Essential South Africa

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Essential South Africa

12 Days from £516 (excludes flights)

Cape Town (3 nights), Stellenbosch (1 night), Oudtshoorn (1 night), Knysna (3 nights), Port Elizabeth (1 night), Kruger (2 nights)

Highlights include:
• Stay three nights in fabulous Cape Town
• Overnight in the Cape Winelands
• Three nights in Knysna, the pearl of the Garden Route
• Overnight in Oudtshoorn, enjoy the Ostrich Farms and Cango Caves
• See picturesque Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma Forest
• Go in search of the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – in the Kruger National Park or one of the Private Game Reserves

Departures: Daily

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for a three-night stay. Cape Town, set between the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the craggy heights of Table Mountain, is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Accommodation: Standard: Table Mountain Lodge (Classic Room), Superior: Holiday Inn Waterfront, Deluxe: Mount Nelson (Superior Room)

Day 2: Table Mountain and City Tour
After breakfast, a morning tour gives you an insight into the spirit of Cape Town and traces the history of the port from 1652 when the first Dutch Governor set foot on a beach nearby. The tour spends time on Table Mountain’s summit (reached via cable car, payable locally) and then follows the beautiful coastal drive passing Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point. City sightseeing continues passing the Houses of Parliament before arriving at the Malay Quarter for a wonderful and interesting tour. This area housed the many slaves brought into South Africa, mainly from Java, in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their attractive, brightly coloured, flat-roofed houses, decorative mosques and the sound of the muezzin calling over the city streets have remained relatively undisturbed for all this time. After this fascinating tour you will be taken to the seaside suburb of Milnerton where the impressive views of Table Bay and Table Mountain await. The tour ends with a visit to the Cape Town diamond works which has a fully operational diamond cutting workshop and a very informative tour. (B)

Day 3: Cape Town
Today is at leisure to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer. Explore the nearby beaches, the historic castle, Green Market Square, the Two Oceans Aquarium or the journey to Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. If you wish to venture beyond the city, you’ll discover tranquil vineyards, small fishing villages, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Cape of Good Hope. When the sun sets, enjoy the excellent restaurants and local wines while the city continues to seduce you. (B)

Day 4: The Winelands:
Collect your hire car today and head for the Winelands and the picturesque town of Stellenbosch. Founded in 1679, it is the second oldest town in South Africa and one of the most beautiful. (B)
Accommodation: Standard : River Manor Country House & Spa, Superior: Le Franschhoek, Deluxe: Lanzerac Manor (Classic Room)

Day 5: Winelands – Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, head eastwards, via Barrydale and Ladismith, to Oudtshoorn – once the ‘feather capital of the world’. In the early 19th century, ladies clamoured for these ostrich feathers which were the height of fashion. Enjoy a guided tour of an ostrich farm in the area and the exciting Ostrich Derby where jockeys race their ostriches. If time permits, visit the unique Cango Caves. (B)
Accommodation: Standard: De Opstal, Superior: Altes Landhaus Country Lodge (Standard Room), Deluxe: Altes Landhaus Country Lodge (Suite)

Day 6: Oudtshoorn – Knysna
Travel over the Outeniqua Pass and eastwards along the coast. Stop for a picnic on one of the vast and beautiful beaches of Wilderness before heading to Knysna, the pearl of the Garden Route, for a three-night stay. The town overlooks a natural harbour lagoon guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as The Heads. With its walking trails, quaint craft shops and restaurants it has much to offer. The Standard Tour will stay for the next three nights at the Knysna Log-Inn, an award-winning hotel just 250m from the waterfront and within walking distance of the shopping centre. The Superior Tour will stay at the Protea Knysna Quays, conveniently located on the banks of the lagoon and forming part of the town's new waterfront development. The Deluxe Tour will stay at the fabulous Belvidere Manor, overlooking the Knysna Lagoon. (B)
Accommodation: Standard: Knysna Log-Inn, Superior: Protea Knysna Quays (Lagoon Facing), Deluxe: Belvidere Manor (Garden Superior)

Days 7 & 8: Knysna
Two full days to explore Knysna. Enjoy splendid views of lakes, forests, beaches and cliffs on the famous steam train the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, which winds its way from Knysna to George. Take a ferry trip across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head and then enjoy a leisurely walk back through the milkwood trees. Not far from Knysna, a side excursion to idyllic Plettenberg Bay reveals white sandy beaches backed by majestic mountains, secluded bays, and a number of excellent restaurants – making it a holiday haven that ranks with the finest in the world. Take time to just relax or explore some of the most beautiful parts of the Garden Route. In the evenings, enjoy the array of restaurants and pubs, many serving excellent local oysters. (B)

Day 9: Knysna – Port Elizabeth
Today, head for Port Elizabeth. En route, explore the Tsitsikamma Forest and Paul Sauer Bridge, a magnificent span 130 metres above the spectacular Storms River Gorge. (B)
Accommodation: Standard: Garden Court Kings Beach, Superior & Deluxe: Hacklewood Hill Country House

Day 10: Port Elizabeth – Kruger National Park
This morning, return the hire car and board a plane for Johannesburg International Airport and a connecting flight to Kruger National Park. The Kruger, with its teeming wildlife, crackling camp-side fires and sundowners, is, for many, the highlight of a trip to South Africa. The Standard Tour includes car hire for three days to be collected on arrival at the new Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the Superior Tour includes return transfers from Hoedspruit Airport to Thornybush Game Reserve and the Deluxe Tour includes return transfers from Kruger Airport to the luxury Londolozi Game Reserve.

Standard – Kruger Restcamp (Skukuza):
Your first game sightings can occur during the short drive from Kruger Airport to the Skukuza Restcamp. You are on your own to explore the Kruger from the comfort of your car, between sunrise when the gates of the restcamp open to sunset when they close. A small shop where basic food can be purchased is available in the camp. As well as a self-service cafeteria and a restaurant. Please see page 50 for more details of the restcamps. If it’s your first safari, we do not recommend this independent touring option. Please ask your travel agent to contact us for further suggestions. (b)

Superior – Thornybush Private Game Reserve (Chapungu Lodge):
If you have always dreamed of experiencing majestic wildlife and staying in a lodge in the African bush, then Chapungu will charm you. (BLD)

Deluxe – Lion Sands Private Game Reserve (River Lodge):
Set in the world-renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Lion Sands has been rated as offering one of the best game experiences in Africa and has an unrivalled position on the Sabie River. Expert guides with true safari philosophy and offering exemplary serive will ensure the experience of a life time. (BLD)

Day 11: Kruger National Park
An early morning opportunity to experience a ‘close encounter’ with the wild. Return to the camp or lodge for a hearty breakfast and then relax during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon, enjoy a further game drive, then return to the camp or lodge to savour their culinary delights. (BLD) at Thornybush & Lion Sands.

Day 12: Depart Kruger National Park
One last early morning game drive before you return to Kruger/Hoedspruit Airport for your onward or homebound flight. (B) at Thornybush & Lion Sands.

Prices Include:
• Quality accommodationYour accommodation has been selected for quality and value.
• Meals as specifiedB = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = DinnerOn the standard option, days 10, 11 & 12 at Skukuza Restcamp do not include any meals.
• Car HireCar hire for 7 days including 100% Standard Cover CDW & TLW, unlimited mileage and VAT. On the standard option, car hire is also included for 3 days on arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
• Your Africa self-drive Kit.
• Sightseeing / Touring Half-day Table Mountain and City Tour in Cape Town. All gameviewing activities in the private game reserves. Tours mentioned in days 4-9 of the itinerary are suggestions and are not included in the tour price.
• TransfersPrivate transfer on arrival in Cape Town. Scheduled road transfers to and from Kruger/Hoedspruit Airport on the superior and deluxe options.
• All inclusions as per the land only option.
• Air Fares with South African AirwaysInternational economy-class flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town and returning from Johannesburg to London. Domestic flights from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and on to either Hoedspruit or Kruger for the Kruger National Park or Private Game Reserves.
• UK and Overseas Airport TaxUK departure tax of £30.40 plus overseas airport taxes (which must be pre-paid) of £72.70.

Prices Exclude:
• Car hire excludes fuel, contract fee, additional driver and one-way fee of R540, all payable locally.
• The Standard Option excludes a daily National Parks fee of R120 per person.
• Drinks, gratuities & items of a personal nature.
• Meals and sightseeing other than those specified.
• Overseas airport taxes that are payable locally.
• Visa fees and insurance.

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