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Best of South Africa

Best of South Africa

Perfect for first time visitors wanting to experience the highlights of vibrant Cape Town and the beautiful Garden Route - the ideal alternative to a private guided or self-drive tour at an unbeatable price! 


Cape Town

The bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views


Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the 


Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.


V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and entertainment. Originally a harbour, it has transformed into a world-class destination. With roots dating back to 1860, it seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern attractions. 


Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa. Aside from being the country’s most photographed attraction and the perfect place to take photos of the landscape of Cape Town, it is also home to about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Animal species that can be spotted on the mountain include caracals, rock hyraxes and chacma baboons. The flat top peak of the mountain reaches 1,086 metres above sea level, but being so close to the sea and to the city, its features look more imposing.


Cape of Good Hope

The cape is surrounded by beaches, coves, and cliffs, making it a popular location for sightseeing. The Cape of Good Hope is well known for its rich history. It was an important stop on the early trade routes between Europe and Asia. Today, the location is a popular tourist attraction. It provides visitors with stunning views and is also home to a variety of wildlife.


Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands area is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The enthralling mountainous landscape boasts an impressive list of luxury wine farms, stretching across lush fertile valleys. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities suited to all types of travellers. 


Stellenbosch

Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. 


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town - Individual Airport Transfers 

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a name board showing your name. Please call or WhatsApp the emergency contact number on your travel vouchers in the unlikely event that you do not manage to locate your guide.Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your own leisure, depending on your arrival time there are several options of things to do in the city.

Optional Activities (at an additional cost):Visit the lively V&A Waterfront where there are a variety of shops, markets, restaurants activities and attractions to enjoy

Sunset Cruise in Table Bay Sunset Kayak Experience along Table Bay Coastline Overnight: Lion Roars Old Bank Hotel.


Day 2: Full Day Cape Town City Tour including Table Mountain 

Pick-Up Time: 08.00 at hotel reception, Drop-Off Time: 17.00 at hotel

Included: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway return tickets. Dinner at the V&A Waterfront included: 19.30 - 22.00

Excluded: All entrance fees to museums – for own account if interested to visit and time depending. 

You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area and taken on a Cape Town City Orientation Tour to learn about Cape Town’s rich history and vibrant cultures. The day starts with a cableway trip to the top of one of the World’s Natural Wonders – Table Mountain, also the city’s most iconic and recognisable landmark. Explore the walking trails at the top and take in the many different views point across the City Bowl, Table Bay, Atlantic Seaboard and Peninsula.From Table Mountain your guide will take you back down into the city to visit the colourful Bo Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter), enjoy a walk through the Company Gardens and Greenmarket Square and an orientation drive taking in some of the important historical buildings (for example the Castle of Good Hope – South Africa’s oldest building), streets and features.There will be time for lunch (for own account) and time at the V&A Waterfront in the afternoon. Recommended for lunch is the Time Out Market. You will return to the hotel to freshen up for your welcome dinner this evening. 


Day 3: Private Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour

Pick-Up Time:  08.30 at hotel reception, Drop-Off Time: 17.30-18.00 at hotel

Included: Chapman’s Peak (weather depending), entrance fees for Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (Cape Point) and Boulders Beach (Penguins). 

Excluded: Seal Island boat excursion – for own account and subject to availability, weather and time. Funicular at Cape Point. Lunch.

You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area and taken on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. Cape Town is frequently acknowledged and awarded as being one of the world’s most beautiful places – this tour will show you why! Experience the spectacular natural splendour and abundance of life of the Cape Peninsula. With scenic views to take your breath away and photo opportunities galore this trip also takes you through a World Heritage Site – the Cape Floral Kingdom.Travel along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay, passing magnificent beaches and the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno. From the busy fishing harbour at Hout Bay you have the option of a boat trip to see the thousands of Cape Fur Seals living on a rocky outcrop. Browse for souvenirs at the Hout Bay Craft Market or take a walk on the beach and paddle your feet in the sea. The tour continues over Chapman’s Peak, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world, all the way along the Peninsula to the southern tip at Cape Point. An invigorating walk takes you to the two lighthouses at the top and bottom of the headland, from where you will enjoy extraordinary views of the cliffs and the ocean below. Alternatively, you could take an optional short funicular ride to the top. Take a photo down at the most south-western point of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope beach. Lunch (for own account) will be enjoyed at a seaside restaurant before we make our way along the False Bay coastline to the Naval village of Simon’s Town. We will visit the delightful African Penguins of Boulders Beach and then the drive takes us back via Cape Town’s coastal and southern suburbs.


Day 4: Private Full Day Cape Winelands Tour

Pick-Up Time: 08.30 at hotel reception

Drop-Off Time: 17.30-18.00 at hotel

Included: 2 wine tastings at 2 different wine estates (3-5 wines per tasting – minimum 6 wines tasted), a chocolate OR cheese and wine pairing is included in these. 

Excluded: Additional and premium wine tastings and purchase of wine – for own account. Lunch

You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area and taken on a Full Day Cape Winelands Tour. Situated only 45 minutes away from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are surrounded by majestic mountains, beautiful vineyards and typical Cape Dutch style architecture. The Cape Winelands include the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl and are home to more than 150 wine estates and wine farms producing top-quality world-class wines. This region is also highly acclaimed for its many award-winning restaurants.Head off to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historical buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice when we enjoy our first wine tasting of the day.

Travel over the spectacular Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. Enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many restaurants (excluded and for your own account).

Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape’s first farming districts, for a final wine tasting. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside.


Day 5: Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via Route 62

420km Approximate driving time 5 hours (8 hours with stops)

This morning your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel reception (please ensure your bags are packed and you have checked out of the hotel) at 09.00 to depart on the next leg of your South African adventure – exploring the beautiful Garden Route.Travel along the famous Route 62 from the Cape Winelands en route to Oudtshoorn. This route has previously been named "World's Best Road Trip Destination" by CNN! There are lots of interesting stops and places to discover along the way and it is also known to be “The World’s Longest Wine Route”. The first stop along the way will be at a famous wine estate in Robertson where you will have the choice of a number of unique tasting and pairings. Some of the options include, but are not limited to: dealcoholised wine pairing, kiddies pairing, beer tasting, infused gin tasting, sparkling wine, brandy & whiskey... You will be able to make your choice ahead of time!

We will then stop for lunch (own account) in Montagu and continuing along Route 62 .

On arrival in Oudtshoorn you will check-in at your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful and picturesque setting in a charming countryside valley. Dinner (for your own account) can either be enjoyed at your accommodation or at a restaurant in the town, dinner transfers included.OudtshoornLocated along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.


Day 6: Full day Oudtshoorn, Transfer to Knysna

Pick-Up Time: 09.00 at hotel reception – please note a prompt departure is essential in order to fit in all the planned activities of the day

Drop-Off Time: 18.00 at hotel in Knysna

Included: Standard Heritage Tour at the Cango Caves at 10.00 (1-hour tour)

Entrance to and Standard Tour at Cango Wildlife Ranch from 12.00 (1-hour tour)

Tractor Tour at Safari Ostrich Farm at 15.00 (1-hour tour)

Lunch: Included at Cango Wildlife Ranch

Excluded: Animal Encounters at Cango Wildlife Ranch and any other activity/excursion not mentioned as included.


You will be met by your guide in your hotel reception area at 09.00 sharp and taken on a full day trip in Oudtshoorn. After the tour you will travel to Knysna which lies 120km (2-hours drive) from Oudtshoorn, traveling over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass and onto the Garden Route.Your first stop will be at the Cango Caves, which are situated 30km / 30-minutes’ drive outside of Oudtshoorn. Here you will join the Heritage Tour at 11.00 - an easy walk through the first six largest and most spectacular halls and continuing through to the "African Drum room". This tour commences with information on the real discoverers and inhabitants of the cave and then winds its way through the rest of the Caves’ cultural and historical heritage. A comfortable walk through the most majestic of the cave chambers. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will accompany you on this journey of discovery and knowledge which takes around 1-hour to complete.Next you will go on to the Cango Wildlife Ranch in time for a quick lunch at the restaurant there, followed by a guided 1-hour tour of the facility. The ranch has been in existence for 35 years and comprises of over 90 different species of animals. The guided tours provide a voice for each species and create animal and environmental awareness. Enveloped in a fun and unique setting, this is a one-of-a-kind centre that has something for everyone, 365 days of the year!Your last stop for the day is Safari Ostrich Farm for a guided tractor tour where you will get to meet and learn more about these large flightless birds that have had such a big impact on the economy of the town. This tour also takes 1-hour, after which you can shop for some ostrich leather products in the shop.

You will then travel to Knysna, arriving at your hotel in the early evening. Dinner (for own account) will be at your accommodation tonight. 

Knysna . Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.

Overnight: Blackwaters River Lodge


Day 7: Visit to Tsitsikamma Storms River Mouth. John Benn Sunset Cruise

Today you will visit the Tsitsikamma Storms River Mouth and enjoy an easy 2km hike through the forest along boardwalks to the swing bridges crossing the river mouth. You will also have the option to bungee jum from the Bloukrans Bridge - the highest commercial bungee jump in the world! In the late afternoon on return to Knysna enjoy a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon aboard the John Benn boat. Enjoy dinner (for your own account) tonight at the Knysna waterfront where there are a variety of options to choose from. 


Day 8: Knysna - Departure - drop-off at George Airport or Cape Town Airport 

Today is your departure day, you can choose to either be dropped off at George Airport for an onward flight, or travel back to Cape Town for a drop off in the city or at the airport (if booking your flight this should not depart earlier than 20.00). Basis

City Nights Hotels
Cape Town 04 Lion Roars Old Bank Hotel or Similar
Oudtshoorn 01 De Opstal Country Lodge or Similar
Knysna 02 Blackwaters River Lodge

 PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

  • Return Economy Class Airfare
  • 7 nights 4-star Accommodation with Breakfast Daily 
  • 1x Dinner & 1x Lunch, Daily Dinner Transfers 
  • Individual Private Airport Transfers on arrival in Cape Town
  • Guided Touring with an English-Speaking Driver-Guide 
  • Full day City Tour including return Table Mountain Cableway Tickets
  • Full day Cape Peninsula Tour including Cape Point & Boulders Beach 
  • Full day Cape Winelands Tour including a wine pairing & a wine tasting
  • Alternative to Winelands Tour: Shark Cage Diving (supplement cost) 
  • Tasting at a Robertson Winery when travelling via Route 62 
  • Cango Caves, Cango Wildlife Ranch & Safari Ostrich Farm 
  • Entrance to Tsitsikamma Storms River Mouth 
  • John Benn Sunset Cruise on Knysna Lagoon


 PACAKAGE EXCLUSIONS:

  • Any Domestic Flights
  • Optional activities are subject to availability. Charges additional.
  • No vehicle at disposal for shopping
  • Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, tips to guides / drivers etc.
  • Camera / Video camera fees applicable at monuments
  • Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions

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