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Essential South Africa

Essential South Africa

Suggested Holiday Itinerary

Essential South Africa

Summary Of The Route and Costs

If you're passionate about wildlife both above and below the sea, this is the holiday for you. A combination of a stay in one of the top wildlife-viewing spots in the world, plus a couple of nights in Hermanus, one of the best places to see whales on the planet - what more can you ask for?

You begin with a 3 night safari at Nkorho Bush Lodge, which is situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Highly experienced and knowledgeable game rangers and trackers take you on morning and afternoon/evening game drives in search of the Big Five - the area is known for its unrivalled sightings of the usually elusive leopard.

After a brief overnight in Port Elizabeth you head to the Garden Route. Knysna is locatead at the centre of the Garden Route, Thesen Island is in the centre of the Knysna Estuary and The Lofts Boutique Hotel is at the centre of it all. The unique location of the Lofts Boutique Hotel on Thesen Island sets the tone for a tranquil, revitalising, relaxing and refreshing stay. As you drive over the venetian style bridge you feel that you are entering a different, more peaceful world.

Then it's off to Hermanus. 138 Marine is an award-winning, upmarket guest house with spectacular sea views, only 5 minutes from the centre of Hermanus. It is one of the few luxury guesthouses in the Hermanus area which is situated right at the beachfront. The most enjoyable aspect to whale watching in Hermanus is the ability to wander the coastal paths which stretch from one side of town to the other - some 12 kilometers in all. From June to December, the very popular whale watching boat trips also depart from the Hermanus Harbour, giving visitors a close-up experience of these gentle giants of the ocean.

You will then stay just outside the beautiful town of Franschhoek - the perfect place to enjoy some of the fine wines produced in the surrounding vinyards before finally heading to Cape Town. You have a few days to explore the city and the surrounding area including Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, The V&A Waterfront and the many nearby beaches.

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Summary Of The Itinerary

Holiday Title: Essential South Africa

Countries Visited: South Africa


Day 1

Arrive into Hoedspruit Airport. You will be met by your driver who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. Once you have collected your luggage, you will then be transferred to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Nkorho Bush Lodge offers a true safari experience where guests become one with nature. Morning game drives with an experienced ranger and tracker team take you on a drive as the sun rises above the African bush. As your day draws to a close, feel the thrill of your afternoon/evening game drive as the nocturnal animals rule the night.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

3 nights at Nkorho Bush Lodge


Day 4

After you return from your morning game drive you will have time to enjoy breakfast before you are collected and transferred back to the airport, arriving in time to check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Airlink 4Z874 (Economy Class): Fly from Hoedspruit Air Force Base (HDS) departing at 14:20 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 15:25

Connect with your onward flight down to Port Elizabeth.

Airlink 4Z795 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 17:05 to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), arriving at 18:40

Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to your hotel.


Day 5

Your hire car will be delivered at 09:00. Complete the necessary paperwork - you will need to present your driving licence, passport and credit card. The keys to your hire car will then be handed over to you.

11 Day Car Rental: Group D Economy Auto - Hyundai Venue Automatic or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Drive to Knysna (approx 240 km / 2 h 40 mins) which is set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Beautiful coastlines, breathtaking mountains and valleys, tall forests, deep blue lakes and lagoons - these are the reasons why the Garden Route is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. There are loads of things to do along the Garden Route - whale watching, elephant and bird sanctuaries, hiking, watersports, fishing, horse riding, ostrich farms, mountain biking, long beach strolls, boat trips, shopping for arts and crafts - even bungee jumping from the highest bridge in Africa.


Day 8

Drive to Hermanus (approx 410 km / 4 h 0 mins). The pretty little town of Hermanus is one of the world's best whale viewing sites. The peak time, when daily sightings are virtually guaranteed, is during September and October. 2 nights in Hermanus over this period gives you the opportunity of going on an early morning whale watching boat trip, but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the whale watching from the land. It is also possible to go cage diving with Great White Sharks that prowl the chilly waters of the south coast here


Day 10

Drive to just outside the village of Franschhoek (approx 80 km / 1 h 0 mins). Lavender Farm Guest House, as the name suggests, is surrounded by lavender fields plus mountain scenery that extends as far as the eye can see.


Day 12

Allow about an hour to drive to Cape Town. Situated in Cape Town's fashionable Heritage Square, the Cape Heritage is an intimate boutique hotel offering direct access to the city's vibrant street life, shopping and fine dining. The hotel's historic roots run deep into the 18th century and the central courtyard is shaded by the oldest known fruit-bearing grapevine in South Africa. It's an oasis of calm from which to explore all that Cape Town has to offer.


Day 15
Drive to Cape Town Airport, return your hire car and check in for your flight home.
 
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Example Cost

Holiday Title: Essential South Africa

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 14 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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