening. Ginger Restaurant offers fine dining, cool and airy elegance and excellent service. There is an elegant bar, guest lounge area and an outdoor swimming pool.
The Beach Hotel offers 58 spacious, individually decorated, air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms. There is a choice of: 5 Courtyard facing rooms, 12 Standard rooms, 1 Standard Triple Room, 20 Sea-Facing Superior rooms, 4 extra spacious Executive rooms with sleeper couches to accommodate families, and 1 Luxury suite which boasts a separate lounge, Jacuzzi bathtub and private balcony leading out onto the pool.
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve: Emdoneni Lodge
Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project and Spa, is a high quality three star lodge and is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Guests can relax and enjoy the true South African hospitality while viewing all Zululands’ resources. If you ever dreamt of getting close to nature, Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project & Spa is the place to visit!
This intimate multi-award winning lodge is the ideal location from which to explore the wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand. Nature lovers & enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of our wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives offered at Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves, guided and non-guided walks done at the lodge, cultural excursions close by and relaxing boat cruises at Lake St Lucia. Our passionate and very knowledgeable guides cannot wait to introduce you to our region!
Emdoneni Lodge offers guests elegantly decorated, intimate and comfortable accommodation in Hluhluwe in chalets and/or rondavels, on a bed & breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast basis. There are mainly showers in the rooms, with the exception of two rooms which do include baths. WiFi is available, free of charge, to all guests.
The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquil lodge surroundings, including a boma, swimming pool and sky deck. Walk with the wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Nyala and Red and Grey Duiker. The bird life in Zululand is also abundant.
The surrounding area is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. Some of the specials one might go in search of are: Narina trogon, Blue Crested Lourie, Mangrove King Fisher, African Broadbill, Pink Throated Twin Spot, Blue Billed Fire Finch.
Swaziland: Mogi Boutique Hotel
Mogi Boutique Hotel is located in Ezulwini and offers a garden and a shared lounge. You can relax on the terrace with a drink from the bar and free WiFi access is available in public areas.
Offering a mountain view, each room come with King size Extra Length, with only the very best linens and inners, a flat screen TV and contemporary decor. Each of the rooms has their own private en-suite bathroom, using products add to the overall luxury being Charlotte Rhys perfumed range. Each room also comes with an equipped kitchenette to prepare your meals, however Mogi Boutique Hotel offers meals (on request) that are of a gourmet standard. Each room has a unique and special quality. Our location couldn’t be more convenient whether here on leisure or business.
Set at the edge of the Mantenga Nature Reserve, an array of activities can be enjoyed at Mogi Boutique Hotel or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking.
Hazyview: Hippo Hollow
Situated on the banks for the Sabi river in Hazyview; Mpumalanga, this lodge has an authentic “Out of Africa” feel about it. At Hippo Hollow guests are accommodated in unique thatched garden and river chalets and courtyard hotel rooms, which either overlook the beautiful gardens or the impressive Sabi river. All rooms and chalets have en-suite bathrooms and tea/coffee facilities and are furnished with touches of local wood for a traditional finish.
The in-house restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes accompanied by a selection of South African wines. Indulging in the sight of kingfishers and other beautiful water birds or the grazing of the hippopotamus on the lawn against the backdrop of a beautiful African sunset.
The beautifully maintained gardens, with two swimming pools, are home to a wonderful variety of bird species, and the Sabi River attracts hippo, crocodiles, monkeys, waterbirds and even elephants from the Elephant Whispers Sanctuary.
Northern Kruger National Park: Bundox Safari Lodge
Bundox Safari Lodge is stylish and simple overnight safari accommodation in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area. On the doorstep of South Africa’s most visited wildlife region, Bundox has the Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, and the Blyde River Canyon within arm’s reach.
There are many accommodation options to choose from at Bundox, from the Luxury Superior Tent, Luxury Meru Tents, and Chalets, all of which are situated amongst the natural trees and bush characterising the property. The rooms and tents are positioned individually in amongst the trees and bushes on the property, making them secluded and truly in nature. The accommodation at Bundox is perfect for long stays and short visits. There are plenty of activities and things to do in the area.
Bundox is the ideal destination for visitors wanting a quiet nature retreat with the option of indulging in safari activities with the family. There is a wide variety of birds, small mammals and antelope roaming the property. Sit back and enjoy the bush at this relaxing safari lodge.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Johannesburg: “Go as You Please” City & Historical Tour
South Africa’s largest city remains its financial and commercial heart. It’s in this fast-paced metropolis that the country’s radical political and social transformation is most evident – this is the “Rainbow Nation” at work. It’s a heady experience, with contrasts of every kind round every single corner. Our tour sets off for Constitution Hill, home of South Africa’s architectural marvel, the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison.
This tour provides a great opportunity to take a closer look at South Africa’s turbulent past, by combining a drive through Soweto with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, regarded as the preeminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the story of apartheid. The Museum opened its doors in 2001 and here visitors can embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994.
You then continue to Soweto (South Western Township), a sprawling residential area that has become a “city within a city”. Soweto is home to approximately two million people, many of whom work in various parts of the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area. Your guide will follow a route that takes you past all the major points of interest, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Regina Mundi church, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela’s former home.
SUGGESTED Cape Town: Kirstenbosch Gardens & Hop On Hop Off City Tour
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:
This is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa’s six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Prior to 1 September 2004, the institute was known as the National Botanical Institute. Kirstenbosch places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of indigenous plants.
The garden includes a large conservatory (The Botanical Society Conservatory) exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus is on plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas.
Hop On Hop Off City Tour:
Take a ride on a “hop-on-hop-off” topless tour bus. The “red route” takes you from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (the bus stops at The Two Oceans Aquarium and the Clock Tower), to the Cape Town Tourism centre in downtown Cape Town, to the Castle of Good Hope, the museums and galleries in the City Bowl area, up to the Cable Car station at Table Mountain, over Kloof Nek to Camps Bay and then back to the V&A Waterfront, travelling through Green Point and past the famous soccer stadium.
SUGGESTED Cape Town: Cape Point Self Drive Tour
Your journey to Cape Point takes you along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. You pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and azure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while shear cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side.
There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. You arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel mountain peak.
Your drive continues over Chapman’s Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent ‘fynbos’, many different species of buck and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests enjoying lunch at the restaurant which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular (for your own account) to the lighthouse to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape Point.
A photo stop at the Cape of Good Hope is a ‘must’ and you can visit Boulders Beach to see the Jackass penguins before arriving at the naval base of Simonstown, and then venture inland to your last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers, and offer a fitting end to a day filled with all the Cape has to offer.
SUGGESTED De Hoop Nature Reserve: Suggested Activities
There are a number of activities on offer here and you can enjoy whale watching, star gazing, interpretive marine walk, mountain biking and a guided bird and Fynbos walk. Explore the De Hoop Vlei and enjoy bird, game, otter and even porcupine sightings with our new eco cruise experience. A walking trail exploring coastal rock pools and sandy beaches while a qualified guide points out interesting marine life forms. Also a great way to experience the Southern Right Whales in the bay between June and December.
SUGGESTED Hermanus: Whale Watching Trip
Hermanus is best known for the Southern Right whales which travel up from the Antarctic during the winter months to give birth in the bays and inlets along the Southern Cape coast. Hermanus offers the best land-based whale watching in the world as the steep cliffs offer a grandstand view of the whales, who are often only metres off shore. The village even has a Whale Crier, who announces where the day’s best sightings are. Watch the whales from the clifftops or take a boat out into the bay with one of the licensed whale watching operators to get a closer view.
SUGGESTED Hlhuhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve: Guided Game Drives
As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950’s and 60’s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Other areas of focus for which Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famed include wilderness trails which originated in Imfolozi in the 1950’s and its renowned Game Capture until recently updated into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilization throughout Africa. The park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterized by hilly topography, and this northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety for both bird and animal life.
Your personal guide for the day will give you an introduction to the reserve, the animal species that are found within the reserve and the intended area that you will be traveling to. Climb aboard luxurious open game drive vehicle and set off in search of the Big 5, Cheetah and Wild Dog to name but just a few of the incredible species found within the reserve. Mid-morning breakfast and piping hot coffee is served in the bush after which you continue our game viewing back to the main gate.
Animal species found within the reserve include 1,500 white rhino and 360 black rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, cheetah, hyena and 23,000 impala and 300 species of birds have been recorded.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Hlhuhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve: The Zululand Cat Conservation Project
The aim of the Zululand Cat Conservation Project is to care for Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx), which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. We also intend to breed successfully (where possible) with our ambassador animals and release the offspring back into their natural habitat. We pride ourselves on the many successful releases done in the past. View and photograph these amazing animals at the Zululand Cat Conservation Project. They offer daily educational tours, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by their experienced guides.
The Zululand Cat Conservation Project has ambassador animals which are used for breeding and the offspring to be released back into the wild hence the reason for the low numbers of animals in the project – a maximum of twelve animals including any offspring per species. Learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Northern Kruger National Park: Private Concession or Full Day Park Game Drives
Birding:
Bundox has a wide variety of bird life to interest both novice and avid birders alike. Their forest setting plays host to a myriad of species; bright Orioles calling, spots of colour high in the trees; shy bush shrikes hopping around in the branches; and jewel-bright Sunbirds flitting around the flowers. Sit on your terrace in the morning to hear the morning chorus as the birds wake up for the day, or at our waterhole to watch the Pied Kingfishers diving for breakfast and the Purple-crested Turacos flash past, purple and red wings catching the sun. The haunting call of the Fish Eagle can be heard from high above and the raucous call of the Hadedas is sure to wake you up for the day.
Private Concession or Full Day Game Drives:
A full day open-safari vehicle drive into the world renowned Kruger National Park is one of the highlights of South Africa. Go on a full day safari which is home to an impressive number of species: 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals living in the park. We will arrange an early morning pick-up time with you and will enter the park through the Orpen entrance gate. A packed breakfast will be supplied and can be enjoyed whilst travelling through the park. This is an experience you will never forget!
Vogelle Family, Switzerland, 29th October 2019
Thank you Melanie for all of your work and support in planning this trip for us. We had the most wonderful time together on this special holiday. We loved seeing South Africa by road and our safaris were absolutely amazing. We saw so much more than we could have imagined and our children were completely fascinated by all of the animals and never ran out of questions for our very patient guides. We hope to be back as soon as we can for more adventures.