12 Day - Cape Town - Kruger - 4/5 *

This tour takes you around the “Mother City”with all it’s diverse cultures.  Enjoy some scenic drives along the coastal routes and visit some of the highlights Cape Town has to offer.  Enjoy some of South Africa’s best wines in the Stellenbosch Wine Region.  Explore the seaside town southeast of Cape Town, Hermanus, known as the Whale Watching Destination.  Visit the White River area where it’s the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate.  You will also have the chance to stay in the Timbavati Nature Reserve who shares a common unfenced border with Kruger National Park and promises good Game Viewing.  In Xitsonga, the name Timbavati means “the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens”and refers to the rare white lions of Timbavati.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Azamare Luxury Guesthouse – Camps Bay – VIEW FACT SHEET OR The Table Bay Hotel – Cape Town – 4 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Schulphoek House (Hermanus) – 2 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Muluwe Lodge (White River) – 2 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Simbavati River Lodge (Timbavati Nature Reserve) – 3 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET

KEYS

• BB – Bed & Breakfast
• DBB – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
• L – Lunch
• LD – Lunch & Dinner
• D – Dinner
• FB – Full Board (Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner)
• AI – All Inclusive (All Meals, selected drinks, Game Drives/Walk)
• G/Drive – Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive

Camps Bay – Cape Town
HOTEL:  AZAMARE LUXURY GUESTHOUSE

Camps Bay is an affluent suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, and the small bay on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula after which it is named.  In summer it attracts many South African and foreign visitors.  Upmarket Camps Bay draws crowds to its namesake beach, known for its fine white sand, natural rock swimming pool and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains.  Behind the beach, posh seafood restaurants, mellow cafes and cocktail bars with patios overlook the promenade.  Nearby, Promenade Mall has boutiques selling fashion and beachwear, while the intimate Theatre on the Bay stages drama, musicals and comedy.  Close to Cape Town City Centre for all the top attractions Cape Town has to offer from Table Mountain which you can access via Cable Car OR Hiking, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Boulders Beach with Penguins, Robben Island, Cape Point and many more. You will also have a chance to visit the wonderful Winelands of Stellenbosch.

OR

V&A Waterfront – Cape Town
HOTEL:  THE TABLE BAY HOTEL

Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, there is nowhere like Cape Town.  Cape Town, the Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years.  The unique topography of the region makes it easy to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa.  It is in Cape Town that the Rainbow Nation really covers the spectrum.  Between beautiful Cape Dutch homesteads, traditional dancers with painted faces performing in the streets, the smell of spicy Malay cooking and the taste of a well-made wine, this city will fill your senses.  Cape Town offers top attractions from Table Mountain which you can access via Cable Car OR Hiking, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Boulders Beach with Penguins, Robben Island, Cape Point and many more.  You will also have a chance to visit the wonderful Winelands of Stellenbosch.

Hermanus – Southeast of Cape Town
HOTEL:  SCHULPHOEK HOUSE

Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.  It’s known as a whale-watching destination.  Beaches include Voëlklip Beach and the broad Grotto Beach, overlooking Walker Bay.  The Old Harbour Museum is a site encompassing the old harbour, a fishermen’s village and the Whale House Museum.  The latter has informative displays and a suspended skeleton of a whale.  Founded in 1999, Schulphoek House offers understated luxury and Cape refinement to its guests.  The house overlooks the bay from which it receives its name; an idyllic cove where whales often visit.  A well known eco-conscious refuge, this protected reserve and its shoreline is also home to many birds, small mammals and marine life which can be viewed on the seashore paths nearby.  Whales visit from late August through to December and often stop by in front of the House.  We are situated 4 km from Hermanus Town Centre, 2 km from Hemel-en-Aarde intersection; gateway to the wineries.

White River/Nelspruit – Mpumalanga
LODGE:  MULUWE LODGE

Mbombela, formerly Nelspruit, is the capital of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province.  It’s a gateway to Kruger National Park, home to elephants, zebras, rhinos and other wildlife.  The city’s Lowveld National Botanical Garden features a man-made rainforest.  Northwest are the prehistoric Sudwala Caves, with unusual rock formations.  South, Umhloti Nature Reserve contains the Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden sanctuary.  The perfect place to rest and rejuvenate or from where to explore the Lowveld and Kruger National Park.  Muluwa Lodge is ideally situated in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa, boasting incredible views out and over the valleys and mountains of the area.  The view, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a wonderful array of “plains” game species that graze close by creates a wonderful “Serengeti” type ambience.  Located just 10 minutes’ drive from Kruger International Airport (KMI), and 4 hours from OR Tambo Interntional Airport, between the small artistic town of White River (10 minutes’ drive to the north), and the larger city of Nelspruit/Mbombela (20 minutes’ drive to the south).  They are a 35minute drive from the “Numbi” Kruger Park entrance.  This unique location provides the perfect base for relaxation, and exploration of some of Southern Africa’s most precious natural attractions, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the scenic and historical – Panorama Route.

Timbavati Game Reserve – Hoedspruit
LODGE:  SIMBAVATI RIVER LODGE

The Timbavati Game Reserve is located at the border line between Hoedspruit (in Limpopo) and Acornhoek (in Mpumalanga), north of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve on the western edge of Kruger National Park. Geographically and politically, Timbavati is located in Mpumalanga Province.  In Xitsonga, the name ‘Timbavati’ means “the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens”, and refers to the rare white lions of Timbavati.
Simbavati River Lodge offers an exclusive and authentic African Big 5 Safari experience over an extensive tract of pristine wilderness in the well-known Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, home to the famous white lions.  Set amongst a truly unique landscape with magnificent views over the Nhlaralumi River where the surrounding wilderness can be appreciated sipping exotic cocktails, enjoying authentic cuisine or simply relaxing.  This intimate, family-friendly lodge boasts contemporary luxury accommodation in luxury safari tents or thatched family chalets elegantly decorated with sophisticated finishes where one can awaken to sights and sounds of the surrounding bush.  Breakfast and lunch are served daily outside on the wooden deck, set out under age-old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees, combining African and Western cuisine offering exciting new tastes for the more adventurous as well as for the more conventional preferences.  A traditional dinner is served around the campfire in an open-air “Boma”, an experience not to be missed.  The lodge offers Big 5 Safari game drives in the early morning and evening for exceptional game viewing when the animals are most active.  Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regular sightings at night.  Simbavati also offers specialized photographic game drives.

NOTE:   Optional Add On’s & Room Upgrades –  Available at an Additional Costs – see day to day info below.

Day 1:  AZAMARE LUXURY GUESTHOUSE – Camps Bay or THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront

On arrival in Cape Town.  Car Rental.  You collect your rental car & transfer to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and settle in.  You will stay in a Luxury Room at Azamare OR you will stay in a Luxury Mountain View Room at The Table Bay.  Clients to choose which Hotel they would like to stay at.   Dinner @ Afria Café – included.

• Included:  DBB
• Option/Add On:  Car Rental

Day 2:  AZAMARE LUXURY GUESTHOUSE – Camps Bay or THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront

Depart for Cape Point.  Drive along the scenic coastal drive of Chapmans Peak, visiting the Cape of Good Hope National Park (with its funicular railway and lighthouse) and the penguins at Boulders Beach, you could include a seal island boat cruise to see the seals at close hand.  Tides permitting, you could even end the day with a swim among the penguins at Boulders Beach from the small secluded beach there.  Entrances at own account. 

• Included:  BB

Day 3:  AZAMARE LUXURY GUESTHOUSE – Camps Bay or THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront

Head off to the historic heart of South Africa’s wine industry.  Explore Stellenbosch and walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings.  Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century, to when the French Huguenots first arrived.  Enjoy some wine tasting along the route at various Winefarms (own account).  Head up to Table Mountain in the PM or early tomorrow morning before departure.  Dinner @ Bobo’s Brasserie in Mouille Point – included.

• Included:  DBB

Day 4:  AZAMARE LUXURY GUESTHOUSE – Camps Bay or THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront

Today is at leisure for you to relax or enjoy some sight-seeing in and around the Waterfront.  Perhaps head up Table Mountain if not done so yesterday by Cable Car.   Visit Robben Island.  Head out into the bay on a Sunset Yacht Cruise – included, from the Waterfront.  Dinner at Harbour House V&A included

• Included:  DBB + Sunset Yacht Cruise in V&A Waterfront
• Option/Add On:  Robben Island

Day 5:  SCHULPHOEK HOUSE – Hermanus – Southeast of Cape Town

Today you leave Cape Town and travel onto the Southern Cape.  The southern coast boasts some of the finest land-based whale-watching in the world between July and early December, when the Southern Right Whales come right into the bays to give birth.  Enthralling sightings are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and whale song.  You could stop en route in the Winelands to visit Vegelegen Wine Estate with its fine gardens, Cape Dutch homestead and start of the art wine cellar.  Whale Watching Boat today or tomorrow.  You will stay in a Luxury Sea Facing Room.   Dinner @ Burgundy Restaurant – included.

• Included:  DBB
• Option/Add On:  Whale Watching Boat Cruise (Aug – Nov)

Day 6:  SCHULPHOEK HOUSE – Hermanus – Southeast of Cape Town

As you don’t stay at Mosaic Farm, you can drive there today as it offers a range of activities including quad bike nature rides, 4×4 trips to deserted golden beaches, kayaking on the lagoon and walks.  Nature enthusiasts will discover the amazing Cape Floral Kingdom at Mosaic Farm with its magnificent fynbos, birds and insects.  You can explore the 933ha reserve on foot, mountain bike, quad bike or kayak.  Hop onto the open 4×4 vehicle for a sundowner excursion – included and discover fynbos, birds and deserted beaches in search of Southern Right Whales.   Dinner @ La Pentola  – included.  

• Included:  DBB + 4×4 Sundowner Excursion

Day 7:  MULUWE LODGE – Nelspruit – MPUMALANGA

Depart early to transfer back to Cape Town in time for the direct flight from Cape Town to Kruger International Airport – Flight included.    Rental Car.  Collect Rental Car and Transfer to the lodge.  You will stay in Superior Rooms.  Dinner @ Lodge included.

• Included:  DBB + Domestic flight CPT-KMI

Day 8:  MULUWE LODGE – Nelspruit – MPUMALANGA

You travel up into the Drakensberg Escarpment, a beautiful area of tumbling streams and waterfalls among indigenous woodland and forest plantations where you enjoy a scenic tour of the Blyde River Canyon visiting the Three Rondavels, Bourne’s Luck potholes and God’s Window (entrances own account).  Continue to Lodge.  Dinner at Lodge Included

• Included:  DBB

Day 9:  SIMBAVATI RIVER LODGE – Timbavati Game Reserve – HOEDSPRUIT

Head north today and head into the bush for 3 nights on safari in the Greater Kruger Park.  The Game Rich Simbavati River Lodge.  On Route:  There is time to enjoy some activities on route such as the Elephant Whispher Interaction near Hazyview, the Cheetah Rehabitation Cente (at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre) or the Moholoholo Wildlife Centre.  We also recommend the Roots of Rhythm Cultural Tour which is close to the Timbavati Game Reserve.  Enjoy a Sunset Game Drive followed by Dinner at the Lodge – included.   The following is included at Simbavati for next 3 days: All standard meals, accommodation, two game drives per day and a sundowner drink.  Emergency Medical Response and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance & Timbavati Conservation Fees.  EXCLUDES:  Drinks, baby-sitting, transfers, gratuities and items of a personal nature.  vehicle entry fee of R160 only payable at the Timbavati Control Gate (price subject to change).  You will stay in a Luxury Safari Tent.

• Included for the next 3 days:  All Meals, 2 Game Drives p/day & sundowner drink, emergency medical response, emergency evacuation insurance & Timbavati Conservation Fees.
• Option/Add On:  Roots of Rhythm Cultural Tour

Day 10:  SIMBAVATI RIVER LODGE – Timbavati Game Reserve – HOEDSPRUIT

The Lodge has a stunning riverside setting in the heart of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve which has open borders to the Kruger on the east.  Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all regularly sighted in the Timbavati, along with a host of smaller mammal species.  Simbavati River Lodge offers an authentic African experience without sacrificing luxury, safety or comfort.  Your experienced game ranger is keen to share with you their extensive knowledge and love of the African bush.  The day starts with an early morning game drive, followed by some time to relax, perhaps enjoying game-viewing from your deck or indulging in a spa treatment (own account).  You will enjoy a PM Game Drive too followed by Dinner – all included

• Included:  AM & PM Game Drive & all meals

Day 11:  SIMBAVATI RIVER LODGE – Timbavati Game Reserve – HOEDSPRUIT

Enjoy AM and PM Game Drive – included.  Leisure Time

• Included:  AM & PM Game Drive & all meals

Day 12: DEPARTURE DAY – Hoedspruit to Johannesburg

Depart to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to JNB – Flight included.

• Included:  BB + Domestic Flight HDS-JNB

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

•  Accommodation as stated
•  Breakfast daily
•  10 x Dinners
•  3 x Lunches
•  6 x Open Vehicle Game Drive Safari’s (3 x AM & 3 x PM) – can do a Game Walk instead if preferred by client
•  Sunset Yacht Cruise V&A Waterfront
•  4×4 Sundowner Excursion
•  Domestic Flight from CPT – KMI
•  Domestic Flight from HDS – JNB

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

•   Porterage – not included
•   Transport (Car Rental available to add on / as Option)
•   Flights back & from your Hometown
•   Medical Insurance (for clients own account)
•   Visa’s (clients need to arrange where needed themselves)
•   Service Fees at Restaurants / Lodges not included for staff
•   Entrances at own costs (as indicated on the day to day information)
•   Meals not included in itinerary (see day by day) will be at clients own cost
•   Drinks not included in itinerary (see day by day) will be at clients own cost  

OPTIONAL ADD ON’s:  Available on various days of the Tour (See Day to Day) at Additional Costs.