18 Day Scintillating South Africa

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This tour is created on past client experiences but you are welcome to replace your accommodation to a level that suits your comfort preference and your wallet. Our travel experts will be happy to assist you with alternative options.

This 18-day Scintillating South Africa tour is an intimate introduction to Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Kruger National Park. You will visit some fascinating places off the beaten track, giving you a true feel of South Africa’s heritage.

The first four nights are spent at the elegant More Quarters Hotel. Located in the suburb of Gardens in Cape Town, this apartment hotel is a great choice for travelers interested in a true city experience, with great restaurants and a stone throw away from the hustle and bustle of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The apartments offer a spacious space to sit back, relax and kick off your shoes.

Your journey continues to the small town of Franschhoek; the food and wine heartland of South Africa. For the next two days, you will explore century-old vineyards and indulge in decadent cuisine before retreating to Babylonstoren; one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms with its own mythical garden and unique accommodation.

An easy drive away brings you to a quaint seaside village that overlooks Walker Bay. Hermanus is known as a whale-watching destination in the winter months and offers travelers diversity with blue flag beaches, wine estates, markets and nature reserves that offer some fantastic hiking trails. You will spend the evening at the luxurious Marine Hotel and enjoy the magnificent views of Walker Bay.

Moving further along the Garden Route you will venture into the colonial town of Swellendam. You will have the opportunity to explore the historic buildings and local farms for the day before retreating to Jan Harmsgat Country House.

Famous for ostrich farms, meerkat interactions, and the Cango Caves; Oudtshoorn is your next stop. Surrounded by the famous Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, De Zeekoe Guest Farm paints a very pretty picture.

Traveling towards the coastline, you are welcomed by a city of adventure, lush with indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, and golden beaches. Kanonkop Guest House will add to your experience with its personal touch and breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon.

Your Garden Route journey ends in the city of Port Elizabeth, a place of relaxation with its numerous beaches and boardwalk entertainment complex. Hacklewood Hill Country House will be your haven for the evening before you head on your African Safari Tour the following day.

The next four days at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge will be exhilarating, with Big 5 game drives, guided bush walks, and majestic African sunsets.

Being a guided tour, you are accompanied by one of our professional guides who are passionate about this magnificent country and what it has to showcase to travelers. As many of our guides are born and raised in Cape Town, they are always excited to share information and showcase the hidden gems.

This is a perfect tour for a solo explorer, friends traveling together and families.

Our guides are great with children, providing them with interesting facts and activities that are sure to keep them intrigued.

Itinerary

Day 1- 4: Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodation: More Quarters Hotel

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Your journey begins as you arrive at Cape Town International Airport. You are met by your personal guide and driver, who will be with you for the next eighteen days. Perhaps this afternoon you will visit the attractive Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or relax in the comfort of your apartment.

During the next few days, you will explore the best of what Cape Town has to offer. This includes a cable car ride up to Table Mountain, a scenic tour of the peninsula, historical tour of the city and a visit to District 6 Museum and Robben Island. You will also have a free day to relax, shop and explore more of the many attractions in and around Cape Town

Day 5 - 6: Franschhoek , South Africa

Accommodation: Babylonstoren

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After a warm-hearted breakfast, you bid farewell to Cape Town as we begin to discover the beauty of Franschhoek. We highly recommend visiting some of the award-winning wineries for a tour of their cellar followed by a wine tasting. Another popular attraction is the 'Huguenot Fine Chocolates' shop where you can indulge in the finest imported Belgian chocolate.

Day 6:
The day is yours to continue exploring the valley or perhaps you will visit Babylonstoren's cellar and tasting room. With farm to table cooking, be sure to try the baked items served in the Greenhouse tucked away between the oak trees.

Day 7 - 8: Hermanus, South Africa

Accommodation: The Marine

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After breakfast, you will travel a short distance to Hermanus. It is the perfect opportunity to go whale-watching if you are traveling between the months of June and November, or take a walk in one of the spectacular surrounding nature reserves.

Day 9: Swellendam, South Africa

Accommodation: Jan Harmsgat Country House

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This morning you bid farewell to Hermanus and travel to the foot of the Langeberg Mountains where we will retreat for the day in the town of Swellendam. As the largest youngberry growing area in the world, you will have the opportunity to visit some local farms to taste different liqueurs and fruit.

Day 10: Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Accommodation: De Zeekoe Guest Farm

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After a freshly prepared farm breakfast, you continue your journey along the garden route to the town of Oudtshoorn. You will spend the day visiting a local ostrich farm and later explore the wonder of the Cango Caves.

Day 11 - 13: Knysna, South Africa

Accommodation: Kanonkop House

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This morning you will have the opportunity to walk with wild meerkats before traveling to the city of Knysna. You will spend the next two days exploring the Featherbed Nature Reserve, the Knysna Elephant Park, “The Knysna Heads” and spectacular beaches. Paired with perfectly prepared seafood cuisine and a visit to vibrant markets, Knysna may be the highlight of your trip.

Day 14: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Accommodation: Hacklewood Hill Country House

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After breakfast, you bid farewell to the beautiful town of Knysna and continue along the coast until you reach the town of Port Elizabeth. This will be your place of relaxation as you prepare for your African safari tour tomorrow.

Day 15 - 17: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

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An early start to the day ends your journey along the garden route of Southern Africa as you transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport and take two short flights to the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve. On arrival at the Sabi Sand airstrip, you will be warmly welcomed by the staff of the luxurious Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. You will spend the next three days at a lodge that has earned a reputation for service excellence and effortless personal attention. This afternoon you will venture out into the bush on your first game drive.

Day 16 - 17:
Renowned for the Big 5, in particular, the cats, the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve will offer exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, as well as informative bush walks. Staying on a private concession within the Kruger National Park comes with plenty of advantages. Never more than eight people in an open game vehicle guarantees you an exclusive safari experience. With the option to drive off-road, your highly trained ranger and tracker bring you up-close views of wild animals.

Day 18: Johannesburg/Depart home

Accommodation: Own Arrangements

After one final game drive and a heart-warming breakfast, you bid farewell to the African bush as you take a short flight back to Johannesburg where you will connect with your flight back home. You leave South Africa having explored some of the country’s most beautiful places.

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