| D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town (28 km) |
| Meet and Greet • Cape Town City Tour(n) • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (o) |
| | - | Meet and greet at Cape Town International Airport. This personalised service sees your guide meet you off your flight. While you enjoy a complimentary beverage, our guide will explain your itinerary in detail, give you general advice and information that will help you along your trip. Before handing over your travel documents and escorting you to your onward transportation, our guide will assist you with any queries you may have before you embark on your holiday.
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| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category M(1-6days) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 4) - 4 days  |
| | - | 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: D1: Table Mountain Cable Car) |
| | - | Overnight: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Cape Town (149 km) |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip(n) • Cape of Good Hope National Park(n) • Scratch Patch(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 a handful of gemstones at the Scratch Patch. Located in Simon’s Town, this is a fun-filled family activity where young and old can scrabble around for semi-precious gemstones that literally cover the floor. Pick out your favourites as you fill your container with Rose Quartz, Tiger’s Eye, crystals and other polished gems. Here you can also opt to browse around Mineral World, a souvenir shop that sells a wide range of items, all made from gemstones. From bracelets and pendants to gemstone trees and other home décor items, this is a great place to pick up a keepsake or gift for a loved one back home. Most of the items in the shop are made on the premises at the Topstones Factory, one of the largest gemstone factories in the world, where you can watch how the gemstones are tumble polished and crafted into an assortment of sparkling products. (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) |
| | - | Overnight: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Cape Town (112 km) |
| Marine Eco Tour (2 hours)(o) • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront(n) • Stellenbosch Orientation(n) • Museum: Toy and Miniature Museum(n) • Chocolate + wine tasting(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Climb aboard a hydrofoil and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 2-hour eco tour from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season.Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. Be enchanted by Cape fur seals lounging on the jetties and get close to unusual species, such as sunfish. Watch African penguins diving for fish to take back to their breeding colony on Robben Island. Encounter birdlife, such as terns, gannets, cormorants and mighty black-browed albatross. (Optional rates: D3: Speed boat in Table Bay) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Discover a world of enchantment at the Toy and Miniature Museum in Stellenbosch. This delightful visit will enthral young and old alike as you explore miniature models of old Stellenbosch, antique toys, dolls and teddy bears, boxcars and vintage Chinese tea sets. Two remarkable presentations that can’t be missed are the miniature replica of the Blue Train, showcasing the train on its route from the Winelands all the way to the Karoo, and a miniature model of the original manor house of the Uitkyk Wine Estate, where fine attention to detail includes tiny little copper pots and peach pit floors. The replicas are all on a scale of 1:12 and the museum houses just about every miniature item imaginable. The dark room exposes a motorbike workshop, Oriental Carpet Shop, and Stellenbosch backyard from 1690 where the lighting is programmed to change from daytime light to night-time every two minutes. (n) (n) |
| | - | Evoke unique flavour sensations with a chocolate and wine tasting at Waterford Wine Estate, nestled within the scenic Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch. This relatively young wine farm has already been noted for its exciting wines and the 120 hectare property is dotted with fragrant citrus groves and lavender fields as well as its flagship vineyards. Your wine and chocolate tasting is guaranteed to be a heavenly affair as selected Waterford wines are paired up with generous slivers of specially made Von Geusau dark and milk fine chocolate. Von Geusau is a chocolatier from the Overberg region whose chocolate ingredients are imported from Belgium and are notable for their high cocoa content and smooth, fine texture. Your wine tasting will include three Waterford Estate wines and three samples of Von Geusau fine chocolate. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Cape Town - South Coast (89 km) |
| Suggestions Durban(n) • Intro to Blue Marlin Hotel |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight CapeTown - Durban (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D4: Flight Capetown - Durban) |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category M(7-13days) at Durban airport - Drop Off Johannesburg OR Tambo (Day 13) - 10 days |
| | - | Depending on the time available, we recommend a leisurely exploration of the Golden Mile, Durban’s famous seafront where stylish art deco architecture and many holiday apartments look out over a sweeping sandy coastline and the beach esplanade. Other suggestions including the uShaka Marine World, one of the largest aquariums in Africa where visitors can enjoy dolphin, seal and penguin shows, shark feeding, theme park rides and more; the Botanic Gardens with indigenous and exotic collections that include orchards, palms and cycads; the Indian Market for spices, souvenirs and an eclectic vibe; and Umhlanga on Durban’s north coast where high-end holiday homes and apartments line glittering swimming beaches. (The Indian Market is closed in Sundays, and due to the crowds, we advise you to not take any valuables along.) (n) |
| | - | With a 60 year history, vacationers have been making treasured memories at the Blue Marlin for decades. It doesn’t get much better than having the ocean on your doorstep. Watch the spectacular waves sit perfectly atop the charming seaside town of Scottburgh, just 45 minutes from Durban, along the scenic South Coast of Kwazulu Natal. This family-friendly vacation resort has a center that offers all levels of scuba diving lessons from beginner to professional. You can also experience the thrill of diving with sharks during your stay here. The TC Robertson Nature Reserve which is just 10 minutes’ walk away, is an excellent choice for picnic. Where you will likely see a wide variety of birds. The Mpambinyoni river crosses the reserve which includes various ecosystems, During your stay, why not head out to Croc World ? Part of the Mpambinyoni Conservation Development. Plenty of braai spots are also available, making it ideal for family outings. Family whale watching (in season) between June and October or even November through December, apart from scholls of dolphins and porpoises, humpback whales are commonly seen en route to Mozambique. With its temperate south coast climate, Scottburgh offers the perfect beach getaway (even in winter . Enjoy an endless summer on the south coast ! |
| | - | Overnight: Blue Marlin Hotel (Superior Family Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: South Coast |
| Day at leisure |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Day at leisure. |
| | - | Overnight: Blue Marlin Hotel (Superior Room - Bed and Breakfast
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| D6: South Coast - Drakensberg (326 km) |
| Drakensberg(n) • Introduction |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Drakensberg |
| | - | Discover the renowned Drakensberg. This mountainous chain commences in the far north of the country and snakes along its eastern side, finally ending in the Northern Cape. At its highest point in South Africa, the Drakensberg measures 3282m. In the Kwazulu-Natal sector of the chain, you will be mesmerised by the emerald green beauty of the surroundings as well as the varied rock formations. Acting as a natural barrier between the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the kingdom of Lesotho, the magnificent and ancient Drakensberg Mountain Range is the highest in South Africa, displaying snow-capped peaks in winter and offering many outdoor activities throughout the whole year. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site and the mountains are filled with dramatic valleys, plunging waterfalls, bubbling rivers and hiking trails. The Drakensberg is also famous for its caves and collections of San rock art paintings, the richest in Africa. The mountains shelter a large number of threatened and endemic plants such as the protea, cycad and giant yellowwood, as well as over 300 recorded bird species (n) (n) |
| | - | Arrival at The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa, situated in a secluded valley in the Northern Drakensberg beneath the towering slopes of Hlolela and Sugarloaf Peaks, which is a private mountain wilderness and wildlife reserve to explore. You will find a natural paradise of indigenous forests, fields, hills, and mountains making this the ideal setting for an enjoyable mountain holiday. The cavern is a Site of Conservation Significance, an honour given to only those few sites in South Africa that qualify by virtue of outstanding natural features |
| | - | Dinner: The Cavern |
| | - | Lunch: The Cavern |
| | - | Overnight at the Resort: The Cavern (Standard Fam -Lunch Dinner Bed Breakfast + 1 Hike) |
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| D7: Drakensberg |
| Drakensberg Hike |
| | - | Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains. The trail takes approximately 2 hours and can be done in the morning or afternoon starting from the hotel. On each Guided walks, tea, coffee, juice, and Cavern Crunchies are provided at a Scenic Spot, with view of Bushman Paintings or a visit to the Silent Woman Rock Carving. Longer full day hikes are organised with walking excursions to the Tugela Gorge and to the top of the Amphitheatre. |
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| | - | Lunch: The Cavern |
| | - | Dinner: The Cavern |
| | - | Overnight at the Resort: The Cavern (Standard Fam -Lunch Dinner Bed Breakfast + 1 Hike) |
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| D8: Drakensberg - Vryheid (279 km) |
| Drakensberg Hike • Suggestions Battlefields(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Vryheid |
| | - | Discover the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal where British, Boer and Zulu troops once clashed in bloody wars. We recommend a visit to the Battlefields, and the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift area in particular, where fascinating stories bring South Africa’s historic Anglo-Zulu battles to life. It was on the eastern slopes of Isandlwana that Zulu warriors inflicted one of the worst defeats on British troops, while the nearby fort and military hospital of Rorke’s Drift was the scene of high drama later that same day where 141 British soldiers successfully fought off over 4 000 Zulus. Other recommended nearby attractions include the Ladysmith Siege Museum, considered one of the best Anglo-Boer War museums in the country; as well as the Blood River Heritage Site, a unique South African battlefield featuring a museum, bronze wagon laager and granite wagon monument, and a Zulu cultural exhibit. (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort |
| | - | Overnight: Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort (Standard Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D9: Vryheid - Kruger Park (383 km) |
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| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kruger Park |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Nkambeni Safari Camp (Tent - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D10: Kruger Park |
| Kruger Park(n) • 4x4 Game Drive Full Day (Private)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | We recommend that you spend as much time as you can in the Kruger National Park from sunrise to sunset as vehicles are not allowed to drive during the night. You can have breakfast and lunch inside the park at the rest camps, or alternatively, you can request a packed breakfast or packed lunch from your hotel. Game drives in an open vehicle can be booked locally. The park covers an area close to 19 000 square kilometres (350 km x 60 km)... a small country on its own! Needless to say, you can spend days and days in the park that offers one of the widest diversity of wildlife in the world. (n) |
| | - | Private tour: full day 4x4 game drive in the Kruger National Park. Set out early in the morning on board a privately guided open 4x4 safari vehicle to explore the wonders of 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, refresh and have lunch (at own expense). After refuelling, set off for a second round of action-packed wildlife discoveries. 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 your hotel. (Optional rates: D10: Full Day 4x4 Safari in Kruger Park) |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Nkambeni Safari Camp (Tent - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D11: Kruger Park - Kruger (400 km) |
| Blyde River Canyon and Potholes(n) • Sight Seeing |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Vous aurez l'occasion de regarder une video sur l'histoire de Jessica l'hippopotame, Vous descendrez sur le radeau pour la nourrir et aussi lui frotter le dos avec vos pieds et vous vous essayerez avec elle pendant un moment. |
| | - | Say hello to Jessica, a friendly hippo that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Hippos are one of the most fearsome and dangerous creatures in Africa and responsible for claiming more human lives annually than lions. These tragedies usually take place due to human encroachment on a hippo’s direct environment, leading the huge animals to attack for fear of their own lives. Jessica, however, sports a much milder nature and encourages interaction with the humans she meets. Displaying mind-boggling characteristics, the jury is still out on whether Jessica considers herself a human or not, as she looks for pats on her head and enjoys dishing out big, wet kisses. Although domesticated, Jessica is free to leave at will, and sometimes wanders off into the wilderness to interact with her own kind. Come nightfall she arrives back at ‘home’ to sleep on her own comfortable mattress. |
| | - | Overnight: Jessica The Hippo (Standard Room - Bed Only (Room 3)) |
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| D12: Kruger - Johannesburg |
| Dullstroom(n) |
| | - | Travel to Johannesburg |
| | - | 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: Sitatunga Guest Lodge and Transfers (Luxury Room - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D13: Johannesburg - Magaliesberg |
| Privately Guided Johannesburg Soweto Half Day(o) • Sterkfontein Caves(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Private tour: collection from your hotel for a half-day privately guided 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: D13: Johannesburg and Soweto Half Day Tour) |
| | - | Put the origins of humans into perspective at the Sterkfontein Caves. These caves are situated in the Cradle of Humankind just outside of Johannesburg and offer an intriguing window into our collective past, as it is here that some of the most important ever hominoid fossils were found. The network of subterranean limestone caves and old mines at Sterkfontein today hold one of the most renowned paleontological sites in the world, made famous by a breakthrough in 1947 when an almost perfect adult skull of an Australopithecus africanus – a discovery nicknamed 'Mrs Ples’ - was found. The skull dates back to over 2-million years and shows that the creature it belonged to walked upright, thus providing valuable evidence for the origins of human evolution in Africa. Later significant discoveries at Sterkfontein include ‘Little Foot”, an almost-complete early hominid skeleton and one of the most momentous palaeo-anthropological finds in Africa. (Optional rates: D13: Visit Sterkfontein Caves) |
