With Christmas just around the corner, why not treat yourself to a well deserved break and enjoy 12 nights away, soaking up the summer sun and exploring the beautiful Cape in South Africa!

This magical journey will have you exploring the top of Table Mountain, feeling the warm sands and fresh Atlantic water inbetween your toes, tasting award winning wines, and coming face to face with an ostrich – all the while being captivated by the charm of the region’s small villages.  After taking in the breathtaking sights of the Western Cape, and the endless views of green landscapes and blue oceans, you head off on a 2 night safari in a private game reserve – home to Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Taking place from the 12^th to 24^th December, this itinerary includes return flights from London on Ethiopian Airlines (or a similar airline), 3 nights in Cape Town, followed by a 5 night Guided Tour along the Garden Route with an English guide all the way to Port Elizabeth, where finally, you will finish with 2 nights on safari at Amakhala Woodbury Lodge in the beautiful Eastern Cape.

With prices from just £2995 per person this is a great way to beat the winter blues and be home in time for Christmas!

Cape Town 12^th–15^th December

You will depart from London Heathrow in the evening, stopping briefly in Addis Ababa before flying all the way down to Cape Town, arriving the next day in the early afternoon. After collecting your bags, you will then be transferred to Breakwater Lodge, ideally located right next to the vibrant V&A Waterfront.  Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities – with a magnificent mountain as its centre, miles of sandy beaches, a colourful and moving history, and countless bars and restaurants, Cape Town captures the hearts of visitors.

The Garden Route 16^th–21^th December

Today, the journey through the Garden Route and all its wonders begins with a wine tasting in the picturesque Hex River Valley, surrounded by magnificent mountains. The tour will then continue, taking you through Matjiesfontein and onto Prince Albert where you will spend the night at the charming Victorian styled Swartberg Hotel.  Enjoy a delicious evening meal in the Victoria Room, a room inspired by a history that dates back all the way to 1864.

17^th December

After breakfast, enjoy the spectacular drive through the Swartberg Mountains to Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the “Ostrich Capital” of the world and is the largest town in the Klein Karoo region, a semi-desert place with a reputation for its inspiring natural splendour. Here you will be given a tour of one of the one of the world’s great natural wonders, the Cango Caves, followed by a visit to an Ostrich Farm. You will be spending the night at  La Plume Guest House  and once checked in, you can enjoy relaxing on the cool veranda of your room, with its sweeping view across the Olifant’s River Valley to the Swartberg Mountains.

18^th–19^th December

Moving down to the coast, the tour continues through the Outeniqua Pass to George (the 6th oldest town in SA) and onto Wilderness, before finally reaching Knysna. Nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area. You can take part in a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve before heading to the top of the Western Head to enjoy the panoramic views of the town and lagoon. Your 2 nights here will be spent at The Rex Hotel. The next day you will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Knysna area, including a visit to the Garden of Eden and the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. Set in a lush green forest, you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free. Before heading back, there is time to see the Eastern Head and Brenton on Sea.

20^th December

Departing Knysna, the tour takes you to Plettenberg Bay (the jewel of the Garden Route) and the biggest single free flight aviary in the world, the Birds of Eden Sanctuary.  After this, you will get to see Bloukrans Bridge, home to the highest bungy jump in the world. For those who are brave enough, here’s your chance! The continues along the spectacular coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth, where you will spend the night at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn which lies just on the outskirts of the Park.

21^th December

Today, you will come to the end of your Garden Route Tour by finishing with an orientation tour of Port Elizabeth. Known more fondly as just PE, the warmth of the people have earned it the well-deserved reputation as ‘The Friendly City’. When the tour has finished you will then be taken to the Amakhala Game Reserve for an incredible safari experience.

Amakhala Game Reserve 21^th–23^th December

This 7,200 malaria-free hectare game reserve is home to all of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard), as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species. It offers a range of different landscapes and  includes breathtaking views of the Bushman’s River.

Woodbury Lodge is spectacularly set against a cliff above the Bushmans River valley, offering an intimate and tranquil experience.  There are a range of activities to enjoy during your 2 night stay here, including game drives, a river cruise, bush walks and horse trails. For those interested in soaking up the African sun, recline around the pool and enjoy some quiet bird watching.

On the final morning, enjoy one more game drive before returning for breakfast, before you are collected and transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport in time for your flight home. Arrive back into London on the 24^th, with some incredible stories to dazzle your family and friends with over Christmas dinner.

South Africa continues to offer outstanding value for money to visitors who are looking to explore the bustling heart of cosmopolitan Cape Town, discover new favourites on a tour of the winelands, or  track the Big 5 on the safari of a lifetime in the Greater Kruger Park.

As well a a breathtaking range of world-class places to visit, South Africa boasts a vast choice of safari lodges, accommodation and transport options to meet all tastes and budgets. To give you an example of the range of properties available, in the Kruger area there are lodges such as Shindzela and Gomo Gomo that offer a safari including game drives, accommodation and all meals for around £150 per person per night, however if you have the budget and nothing but the best will do, Singita Ebony Lodge will set you back over £1500 per person per night.  Not sure how to choose between different lodges to make sure you get the best experience for your trip?  The team at Travel Butlers have been specialising in safari holidays to South Africa sionce 2003, and we would be delighted to help you choose the right lodge and itinerary for your perfect trip.

To make this wonderful and diverse country even more appealing, Travel Butlers is running a special offer with deposits starting from only £100 per person on new bookings for accommodation and road transport in South Africa.

This offer will automatically be applied to qualifying bookings, and you can get some inspiration for your own trip on our South Africa holiday pages.

The offer is valid for new bookings confirmed before 30 November 2018, and the balance will be due 60 days before travel as per our usual terms and conditions.

The £100 deposit per person (or equivalent amount in USD, EUR or ZAR) will secure your safari lodge, hotel bookings and road transport in South Africa. There may be a few exceptions for larger group bookings and particular properties that require a larger deposit, and if you would like to book international or other scheduled flights with us, we’ll need to confirm the prices and payment terms for these at the time of booking as these are set by the airlines.

So what are you waiting for?  Give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we can start to plan an amazing trip to South Africa for you with a deposit of only £100 per person!

We are heading off to South Africa in a couple of weeks to do some site inspections of safari lodges in the north of the country (Madikwe, The Waterberg, and Kruger Park), and as we are often asked for some guidance on obtaining foreign currency I thought I’d share my findings as I look for the best rate for South African Rand for our trip.

Disclaimer
The opinions here are based on my own research and around 35 years’ experience of independent travel (wow…I’m getting old!).  This blog does not constitute financial advice.  All tips are followed at your own risk and should be followed up with your own research.

Travel Butlers Ltd are not affiliated with any of the websites or financial services providers that I link to in this blog, and we are not responsible for any of the content on the sites that we link to.

The changing market
Things have changed so much over the years regarding the best way to deal with foreign currency when travelling, as anyone who can remember when travellers cheques were the only real alternative to getting cash from the bank or bureau de change will confirm.

In fact, I was part way through writing that last sentence when I realised I was not even sure if travellers cheques are still a thing…it turns out that they are, and whilst they do offer some advantages I think that the fact they are not widely accepted and have handling, commission and cashing-in fees mean they are nowhere near as popular as they were.  Personally, I don’t think I’ve used them since the 1980s, and cannot really imagine a circumstance where I would use them in the future.

I would also not use my regular credit card, bank or airport/high street bureau de change as these do not offer as attractive rates as I can find elsewhere.  Pre-paid currency cards, challenger banks, and online currency ordering services will all provide better rates than high street banks and bureau de change.

Card Payments
Whilst contactless is not as widely used for small transactions in Africa as it is in Europe, major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, shops and restaurants.  This greatly reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash, and specialist currency cards offer better exchange rates than the cards from bigger high-street banks.  Most UK credit cards will charge a non-sterling transaction fee of around 3% in addition to cash withdrawal fees and interest charges, and using a specialist currency card will save on these fees making them the best option for card payments whilst abroad.

For card payments you have two options – a specialist currency credit card (where you may incur interest charges) or a debit card (where you must have the funds already in your account).

Moneysavingexpert.com has a review of specialist currency credit cards, including Halifax Clarity, Tandem and others.  These will give you good exchange rates on card transactions but you’ll need to pay them off in full each month to avoid paying interest on card purchases, and they can charge high rates of interest on ATM transactions.  As the rates are calculated at the time you make the transaction, you will not know the GBP cost of your spending until it has been processed by the bank.

Prepaid debit cards allow you to load money in GBP sterling (and sometimes in other currencies) and then spend overseas at attractive exchange rates without additional charges.  Prepaid debit cards also allow withdraws from overseas ATMs at better exchange rates and with lower fees and no interest charges.  Cards include FairFX, Caxton, Revolut, and WeSwap, and you can see a comparison of multi-currency prepaid cards at moneysupermarket.com.    Whilst you do have to make sure you have money in your account for the pre-paid debit cards, they can allow you to convert money from GBP into the currency you require in advance of your trip, and this means you can lock in the exchange rate and know what everything is costing as you spend it.

Cash
I have found that the best option for cash is either to use a specialist foreign currency card at an ATM whilst abroad, or pre-order money for delivery or collection.

In the UK, there is a useful tool at Moneysavingexert.com which allows you to compare rates for a wide range of different suppliers for delivery to your home or office, or pick up from a local collection point or from the airport.  It is important to note that whilst some of the companies featured here may be familiar, the rates shown are only available if you pre-order the currency from them online or over the phone.  It is also worth noting that most internet currency suppliers will make a small charge for delivery of smaller amounts…you can avoid this if you can collect it from then or order a larger amount.

The prepaid debit cards mentioned earlier allow you to load money in GBP sterling and then withdraw from overseas ATMs at very attractive exchange rates.  In my experience, rates for ATM withdrawals using a prepaid debit cards are typically 4-5% better than pre-ordering from the internet, and up to 9% better than a high-street or airport bureau de change.

What Do I do?
I have a Revolut card and use this for both card payments overseas and cash withdrawals from ATMs.  This means I avoid the non-sterling transaction charges and get a good exchange rate for card payments whilst away. ATM withdrawals in both the UK and overseas are free up to £200 per month, however there is a charge of 2% for ATM withdrawals above £200 per month.

Looking at the rates available today for South African Rand, Revolut is offering nearly 5% more for my money than the best of the internet pre-orders, and nearly 10% more than the worst of the high-street suppliers I looked at.  Of course the downside is that I do not have a South African Rand ATM where I am, so I cannot get cash at that rate right at this moment…

As I will be a bit pushed for time on arrival in South Africa for the upcoming trip, I do not want to waste time finding an ATM when I get there.  Given this I have decided to order a small amount of cash online to see me through the first few days, and then I will use my Revolut card for payments and ATM transactions as necessary.

Revolut is managed via a mobile App, meaning that if I need more Rand when I am away I can top up the card from my phone.  Any unused Rand on the card at the end of my trip can be converted back to sterling and sent back to my main bank account.

Would I recommend you do what I do?
No – not because you shouldn’t do what I do, but because I am not qualified to offer financial advice and I do not claim to have perfect knowledge of all the services available. What works for me may not be right for you!

As mentioned earlier, this is not an advertorial and we are not affiliated with any of the websites or financial services providers mentioned in this blog.  One of the key reasons I use Revolut rather than one of the other providers is that they allow me to load my account with other currencies such as USD, EUR, and ZAR.  This is useful to me as we have clients pay us in a range of currencies, however if I did not need this facility then I may well have gone with one of the other providers.

The £200 per month limit on free ATM withdrawals with Revolut is a bit of a pain (although other debit cards have a similar rule), and you should also be aware that Revolut is a financial technology (FinTech) company and clients’ money is not currently covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.  They do have safeguards in place, however I tend to only keep relatively low amounts in the account at any one time.

Having just opened in mid April this year, Andersson’s at Ongava, has already made quite the impression and it’s easy to understand why. Originally a farmstead, the lodge has been transformed into an exquisite mix of luxury, colours and textures connecting guests to the landscape around them.

Andersson’s has 7 luxury guest suites and one family unit, accommodating 18 guests in total. Each suite is a combination of natural elements and luxurious amenities that reflect the surrounding environment. Watch the sunset on another day from your private viewing deck with its 180 degree views, or have a read of some published papers, journals and digital archives to further your ever growing knowledge.

Each suite has a superby fitted en-suite bathroom, with both a double indoor and outdoor shower.

As the name suggests, the camp is located on the Ongava Private Reserve, one of the largest private concessions in Namiba, which shares a border with the Etosha National Park.  All game drives take place in the Etosha National Park itself – a 22,000 square km of unrivalled game viewing opportunites, and home to 114 different species of mammal, including 4 of Africa’s famous Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino and leopard.

Rhino tracking on foot is one of the activities that you can enjoy on the concession as part of your African adventure during your stay. An underground photographic hide also provides the perfect spot to get ‘eye to eye’ shots of the wildife as they wander nearby.

In addition, the Ongava Research Centre is a short walk away from the lodge, and provides the opportunity for guests to see firsthand the vital work that takes place here by meeting the researchers, conservationists and rhino security personnel.

The main lodge area is where guests can meet up to chat over their day’s adventures. A spacious lounge and bar area means you are never on top of anyone else, and you can choose where to dine – at either the undercover or the open-air dining room.  An infinity pool overlooks a waterhole, often frequented by wildlife during the day who come to quench their thirst.

If you want to check your many photos, there is also a dedicated photographic ‘nook’ where you can review your shots and edit as necessary – and the complimentary Wi-Fi means you can upload any to your social media accounts and make family and friends back home very jealous!

We cannot wait to visit this lodge ourselves!

An exciting new 10 day itinerary has just been announced that combines an outstanding 5* safari experience at Singita with a couple of days in Cape Town (the Mother City), and to top it all off, a journey to one of the most remote places on earth, Antarctica.

With just one set departure date announced so far for November 2019, your unforgettable journey begins on 12th November with a flight from Johannesburg to the iconic Kruger National Park, where you will spend 4 nights at either Singita Lebombo or Sweni Lodge. Both lodges are located in the private Lebombo Concession, which is on the eastern side of the Park, bordering Mozambique.  The area boasts beautiful scenery and excellent game viewing, including the Big 5, large populations of antelope and diverse birdlife to go with it. Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles get you unbelievably close to Africa’s wildlife in a natural, untamed setting.

Singita Lebombo is elevated on a sheer cliff top and has 15 luxurious glass cuboid suites, each with incredible views of the Nwanetsi and Sweni Rivers, along with the surrounding savanna plains. The more intimate Singita Sweni has just 7 secluded suites and is set on the bank of the Sweni River, surrounded by trees with views of the African bush.

After your stay at Singita, the journey continues south down to Cape Town, where you will spend 2 nights at the prestigious One&Only Cape Town. With its spectacular location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination in itself.

During your stay here, enjoy the bustling V&A with its many shops and attractions, take a trip to the top of the magnificent Table Mountain, or simply retreat to the peaceful sanctuary of the One&Only Spa – located on its own private island the Spa has an extensive range of classic and exclusive holistic spa treatments which your therapist will tailor perfectly to your needs.

In the evenings, enjoy a selection of the most celebrated vinicultural and dining experiences at one of the excellent restaurants and bars that the One&Only is famed for.

On the 17^th you will be invited to a comprehensive safety briefing, hosted by your tour leaders, who will make sure you have all the correct clothing and ensure you are fully prepared for your journey further south the next day.

Finally, the last leg of this incredible journey takes you to Antarctica, where you will spend 5 nights at Whichaway Camp, the perfect place from which to explore this region and its wonders. The camp itself has 6 state-of-the-art sleeping pods that can accommodate up to 12 guests.  There is also a communal lounge, dining room and kitchen.

While most of us have only ever seen this unique continent and its remarkable wildlife on a TV screen, this is your chance to discover all that it can offer. Experience a true wildlife spectacle, as the Emperor Penguin colonies prepare for their chicks to hatch, hike and explore the blue-ice tunnels with your polar guide, venture out to the local science bases to see the work they do firsthand, and if you’re feeling truly adventurous, why not try out some ice climbing.

The package includes return Federal Air flights between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Singita Kruger National Park; the flight from Johannesburg down to Cape Town; airport meet and greet with transfers to/from the One&Only in Cape Town; and return flights from Cape Town International Airport to the Antarctic interior on a Gulfstream G550 jet. In addition, at Singita all meals and beverages (excluding French Champagne), daily game drives, walking safaris, Wi-Fi and a laundry service are included; at One&Only your rate includes daily breakfast at Reuben’s plus use of the Spa Thermal Suites; and at White Desert all meals and beverages are included plus all excursions and a visit to the 6,000 strong Emperor Penguin Colony at Atka Bay by a DC3 Basler flight.

This true ‘journey of a lifetime’ starts from USD 67,000 per person – please contact one of the team at Travel Butlers on info@travelbutlers.com, quoting ‘Emperor Penguin’ and we will get back to you with a final quotation, including if required a quote for your international flights from your preferred airport.  With just 12 seats on this trip – don’t delay too long to get in touch!

A family safari is a wonderful experience, however sometimes it can be difficult to find a camp or lodge where the whole family can stay together under one roof and not be spread out across several rooms.  The brand new Geoffrey Kent Suite at Sanctuary Olonana ticks all boxes in this case, and if you happen to be considering a family trip to Kenya’s Masai Mara anytime soon, then this would be an ideal option.

Welcoming children of all ages, the suite has 2 private en-suite bedrooms, along with one connecting bedroom. Each of which has a freestanding bathtub and opens out onto a wraparound viewing deck with an enticing infinity pool overlooking the Mara River. The interior of the suite consists of a welcoming dining room, open lounge and a fully stocked bar.

Enjoy the benefit of having a private vehicle and safari guide to help explore this special destination, and once you have returned from the days activities, prepare to be spoiled with delicious meals freshly prepared by the resident chef, tailored to suit all occasions and tastes.

As the suite is based Sanctuary Olonana Camp, guests staying here can take advantage of their great range of activities for kids.  Expert guides will take children out on special game drives and accompany them to the nearby Masai village where they will learn how to make and shoot a traditional bow and arrow, make a fire, build a hut,  and herd cattle. The lodge can also arrange for kids to take part in a football match with local children and learn maasai songs and traditional dances. Other activities include going out on a nature trail where they will learn about animal footprint identification or enjoy our bush treasure hunt followed by planting their own tree.

With its outstanding luxury, spacious rooms, and excellent range of  activities for kids, the Geoffrey Kent Suite is an exciting new addition to Sanctuary Olonana, offering an excellent safari experience for all members of the family.

A couple of weeks ago we had a meeting with andBeyond, and among other things we were interested to hear from them how their newest lodge in the Sabi Sands is settling in.

Featuring 9 luxurious suites looking out over the Sand River and surrounded by a cool forest, andBeyond Tengile River Lodge combines top class luxury and service, with incredible views and refined interiors.  As we have come to expect from andBeyond, the lodge itself is stylish and beautifully finished combining contemporary design features with traditional materials in a way that is sensitive to the surrounding environment.

Set within the world famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Tengile offers a host of game viewing activities similar nearby andBeyondKirkman’s Kamp (which has long been a favourite of ours here at Travel Butlers).  Morning and afternoon game drives head out into the reserve led by the experienced and passionate guides, where incredible wildlife sightings and close up encounters await. Whether it is an elusive leopard or a member of the Big 5, with over 200 animal species and a further 350 species of birds, the diversity here is simply outstanding.

Also popular are the bush walks which are conducted with a guide and tracker and allow guests to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells,  of the African bush.  This is a great way to learn more about the unseen details of the bush, and the andBeyond guides are among the best in the business making this a real treat for nature lovers.

Back at the lodge itself, the suites at Tegile all feature private infinity pools, a sunken lounge, and elegant bedrooms and bathrooms opening out onto the river below.  This luxurious setting is the perfect place to take some time out in-between game drives to relax and enjoy what is around you. It could be that you want to read a few more pages of a good book in the lounge or viewing deck, indulge in an extra spa treatment, or simply taking in the view from a hot bath and a glass of champagne to go with it.

The main guest areas are stylishly finished with a mixture of bespoke furniture, natural light and open views. A beautiful chandelier acts as the crown jewel of the dining area, whilst the bar and lounge are perfect for enjoying a delicious cocktail or fine wine. In the evening, guests retire to the fire pit to swap stories about the day’s adventures as the sky begins to darken and the stars appear.

Having only recently opened, Tengile River Lodge has already made quite the impression with its jaw dropping design and ideal location in one of the most diverse wildlife areas on the continent. This looks to be another outstanding addition to the andBeyond portfolio, and we are sure that guests fortunate enough to stay here will return home having had a top-class safari experience.

Game reserves and safari lodges are essentially very eco-friendly, and without them (and tourists they attract) far less land would be set aside for conservation and the protection of Africa’s magnificent wildlife.  Permanent structures are not allowed in more sensitive habitats, meaning that many lodges and camps can be taken apart and moved to another location allow the land to recover,  and even in instances where permanent buildings are used these tend to use solar energy to reduce their impact on the environment.

The one thing that has always seemed less than ideal, however, is the use of  petrol or diesel powered 4×4 vehicles for game drives.  Whilst the animals themselves are usually not particularly bothered by noise of the vehicles, especially in well established reserves, it is good to hear that Cheetah Plains, in the Sabi Sands, and Makanyi Private Game Lodge, in Timvabati, have become among the first game lodges to introduce electric vehicles for game drives.  There have been occasional trials of electric vehicles in the past, most notably by Londolozi, however development stalled and it is only recently that a company in Nelspruit has started offering to convert traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Jessica Gold, owner of Makanyi, says: “We have always looked at ways to ensure that we preserve our beautiful natural environment, and when we heard about Electric Safari Vehicles doing conversions of game viewers, we jumped at the opportunity to convert one of our own Land Rovers – and the results have been astonishing! So much so, that we look forward to having our entire fleet converted in the near future.”

The vehicles are recharged from solar panels and a full charge lasts around 6 hours on average, which equates to between 150 km and 200 km  depending on the terrain.  Given most game drives only cover less than 40 km, the chances of getting stranded in the bush are minimal (although this has happened to me a couple of times in petrol vehicles…).  The vehicles are water proof and dust proof, and can operate as four-wheel-drive across all types of terrain with excellent power and torque.

In addition to the environmental benefits, there are a number of advantages to electric vehicles for guests, as Makanyi’s Head Ranger commented: “The silence is tremendous, and has totally transformed the safari experience. We can communicate more easily with our guests and the tracker without shouting over the sound of the engine, and we can better follow more sensitive or elusive game – leopards, bull elephants in musth, or mothers and babies for whom the sound of the engine can spark a negative reaction.”

The smooth drive of the vehicles will also provide a better platform for taking photos and videos to capture scenes without the vibration and noise from the engine.

I have not had a chance to go out on one of these vehicles as yet, but hope to in a few months when I am next in the Kruger area.  From everything I have heard so far this sounds like a fantastic development and something from which the environment, animals and guests will all benefit.

I have to admit….. I have been really lucky to have travelled often throughout my life, and now, living abroad in the UK, I have been able to explore and experience so many new places, however I always find myself drawn back to the Garden Route. Having grown up along the Southern coast of South Africa, it does stay very close to my heart and for anyone wishing to visit South Africa, this beautiful part of paradise is certainly worth a visit.

Whether you are travelling with your family or as a couple, the Garden Route is an ideal holiday destination and will offer you a varied trip where you can enjoy nature at its best.  The best way to experience this area is to hire a car and discover the route at your own pace.  The Garden Route is part of a longer self-drive route that stretches from Cape Town to the Port Elizabeth area, and offers everything from a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, historic winelands, dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, untouched indigenous forests and even the chance to go on a big five safari. We’ve compiled a few tips for anyone wishing to plan a self drive for their next holiday:

There are two routes that both offer their own appeal leading out of Cape Town, which would ultimately merge in the town of Wilderness, and with the total distance from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth of over 750 km  (466 miles), you should plan to take your time and stop at at least 3 or three places along the way.

Leaving Cape Town Via Hermanus And The Coastal Route
Departing from Cape Town, you could either travel along the N2 motorway and venture over Clarens Drive, a spectacular pass with incredible coastal scenery, as it winds its way along the cliff with the sea breaking underneath you. Pass the little villages of Bettys Bay and Pringle Bay, popular coastal holiday towns for the locals who wish to escape the city.

If you are driving this route, you will want to base yourself in or near Hermanus for a couple of nights.  This is particularly popular in whale watching season between July and November, and in addition to boat-based whale watching tours, Hermanus offers the best land-based whale watching in the country.

Continue from Hermanus to Cape Agulhas, the Southern tip of Africa and where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean meet. Perfect for a lunch stop as there are not too many accommodation options in this pretty coastal town, with only a few owner run Guest houses that offer warm, friendly service.

Beginning your journey east, you’ll find De Hoop Nature Reserve on the coast. Offering wonderful birdlife, an abundance of fynbos and even several species of antelope. The reserve is a World Heritage Site and neighbours one of the largest marine reserves in Africa, offering an unspoilt, secluded coastline, where you could possibly find you are the only one on that stretch of beach watching a whale immersed in play not far from the shore.

Once you have departed De Hoop you can connect back onto the N2 motorway (for the adventurous take the chain ferry to cross the Malgas River) and continue along the coast towards Wilderness.

Leaving Cape Town Via The Winelands And Klein Karoo Route
The second option when departing Cape Town, for those who would prefer to see more of the Winelands and the Klein Karoo semi-desert, incorporating two ‘Capital towns‘, would be to take the the N1 motorway, stopping in Franschhoek for a couple of nights. Known as the Food and Wine Capital of the Country, here you can enjoy wines from some of world’s best wine estates in one of the prettiest towns in South Africa.

Continue your journey from the Winelands along the R62 as it meanders through the Du Toit’s pass, Robertson, Montagu and on to Oudtshoorn, the heart of the Klein Karoo and the Ostrich Capital of the world. The town, located in a dramatic setting of Karoo mountains and rugged scenery, offers a selection of ostrich show farms, the well known cango caves, animal wildlife ranches and our personal favourite – meerkat tours.  The meerkat tours do require an early morning start, however this is well worth it as you have the opportunity to view these shy and delightfully cute creatures in their natural habitat, as they wake up to the day and venture into the sunlight. Oudtshoorn is a great overnight stop, allowing you the afternoon and the following morning to enjoy some of these activities on offer.

As you depart Oudtshoorn, head over the Outeniqua Pass and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Karoo as you climb. Descending towards George, you will have the coast in sight as you travel towards Wilderness, the gem of the Garden Route.

Along The Garden Route Coast From Wilderness
However you decide to start your self-drive adventure, the trip along the Garden Route proper will start when you arrive in the picturesque village of Wilderness.

This lovely little village is surrounded by quiet beaches that continue for miles and paralleled by forests and rivers that create a haven of wild beauty. There are a number of outdoor activities to make the most of this beautiful setting: canoe up the Touws River and enjoy a picnic at a waterfall, visit the Map of Africa viewpoint and Dolphins Point overlooking the famous Kaaimans Train Bridge, indulge in a meal at one of the many locally owned restaurants in the village or just enjoy the magnificent beaches – this is a great stop for a couple of nights if you are looking to relax and just breathe in nature and fresh air.

When you leave Wilderness and start heading towards Knysna, you may want to take a detour to the magnificent beaches at Sedgefield.  Myoli Beach boasts miles of soft sands and clear waters with plenty of water sports on offer, whilst the quieter Gerickes Point is an unspoiled paradise backed by dramatic mountains and with countless rock pools.  Sedgefield is close enough to Wilderness and Knysna and choosing to stay in either will allow you the opportunity to explore the area should you wish.

Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route, and the hustle and bustle of this charming waterfront town may steal your heart. Allow yourself 2 to 3 nights here if you have the time as there is so much to explore and do, our favourite would be sitting along the lagoon’s edge enjoying locally harvested oysters and a glass of bubbly! Knysna has a wonderful atmosphere, offers some lovely shopping, amazing views of the Knysna heads and boat activities along the lagoon with the option to explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve.

From Knysna you can explore the Plettenberg Bay area that once again offers a haven of unspoilt beaches, forests and rivers. Family attractions and activities are in abundance here with horse riding, river and ocean boat cruises and several sanctuaries where you can interact with elephants, birds, primates and even big cats.

Continuing further along the coast, you will find Tsitsikamma – we suggest a night or two here to break the journey if you are heading to a safari lodge. Tsitsikamma – fitting with its Garden Route counter parts – is rich in adventure sports, forests and rivers. The Storms River Mouth National Park, located along rugged coast, offers a wonderful wooden walkway path through the forest of giant yellowwood trees and ferns to a suspension bridge that hangs over the river mouth, where river and ocean meet. The Park offers a lovely restaurant to enjoy lunch overlooking the sea while you watch the waves crashing into the rocks.

Ending Your Journey With A Safari

A big-5 safari is guaranteed to be the highlight of any trip to South Africa, and the easiest way of adding a safari to your Garden Route adventure is to head into the Eastern Cape to one of the private game reserves located near Port Elizabeth.  This makes the ideal end to your self drive holiday and you can easily fly out of Port Elizabeth Airport after your safari, with regular flights that connect into Johannesburg and Cape Town in time for your international flight home.

There is nothing quite as romantic and glamorous as a tented safari lodge, and so we were thrilled to hear about the 5* Saseka Tented Camp  – the latest addition to the Thornybush Game Reserve in South Africa.  Forming part of the greater Kruger National Park, Thornybush is rich and diverse with a mixture of open savannah and rolling bushveld, with the Drakensberg Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to the west.  In addition to being home to the big-5, there are also some 142 species of mammals and 507 types of birds, all of which help to create an excellent year-round safari destination for those who are passionate about wildlife and nature.

The camp itself is a mixture of wood, stone and canvas that blends in with the surrounding wilderness.  With both an upper and lower deck, that provide open views of the riverbed, it is the perfect spot to end the day with a delicious meal, before retiring to the campfire and recounting stories of the day with your fellow guests.

Saseka has 8 separate luxurious tented rooms with open glass windows that provide spectacular views of the African bush.  Whether it be from the bedroom or the bathroom, there is always something to see.  Outside, each tent has its own private viewing deck with an outdoor shower, a plunge pool to cool off in the heat of the day and some sun loungers to bask in the African sun. The luxurious interiors provide plenty of comfort, but above all, to give every guest constant access to the untamed wilderness around them.

For families or small groups wanting an exclusive experience, then there is also the breath-taking Leadwood Villa.  With 2 separate rooms, the villa can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children, and a dedicated safari vehicle is also included, allowing for private game drives.  In addition it has a central area with a lounge and dining area that is perfect for private family meals. There is also a large outdoor viewing deck with a plunge pool and sun Loungers.

Guests wishing to indulge in a bit of R&R can visit the Thornybush Amani Spa, which all guests at Saseka can make use of. Just a short transfer from the camp,  the Spa  offers a variety of treatments and therapies that are designed and customised for the individual.

Within this big-5 reserve, the rich diversity of wildlife will insure the game viewing will always show something you were never expecting to see.

With its outstanding attention to detail and incredible service, Saseka shows off the romance that tented safaris in Africa are famous for, and looks to be an unforgettable experience – we can’t wait to see this incredible camp in person.