Itinerary
04 October 2012 and 08 November 2012 - 14 days
Optional extension tours
Maximum group size : 8
Explore the Cape is a small group tour (maximum 8 people) that promises to show you the real South Africa. With an emphasis on "soft adventure", yet staying in exceptionally comfortable accommodation, this tour is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Cape whilst enjoying many of the fantastic activities that are on offer.
Available as a small group tour, or customised to suit individual travellers, experience Cape Town as never before, sip wine in the beautiful Cape Winelands, get up close and personal with penguins whales and even sharks (optional), spend a morning observing amazing meerkats, take a life changing ride on an elephant as well as spend a morning in the wild, observing and tracking cheetahs.
All this and so much more awaits you on your own adventure as you Explore the Western Cape of beautiful South Africa
ITINERARY
Day 1
You will be collected from the airport by your personal guide (who will guide you for the duration of your tour) and transfer to Hout Bay.
Relax, unwind and get time to explore Hout Bay at your leisure, you will be within walking distance to the beach, boutique shops and coffee shops.
The late afternoon is highlighted by your introduction to the exquisite African sunset over the Atlantic, whilst sipping bubbly and snacking on an assortment of snacks.
Return back to your guest house for a welcome dinner.
Hout Bay Manor
Set amid the refined, gracious hills of Hout Bay lies Hout Bay Manor, a sparkling, hidden gem of luxury and indulgence.
This unexpected isle of charm and grace, created in the traditional Cape Colonial Style, has been completely restored, recapturing the tranquillity and allure of a bygone era.
Each of our 19 en-suite hotel rooms is tastefully and individually decorated, while conveniences include a library, private swimming pool and a spacious function venue that lends a relaxed environment to any occasion. Computer and Internet facilities are also available at our hotel.
Massage treatments can be arranged in the privacy of your own room.
The Hout Bay Brasserie serves sumptuous breakfasts, light lunches and relaxing dinners.
The Hout Bay village offers a combination of attractions and stunning natural beauty that will appeal to any visitor. You can take a leisurely five-minute stroll to the beach, visit the popular fishing harbour or hike through the nearby forests and mountains - on your own accord or with one of Hout Bay Manor Hotel's guided tours.
Overnight : Hout Bay Manor, in standard Rooms (bed and breakfast)
Day 2
Take the scenic route via Llandudno and Camps Bay before heading to Table Mountain.
Ascend to the summit of Table Mountain, views from 3500 feet above Cape Town City will reduce you to speechless awe. It’s flat table top provides breathtaking views of the city cradled between Lions Head and Devils Peak, sand crescents sandwiched between the sea and granite faces of the Twelve Apostles
We then head for the V&A Waterfront for lunch at your leisure, this is the oldest part of Cape Town's harbour, dating back to 1860. Although still a working harbour, it has transformed into one of Cape Town's prime attractions. After lunch we take the ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other
anti -apartheid activists were incarcerated. Following the recent handover of Robben Island to the department of Art and Culture, ex-prisoners guide visitors through the prison and recount their experiences. It is truly "a monument to the triumph of the human spirit against repression, bigotry and intolerance".Return to your hotel for dinner and evening at your leisure
Overnight : Hout Bay Manor, in standard Rooms (bed and breakfast)
Day 3
>Day at your leisure
Optional Activities include :
- Hout Bay Market
- Cultural Tour
- Township Tour
Bo Kaap Cookery tour
Overnight : Hout Bay Manor, in standard Rooms (bed and breakfast)
Day 4
Travel towards the Cape of Good Hope
En route to Cape Point you will get a unique opportunity to walk through nature and observe a troop of Chacma baboons in the wild, watch them grooming, feeding and their social interaction. (not very far removed from our own) The field guides will enlighten you about the habits of these endangered animals as you sit amongst them.
We stop at the resident Jackass Penguin colony at Boulders Beach and then to the fishing hamlet of Kalk Bay.
We then go to the Cape of Good Hope – the most southwesterly tip of Africa, where the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents meet. The landscapes at Cape Point are dramatic and the wildlife prolific.
Return to Hout Bay, dinner at leisure
Overnight : Hout Bay Manor, in standard Rooms (bed and breakfast)
Day 5
Today we take you on a scenic drive through the Cape's premier wine regions. Visit Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. An air of quiet intellectualism and wine-making history abounds in this university town.
We stop for wine tasting at Neil Ellis and Warwick Wine Estate before having a light picnic lunch at Boschendal Wine Estate.
Continue to Franschhoek, this charming town in the most picturesque valley, retains a sophisticated French Huguenot style and is our destination for the day.
Dinner at your leisure
The Franschhoek
The Franschhoek is a luxurious, five-star boutique hotel at the heart of South Africa’s picturesque wine region of Franschhoek. Fortuitously located on Main Street, The Franschhoek is housed in a beautiful, restored Cape-Huguenot style building.
Interiors at this boutique hotel are the epitome of elegance and are a mélange of Cape and French styles. Splendid fabrics in shades of ivory, blue and rich browns adorn sumptuous beds in the six en suite double rooms, which each open onto a patio or garden. The stylish breakfast room at The Franschhoek leads onto a courtyard and swimming pool where a specially commissioned mosaic art work is a striking feature.
Guests can spend the morning basking in the sun or stroll along Franschhoek Main Street, which is always buzzing with people browsing the numerous boutiques and galleries showcasing unique South African art. This is a heavenly destination for food and wine lovers as it is home to many of South Africa’s finest restaurants and wine estates. Your hosts at The Franschhoek will arrange personalized tours of the town, winelands or surrounding attractions.
Overnight : The Franschhoek exclusive use [Bed and Breakfast]
Rates include full breakfast, all beverages, mini bar and internet access.
Day 6
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Franschhoek, explore the beautiful quaint town with a great assortment of restaurants, coffee shops, boutique shops and crafts.
Late departure via the scenic route to Hermanus.
In Hermanus; stroll along the cliff path. Search the ancient dune pathways for remnants of "Bushmen" beads, tiny ostrich egg shell beads, fashioned by Khoisan women almost 20 000 years ago. The sea is always angry here as it pounds against the low cliffs and throws up spectacular waves. There is a charming old fishing harbour, and a quaint whale museum.
From Hermanus we continue towards Gansbaai
Check in at CLIFF LODGE, and enjoy the afternoon and dinner at your leisure.
Cliff Lodge
This award winning guest house enjoys the most idyllic location. Set on the top of the cliffs – you can literally whale watch from your bedroom. Not only will you see the majestic whales so close – you are also likely to hear them! Gill and Gideon who own Cliff Lodge are the most hospital and professional couple that we know of and the level of comfort and acre that you will enjoy really is second to none! Cliff Lodge is often the highlight of this holiday!
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 7
Today we take you to Gansbaai for a Whale Watching Excursion.
An animal 8 to 10 times the size of a bull elephant and so ugly it becomes breathtakingly beautiful. These majestic creatures are often friendly and playful and have a tendency to show off.
A 16 meter giant of some 50 or 60 tons that is so aware of its great body that it is able to pass under or next to your boat, curving its fluke around the boat inches away without bumping it.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight at Cliff Lodge – bed and breakfast
Day 8
Today, we drive to Swellendam visiting the Bontebok National Park en route.
Dinner and overnight at De Kloof at Swellendam
DE KLOOF
This prestigious five star boutique hotel & luxury country guesthouse is the Swellendam venue of choice fit for the discerning world traveller.
It offers guests a unique experience with luxury accommodation and exceptional professional services.
Situated in the heart of the Overberg, lies Swellendam ,the 3rd oldest historical village in South Africa - ideally situated equidistant between Cape Town and George/Knynsa on the Garden route near the famous Route 62 wine route & valleys and along the beautiful Breede River.
Swellendam - a picturesque safe quaint village is nestled at the foot of the majestic Langeberg mountains and has famous Bontebok National park as a boundary. It is rich in heritage and fast becoming a popular stay over for a couple of days -allowing travellers to relax and enjoy the many attractions & activities the region has to offer.
De Kloof Luxury Estate - a hidden treasure & oasis lies in a secluded green valley - where peace and tranquility are upperhand. It presides over 12000 m2 of lush grounds, has many park like manicured gardens, secret woodland, vegetable & herb gardens, sparkling large pool, tranquil fountains, koi pond & fragrant rose & lavender paths.
This intimate boutique estate -a little piece of paradise on lovely large green grounds is walking distance from the historic town centre with lovely old white washed buildings, excellent restaurants, shops & art & crafts projects.
Day 9
Today we drive along the most varied and beautiful stretch of road across the Karoo to Oudtschoorn
Route 62 is one of the most beautiful travel routes in South Africa. The country road meanders through the fertile valleys of the Klein Karoo, past rugged rock formations. Time and again the road leads over steep passes, which open up to spectacular views of the wide land.
Dinner at De Zeekoe
De Zeekoe
De Zeekoe is a modern, expansive, privately owned, working alfalfa farm of 200 rolling hectres of succulent Klein Karoo. Around 3000 ostriches browse the pastures and hundreds of Springbok and other naturally occurring game make this farm their home.
A unique fossilized riverbed system, winds its way through a wild flower paradise.
De Zeekoe is an outdoor paradise, fishing, canoeing, biking and hiking along the many nature trails to be enjoyed in safety within the borders of the farm.
All rooms are tastefully styled with textures of wood, earthy fabrics, colourful rugs and soft lighting, a play on nostalgic decoration and fond memories.
Well equipped with modern amenities and a private entrance. Lush gardens, a mountain view, under floor heating, air conditioning, bar fridge, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities.
Overnight : De Zeekoe in luxury rooms (dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 10
We start with an early morning Meerkat tour hosted by a research biologist. An experienced, active wildlife research biologist and conservationist, who is the world's foremost expert on wild meerkat behaviour gives you this opportunity.
Through his intensive research and relentless dedication he now offers you the opportunity to benefit from his unique approach to wildlife conservation - to watch wild meerkats, from very close.
Spend the afternoon at the Cango Caves, where the mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations have been sculptured by nature through the ages, and one of the local ostrich farms (you may even want to try and ride an ostrich !).
Dinner at De Zeekoe
Overnight : De Zeekoe in luxury rooms (dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 11
Travel from Oudtshoorn along the Garden Route, the scenery changes from large wheat and sheep farms to dense forests, inland lakes, lagoons, mist cliffs, golden beaches, lush vegetation, a temperate climate and warmer sea.
Knysna, an old woodcutters’ town, is on the shores of a big lagoon, protected from the sea by a pair of rocky headlands. Knysna is well known for its oysters, quaint shopping alleys, arts and crafts, flora, water birdlife, and elephants!
Explore this quaint town (including a photo opportunity of the Knysna Heads) and lunch at the Knysna Waterfront before heading to your hotel.
FYNBOS RIDGE
Only a few minutes away from the pristine beaches of Plettenberg Bay, Fynbos Ridge is set amongst fragrant fynbos, with stunning mountain views. Accommodation in the Cape Dutch style Country House is spacious and well appointed, and the rooms and garden cottages are comfortable and secluded. The swimming pool is private and has the most amazing views.
The ethos is relaxed luxury, and you get peace and tranquillity together with friendly and professional service.
The Garden Route is well known for bird life, forest walks and whale watching. There are over 85 species of birds visiting Fynbos Ridge, and proteas flower in the indigenous gardens.
Overnight : Fynbos Ridge (Dinner and breakfast)
Day 12
This morning, you will experience a very unique tour – you will be up close and very personal with cheetahs!
You will be taken to the Tenikwa Cheetah Reserve for a walk with the Tenikwa Cheetahs. Take an exhilarating stroll through Tsitsikamma Indigenous Forest and Cape Floral Fynbos as you join the Tenikwa Cheetahs on their daily walk. A unique and personal experience with these amazing animals, the Cheetah Walk will stay with you for life.
At Tenikwa, our animals speak for those who have no say. Learn about their struggle for survival in the wild during this guided tours. Your support funds the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Program.
Later , spend time at the Birds of Eden, a world class free flight bird sanctuary.
The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall.
We then continue to the Elephant Sanctuary at the Crags which is home to six African Elephants: Maroela, Jabu, Thandi, Mopani, Thaba and Tumelo. Meet them in a beautiful indigenous forest setting.
The Crags Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay sets itself apart from anything that the Garden Route has previously had to offer in terms of elephant interaction. All programmes are fully guided and guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest which makes for a truly enriching experience
Dinner at leisure
Overnight : Fynbos Ridge ( bed and breakfast)
Day 13
Spend the day at your leisure
Optional Whale and dolphin watching cruise
Optional : Art Class
In the evening a special farewell dinner is arranged at a very unique location
Day 14
You will be transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport where those continuing onto safari will be collected by your safari operator whereas the rest will board a flight to Johannesburg / Cape Town.
