Safari Tour Company in Cape Town South Africa
OVERVIEW
Experience the enormous diversity of South Africa & 3 Game reserves. It includes whale watching in Hermanus (June to December), Penguins, Cape Agulhas, Mossel Bay & the Diaz museum. Knysna with it’s ancient forest and lagoon cruise. Plettenberg Bay (African St Tropez), Tsitsikamma NP, Oudtshoorn, Overnight in the Great Karoo the worlds largest succulent desert, hot springs, Cango Caves, Ostrich Safari & Addo Park for the Big 5. Wine tasting at a boutique wine estate & tour historic Stellenbosch.
South Africa
- Start Cape Town (Day 1)
- Day 1 Cape Agulhas
- Day 2 Knysna (Garden Route)
- Day 3 Tsitsikamma NP (Garden Route)
- Day 4-5 Addo Elephant NP
- Day 6 Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)
- Day 7 Karoo NP
- End Cape Town (Day 8)
Activities & Transportation
- Activities: game drives, evening/night game drives, boat trip & beach time
- Game drives: open-sided 4×4 vehicle
- Getting around: minivan
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Day 1
Cape Agulhas most southern tip of Africa, Hermanus, Whales & Penguins
We leave the Cape and drive via the breathtaking Clarence Drive to Betty’s Bay where we visit the ”Stony point” penguin colony. Home to the rare African penguin. A light lunch overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, a protected bay offering a privileged vantage point to view the Southern Right Whales.
Gansbaai is known for its dense population of great white sharks. Elim, a village of white cottages with thatched roofs, was formed in 1824 by members of the Church of the Moravian Brethren. Next is a visit to the tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Agulhas describes in Portuguese the sharp rocks which threatened the route to India for navigators of old. We then drive onto Arniston, a ”jewel” on the east coast, with it’s emerald sea and white sand dunes, a late afternoon swim or if low tide a short hike into the sea cave. Dinner on the beach in a fisherman’s cottage in the authentic fisherman’s village, or an African barbecue, weather dependent.
Main Destination:
- Cape Agulhas
Accommodation:
- Arniston Seaside Cottages
- Mid-range self catering accommodation located in or near Arniston
Meals & Drinks:
- Meals at own expense
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Knysna Garden Route, Lagoon & Victoria Bay
Cape Agulhas is the southern most tip of Africa. Named by Portuguese navigators, who called it Cabo das Agulhas Portuguese for “Cape of Needles”. A great place for photographs. After a hearty breakfast, we travel to Mossel Bay (approximately three hours) which means “Bay of Mussels”. These mussel shells are the remains of meals testifying to the presence of the Khoi San, thousands of years ago. The first European to set foot in this sheltered bay was Bartholomew Diaz in 1488 and later Vasco De Gama. We visit an interesting museum featuring these exporers. Then onto Victoria Bay, a beautiful little seaside resort. Enjoy a swim in the Indian Ocean. The Wilderness is a charming village with a chain of natural freshwater lakes visible from the road on the way to Knysna
Lunch Finally we arrive in Knysna where you enjoy a sunset cruise on the iconic lagoon. A walk around the Waterfront then dinner there sampling the famous oysters perhaps!
Main Destination:
- Knysna (Garden Route)
Accommodation:
- Cuningham’s Island Guest House
- Mid-range guest house located in or near Knysna
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Tsitsikamma National Park & the greater Garden Route
Before leaving town we admire the view from “The Heads”, two cliffs that form a narrow passage at the entrance to the lagoon. We discover lush green coastal forests where once many elephants lived. A short drive brings us to the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, a small luxurious resort town. We view the famous Bloukrans Bridge where bungee jumping is the highest in the world. Various activities and experiences are available alone the way. Like monkey land, Bird sanctuary under a huge mesh dome, free flight.
At the Tsitsikamma National Park we will walk in the indigenous forests and cross the mouth of the river on a suspension bridge. Beautiful scenery of the dramatic coastline. Time to relax, go diving or sea kayaking with a professional operator. Night is spent listening to the call of the fish eagle and huge swells crashing onto the rocks below.
Main Destination:
- Tsitsikamma National Park (Garden Route)
Accommodation:
- Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
- Mid-range self catering accommodation located inside Tsitsikamma NP
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Addo Elephant National Park & the Sunday River
Leaving the Tsitsikamma area we stop to admire the “Big Tree” an ancient tree yellow wood with impressive dimensions. Later that morning we arrive at the Addo National Park ready for our first game drive into this famous park. It is famous for the “Big Seven”, “the Big Five” plus whales and sharks! But especially the magnificent elephants we will encounter at the waterholes and many other mammals and no fewer than 400 bird species.
Later in the day we arrive at our guest house on a citrus farm on the banks of the Sunday’s River. Enjoy a swim, relax or stroll around the gardens. Tonight, enjoy a South African barbecue dinner made by your guide.
Main Destination:
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Best Time to Visit
- January to December (All year)
- High Season
- October to March (The park gets crowded)
- Best Weather
- Sep to Apr (Warmer nights and mornings)
- Wildlife in Addo Elephant NP
- Elephant Abundant
- Zebra
- Common Lion
- Occasional Buffalo
- Occasional Hyena
- Occasional Black Rhino Rare
Accommodation:
- Avoca River Cabins
- Mid-range self catering accommodation located just outside Addo Elephant NP
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Addo National Park & Schotia private game reserve
The morning will be spent visiting the Addo Park. Discover, Experience & Explore a world of diversity in one Park. Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. This afternoon you safari at the beautiful Schotia private game reserve with a professional ranger in a 4×4. Refreshments, tea, coffee and wood-fired baked rolls.
Second part of the safari is nocturnal which will allow you to discover those ”hidden” animals of the night. A delicious dinner will be served in the “Boma”. The magic of the boma lies in the design, a type of enclosure with central glowing fireplace lending a mystical and earthy quality. Add lanterns and the overhead stars, magic!
Main Destination:
- Addo Elephant National Park
Accommodation:
- Avoca River Cabins
- Mid-range self catering accommodation located just outside Addo Elephant NP
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
The Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves & an Ostrich Ranch
Just after Port Elizabeth we take Route 62, which winds between the sea and the Baviaanskloof, a ‘wilderness area’ by UNESCO for its floral diversity. The ever changing colors of the majestic mountains, canyons, scenic passes, waterfalls and quaint historical small towns offer a kaleidoscope of beauty.
Finally we arrive in De Rust an unexpected bohemian arty town at the entrance to the Karoo. Lunch at the Royal Hotel. Better still a spectacular drive to visit an impressive waterfall where you can plunge into the pool and picnic.
We continue to Oudshoorn where we visit an ostrich farm and also view the “feather palaces”. This town is home to the world’s largest ostrich population.
We arrive at our guesthouse and enjoy a well deserved break whilst watching a Karoo sunset.
A hearty 3 course home cooked dinner at the farm’s restaurant awaits, time now to study the solar system, it’s well known that the Karoo offers the best star gazing in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world!
Main Destination:
- Oudtshoorn (Garden Route)
Accommodation:
- De Denne
- Luxury guest house located in or near Oudtshoorn
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Route 62, Montagu, an African game farm and its folded Mountains ( optional Meerkat extravaganza )
This morning an experienced and accredited Caves guide will take you on a tour of the “Cango Caves”, a series of underground tunnels and galleries with impressive limestone formations. (choose between a standard or adventure tour)
We continue on a most memorable journey, Route 62, to Montagu passing quaint villages and farms. A charming small town founded in 1851 that has maintained old-world charm with fascinating Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and the healing hot mineral springs. Time permitting you can take a dip at the springs.
Thereafter we continue to the African Game Lodge, home to a number of species of wildlife. Situated in the heart of the Karoo where silence, tranquility and starry nights dominate. NB: Time permitting an optional nature drive, game drive and cheetah program visit is offered. Or this activity can be done the next morning.
Main Destination:
- Karoo National Park
- Best Time to Visit
- Aug, Sept, April, May (Mild weather)
- High Season
- Never (The park never gets crowded)
- Best Weather
- Aug, Sep, Apr, May (Mild weather)
- Wildlife in Karoo NP
Accommodation:
- African Game Lodge
- Mid-range lodge located in or near Montague
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Cape Town via Route 62 Winelands & Historical Stellenbosch
Start your day with a game drive in the wonderful wilderness of the Great Karoo.
You will pass through Montagu and the canyons of its folded mountains into the Ashton valley & onto Viljoensdrift on the banks of the Breede river to enjoy wine tasting in this beautiful boutique wine estate on the river bank.
Robertson on Route 62 has more than 50 registered wine cellars. Its streets are shaded with beautiful jacaranda trees.
As you pass Worcester, towards Africa’s longest road tunnel through the Du Toit Mountain Range which divides Cape Town from the rest of Africa. Pass historic Paarl the town named after the granite formations which tower above it.
On the way to Cape Town you pass Paarl named after the granite formations which tower above the town.
Explore Stellenbosch on foot & be amazed by its beauty & preserved buildings dating back to the 1680’s.
Ahead of you on the N2 is Table Mountain welcoming you back to the mother city.
Main Destination:
- Cape Town
Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
