12 Day DUR - Garden Route - Cape Town 4/5 *

This tour takes you to the Coastal Town of Umhlanga.  Umhlanga itself is perfectly positioned for discovering further afield.  You can use it as your base for any leg of your South African adventure.  The town is situated 16 kilometres north of the centre of Durban.  And just ten minutes from the King Shaka Airport.  It’s easy to get to the many and varied Zulu Kingdom Game Reserves from Umhlanga.  You will visit the town, Paterson is a settlement in Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.  The town is located some 80 kilometres (50 miles) north-west of Alexandria and 21 kilometres (13 miles) north of Nanaga in the Eastern Cape.  Visit the 3rd largest national park – Addo, located on the Eastern end of South Africa and offering great views of Elephants in the National Park.  Travel to beautiful he Crags.  Perched amongst the idyllic greenery of the Garden Route, just outside the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay and the village of Nature’s Valley, is The Crags.  This is a gorgeous area that, while small, offers plenty in the way of attractions, activities and accommodation. Knysna is situated in the heart of the Garden Route and is the perfect town to stay while exploring the surrounding areas.  Knysna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches.  She nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon.  Explore the Ostrich Capital.  The towns of Oudtshoorn and De Rust are in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains.  Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world.  The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty.  The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.  Explore Cape Town, 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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• The Oyster Box (Umhlanga – Durban) – 1 Night – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Bukela Game Lodge (Amakhala Game Reserve, Paterson – Eastern Cape) – 2 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Nguni River Lodge (Addo – Eastern Cape) – 1 Night – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Hog Hollow Country Lodge (The Crags) – 2 Nights – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Soul on the Heads (Knysna – Gardenroute) – 1 Night – VIEW FACT SHEET
• Buffelsdrift Game Lodge (Oudtshoorn – Klein Karoo) – 1 Night – VIEW FACT SHEET
• The Table Bay Hotel (V&A Waterfront) – VIEW FACT SHEET OR  The President Hotel (Bantry Bay – Cape Town) – VIEW FACT SHEET – clients to choose – 3 Nights

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

Umhlanga – Durban
HOTEL:  THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL

Umhlanga is an affluent residential, commercial and resort town north of Durban on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  It is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, created in 2000, which includes the greater Durban area.  The name means “place of reeds” in the Zulu language, and the correct pronunciation of “hl” in Umhlanga is similar to the Welsh “ll”. It is bordered by Durban North to the south and Mt Edgecombe to the west.  It is well known for the Gateway Theatre of Shopping which is the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere.[2] It also has the second tallest skyscraper in South Africa named Pearl Sky which stands 183 meters high. There are two beaches: Bronze Beach and Main Beach, both of which are patrolled by lifeguards throughout the day. Umhlanga is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Africa.  Together, Umhlanga and Umdloti form the Sugar Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Umhlanga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. There were 1.2 million visitors in 2015 which generated a GDP of R20-billion. In 2016, the tourism chairman Peter Rose said “I can confidently say that within the next five years you will not recognise uMhlanga,”  Residents of Umhlanga have mixed feelings about the changes such as that it is losing its village appeal while they appreciate the new infrastructure and increased property values. Situated overlooking the historical and famous landmark, the Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels, which occupies a special place in the hearts of the countless guests who have enjoyed its warmth, caring service and relaxed elegance since it first opening in 1947.  Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, directly on the beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 86-room Oyster Box, is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels. Renowned for generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine, The Oyster Box offers all the colonial charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities.  Perfectly situated on the ocean’s edge, a brief 5 minutes walk from Umhlanga Village Centre, the Oyster Box Hotel is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Afro-chic Durban city centre, International Airports and numerous stylish shopping centres…yet has a feeling of classical charm and elegance like nowhere else on earth.  Nearby tourist attractions of immense interest to travelers include Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Ushaka Marine World, Sun Coast casino, the historical Natal Midlands and majestic Drakensberg Mountains, as well as excellent big 5 game parks, lodges and historical battlefields.

Paterson – East London
LODGE:  BUKELA GAME LODGE

In the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains, bang in the middle of game reserve country, lies the little village of Paterson – named after its founder, John Paterson.  Not quite midway between Shamwari and the Addo Elephant Park, you would be right to assume it an obvious stopover for game viewing enthusiasts, just off the N10 en route to Cradock – its six grain silos a significant mark against the skyline otherwise dominated by thicket.  Bukela Game Lodge is a romantic and secluded safari destination tucked away into indigenous trees and bushes at the top of a hidden valley.  Our tranquil Lodge, suites and luxury tents are the perfect setting for the intimate guest experiences for which we’re renowned.  Connected by a wooden walkway, our thatched suites and luxury safari tents offer a remarkable private wildlife-¬viewing experience.  Savour a crisp glass of wine in your sun-¬soaked spa bath, opening onto trees alive with birdsong.  Indulge in sumptuous high teas, private candlelit dinners or exciting fireside boma dinners under African stars.  And as you fall asleep, hear the silence broken by the unmistakable sounds of elephant and buffalo making their stately progress through the unfenced camp.

Addo – Eastern Cape
LODGE:  NGUNI RIVER LODGE

Addo lies in a beautiful part of the world, surrounded by contrasting dense thickets of Spekboom, open grassy patches and the odd wooded kloof, making this an ideal overnight destination.  Visit the Addo Elephant Park.  When staying at this Lodge, you can expect an unforgettable stay. Spectacular views over a pristine floodplain and the Zuurberg Mountain as backdrop are the picture perfect image that welcomes every Nguni River Lodge guest.  The name Nguni refers to a collective group of people who migrated form Central Africa south in search of gracing for their cattle and eventually settled along the eastern seaboard and adjacent hinterland of Southern Africa.  This group divided into three broad divisions based on linguistic and cultural differences and comprise of the Zulu, Swazi and Xhosa, which account for about 60 percent of the Bantu speaking people of South Africa.  Today it is the ancestral cattle breed that carries the Nguni name.  Situated in the malaria free Addo Elephant National Park, only an hour’s drive from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, Nguni River Lodge offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure and luxurious accommodation.

The Crags – Garden Route
LODGE:  HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE

The Crags stands out as a place in which a stunning variety of wildlife can be enjoyed, particularly at the many sanctuaries.  Birds of Eden is a sanctuary that is home to around 3 500 birds, made up of around 200 different species.  These birds fly freely in the world’s largest single-dome free-flight aviary.  Monkeyland, right next door to Birds of Eden, provides an authentic forest habitat to rescued primates from all over the world.  These include exotic lemurs, gibbons and spider monkeys.  The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is a place of safety for a number of wild cats (including lions, black leopards, jaguars and pumas), as well as many other exciting species.  Other wildlife attractions in and around The Crags include the elephant sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, and the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary.

Knysna – Garden Route
HOTEL:  SOUL ON THE HEADS

The town is a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among the British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate.  Recently, the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts several world class golf courses, including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and the well established Knysna Golf Course situated on the lagoon.  It is near the towns of Plettenberg Bay and George, where there are airports.  Knysna is also home to Mitchell’s Brewery although the company no longer brews beers in the town.  The forest, rivers, estuary, and ocean surrounding the town are dotted with hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.  Hikers, runners, kayakers, swimmers, and fishermen are known to be particularly fond of Knysna.  SOUL on the Heads is situated on one of Knysna’s most touristic view points – The Knysna Heads. More specifically, we are on the East Head of Knysna offering uninterrupted views of the ocean and mountain tops.  Making your way through the touristic town of Knysna, you will pass the turn-off at Leisure Island and head up to the Knysna Heads with signs guiding you all the way.

Oudtshoorn – Klein Karoo
LODGE:  BUFFELSDRIFT GAME LODGE

Oudtshoorn is home to the world’s largest ostrich population, with a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms, such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.  Bhongolethu is a township 10 km (6 mi) east of Oudtshoorn. Derived from Xhosa, its name means “our pride”.  Oudtshoorn is the busy, vibrant commercial centre of the Little Karoo.  It is synonymous with superior ostrich related merchandise, feathers, art, culture and the renowned Cango Caves.  This modest Karoo town has transformed over the years to become a flamboyant and cosmopolitan town with unique character.  Oudtshoorn is the jewel on Route 62, longest wine route in the world, a paradise for outdoor lovers.  With so many ecological, geographical and botanical assets, the Klein Karoo is one of nature’s greatest masterpieces.  Breathtaking mountain ranges surround this beautiful town, which provide endless opportunities for adventure, contemplation and rejuvenation, with sunshine almost every day of the year.  Once a year, in March and April, it kicks up its heels when the Klein Karoo Art Festival, a whirl of entertainment, theatre, art and craft, comes to town.  With its great variety of interesting curio shops that specialise in ostrich products, excellent restaurants and accommodation to suit every taste and budget, the town itself is rich in culture, with museums, galleries and historic buildings at every turn.  In June Oudtshoorn hosts a large ‘Youth Festival’.  The town bills itself as ‘The Ultimate Destination.  Unique, understated elegance in this luxury tented accommodation in Oudtshoorn.  With the Swartberg mountains as backdrop and a magnificent waterhole at your doorstep, it’s the closest you’ll get to the wild of the Klein Karoo and true African accommodation.

V&A Waterfront / Bantry Bay – Cape Town
HOTEL:  THE TABLE BAY HOTEL OR THE PRESIDENT HOTEL  – clients can choose

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.

OR Located in Bantry Bay between the vibrant city and the Atlantic Ocean, the President Hotel welcomes you to Cape Town and all its breathtaking sights, thrilling activities and inspiring experiences.
Sophisticated luxury and personal service come standard, while local style, authentic artwork and innovative design set us apart as the most-loved destination hotel in the Mother City.  Bantry Bay is an affluent suburb of Cape Town situated on the slopes of Lion’s Head and overlooking a rocky coastline, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Its neighboring suburbs are Sea Point and Clifton. It was originally called Botany Bay after a botanical garden that was planted here for the cultivation of medicinal herbs. The name was changed during the First World War. It is overlooked by Lion’s Head, which is an eroded outlier of sandstone. There is a plaque on the seashore that commemorates a visit by Charles Darwin, who made important geological observations here relating to the nature and origin of granite. Bantry Bay is known to be the most wind-free area in Cape Town. Secluded & protected, this area gets about 290 wind free days per year – a significant fact given Cape Town’s windy climate. 

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

DAY 1:  THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL – Umhlanga – DURBAN

On arrival – collect rental vehicle and transfer to hotel.   Car Rental.  Leisure.  Discover the taste of a traditional Durban “bunny chow”, consisting of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry.  Enjoy this flavorsome dish as your host explains its origins and history within the Durban Indian community.  

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

DAY 2:  BUKELA GAME LODGE – Paterson – EAST LONDON

Travel south to Amakhala Game Reserve, a little piece of paradise. For the next 2 days the following is included:  Accommodation, all meals, selected house beverages and 2 game drives per day (AM & PM).   Enjoy a PM Game Drive.

• Included:  All Meals & 2 x Safari Game Drives p/day for the next 2 days

DAY 3:  BUKELA GAME LODGE – Paterson – EAST LONDON

Leisure.  AM or PM Safaris included at the Lodge. Dinner at the Lodge included

• Included:  All Meals + 2 x Safari Game Drives

DAY 4:  NGUNI RIVER LODGE – Addo – EASTERN CAPE

Today, cross many unique valleys and continue on to the Addo Elephant National Park – (Entrances own cost) a unique wildlife area.  Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in your own vehicle.  Listen to the wild sounds of Africa while enjoying a sundowner (cheers!).   Dinner @ the Lodge – included.

• Included:  DBB

DAY 5:  HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE – The Crags – GARDEN ROUTE

Afternoon visit to Tsitsikamma National Park.  Visit the Big Tree, Hike Otter Trail – (all entrances at own cost).  Dinner @ the Lodge – included.

• Included:  DBB

DAY 6:  HOG HOLLOW COUNTRY LODGE – The Crags – GARDEN ROUTE

Walk Suspension Bridge.  If you want something more adventurous, maybe go to Bungi Jump at Bloukrans from the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge.  

• Included:  BB
• Option/Add On:  Bungi Jump off Bloukrans Bridge.

DAY 7:  SOUL ON THE HEADS – Knysna Waterfront – GARDEN ROUTE

Travel further west to the town of Knysna, famous for the Knysna Lagoon and the “Heads”.  Enjoy a Sunset Cruise to the Heads on John Benn – included, followed by Dinner @ Sirocco’s – included.

• Included:  DBB + Sunset Cruise on Knysna Lagoon

DAY 8:  BUFFELSDRIFT GAME LODGE – Oudtshoorn – KLEIN KAROO

Continue to Oudtshoorn – Visit Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour – included & continue to Cango Caves & enjoy lunch there (own account).  Continue to lodge and enjoy Dinner @ the Lodge – included.

• Included:  DBB + Highgate Ostrich Farm Tour

DAY 9:  THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront – CAPE TOWN OR  THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – Bantry Bay – clients can choose

Early Departure to Cape Town via Stellenbosch and enjoy a Wine Tasting at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch (own account).  Continue to Town.  You can explore the city on the Hop on Hop off Red Bus City Tour.

• Included:  BB

DAY 10:  THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront – CAPE TOWN OR  THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – Bantry Bay – clients can choose

Visit Cape Point; Boulders Beach, and get a chance to swim with the penguins.  Enjoy a walk in Kirstenbosch Gardens (entrances own cost). 

• Included:  BB

DAY 11:  THE TABLE BAY HOTEL – V&A Waterfront – CAPE TOWN OR  THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – Bantry Bay – clients can choose

Leisure day but you can take a trip up to Table Mountain with the Cable Car.   You can take a boat trip Robben Island (own account).  If you want to do something more adventurous, maybe try out some Paragliding.  

• Included:  BB
• Option/Add On:  Paragliding

DAY 12:  DEPARTURE DAY – Cape Town

Visit the V&A Waterfront before departure via Bloubergstrand for Postcard photos of Table Mountain and continue to Cape Town International Airport.  Drop Car.  Depart

• Included:  BB

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

•  Accommodation as stated (or alternative if not available – this will be communicated to the clients)
•  Breakfast daily
•  2 x Lunches at Bukela
•  6 x Dinners
•  4 x Game Drive at Bukela (2 x AM and 2 x PM)
•  1 x Sunset Cruise on Knysna Lagoon
•  1 x Highgate Ostrich Farm Visit

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

•   Porterags – 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)
•   Drinks not included in itinerary (see day by day)

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