Suggested Holiday Itinerary
Summary Of The Route and Costs
A winning holiday which, if you travel during July through to October/early November, will give you the opportunity to spot whales from the shore or from a boat-based trip out into the ocean - or even from the comfort of your bed! Add onto this wine-tasting and Big 5 wildlife game drives and you will wonder why you haven't done this years ago!
Cape Town is a stunning city and the Southern Sun The Cullinan is centrally situated to enable you to make the most of exploring all the sights and attractions over a 3 night stay. Then it's off to the Winelands, staying in South Africa's oldest inn for 2 nights in the heart of Stellenbosch.
After the Winelands, it is time to head to Hermanus. From July to October/early November each year, Hermanus is amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. Whales can often be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats. 138 Marine is an upmarket guest house with spectacular sea views, only 5 minutes from the centre of Hermanus.
Knysna is your next destination, located right in the heart of the famous Garden Route. The lively Waterfront area of Knysna is with lined with gently bobbing sailboats and atmospheric restaurants offering fresh seafood, world-class oysters and beautiful views. For a relaxing afternoon, you can take a catamaran trip across the blue lagoon towards 'The Heads' - Knysna's most famous natural attraction.
Finally, the Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect setting for an exciting end to your holiday, with abundant game and spectacular viewing. Apart from lion and elephant, the game reserve is home to the other 3 members of the Big 5 - rhino, buffalo and leopard. Other species that you may encounter on your daily game drives (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) include hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of other antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species including the nesting crowned eagle, martial and fish eagles.
Summary Of The Itinerary
Holiday Title: Whales, Wine and Wildlife
Countries Visited: South Africa
Arrive into Cape Town Airport. Collect your luggage then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your transfer driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to your first hotel.
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 Southern Sun The Cullinan is situated just on the edge of the vibrant V&A Waterfront, with postcard views of the harbour and Signal Hill.
Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel at 09:00 this morning. 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. With a hire car for your last day in Cape Town, you can explore slightly further afield - maybe taking a day trip down to the Cape Peninsula, stopping en-route there or back at Boulders Beach which is home to one of only 2 mainland nesting colonies of African penguins in South Africa.
11 Day Car Rental: Group D Economy Auto - Hyundai Venue Automatic or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)
Allow about half an hour to drive to Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town and the oak-lined streets of this academic University town are home to many fine examples of elegant Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture. There is a bustling sidewalk cafe scene and a vibrant nightlife and the many excellent restaurants offer a wide selection of dining options to choose from.
The Cape Winelands
Drive to the pretty little town of Hermanus (approx 75 km / 45 mins), one of the world's best whale viewing areas. 138 Marine is an upmarket guest house with spectacular sea views, only minutes from the centre of Hermanus and adjacent to the unique beach path ('Whale Walk') with its beautiful ocean and mountain scenery.
Hermanus
Drive to Knysna (approx 410 km / 4 h 0 mins), which is set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - two 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. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.
The Garden Route
Drive to Kariega Game Reserve (approx 385 km / 4 h 20 mins). Prepare to be captivated by close-up viewing of the Big 5 - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard - as well as a multitude of other African wildlife and bird species. 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 wildlife.
Kariega Game Reserve
Example Cost
Holiday Title: Whales, Wine and Wildlife
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 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.
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