Day 1 Those on land only arrangements will meet us at the hotel. During the afternoon we have the option to explore Port Elizabeth and the surrounding area. There are some lovely beaches and parks to relax in.
Day 2 After a leisurely morning we leave our guest house at around 11am and drive to the Addo Elephant National Park. Established in 1931, this park now protects the remnants of the huge elephant herds that once roamed the Eastern Cape. From 11 elephants in 1931 the park now protects over 300 elephants. There is also excellent birdlife including the world's largest breeding population of Cape gannets & second largest breeding population of African penguins. Plus it is home to the flightless dung beetle! There is time to settle in and relax by the pool before enjoying an afternoon game drive.
Day 3 We start the day with an early morning game. Addo is also home to many kudu, buffalo, red hartebeest, warthog & springbok. After breakfast we have time to relax by the pool and waterhole. There is also the opportunity to take an optional horseback safari through the reserve. After a late afternoon game drive we have time to sit around the floodlit waterhole, which is an excellent way to observe some of the nocturnal animals. If we are lucky we may sight lion & hyena.
Day 4 Leaving in the early morning we drive directly to Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park. This national park protects 82 km of coast and indigenous forests as well as the marine life 5km out to sea. Look out for the cute dassies, a small mammal species which often graze near the beach. After lunch there is time to do the boardwalk to the suspension bridge at the river mouth. We leave Tsitsikamma in the late afternoon and drive to the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay to our hotel on the banks of the Keurbooms River.
Day 5 We have a full day to enjoy Plettenberg Bay. Known as the jewel of the Garden Route with some of the best coast and indigenous forest in South Africa. There are scenic walks, seasonal whale and dolphin watching, a variety of water sports, swimming in the beautiful Indian Ocean and white sandy beaches. You may want to take an optional tour to Monkey Land to see over 200 primates of 14 species that are being rehabilitated after being in zoos or private houses. This fun walking safari takes us through a dense forest and across a 120m long rope bridge.
Day 6 After breakfast we drive to Knysna and visit the impressive look out points known as the Heads, these are two sandstone cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon. You may wish to enjoy an optional cruise to Feather Bed Nature Reserve. There may be an option of an early morning steam train ride to George on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. We have lunch in George before heading over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Small Karoo and the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn.
Day 7 On the outskirts of this Afrikaans town we learn about these feathered creatures at the Safari Ostrich Show Farm and visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch, which is well known for its cheetah breeding efforts. We have the opportunity of interacting with the hand reared cheetahs. In the afternoon we enjoy a tour through the famous Cango Caves with impressive stalactites & stalagmites.
Day 8 Leaving Oudsthoorn in the early morning we drive back to the coast and on to Hermanus. Arriving in Hermanus at lunchtime we have the afternoon for whale watching (Aug – early Nov) or to enjoy a walk along the coastline or in the surrounding rocky hills. During the whale watching season Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world. The annual Whale Festival takes place in September and during this time southern right whales can be seen breaching in the bay. Overnight in Hermanus.
Day 9 Today we have an exciting full day tour around the beautiful Cape Peninsula. We drive through Muizenburg, Fish Hoek and the naval town of Simons Town. We visit Boulders Beach, home to approximately 3000 African penguins. Continuing on to the Cape Point Nature Reserve where we walk to the lighthouse for spectacular views. Alternatively you could take the funicular railway. Watch out for the cheeky baboons! There is a spectacular hour's walk to the Cape of Good Hope. On our return we drive along the spectacular Chapman's Peak drive to Hout Bay and back to Cape Town via Camps Bay. The impressive location of Cape Town offers something for everyone from nature lovers to city lovers.
Day 10 After breakfast, weather permitting we take the cable car up to the top of the world famous Table Mountain. We have time to enjoy the spectacular views before descending into the city and the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Free afternoon for optional activities from the Waterfront such as a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium or a short harbour cruise. An optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration during the apartheid period, is highly recommended. Advisable to book tickets on line to avoid disappointment www.robben-island.org.za
Day 11 Free day in Cape Town for further explorations such as an optional wine tour, Ratanga Junction amusement park, the planetarium, a boat trip to the aromatic seal islands in Hout Bay or to relax on one of the many beaches such as Camps Bay, Muizenberg Beach or Sea Point family swimming pool which is usually warmer than the ocean!
Day 12 We depart on an evening flight back to the UK.
