Day 1: Departure to Africa

Today the journey begins with a long-haul flight to South Africa

 

Day 2: Welcome in South Africa

Arrival at Cape Town International Airport, where you will be greeted by your English speaking tour guide. We then drive to your cozy and centrally located guesthouse, where you will stay for the night. We will start our trip on a high note and experience the dramatic sunset on Signal Hill, a popular look-out point in Cape Town. 

 

Day  3: The whole universe in the Great Karoo

Today we get an early start and continue our trip in a Northeasterly direction, which will lead us into the seemingly endless Karoo Semi-Desert. Karoo is an ancient word referring to “Great Thirstland”. The trip offers spectacular mountain passes. We have the option to go on a “Big 5” game drive in a small private game reserve. Our destination will be the “Stargazing Capital” of South Africa, known as Sutherland. Here we will gain incredible insight regarding autonomy. We will even have the rare opportunity of looking at the night sky through a telescope! Tonight, we all stay in a cozy guest house. 326 km/B

 

Day 4:Prehistoric fossils in the heart of the semi-desert

Our day starts with a visit to the South African Large Telescope (SALT), where we will see the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere (optional- not included in tour price). Our journey will go further inland and finally into the heart of the Great Karoo, to Beaufort West. Beaufort West is the birthplace of the world-famous cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard. A ride on the gravel roads bring you closer to the peaceful life in the semi-desert. In the afternoon we can visit the Karoo National Park, which shows a small section of the vast expanse and unique landscape of the Great Karoo. We will be accommodated in a cozy, Karoo-themed guest house. 297 km / B

 

Day 5: From Bushmen to the Anglo-Anglo-per War

We will start our day with an interesting visit to the Christiaan Barnard Museum. Our trip into the Great Karoo continues today as we make our way to the “Pearl of the Karoo”, Graaff-Reinet. Graaff-Reinet is the only town in South Africa completely surrounded by a national park. Graaff-Reinet invites us to wonder freely, taking in historical buildings, the occasional museum or enjoying a drink in a small restaurant along the streets. Here we can visit ancient rock carvings of the indigenous people of South Africa, the San Bushmen, on a guided tour (optional - not included in the tour price). Tonight we stay in a lovely, peaceful guest house, offering a true “out of the Karoo” feeling.  203 km / B

 

 

Day 6: The “Big five” in the Addo Elephant National Park

O ur destination for today is South Africa's second largest national park, the Addo Elephant National Park. The park at Port Elizabeth offers a rare opportunity to go on safari and watch big game in a malaria-free area. The park offers large populations of elephant, as well as the “Big 5” . For the following two nights we are housed in a beautiful chalet at the Addo Elephant National Park. 326 km

 

 

Day 7: Addo Elephant National Park

It is recommended that we get up early and do our first safari as early as before breakfast. At this time, many animals make their way to the water holes. For lunch, we can eat in the park's own restaurant. In the afternoon, we once again observe the gigantic biodiversity of African animals and plants during a game drive. Alternatively, the day can also be used to relax and unwind in the surroundings of the camp. B

 

Day 8: the last jungle of the garden route

The following morning our trip continues to the paradise-like Garden Route. The short trip will lead us to the Tsitsikamma National Park at the mouth of the Storms River. The Tsitsikamma National Park is the oldest national park in South Africa. The park has a maritime protection zone that extends up to more than 5 kilometres into the open ocean. It is said that the mystical atmosphere of the dense jungle inspired South African born writer J.R.R Tolkien to write his masterpiece “The Lord of the Rings”. Short, adventurous walks are offered in this area, where we will get to pass suspense bridges over rumbling waters passing into the Indian Ocean from the Storms River. Tonight, we spend the night in a hotel situated at the edge of the park. 206Km/B

 

Day 9: Portuguese Mariners and the "Bahia Famosa"

This morning, we can visit the Robberg Marine and Nature Reserve on a trip to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay. We have the option to take a highly-rewarding, four hour walk along a high cliff, amongst native fynbos vegetation, around the spectacular peninsula (the walk can be individually shortened). The bay, which the Portuguese sailors called “Bahia Famosa”, provides you with a stunning view whilst walking. Our destination for this day is the beautifully located coastal town of Knysna. Knysna is famous for its beautiful lagoon. Once  we have arrived in Knysna, we have the opportunity to have a true cultural experience by going on a township tour (not included in the trio price- with advance booking only). For the next two nights, we stay in a beautiful, centrally located lodge in Knysna. 104Km/ B

 

 

Day 10: Federbarons and million years old stalagmites 

It is time to say goodbye to the Indian Ocean as the tour leads us up the 800 meter high Outeniqua Pass. This pass takes us to the so-called Little Karoo, where we will find the ostrich capital of South Africa, Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn we have the opportunity to visit one of the popular ostrich farms. On this outing we will have first-hand contact with the ostriches and also learn about their value to this region. Afterwards, we will visit one of the seven wonders of South Africa, the world famous Cango Caves. Tonight we stay in a lovely country estate, situated at the foot of the Swartberg mountains. 117 km / B

 

Day 11: to the world famous cape wine lands via route 62

Today we drive along the famous Route 62, where we will find the land of succulents, the Little Karoo towns of Calitzdorp and Ladismith. Ladismith is known for its locally produced cheese. The scenic Huisrivier Pass takes us to the small, arty town of Barrydale, as we slowly approach the Cape wine region. We will reach the Du Toits Kloof Pass, which was initially an animal trail. On a clear day you can see Table Mountain clearly from the pass. The Du Toits Kloof Pass takes us to the city of Paarl. At the foot of Paarl Rock, we will find a beautiful wine producing farm, where we will be staying for the next two nights. 367Km / B

 

Day 12: From the African penguins to the Huguenots and the first vineyard farmers

We will start our day by driving along a beautiful coastal road along False Bay. In the morning we will visit a large penguin colony in Betty's Bay. The trip then goes over the imposing Franschhoek Pass in the old Huguenot immigrant town of Franschhoek. On today's tour we will also learn more about local cultivation and production methods on a guided wine cellar tour. We can also visit the famous university town of Stellenbosch before returning to our wine farm in the early evening. 324 km / B

 

Day 13: From Apartheid to the rainbow nation- welcome back to cape town!

The circular route closes and we make our way back to the "mother city" Cape Town. Here we will first visit the very popular Cape Town Waterfront, which impresses with a fantastic atmosphere, good shopping and great restaurants. A cultural enrichment can be offered on a trip to Robben Island (optional - not included in the tour price). The cell of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, is also visited there. We will then check back into our cozy and centrally located guest house in Cape Town, where we will spend the remaining three nights. 132 km / B

 

Day 14: one of the most beautiful cities in the world- South Africa's  Mother  City, Cape Town

On a city tour we will see, amongst other things, the Company’s Garden, an African flea market, the Parliament, City Hall, Cape Castle and the Slave Lodge. At lunchtime, we will drive a short distance to the Blouberg beach, where we will find the best view of Table Mountain. Get your camera ready, because some amazing photos can be taken here. We will the make our way to the colourful Malay Quarters in the “Bo Kaap” (the Cape Top), here you can take fun pictures in-between all the colourful buildings. The Malay Quarters will give us insight on the lives of former slaves and today’s “coloureds” in Cape Town. 60KM/ B

 

DAY 15: FROM THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE TO THE KIRSTENBSOCH BOTANICAL GARDEN

Today we explore the entire Cape Peninsula with all its fascinating highlights. A drive over probably the most spectacular mountain pass of the Western Cape, the Chapmans Peak Drive (possibly closed in bad weather conditions), takes us to the most south-westerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Along False Bay, in the early afternoon we pass the old South African naval base ,Simon’s Town, where we can visit the large colony of resident penguins. Shortly before Cape Town, we recommend a stop at the World Heritage, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which offers a green-haven of over 500 hectares of local vegetation. 116 km / B

 

Day 16: Until next time!

Why not end our trip on a high note (literally and figuratively) and take a trip to the 1,085 meter high Table Mountain, from where we can enjoy the spectacular view of Cape Town (extremely weather dependent, optional program point and tickets can be purchased at the cash-desk at an affordable price). As our trip comes to an end, we make our way to the Cape Town International Airport where your tour guide sees you off. Would you like to combine this trip with a visit to the "Big 5" in the Kruger National Park? We are happy to help you with the extension of your dream vacation. B

 

 

Day 17:Return home

 

Arrival at home country. 

 

 

Prices and Dates on request.
Travel: King Protea

 

* The offer is valid for a group of 6 - 9 participants.

* At the latest, 30 days before departure, the achievement of the minimum number of participants has to be confirmed (see Terms and Conditions).

* The travel price excludes general increases in transport costs and currency fluctuations.

* Prices are subject to the availability of selected accommodation.

* We reserve the right to change the travel program at short notice.

 

 

Included in tour price:

• Private, local, qualified, English speaking tour guide from O.R. Tambo International Airport  to Care Town International Airport
• 14 nights in selected, beautiful accommodation (mostly 4 star rated establishments)
• Meals as advertised, excluding drinks (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Excursion and round trip program with a modern, air conditioned customary minibus
• All entrances, activities and parking fees as mentioned (except optional program points)
• Drinking water supply during bus rides (EUR 5.00 per person), to support the  pre-school Kindergarten Penguin Kids in Betty’s Bay South Africa
• Luggage transport 

 

Excluded in tour price:

 

• International flights to and from Cape Town, South Africa
• Optional activities and additional services
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses