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


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Exploring South Africa's Cape

Example holiday

Exploring South Africa's Cape

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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Exploring South Africa's Cape

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 14728

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Exploring South Africa's Cape

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 13 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.

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: Exploring South Africa's Cape

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive at Port Elizabeth Airport, collect your luggage and make your way into the Arrivals Hall. You will be met by your driver who will be holding a signboard with your name it and you will be transferred to your hotel.

No 5 is an immaculately restored boutique art-deco hotel in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Located less than 10 minutes from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, No5 is nestled in the affluent Summerstrand suburb, away from the hustle and bustle, yet an easy stroll to the ocean which is less than 150 metres away. No 5 is filled with gems - a privately-owned art collection and world-class facilities all hand-selected for the enjoyment of guests.


Day 2

This morning your hire car will be delivered to your hotel. Complete the necessary paperwork - you will need to present your driving license, passport and credit card and the car keys and hire car will then be handed over to you.

13 Day Car Rental: Group F Standard Sedan - Toyota Corolla Quest Automatic or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Allow about 1.5 hours to drive to Gorah, the only private concession and camp situated in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Gorah is malaria-free, has the Big 5 and is a member of Relais & Chateaux. A 2 night stay here gives you an unforgettable opportunity to see large herds of elephants, the rare and endangered black rhino, and other wildlife too.

Addo Elephant National Park

3 nights at Gorah Elephant Camp


Day 5

After your morning game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast, then you will set off for the drive to Oudtshoorn (allow about 5 hours). Oudtshoorn is famous for its meerkat adventures and its Ostrich Show Farms. The impressive Cango Caves are also 30 km from Oudshoorn and the caves are illuminated to show some of the biggest stalagmite formations in the world.


Day 6

Your meerkat tour commences at sunrise and is wholly dependent on fair weather, since these little creatures will not venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days. The meerkat tours last between 2-3 hours and booking is essential. Upon arrival at the meerkat burrows, guests are treated to a hot cup of coffee, after which they are issued with a lightweight aluminium chair to sit in while observing the meerkats as they come out of the burrow into the sunshine and then go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. These habituated wild animals are never fed or handled by humans. Tours are presented by JD Glinister and his team and it is a fantastic experience and a unique privilege to get this close to these little creatures in the wild.


Day 7

Allow about 4 hours for the drive to your next destination. Nestled in an ancient Milkwood forest surrounded by rolling hills of fynbos and majestic mountains, the accommodation at Grootbos offer a complete immersion into the pristine natural surroundings within the gentle embrace of comfort and luxury.

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


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...continued from previous page.

Day 10

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to Cape Town (allow about 2 hours). The glamorous suite and each of the 5 chic rooms at Dock House Boutique Hotel have been individually decorated and imbued with a unique and understated Victorian elegance, juxtaposed with lush contemporary style and comfort. The suite has access to a private garden, while the other ground floor room opens onto a veranda overlooking the groomed garden and swimming pool area. Three of the 4 upstairs rooms have balconies overlooking the Waterfront's scenic harbour and surroundings.


Day 14
Drive to Cape Town Airport, return your hire car, and check in for your flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel

Port Elizabeth: 1 Night

Port Elizabeth (now renamed Gqeberha), at the tail end of South Africa’s Garden Route, may be better known for its surf and sunshine than its artistic pedigree, but the city is in fact home to the country’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings.

Yet it took turning one of them into the splendid Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel (formerly No5 by Mantis) to really showcase PE’s artistic potential. With its sleek facade and eclectic interiors, this luxury boutique masterpiece looks as if it would be more at home in Hollywood than steps away from the Indian Ocean, and one can almost imagine a glossy starlet or 2 sipping martinis on a red velvet barstool in the Salon Prive, or taking a dip in the lap pool.

Well-equipped with distant views of the ocean, the gym will energize you and ensure a sustained exercise routine while away from home.

There’s even a small cinema, modelled on the one in Prince Charles’ Clarence House residence, where guests can enjoy a film screening in absolute comfort and privacy.

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel offers 10 exquisite suites, with clean lines, bold prints and a selection of contemporary South African art. Secluded balconies look out over manicured gardens, while in-room facilities include a flat-screen TV and DVD player, mini-bar, and business unit with WiFi.

Room service dining is available, although it’s worth a trip downstairs to the Jazz Room, for South African fusion dining, or to the lounge for tea and French champagne.

 

Example Details For Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Suite
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel

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


Page 

Gorah Elephant Camp

Addo Elephant National Park: 3 Nights

Discover a place and time in tune with the authentic African safari of centuries past. Gorah is the only private concession and camp situated in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home the densest population of elephants on earth. 

This exclusive lodge has been restored to its former 19th century colonial splendour, complete with period furnishings, and a beautiful roaring log fire in winter. Coupled with the meticulous service and attention to detail, this really is sheer decadence and a holiday memory that will stay with you forever.

Morning and evening guided game drives on open Land Rovers take you unbelievably close to elephants, rhinos, and other giants of the African bush. Some of the drives will be on the lodge's own concession, where your guide will have the opportunity to drive offroad to get you unbelievably close to the wildlife, but others may be in the Addo Park itself, where your ranger will be restricted to remaining on the road network at all times.

Gorah is a eco-friendly lodge and does not run off electricity. Instead the lodge is powered by generators, solar and gas. 

Each of the 11 tented luxury suites are built on raised wooden porches and furnished with huge canopied doubled beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, cosy sitting areas and private decks with panoramic views across the Addo plains. 

Meals are served in the dining room at the colonial Gorah House, under the stars in the open boma or on the veranda overlooking the popular waterhole.

In-between game drives guests can relax in the cosy library or around the rock swimming pool, or join in a short guided bush walk led by a qualified guide, who will lead you through this experience, interpreting the surroundings with their wealth of knowledge and adding to your memories of Gorah.

Whether marvelling at the herds of elephants gathering around the waterhole near the camp, or having a close encounter with them while out on a game drive, the Gorah experience is unforgettable.

Example Details For Gorah Elephant Camp

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Tent
Includes: All meals; the Gorah Conservation fee; guided bush walks; and morning/afternoon game drives are included.

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Guests over 70 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. More details available on request.

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

Location

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


Page 

Gorah Elephant Camp

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


Page 

De Zeekoe Guest Farm

The Klein Karoo: 2 Nights

Just 7 km outside Oudtshoorn, a warm welcome awaits you at De Zeekoe Guest Farm, set on 200 rolling hectares of succulent Klein Karoo. Around 3,000 ostriches browse the pastures and hundreds of springbok and other naturally occurring game make this farm their home.

Activities that can be enjoyed during a stay here include fishing, canoeing, biking and hiking along the many nature trails, all of which can be enjoyed within the borders of the farm. The incredible Cango Caves, the Cango Wildlife Ranch (the oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre worldwide), the Ostrich Show Farms, meerkat tours (pre-booking is essential!) and the great Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountain passes are other attractions in the vicinity which are worth a visit.

The most popular activity, however, is the daily wild habituated meerkat tours. These tours commence only at sunrise and are dependent on fair weather, since these little creatures will not venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days. The tours last between 2-3 hours and booking is essential.

In between activities, guests can relax at the poolside.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options.

The en-suite rooms in the main house are all tastefully styled with textures of wood, earthy fabrics, colourful rugs and soft lighting.

The cottages are a short 3 minute drive from the main house and offer a totally private stay. Each cottage has a fireplace, stunning views and a private pool.

The Manor House is ideal for groups of up to 6 people, and is sold on a self-catering basis. It is only 100m from the main guest house and has 3 en-suite bedrooms. There is an inside and outside braai/BBQ area as well as a kitchen and dining area.

Example Details For De Zeekoe Guest Farm

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Superior Mountain View Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

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


Page 

De Zeekoe Guest Farm

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


Page 

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Hermanus: 3 Nights

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay.

Take a quiet walk through an ancient milkwood forest, or explore this natural wonderland by 4-wheel drive vehicle, or enjoy the views from a comfortable saddle on a well schooled horse or pony. Guests can also enjoy other activities such as shark cage diving, scenic flights, exploring archaeological caves and whale watching. Bird lovers will delight in the large number of different bird species that are attracted to the various habitats that can be found in the reserve.

The reserve is also only a few minutes drive away from pristine beaches.

Grootbos is home to both the Garden and Forest Lodges, which offer 5* luxury accomodation.

Forest Lodge is positioned on the fringes of the 800-year old milkwood forest. Individual luxury suites provide the ideal blend of privacy and supreme comfort, and each suite has a spacious bathroom, a separate lounge with cozy fireplace, and a private deck from which you can soak up exquisite ocean and mountain views. Garden Lodge boasts sweeping views over Walker Bay and is located amongst a beautiful three hectare indigenous fynbos gardens. All suites have a separate bedroom with en-suite bathroom, large decks and a large lounge with fireplace.

There is also a 4 bedroom Villa, which comes with its own private butler, chef and guide.

Example Details For Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Forest Lodge Luxury Suite
Includes: All meals; the Conservation Levy; and all land-based activities (including horse riding, beach picnic, guided walks, mountain biking) are included.

Location

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


Page 

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

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


Page 

The Dock House

Cape Town: 4 Nights

A stone’s throw from the alluring V&A Waterfront, the Dock House Boutique Hotel has been voted among the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa.  It's prime V&A Waterfront location ensures that guests are within an easy walking distance to the vibrant harbour area, upmarket shopping malls, excellent restaurants, entertainment areas and ocean cruise facilities.

The hotel’s charming exterior gives way to an opulent world beyond its front door. Chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, among other fine touches, create a sense of Victorian charm and allude to the property’s historical roots, originally the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s. Since then, the building has been transformed into a distinguished boutique hotel, and has been uniquely decorated with elaborate furnishings and bold artworks, maintaining a feeling of classic exquisiteness throughout the establishment.

A pristine swimming pool, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, offers guests the opportunity to cool off on warm days, and a bar and a number of deck chairs alongside the pool invite guests to relax and absorb the views of Table Mountain. The hotel has an intimate dining room where breakfast is served, or guests can choose to enjoy their breakfast at one of the hotel's sister properties in the Waterfront if they want some variety.

The glamorous suite and each of the 5 chic rooms at the Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa have been individually decorated and imbued with a unique and understated Victorian elegance, juxtaposed with lush contemporary style and comfort.  Attention to detail is the order of the day, and each room is also equipped with an en-suite designer bathroom.

The suite has access to a private courtyard garden, while the other ground floor room opens onto a veranda overlooking the groomed garden and swimming pool area. Three of the upstairs rooms have balconies overlooking the Waterfront’s scenic harbour and surroundings, and 2 of the upstairs rooms have an optional interconnecting facility.

Example Details For The Dock House

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

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


Page 

The Dock House

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 transited through a yellow fever risk 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.