Tour Overview
The best of South Africa is yours to explore on this spectacular 9-day tour. Cape Town, considered the most beautiful city in the world, enchants visitors with its charming harbor and awe-inspiring Table Mountain. This flat-topped peak that presides over the city can done by foot or by the far less taxing cableway, which offers revolving views on your ride to the top. A trip to the Cape Peninsula offers splendid swimming and wildlife viewing, and a tour of the lush Cape Winelands allow you to sample some of the world's finest wines, rivaling French and Italian vintages. A trip to South Africa isn't complete without an exciting mobile camping safari in Kruger National Park , home to a wide array of animals and bird life.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Cape Town, South AfricaArrive Cape Town International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by a representative who will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation. In Cape Town, the first thing you will notice is the beautiful Table Mountain, a flat-topped stone behemoth that rises above the town, dwarfing even the tallest skyscrapers in the business district. Among its many attractions are the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (a shopping and entertainment complex), glorious sun-soaked, sandy beaches and a variety of trendy restaurants and nightclubs. Even more important are the city's history and culture, encapsulated these days in distinctive neighborhoods like the Bo-Kaap or on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. You are transferred to your hotel for check-in and evening at leisure.
Cape Town Hollow is situated in the historical center of Cape Town, overlooking the Company Gardens and offers Panoramic views of Table Mountain.
Cape Town Hollow Day 02: Cape Town
After breakfast this morning you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Table Mountain where you will enjoy a half-day hike up Table Mountain. This famous landmark is one of Cape Town’s wonders and the view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Thousands of visitors ascend this world-famous landmark by conventional means - the cable car! But the real experience of the Cape must be earned, by reaching this destination on foot. You will be guided on a memorable walk along the mountain, allowing you to reach the summit by a series of easy stages. Start at Constantia Nek, proceed through a series of valleys and hills, before reaching the summit, and thereafter descend along the same path. No special equipment is needed on this walk. A good pair of running shoes, hat and a warm jacket is recommended. Upon returning to Constantia Nek you will be met and transferred to the V&A Waterfront for your Robben Island Tour (tour departs from the Clock Tower.) The infamous Robben Island, whose prison was once home to former South African president Nelson Mandela as well as many other black political dissidents, is now a World Heritage Site and provides stunning views across the bay with Table Mountain as its backdrop. Your tour to the island includes the ferry trip there and back, an island tour and a tour of the prison with a former political prisoner as your guide. The trip is three and ˝ hours including the 1/2-hour ferry trip each way. On your return to the V&A Waterfront you will be met and transferred back to your hotel for evening at leisure.
Breakfast
Cape Town Hollow Day 03: Cape Town
Today you may choose one of the following excursions: Half day scheduled City Tour of Cape Town. Highlights include Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Freedom Square (where Mandela appeared after being released from prison), SA Museum, Company Gardens, St Georges Cathedral, Greenmarket Square and Signal Hill. Cape Point Tour. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the Fairest Cape. Quad Biking. The trails twist and wind through sand and bush, offering climbs, descents, technical sections and flat out straights. Reaching speeds of up to 80 km per hour, find out what your machine's got, or take it easy and enjoy the awesome scenery. For the hardened adrenaline junkies there is a river crossing on offer. 1-hour Sea kayaking. Explore the coast and experiencing marine life from a small, yet safe and stable craft. Seeing the whiskers on a seal, hearing a dolphin blow, feeling your skin tingle when a whale surfaces close by is what sea kayaking is all about. The most popular trip from Mouille Point offers relaxing paddling with spectacular views of Signal Hill, Lions Head and Table Mountain. There is always the chance that seals, penguins, dolphins and even the odd whale will visit you on route. Sand-boarding. Enjoy an adrenaline filled day doing the newest and most exciting adventure activity in the Cape. Downhill Adventures are the pioneers of Sand-boarding in Africa. Using specially designed boards, expert guides will have you flying down the dunes in no time. A short drive leads to the Lost City of Atlantis or Silver Sands in Betty’s Bay where the most spectacular dune environments exist in Cape Town. Whether you are a beginner or have snowboarded before, safety, fun and excitement is guaranteed. Balance of day at leisure in Cape Town
Breakfast
Cape Town Hollow Day 04: Cape Town - Stellenbosch
After breakfast, you are collected from the hotel for transfer to the Cape Winelands. River Manor Country House is situated across from the banks of the Eerste river in the historic Oak lined “avenue” and a mere 2 minute stroll to the village center with its numerous museums, galleries and restaurants. This Historic Manor is set within secluded gardens and has two swimming pools and an exclusive Health and Beauty Spa, providing for complete relaxation and comfort. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Paarl Franschhoek and Stellenbosch winelands by private vehicle including wine-tasting.
Breakfast
River Manor Country House Day 05: Stellenbosch
Today you have the opportunity to relax and explore your surrounds. Other than wine tasting, the Winelands have a number of activities (extra cost) to offer including: Fly-fishing, which happens at the well-stocked Idas Valley trout dams. Flying -hot air ballooning is an option for experiencing the magnificent panorama of the region with its rolling vineyards, mountains and river. Cycling is a great way to get around the town and countryside. Mountain bikes are allowed in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve with its scenic trails. Horse riding and equitrails are also available from a number of local operators. Hiking Trails - there are many excellent hiking trails in the vicinity too.
Breakfast
River Manor Country House Day 06: Stellenbosch - Kruger National Park (Tuesdays only)
After breakfast this morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport for flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for flight to Kruger Mpumlanaga Airport (flights not included.) Depart Hazyview at 12h00 in an open safari vehicle to Skukuza for lunch (own account) and an introduction to the Park. Use this opportunity to shop, as there are no shops at any of the campsites we use. This area of the Park offers excellent game viewing - we can expect to see general game, possibly lion and elephant and maybe even an elusive leopard. Guides prefer to use seldom driven roads on their way to the overnight camp. On arrival guests are shown to their tent before meeting for sundowners and dinner. We hope to be in for a noise filled, exciting evening! The Kruger National Park has identified several `wilderness' campsites for the exclusive use of the tented safaris within the central and southern section of the Park. Each site, situated in an area of unspoiled natural beauty is rich in bird and animal life. The sites have no names and are often our wonderful African bird life is prolific. Morning safaris are complemented by delicious `bush breakfasts' served up by our camp staff and a siesta is always a possibility during the heat of the African day! No safari to the Kruger would be complete with-out visits to sites of historical and cultural importance. Sites such as the Wolhuter Memorial, Orpen Dam and the old transport riders roads all add interest to the days safaris and bring to life the early pioneering days of the area. You can expect two fascinating days of drives, game and bird watching.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Mobile Camp Day 07: Kruger National Park
Early morning wake up accompanied by tea, coffee & biscuits, is followed by our first game drive of the day with brunch at a picnic site. Continue the drive until lunchtime when we either stop at one of the rest camps or return to camp for a siesta. As the afternoon cools down we make our way back into the bush for a short afternoon game drive. Dinner is served around the campfire and opportunities exist to view game by spotlight from the campsite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Mobile Camp Day 08: Kruger National Park
Traditionally, early mornings are the best safari times, so again its an early rise accompanied by tea and coffee, before setting out to explore once more one of Africa's greatest game reserves. From our privileged private wilderness sites, in the company of expert guides we have the freedom to access areas of the park rarely visited. Chances of seeing one or all of the famed Big Five are excellent, and of course the smaller plains game species and our wonderful African bird life is prolific. Morning safaris are complemented by delicious `bush breakfasts' served up by our camp staff and a siesta is always a possibility during the heat of the African day! No safari to the Kruger would be complete without visits to sites of historical and cultural importance. Sites such as the Wolhuter Memorial, Orpen Dam and the old transport riders roads all add interest to the days safaris and bring to life the early pioneering days of the area. You can expect two fascinating days of drives, game and bird watching.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Mobile Camp Day 9: Kruger National Park - Depart
After breakfast drive via Skukuza back to Hazyview hoping for that final memorable game sighting. Back in Hazyview by 12h00 where the Wolhuter Trail terminates. Transfer onto Kruger Airport for your onward flight arrangements. Optional road shuttle transfer from Hazyview to Johannesburg is also available (at own cost).
Breakfast
