Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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South Africa Family Adventure

Example holiday

South Africa Family Adventure

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


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South Africa Family Adventure

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 30231

Example Cost

Holiday Title: South Africa Family Adventure

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults and 2 Children

Example Cost for 2 Adults and 2 Children: * per person sharing.

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

ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: South Africa Family Adventure

Passengers: 2 Adults and 2 Children

Day 1

Arrive into Cape Town Airport. Collect your luggage then make your way into the Arrivals Hall. Follow the car rental signs and find theEuropcar Rental office. 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.

13 Day Car Rental: Group R Standard SUV - Toyota Rav or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Drive to Waterfront Village, situated on the water's edge in the picturesque V&A Waterfront Marina. Guests can enjoy access to the swimming pools and an abundance of shops and restaurants are within walking distance.


Day 5

Today you will depart Cape Town and drive about 2 hours to Hermanus where you will find your hotel located in the heart of this historic town. Between June-December, this area is known for being the best place in the world to do land based whale watching. The famous Hermanus Cliff Path provides visitors with exceptional views of these gentle giants which can sometimes come within 10 meters of the coast. Hermanus is not just about whale watching - the largest beach in Hermanus is Grotto Beach and has been given the prestigious "Blue Flag" beach status.


Day 7

After breakfast continue further along the N2 to Knysna (approx 410 km / 4 h 0 mins). Perfectly set on a secluded country estate, near Knysna's famous lagoon on the Garden Route, Knysna Hollow welcomes you with warm and friendly hospitality, and is the perfect base from which to explore the Garden Route. There is lots to do here with children - Monkeyland is a small primate sanctuary set in forest about 16 km east of Plettenberg Bay; the Knysna Elephant Park or the Elephant Sanctuary gives you the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants, with no barriers or fences to spoil the close encounter; or take a boat trip from Mossel Bay out to Seal Island, which is home to 4,000 cape fur seals.


Day 10

Drive to Kariega Game Reserve (approx 385 km / 4 h 20 mins). The Big 5 Kariega Private Game Reserve offers the ultimate safari experience. Morning and afternoon game drives bring you close to the wildlife of the African bush from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle.

Kariega Game Reserve

3 nights at Kariega Main Lodge


Day 13
After your early morning game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast. You will then head off for the drive to Port Elizabeth Airport (approx 145 km / 1 h 20 mins), where you will return your hire car and check in for your flight home via Cape Town or Johannesburg.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Waterfront Village

Cape Town: 4 Nights

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Waterfront Village is situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque V&A Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain, the marina and the canals.  It has a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, designed to provide luxury and comfort.

Each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, an open plan dining and living area, and a balcony or patio. All apartments are fully equipped and well appointed, including complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite television, a washing machine, tumble dryer and a dishwasher.

Guests have access to 5 swimming pools, one of which is a heated lap pool on the roof of the Quaterdeck gym with spectacular views of the marina yacht basin. The gym includes state of the art equipment and is open 7 days a week including public holidays - there is a fee for the use of this pool and the gym.

Secure underground parking is also available.

Example Details For Waterfront Village

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x 2 Bedroom Deluxe Apartment (Stay 4/Pay 3 offer applied - selected periods only)
Includes: Self-catering basis - no meals are included.

Location

Waterfront Village Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Waterfront Village

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

138 Marine

Hermanus: 2 Nights

Located on the south coast and within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai are amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. From June to December each year, whales can be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats.

With excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants and a glorious coastline in addition to the attraction of getting within a few metres of some of the largest animals ever to have lived on this planet, this is a place that every visitor to South Africa should try to see.

Hermanus is a pretty town and the local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear. Don't miss Bientang's Cave restaurant, where you can watch whales less than 100m away whilst eating an excellent seafood lunch. Other good vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall or the cliff path.

Gansbaai, 50 km from Hermanus, is the starting point for more boat-based whale watching, as well as cage diving with great white sharks, as well as trips to the Dyer Island seal colony.

138 Marine is a luxurious, upmarket beachfront guest house with spectacular sea views, about a 7 km drive from the centre of Hermanus.

Spend lazy, sun-filled afternoons on the spacious terrace with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck next to the beach and enjoy magnificent views of breaking waves and spectacular African sunsets over the ocean, or watch the whales from the comfort of your bed during the whale watching season. The extensive breakfast menu changes daily and on request a platter can be provided to enjoy on the beach in front of the guest house.

There are 6 designer double rooms, each individually decorated and luxuriously fitted. No attention to detail has been spared in the superbly stylish decor.

Example Details For 138 Marine

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Luxury Room (Mussel Room)
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

138 Marine Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

138 Marine

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

The Garden Route: 3 Nights

Knysna Hollow is set on a secluded 3 hectare country estate and is just a 5 minute drive to Knysna town centre and the lagoon. Situated in the middle of the iconic Garden Route National Park along the Southern Cape Coast, Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the myriad of attractions the region has to offer.

The modern Cape-country-style Manor House is the focal point of the property and houses all the public areas - restaurant, bar, reception, sun deck and internet library.

The Social Eatery restaurant serves authentic, local food throughout the day and the Social Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy an ice-cold craft beer on tap or a bespoke gin and tonic.

The bar-lounge features a unique glass wine cellar and a library with internet work stations on a mezzanine level.

All restaurants and bar areas open out onto verandahs with views of the gardens for outdoor dining and sundowners.

Knysna Hollow Country Estate features 44 luxurious Garden Suites, situated in the indigenous gardens around 2 sparking swimming pools. All rooms are decorated in a clean, comtemporary style with private garden-facing verandahs and offer modern in-room amentities including air-conditioning, satellite television and Nespresso coffee stations.

Four adjoining rooms offer inter-leading passageways and can be converted into 2 double-room Family Suites.  Another 8 rooms offer sleeper couch sofas which can be converted into beds for up to 2 children under 12 years sharing with their parents.

Example Details For Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Family Garden Suite (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied)
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Knysna Hollow Country Estate Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Kariega Main Lodge

Kariega Game Reserve: 3 Nights

Only 80 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, a visit to Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect extension of your trip along South Africa's famous Garden Route. Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, this 11,500 hectare malaria-free reserve is home to game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

For those who want to do more than merely relax and enjoy the idyllic surroundings, there is plenty to keep you busy at Kariega Main Lodge. Everything revolves around the twice-daily safari drives - the close-up encounters with African wildlife are the centre of guests' unforgettable safari holiday. The experienced game rangers will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in open game-drive vehicles, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat. If you are fortunate, you may witness the lion hunting or feeding, or even the heart-warming social interactions of an elephant herd.

A host of other activities are also offered, including guided bush walks amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and river cruises down the Kariega River (subject to water levels). There is also a Wellness Centre where guests are able to enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. For the more energetic there is a very well equipped gym with a beautiful view over the valley.

The accommodation at Kariega Main Lodge consists of one, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom log chalets, making this the perfect destination for groups of friends and families seeking a special safari holiday of a lifetime. Each chalet is decorated in an ethnic style and are very spacious. A number of the chalets have a private pool. There are 21 chalets in total.

The family pub and restaurant, nestled in indigenous bush with commanding views of the reserve, serves tasty traditional South African cuisine, or guests can enjoy the experience of a meal in the open-air boma. To cool off during the heat of the day, dive into the river or relax at the sun-splashed main pool areas.

Example Details For Kariega Main Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x 2 Bedroom Log Chalet
Includes: All meals; the Conservation and Community Levy; and morning and evening game drives/river cruises; guided bush walks and canoeing are included.

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Kariega Main Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Kariega Main Lodge

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:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

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:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

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.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

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:

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. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.