Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Example holiday
Garden Route Discovered
We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
After an early morning departure from Cape Town, you will ll travel along Sir Lowry's Pass, with its magnificent views from the top, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Your journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa and that creates unforgettable memories. You then continue onward to Mossel Bay and your overnight accommodation.
You will overnight here at Diaz Hotel & Resort in the seashore town of Mossel Bay, a small slice of coastal paradise along the celebrated Garden Route. The hotel occupies an enviable space that allows it to have breathtaking sea views from every window and balcony and promises complete relaxation. There is an enticing rim flow pool as well as a Water Park that is set right alongside the ocean to provide entertainment for in-house guests. Ride the tubes or simply enjoy sun kissed days poolside.
After breakfast, you continue onto Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. Visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour, followed by a wine tasting at a local wine estate, before a tour of the Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. You will then be taken to your overnight accommodation in Oudtshoorn.
La Plume is a family-owned 1902 Victorian homestead on a working ostrich, alfalfa and vine farm outside the town of Oudtshoorn offering warm country hospitality and accommodations in refined style. Enjoy relaxing on the cool veranda with its sweeping view across the Olifant's River Valley to the Swartberg Mountains. The spacious en-suite rooms are tastefully furnished with gracious antiques and offer all modern conveniences.
After breakfast, you will travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks such as the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to take in the panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch (included). In the afternoon, explore and discover more of this charming town at your leisure.
The Rex Hotel is renowned for its chic urban style and impeccable service. Located in the vibrant seaside town of Knysna and surrounded by beaches, forests and lakes, this elegant retreat is the perfect base from which to explore all the attractions of the world-famous Garden Route. Whether you are a foodie, a golfer, wildlife enthusiast or an adventure seeker, there are plenty of experiences in store for you. Accommodation at the Rex is inspired by a mix of contemporary and classic decor, featuring calming colours and plush fabrics. Every modern comfort is available in these beautifully appointed rooms, suites and apartments.
After breakfast you will be transferred (unescorted, driver only) eastward along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Port Elizabeth, where the tour will come to an end. Guests may disembark, on request, at Port Elizabeth Airport.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Diaz Hotel & Resort
The Garden Route: 1 Night
Located only 10 metres from the high-water mark and offering spectacular ocean views from every window and balcony, the Diaz Hotel and Resort welcomes you to the pristine seashore of Mossel Bay's renowned Diaz Beach, offering a thrilling and entertaining experience right in the heart of the picturesque and famous Garden Route.
Discover all of the delights Mossel Bay has to offer. This charming town boasts long and scenic shorelines, pristine beaches and seasonal whale and dolphin watching.
Take in the spectacular views of both the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains as you enjoy a wealth of culinary choices, from scrumptious dinners and cocktails to informal café-style lunches and cool drinks. You'll find a menu to suit every member of the family.
Relax by the exclusive outdoor rim-flow pool under the warm African sun as the waves lazily wash against the beach in the background.
In addition, there is a separate water park next to the hotel which guests can visit, promising a fun and exciting action packed day. For those wishing to just relax, enjoy the Lazy River and drift along without a care in the world.
The Diaz Hotel offers 86 superior sea-facing rooms, each with a private balcony from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mossel Bay.
Example Details For Diaz Hotel & Resort
Nights:
1 Night
Adults:
2
Children:
0
Room:
1 x Standard Room
Includes:
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Location
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
La Plume Guest House
The Klein Karoo: 1 Night
La Plume is a boutique Guest House on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where old-world charm has been combined with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.
Guests can join an informative tour of the farm (on request and additional cost - booking essential) to learn about the day to day activities in the life of a full-time farmer, as well as the giant birds and the trials and tribulations of farming with them from one of the few experts on the ostrich industry.
The English Breakfast buffet is the perfect start to a busy day with fresh fruit platters, a bread and cereal selection, cold meats and cheeses, as well as hot breakfast with special requests made to order. The restaurant also offers a daily lunch menu or picnic baskets for guests exploring the wonders of Klein Karoo. For dinner enjoy exceptional local wine and traditional home-cooked cuisine meticulously prepared by the chef and served in the spacious, candlelit dining room.
La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation. The 5 Superior Suites and the Luxury Rooms all have private entrances that open onto sunny verandas overlooking the gardens, and the 2 Honeymoon Suites embody a feeling of romance and cosiness. The Luxury Junior Suite is ideal for 3 adults travelling together or family with an older child wishing sleep in a separate room, as the suite consists of a queen master bedroom with full en-suite bathroom and lounge with single bed for the third person.
The Plume Cottage consists of 2 interconnecting suites each with its own bedroom, full bathroom and lounge sharing a kitchenette. The Private Farm Villa has 2 bedrooms each with its own full en-suite bathroom, a large open plan living and dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. This typical South African farm house is off the main property nestled among alfalfa fields overlooking ostrich enclosures and a mere 100 meters from the main homestead.
Example Details For La Plume Guest House
Nights:
1 Night
Adults:
2
Children:
0
Room:
1 x Standard Room
Includes:
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Location
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
The Rex Hotel
Knysna: 1 Night
Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.
The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.
The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.
The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.
The Rex Hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. This impeccably appointed hotel offers guests a gateway to world-class restaurants, lush forests and the shores of the peaceful Knysna Lagoon.
The Rex Hotel offers the choice of Standard Rooms, Luxury Studios and two bedroom Apartments that reflect an urban chic ambiance and mixes contemporary and classic décor with cool colours and rich fabrics. The studios and the apartments have an open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchenette.
The O Bar & Eatery at The Rex offers excellent service, superb cuisine and exciting specialities. The outdoor terrace area is the perfect spot to bask in the sunshine and indulge in coffee or light snacks.
Example Details For The Rex Hotel
Nights:
1 Night
Adults:
2
Children:
0
Room:
1 x Standard Room
Includes:
Breakfast is included.
Location
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Important Travel Information For South Africa
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent. There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.
Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.
South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
Medical
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.
Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.
There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Important Travel Information For South Africa
Continued
Languages And Culture
The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.
The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725
Page
Book With Confidence
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
Postponing to a later date
Switching to another destination
Receiving a full refund of all monies paid to Travel Butlers for the trip, providing the balance due has been paid in full
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel or your booked country is placed on the red list
The government in your country of residence (non-UK residents) restricts all but essential travel
The destination you are travelling to has entry restrictions in place that prohibit you travelling, such as closed borders or extended quarantine requirements
International flights are cancelled without alternative routing available for you to use to reach the destinations in the itinerary
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
Support whilst you are away
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
cancellation if you or anyone covered by the policy gets a positive coronavirus test in the two weeks before you travel
medical costs if you get coronavirus while you are away
additional transport and/or accommodation expenses if you fall ill with coronavirus while you are away
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.