| D1: Johannesburg OR Tambo - Johannesburg (32 km) |
| Meet and Greet and Transfer • Day Tour: Johannesburg, Soweto HD(o) |
| | - | Meet and greet and transfer from OR Tambo International Airport. Our guide will meet you at the airport upon your arrival, assist you with any queries you may have before you embark on your holiday, and transfer you to your hotel. |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category M(7-13days) at Johannesburg OR Tambo - Drop Off Durban airport (Day 8) - 8 days  |
| | - | Collection from your hotel for a half-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto and Newtown. Your tour begins with a vibrant and intoxicating visit to the Newtown Cultural Precinct in downtown Johannesburg. This area was once a hotbed of protest theatre, poetry and music during the apartheid era and today is the heart and soul of Johannesburg’s cultural landscape. It is jam-packed with art galleries, museums, dance studios, live music venues, restaurants and nightclubs that know no colour barrier and embrace artistic expression from all walks of life. Your Jozi adventure then moves to Soweto for a thoughtful tour through the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, named after the young boy who was accidentally killed by police crossfire in the infamous 1976 student uprisings in the township. Opened in 2002, the museum retraces the events that culminated in the student riots and, according to some historians, to the beginning of the collapse of the apartheid era. Return transfer to your hotel included. (Optional rates: D1:Joburg & Soweto HD PM) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge and Transfers (Superior Room - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D2: Johannesburg - Graskop (401 km) |
| Dullstroom(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Graskop |
| | - | Hit the highlands in Dullstroom. This picturesque village in Mpumalanga is best known for its fly fishing dams, quaint shops and country restaurants. It forms part of the Highlands Meander where fly fishing rules and old timers exchange news in the local pub and are rumoured to still make their own moonshine. Brisk outdoor adventure waits as the area offers many adventure trails, rock climbing opportunities and hiking paths as well as being home to three varieties of crane species and a stunning array of blooming wild flowers. Dullstroom is also the site of South Africa’s only known breeding community of black leopards, although these unique cats are notoriously difficult to find. The brave can try some witbiltz, a South African version of moonshine. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Rustique Guest House (Large room bed and breakfast) |
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| D3: Graskop - Kruger |
| Blyde River Canyon and Potholes(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Make your way towards the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This seemingly endless river canyon is filled with some of the most beautifully scenic vistas in South Africa. The Bourke's Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. The canyon itself is 3rd largest in the world, covered in lush sub-tropical vegetation with an average depth of 750 metres and 25 kilometres in length. It consists mostly of red sandstone and has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Gecko Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Kruger (270 km) |
| 4x4 Game Drive Full Day (Scheduled)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Full day 4x4 game drive in the Kruger Park. Your scheduled departure will leave from your hotel at dawn as you set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a short drive to one of the park's gates and into the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, stretching across a vast 18 989 square kilometres in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. With over 12 000 elephants, 27 000 African buffalo and 1 000 leopards, the Big Five is well represented. White rhino sightings are frequent, while spotting a black rhino may require some patience and a bit of luck. Lions are plentiful with over 2 000 stalking the plains. Overall, the Kruger supports 147 free roaming mammal species. Of the 517 species of birds here, 253 are resident and the reserve supports six diverse eco-systems. Your morning safari concludes at one of the rest camps inside the reserve giving you the opportunity to stretch and refresh. The 4x4 vehicle will allow you to get very close to the surrounding vegetation while your experienced ranger follows fresh animal spoor. Your safari concludes in the late afternoon before returning to the hotel. (Optional rates: D3:Kruger 4x4 game drive Full Day) |
| | - | Overnight: Gecko Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Kruger - Swaziland (253 km) |
| Cultural Show at Matsamo(n) • Piggs Peak Discover(n) • Swazi Candles(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Visit to the Matsamo Cultural Park. Located at the Jeppes Reef border, not far from the Kruger National Park, this educational cultural village offers visitors an introduction to the Swazi people, their culture and traditions. It opened in 2000 to showcase the Swazi way of life and as a means for the Swazi people to celebrate their own culture, reminding younger generations of their rich heritage. The tour combines singing and dancing shows with an educational experience, highlighting the differences between Swazi and Western lifestyles and revealing why these differences have come about. Your visit will include rhythmic dancing performances, age-old folk songs and music with authentic African instruments. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Swaziland |
| | - | Traverse the mountains towards Piggs Peak. Tucked away in the north western corner of Swaziland, Piggs Peak is a region once made famous for its spectacular gold mining and now an important supplier of timber. The beautiful mountainous landscape has led to the area often being referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, filled with sparkling waterfalls, three of the highest peaks in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Bushmen paintings, nature reserves and picturesque indigenous bushland. The town itself is filled with colourful African art and craft shops while slightly further afield you will find the historic Bulembu village, Emlembe, the highest mountain in Swaziland and the Maguga Dam. (n) (n) |
| | - | Wax lyrical about the Swazi candlemakers at Malkerns. From its humble beginnings in an old cowshed the Swazi Candle Factory today exports beautiful candles throughout the world and holds the esteemed reputation of producing an amazing assortment of handcrafted wax wares. On any given weekday you will be able to view the approximately 200 craftspeople as they go about the process of moulding the pigmented wax into fascinating shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional shaped candles to African animal forms. Each candle is hand-finished, meaning that no two candles will ever look exactly the same. Swazi Candles is one of the most famous handicraft outlets in southern Africa and a favourite stop for visitors looking for gifts and souvenirs to take home. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Malandela's Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D6: Swaziland - Hluhluwe (259 km) |
| Lavumisa Discover(n) • Bush walk |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Hluhluwe |
| | - | Admire the contrasting landscape of Lavumisa while traversing Swaziland. This tiny, independent country is locked between the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Mozambique. The plains in the south-western part of Swaziland contrast sharply with the mountainous landscapes of the north and here you will discover lush sugarcane fields alternating with bush savannah dotted with Swazi kraals. Near the southern border post of Lavumisa, the Lubombo Mountains loom majestically in the near distance. This sweeping mountain range covers practically the entire eastern side of the country and forms the natural border between Swaziland and Mozambique. (n) (n) |
| | - | Enjoy a bush walk along the banks of the Msineni river (approximately 2h30min).The private wildlife concession is bordering the renowed Phinda Game reserve and close to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park.Our guided bush walk gives the opportunity to observe the abundant bird life of the area and you can also try to spot some of the plains game that roam free on the reserve , including the Nyala Antelope.Your guide will focus on your specific interest, be it birding or wildlife, as you explore the area’s diverse habitats of grassland, forest and river. |
| | - | Dinner: Zululand Lodge |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Zululand Lodge (Safari Tent dinner bed and breakfast + 1 Activity) |
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| D7: Hluhluwe - Durban North Coast |
| 4x4 Game Drive (Hluhluwe)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Three-hour 4x4 game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. This 96 000 hectare reserve is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and boasts a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Your safari will explore the northern side of the park, a scenic, hilly area with patches of dense bush. The reserve is well known for its black and white rhino conservation efforts and there are currently approximately 1 500 white rhino and 360 black rhino in Hluhluwe. The area is also well stocked with a variety of antelope species, including kudu, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck and nyala. This picturesque reserve has a number of excellent viewing hides that overlook the watering holes, allowing visitors the opportunity of close up wildlife viewing. (Optional rates: D6:Hluhluwe 4X4 game drive AM) |
| | - | Travel to Durban North Coast |
| | - | Overnight: Sea-Rendipity Guesthouse (Ex The Saffron House) (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Durban North Coast - Addo |
| Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight Durban - Port Elizabeth (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D7:Flight Durban-Port Elizabeth) |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Category M Early Booker(7-13 days ) at Port Elizabeth Airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 14) - 7 days |
| | - | Afternoon 4x4 game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park. The park provides exceptional opportunities for game viewing and bird watching and is home to the densest population of elephants in the world. It stretches from the semi-arid Karoo in the north, over the Zuurberg Mountains and through the Sundays River Valley, and includes Bird Island and St Croix Island. There is therefore a wide range of landscapes and flora and fauna on offer in this vast reserve. Besides being guaranteed of seeing elephants, a night drive will also afford you a good chance of spotting more nocturnal animals such as the scrub hare, porcupine, striped polecat and caracul. Antelopes such as eland, duiker and kudu will be on their way to their resting spots, while predators such as lions begin their nightly prowls. (Optional rates: D7:Addo 4x4 Afternoon game drive) |
| | - | Overnight: Addo Elephant Rest Camp - Rest Camp (Forest Cabin (HF4) - Accommodation only) |
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| D9: Addo - Knysna |
| Tsitsikamma Storms River(n) • Cruise and Oyster Tasting (Sparkling Wine) (o) |
| | - | Travel to Knysna |
| | - | Walk along the suspension bridge of the Tsitsikamma forest, where lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, home to the Garden Route National Park. The Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa, is a place where you can experience the outdoors, stunning marine life and an adventure filled vacation. The suspension bridge that hangs over the red-brown waters of the Storms River Mouth spans 77 metres and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Tsitsikamma region of the Eastern Cape. Situated within the Tsitsikamma National Park, it was originally built in 1969.It hangs just seven metres above the churning waters of the river as it enters the foamy Indian Ocean. The pathway leading to the suspension bridge covers 900 metres of the Tsitsikamma forest. There are plenty of steps to negotiate, but it remains a fairly easy route, particularly if covered slowly. A steep decline takes visitors to the bridge, and standing on this dramatic piece of engineering, visitors are able to take in the unspoilt beauty around them. The Mouth Trail is the most popular walk in the Tsitsikamma and starts at Sandy Bay and takes one along a winding board walk through indigenous forest to the mouth of the Storms River. (n) (n) |
| | - | Sunset lagoon cruise to the Knysna Heads on the John Benn, a fully enclosed luxury ferry. Step it up a notch as you gently cruise out onto the Knysna lagoon while sipping sparkling wine and savouring the delights of locally produced fresh, succulent oysters. The explosion of wonderful flavours in your mouth will only be matched by the riot of gorgeous colours on the skyline as the sun begins to set in hues of deep gold, pink and red. As the chill of the evening begins to encroach, enjoy the cosy, warm atmosphere inside the fully enclosed John Benn with its rich yellowwood decks and friendly hospitality. The ferry itself is steeped in history and named after a legendary pilot of a bygone era. A cruise on this unique vessel is not to be missed and will make for fond and lasting memories. (Optional rates: D8:John Benn cruise + 4 Oysters + Sparkling Wine) |
| | - | Overnight: Stannards Guest Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D10: Knysna - Oudtshoorn |
| Wilderness Discover(n) • Heritage Tour(n) • Ostrich Farm Demonstration(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Oudtshoorn |
| | - | Discover Wilderness. Lying at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in a region of incomparable beauty, Wilderness is an attractive holiday village with vast stretches of beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. The long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, a top tourist destination in South Africa and one of the world's greatest natural wonders, sculpted by nature over millions of years. The Cango Caves are located within the Swartberg Mountain range and form part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage site. These amazing caves are a must-see for locals and visitors alike, carved into the mountains, holding hidden treasures and astounding sights. They are the biggest show cave system in Africa and the oldest tourist attraction in the country. There are three main caves, connected by a series of chambers and tunnels and here you will find a collection of the oldest stalagmite formations on the planet, some dating back as far as 4 500 million years ago. Only the first cave is open to visitors; the other two are kept closed to preserve the pure, crystalline beauty of the dripstone formations. As you descend into the first chamber you will feel the warm humid air and be amazed at its enormity. Van Zyl's Hall is 98m long and filled with illuminated stalagmites, stalactites and helictites. From there travel deeper into this ancient and mystical wonderland for more astoundingly beautiful subterranean sights. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit to the Safari Ostrich Show Farm just outside Oudtshoorn. Situated in the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn provides the perfect vegetation and climatic conditions for breeding and rearing ostriches. During your tour on this working farm you will see large flocks of ostriches, from chicks to young adults, to mature breeding birds. Begin in the breeding camp to uncover the rustic ostrich nests and get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on them! If breeding season is in full swing, your tour will also include a fascinating investigation of the incubation process and hatchery. Newly born chicks are surprisingly soft and fluffy and kept in the incubators for a few days before being taken out into special 'nursery' camps. Your tour will also include a visit to Welgeluk, the ostrich palace that was built in 1910 at the height of the feather boom and is now a national monument. End this informative and fun excursion watching an ostrich derby where the local jockeys display their ostrich riding skills. (Optional rates: D9:Ostrich farm Tour) |
| | - | Overnight: De Denne Country Guest House (Luxury (Deluxe) room - Bed & Breakfast ) |
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| D11: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town |
| Post Office Tree(n) • Museum: Mossel Bay Diaz Complex(n) • Swellendam City Tour(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Trace the beginnings of the South African postal system at the Post Office Tree, located within the Diaz Museum Complex in Mossel Bay. History documents that early Portuguese explorers hung an old boot in this large milkwood tree in order to leave letters for others who came ashore. Thus a tradition was born, where sailors bound for the East left messages and packets for others making their way back to Portugal. The Post Office Tree is still operational to this day and letters can be posted in the boot-shaped post box at the foot of the tree. Why not give a loved one back home a treat and send them a letter from the oldest existing postal tree in southern Africa. The tree is over 500 years old and has been declared a heritage site. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit to the Bartolomeu Diaz Museum Complex in Mossel Bay. Bartolomeu Diaz was the first explorer to sail around the southern tip of Africa, landing in Mossel Bay in the 14th century. The grounds of the museum complex are on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the very site that European explorers first came into contact with indigenous African people. There are many attractions at the centre but one of the most popular is the post office tree, the first official post office in the country. Other attractions include the Maritime Museum with a huge, life-size replica of the ship in which Diaz first sailed to southern Africa. Here you can also follow the fascinating maritime history of the early Dutch, Portuguese and English navigators. The Shell Museum houses a collection of shells from around the world, a whale and dolphin exhibit and a touch tank and aquarium where you can learn about sea life along the South African coastline. The Granary at the entrance of the museum displays a live specimen table with examples of plants and flowers found in and around the Mossel Bay area. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Cape Town |
| | - | Familiarise yourself with the history and sights of Swellendam. This agricultural town lies midway between Cape Town and George. It is noted for its large number of provincial heritage sites and holds many fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The town is surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains, among the most beautiful in South Africa, and rests adjacent to the Breede River, the largest navigable river in the Western Cape. The colourful town is full of art, music and good food with a multitude of restaurants to choose from, dishing up everything from traditional South African fare to home baking. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D12: Cape Town |
| Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(n) • Tram Tour(o) • Stellenbosch Orientation(n) • Stellenbosch Village Museum(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Discover the wine producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine producing region. It is world-renowned for the excellent wines produced here and it is also regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, with its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants. Franschhoek was originally established by French Huguenot settlers in the late 1600s and your tour will include a visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, displaying a large number of artefacts that illustrate the early life of the Huguenots, and the beautiful French-inspired Huguenot Monument, dedicated to the cultural influences that the Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony. Enjoy strolling through tree-lined streets and exploring art galleries, organic markets, boutiques and award-winning restaurants. (n) (n) |
| | - | Depart from Franschhoek station and climb aboard a tram for a tour of the Franschhoek wine region. The Franschhoek Valley is home to some of the oldest and most distinguished wine estates in South Africa and is also an area of immense scenic beauty and splendour. The tram tour is one of the best ways to sit back and enjoy the true essence of Franschhoek as you stop at various wine estates to savour wine tasting at your leisure. Depart the tram when the fancy takes you to have lunch, stroll through the vineyards or sample some wines and then simply pick the tram or bus up again when you are done. The open-sided tram takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of village and wine cultivation. (Optional rates: D11:Franschhoek Wine Tram) |
| | - | Wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture and historic buildings. The town is the perfect place to explore on foot with its many side-walk cafes and buzzy student vibe, owing to the large and prestigious university that is an icon of Stellenbosch culture. Many leading wine estates are found here including Spier, Tokara and Delheim, as well as some of the country’s best restaurants where dining can be an informal al fresco affair or something more elegant and black tie. Art lovers can explore the copious galleries while outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of nature activities available to them at Jonkershoek. (n) (n) |
| | - | Relive history at the Stellenbosch Village Museum. The historic village of Stellenbosch was developed around a Cape Dutch style town and the Stellenbosch Village Museum is composed of four different period houses, each representing the way people lived at that time and a different era in the architectural development of Stellenbosch. The Schreuder House was built in 1707 and depicts a modest pioneer cottage while the Bletterman House is a Cape Dutch H-shaped dwelling and an example of a gabled house from the 18th century. The Grosvernor House is a grand old mansion, whose furniture is indicative of the increasing influence of British taste on local design when neo-classicism was at the height of fashion. End your journey through time at the O.M. Bergh House, reflecting a typical middle-class Stellenbosch home during the mid-1800s. Guests may also stroll through the V.O.C. Kruithuis, the only remaining powder magazine in South Africa. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D13: Cape Town |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip(n) • Cape of Good Hope National Park(n) • Boulders Beach(n) • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island. The island is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals (actually sea lions originating from the Antarctic) as well as a variety of seabirds including gannets, cormorants and sea gulls. It is illegal to land on the island, but the trip takes you within arm's reach of the seals who seem to know they're the centre of attention and put up a fantastic performance, diving and twisting with amazing speed and agility (weather permitting). (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognised globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora. The legendary Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope were key beacons for the early explorers and are the source of many myths and legends. In 1488, Bartholomew Dias named the peninsula the Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal later gave it its actual name. The Cape of Good Hope is a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs. (n) (n) |
| | - | Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach. Named for the large, smooth, round boulders that form this coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans. While the beach itself is a popular bathing spot, it is equally shared with these black and white marine birds that are frequently seen sunning themselves on the rocks or taking a dive into the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent fynbos area holds their delicate nesting grounds, and raised, fenced walkways allow visitors to enter the area without disturbing the birds. Look for nests hidden in the sand and among the scrubland as breeding pairs carefully nurture and protect their eggs. African penguins are classified as endangered species and Boulders Beach is the only location in the world where humans can get close to these birds in their natural habitat. (n) (n) |
| | - | Discover Cape flora of every variety at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Delve into the immense wealth of biodiversity as you explore the Fragrance, Medicinal and Water Wise Gardens. Highlights at Kirstenbosch include the Peninsula Garden, containing many of the 2 500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula, and the Protea Garden with numerous displays of the king protea, South Africa's national flower. The gardens were established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa and today there are over 7 000 species in cultivation. Kirstenbosch is a World Heritage Site, covering 36 hectares set within a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Gold Restaurant
Prepare for a mind-blowing gastronomic experience at GOLD Restaurant. This Pan-African experience melds African culinary traditions with modern flavours, serving up a sophisticated African feast that changes seasonally. Just as African food is traditionally shared between family and friends, guests are given a 14-dish tasting menu served in individual and shared portions, as the country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing are explained. While you are dining, archetypal African stories are told through the form of live entertainment with the superb GOLD team, dressed in authentic traditional garments, bringing ambience, warmth and knowledgeable service to your table. The 14 dishes incorporate starters, street food, main courses and two desserts, taking you on an exotic flavour tour across the African continent. (Optional rates: D12:Gold Restaurant Dinner) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D14: Cape Town |
| Cape Town City Tour(n) • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (Afternoon)(o) • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront(n) |
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| | - | Tour of Cape Town. Also known as the Mother City, Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes. Alongside high-rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles has been meticulously preserved, including Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance. During the tour you will see the Castle of Good Hope – this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa, and the Company's Garden – a large public park, originally Jan van Riebeeck's vegetable garden, which he grew to feed the original colony as early as 1652. The tour of this beautiful city introduces you to a rich culture and history. (n) (n) |
| | - | Marvel at the views of Cape Town from the aerial cableway and plateau on Table Mountain. The Mother City is synonymous with the striking mountain that is flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city. Table Mountain holds an unusually rich biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area. Rock hyrax, or dassie as they are locally known, are often seen scampering through the scrub and the views from the summit over Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic seaboard are breathtaking. The cable cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes and rotate 360 degrees as they travel up to 302 metres above sea level, giving passengers panoramic views over the city. Five minutes is all it takes to reach the summit and once there you can marvel at the views, have a bite to eat in the restaurant or do a bit of shopping at the extensive curio shop. The cableway only operates when weather permits. (Optional rates: D10:Table Mountain Aerial Cableway) |
| | - | Explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, situated at South Africa’s oldest working harbour in the centre of Cape Town. Offering over 450 retail outlets selling everything from high-end fashion and jewellery to food and crafts, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular destinations, attracting in excess of 23 million visitors a year. Besides offering vibrant and chic indoor and outdoor shopping and restaurants, you can also watch fishing boats dock with fresh fish or see a container ship being towed into the harbour by a tug boat. Draw-bridges over the water open and close every so often to allow smaller sailing vessels access to the docks, while the Cape Wheel gives unsurpassed 360 degree views of the city, and the outdoor amphitheatre plays host to music, dance and theatrical performances throughout the year. (n) (n) |
