South Africa Safaris and Tours
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10 Days Family Friendly Featured TourDAY 1:Arrive Cape Town International Airport, met by a representative and transferred to hotel for overnight After check in you depart on a Half Day City and Table Mountain tour On a clear day, the distinctive shape of Table Mountain can be seen from up to 200 km out to sea, while its summit provides spectacular views of the city, its Waterfront and Harbour below, the majestic Hottentots Holland mountains to the East and Cape Point to the south. The Table Mountain cableway underwent a R90 million upgrade in 1997 and the new system - a combination of Swiss and South African Engineering - boasts revolving floors in the new cable cars, giving passengers a 360 degree panoramic view on their way up the mountain. The excursion is strictly weather permitting. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the "Mother City" The tour of the City takes one past Lion's Head to Signal Hill with its dramatic views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island, Sea Point and Camps Bay. Signal Hill was first used as a semaphore post for communicating with ships at sea and is still home to the Noon Day Gun, which is fired at midday every day except Sunday. The tour continues past the Grand Parade and City Hall to take in the South African Cultural History Museum, which is housed in a former slave lodge. The tour passes through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay Quarter with its quaint buildings and cobbled streets. Return to your hotel or guide may drop you off at the Waterfront if you wish. Overnight: Cape TownTable Mountain Cable CarThe best views of Cape Town are from the top of Table Mountain. The cableway takes you to the summit in under ten minutes whilst rotating gondola's ensure that visitors enjoy a 360-degree view of Cape Town and Table Bay.
Day 2 - Full Day Cape PointBreakfastCollection by a representative and depart on a half day Cape Point Tour Depart for full day Cape point tour. We travel along the Atlantic seaboard passing the twelve appostles. Drive past Camps Bay Named after a German immigrant Ernst Von Kampz On past oudekraal toward Hout Bay. An old woodcutters outpost named wood bay. Visit to the picturesque fishing harbour and an optional tour by boat to seal island. (40 min return) Hout Bay Harbour. Depart Hout Bay over Chapmans Peak and down toward the Eastern side of the peninsula. On toward Ou Kaapse weg which winds its way to the old Silvermine and offers sweeping views over the False Bay coast. Back onto the Atlantic side of the Peninsula and on to the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve. 
(8500 ha) 7 Species of antelope including the Eland , Bontebok and Cape Mountain
Zebra are to be found here. Down to Cape Point, the most South Westerly point of Africa (18 deg. East. Lat, 34 deg South Long)
Arrive at Cape Point OVERNIGHT : CAPE TOWNA Stormy HistoryBartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, was the first to sail around the Cape. This was in 1488. On his return voyage - which must have been particularly stormy - Dias stopped at the south-western tip of Africa, and named it Cabo Tormentoso, or Cape of Storms. King John of Portugal later gave it the name Cabo da Boa Esperança, or Cape of Good Hope. Another Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, rounded the Cape on 22 November 1497 on his way to India. The journeys of these explorers led to the establishment of the Cape sea route. This meant more regular sailings around the tip. It also indirectly to led to a number of casualties along these unpredictable shores. Today, shipwrecks and stone crosses bear testimony to the treacherous and challenging historic sea route. Lighthouses
But, through history, mariners had taken a rather dimmer view of warning beacons around the Point…
In fact, for an alarming 900 hours per year on average, its light was invisible to ships at sea at a certain angle. After the Portuguese liner Lusitania ran aground on 18 April 1911, the lighthouse was moved to its present location above Cape Point, only 87 metres above sea-level. Work on the site commenced in 1913. Transporting the building material there proved difficult. They had to use cranes, dynamite, trolleys and trucks. The sand was mined from a nearby cave. Labourers carried it in bags up a zig-zag path. Water was also carried about half a mile and then sent down a pipe. The weather also played its part in delaying the project: the men had trouble staying on their feet when the strong south-easter was blowing. The lighthouse was eventually brought into operation after the First World War - on 11 March 1919. The light had a candlepower of 500 000 cd. Electricity was introduced in 1936, which increased the candlepower to 19 000 000 cd. A stone replica of Vasco Da Gama's cross which was planted there in 1487 stands tall on the hillside above the beach. It marks the spot where the Portuguese explorers had come ashore. ShipwrecksOn the night of 18 April 1911, the Lusitania, a ship of 5 500 tons, with 774 people aboard, struck the Bellows Rock below the lighthouse. The Thomas T Tucker was an American Liberty Ship, built in 1942 and was intended for carrying troops and supplies during World War II. Relying on a faulty compass, she hit a rock in thick fog near Olifantsbos just off the Point. The Phyllisia, 452 ton Cape Town trawler, struck the jagged rocks just 100 m off the rugged coast of the Cape Point Nature Reserve at about midnight on 3 May 1968. Eleven of her crew reached the shore in life rafts, but 14 still remained on the trawler. Two South African Airforce helicopters lifted them from the craft. The Nolloth, a 347-ton Dutch trawler, ran aground, surround by jagged rocks in rough seas after an unidentified underwater object struck her. It is believed to be the Albatross Rock. BOULDERS BEACH - PENGUINE COLONYBoulders Beach: Boulders beach can be found between Simonstown and Cape Point. Famous for the colony of African Penguins, which dominate the sheltered beaches, Boulders beach is pure paradise. Boulders beach is the only area in which these African Penguins can be viewed from close range in the protected beaches of Boulder beach, even though Boulder beach is situated within a residential area. Boulder beach is the only beach on the coast of Cape Town, which an entrance fee is required to gain access to the beach area. The rest of the beaches in Cape Town have no entrance fees and are free of charge. This is perhaps one of the reasons why Boulder beach is a popular destination among tourists in Cape Town. Day 3 - Day At LeisureBreakfastDay is at leisure - enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches in the country OVERNIGHT : CAPE TOWNBeaches:Sea Point - There are not many places to swim between York and Rye. Seapoint is "swimmable" in season, but "walkable" year round. It's rugged, primitive and that makes it just right for that off season or off-hour summer stroll Clifton - is made up of 4 coves and the beaches are called 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. When the summer south-easter blows, the Clifton beaches are usually well sheltered from the wind. All of the beaches are accessible via stairs leading down from the road above. In summer, plan to get to the beach early as parking is very limited. Generally 4th is the busiest in summer with good changing room and bathroom facilities. Kiosks on the beach sell snacks, cold drinks and ice-creams as do the many vendors that wander the beach. Deck chairs and umbrellas are also available for daily rental. If you're on a budget and plan on spending alot of time on the beach - buy your own umbrella as this will save you in the long-run. Camps Bay - is a long sandy beach accessed directly from the road. Again, parking in summer is limited and you may need to park along one of the many sideroads. The road behind the beach is lined with streetside cafes, restaurants and a few small grocery stores making snacks and lunch easily at hand. Kiosks and vendors also operate from the beach. Camps Bay is generally more family friendly as it is bigger and there is more space for games and sandcastles for children, and the young at heart. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available for daily rental. Further along the coastline you will find the picturesque Llandudno - by far one of the most beautiful beaches and a favourite for sundowners. The houses that hug the steep road down to the beach have breathtaking views. Once again, parking is extremely tight in peak season and the beach is reached by a winding pathway. Rocks on either end - leading to smaller coves for those wanting to explore, flank the sandy beach. This beach is slightly more remote with no shops and sadly poor bathroom facilities, but vendors do operate on the beach for snacks, drinks and ice-creams. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available for daily rental. There is often good surf for surfers and body-boarders. Ratanga Junction - More than 30 attractions include 24 rides ranging from kiddie rides to family rides and thrill rides for the more intrepid adventurers. Train rides and boat rides add to the offer. Snake shows and bird shows, guaranteed to enthrall audiences, add spice and variety to the full day's entertainment. The white-knuckle thrills and spills, are only one element offered by Ratanga Junction. The other attractions are designed to entertain children, families, and those who prefer to take their thrills in more manageable doses. Aquarium - Situated in the heart of Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium has much to offer as an educational and tourist venue. Specialising in the marine fauna and flora off the South African coastline, the aquarium boasts a large cold water kelp exhibit, complete with swell generator and a predator exhibit with five ragged tooth sharks, a variety of rays, two turtles and various pelagic fish. Feeding time in the predator exhibit is a popular attraction for young and old, as divers hand-feed the sharks and other animals. The aquarium also offers a unique chance for sport divers to spend time in the predator exhibit with the ragged tooth sharks, under the watchful eye of one of the aquarium's divers. The aquarium has been designed to create maximum effect and is particularly impressive when sunlight hits the surface of the water in the two main exhibits, creating shafts of blue light. The ever-swaying kelp forest looks beautiful as fish swim slowly about, making the exhibit look just like the real thing, thereby creating a perfect backdrop for television interviews. Special permission may be granted to film in these exhibits. DAY 4:HERMANUSBreakfastCollection by a representative and depart on a Garden Route tour Depart for Hermanus via the spectacular coastal road. Passing Betty's bay , and visit of lovely Harold Porter botanical gardens and arriving in Hermanus for a coffee stop. This town is famous for its land-based whale watching. Close ups of Southern rights (2nd largest are common.) OVERNIGHT: HERMANUSHermanusFamous for its champagne air, long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and friendly environment, Hermanus is within easy reach of Cape Town International Airport. Hermanus, also described as the Riviera of the South, offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the cliffs.  Every year around July, locals eagerly await the arrival of special guests of honour, the Southern Right Whales.
During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea. Hermanus is the ideal over wintering resort for visitors who wish to escape the cold Northern Hemisphere. This narrow coastal town, between the fynbos-covered mountains and the waves of the Atlantic is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. DAY 5: OUDTSHOORNDepart for Oudtshoorn via the spectacular coastal road. On towards Stanford and inland through the wheat and canola fields. With the towering Lange Berg Mountains on the left we continue towards the 17th C town of Swllendam. Excellent examples of Cape Dutch architecture. After lunch we turn inland at Suurbraak and make our way towards the spectacular Tradouws pass. Impressive granite formations stretch on endlessly. We enter the Little Karroo at Barrydale and one is amazed at the change of vegetation. The mountain range separates the coast from the interior. This range also prevents rain clouds from travelling inland thus creating very arid conditions. This area is perfect for ostrich and one finds approx 200 000 of these birds. Passing Ladismith and Calitzdorp we arrive at Oudtshoorn (capital) for check in and overnight. OVERNIGHT: OUDTSHOORNOudtshoornSurrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range. Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kamanassie ranges around the town. Waterfalls abound, and visitors can safely visit two spectacular examples at Rus en Vrede and at Meiringspoort - a narrow, vertical cleft in the Swartberg Mountain, with the road through crossing the Meiring's River no less than 32 times! Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, three have distinguished themselves worthy enough to be named show farms. Get to know this exotic bird species, and, for the more adventurous, take an ostrich ride. |
The Swartberg Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, is one of the most sensational drives in southern Africa, declared a national monument. It is the masterpiece of a brilliant engineer, Thomas Bain, and dates from the 1880's, when it was hand-built in 5 years' time. One of the world's great natural wonders, the Cango Caves, was sculpted by nature through the ages. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, only some 20 odd km from town. With daily-guided tours, this is really a trip worthwhile. Then there's the town itself. Exceptional stone masonry through the ages led to that special touch. Admire the grandeur of the numerous ostrich palaces, like Pinehurst, established in the times of the feather boom. Conserved to this day as museums, guesthouses and dwellings for the discerning. DAY 6:KNYSNABreakfast followed by check out.Morning drive to the fabulous Cango caves for a guided tour. The first chamber is large enough for 2000 people. With a 100% acoustic and impressive formations. After we visit the Cango cheetah farm for a guide tour of the cheetahs and the Nile crocodile. On towards the Safari Ostrich farm for lunch and tour. Lunch is scrambled Ostrich egg and Ostrich steak. The tour involves the breeding of these birds as well as the opportunity to ride one. Also an Ostrich race. Onto Knysna for overnight OVERNIGHT: KNYSNASafari Ostrich Farm - Safari Ostrich Show Farm is an operating farm where visitors will see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the surrounding fields. Visitors are assured of personal attention and upon their arrival are greeted by one of our multi-lingual guides who will, during the course of the tour explain every aspect of ostrich farming, from breeding to rearing. The tour starts in the breeding camp, with a nest of ostrich eggs, where the first stage of the ostrich life cycle is explained. Visitors will get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on them - a great photo opportunity. During the breeding season visitors get to see ostrich eggs hatching in the incubator rooms. Visitors get to sit on an ostrich and those who are brave enough can even try their hand at riding one. Every tour ends with an "Ostrich Derby" where local jockeys display their riding skills. A highly entertaining and educational tour is guaranteed. 
Cango CavesThe Cango Caves are a place of great natural beauty, and a national monument just outside Oudtshoorn in South Africa.The Cango Caves are also a must see on the Garden Route along the Cape coast of South Africa. The temperatures in the Cango Caves is a warm and humid 18 degrees Celsius. Sensible footwear and light clothing are recommended. Ample lighting makes uneven pathways and stairs easy to negotiate, and provides opportunities for memorable photographs. Tours are lead by experienced and knowledgeable guides. There are three different types of tours that you can choose. Cango Wildlife Ranch - Welcome to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients, endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire. The oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre worldwide offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with our hand reared cheetahs and getting actively involved in saving this species and others from extinction. We invite you and the whole family to pay us a visit and explore the facts and fiction surrounding crocodiles, view elegant cheetahs and giggle at the antics of our Bengal tiger cubs. For the adventurous we offer face to face encounters with wildlife in our Natural Encounters programe where you can touch a cheetah, enjoy the closeness of a tiger cub, wrap yourself in a python and even dive with Nile crocodiles. Without you, the visitor, facilities like the Cango Wildlife Ranch would not be possible and without facilities like ours, wildlife will become yet another issue we wished we had paid more attention to when it was still possible. Run the race against extinction with us whilst having the time of you life - Welcome to Cango Wildlife Ranch the conservation heart of the Little Karoo! DAY 7:KNYSNATravel down the coast to Knysna.(the place where the water is) Magnificent lakes and excellent oysters. Visit to the oyster factory for a tasting. Drive up to the Heads offering majestic views of the lagoon meeting the sea. Excellent shopping in the flea market. On to Knysna harbour and board the Featherbed ferry for a trip across the lagoon. On the other side we board a 4x4 vehicle for a ride to the summit of the Featherbed reserve. Magnificent views over the lagoon and Indian Ocean. We walk down on foot (approx.45 minutes easy walk for lunch under the milkwood trees. Excellent seafood buffet. Afternoon return to Knysna. Time to walk around in this charming town. Then up to the heads for sweeping views over the lagoon and Indian Ocean. OVERNIGHT:KNYSNAA place of "People, Beauty and Mystery" is what comes to mind when describing Knysna. The exceptionally equitable climate with rain falling throughout the year ensures it remains perennially green. The town nestles between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well, one of the most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many places within the town as well. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including stinkwood, yellowwood, Blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage. The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making it impenetrable. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie. Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants; it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today. Featherbed - The world famous landmark, the spectacular Knysna heads are two giant sandstone cliffs which mark the Knysna River's entrance. Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique 150 ha private Nature Reserve, encompasses the whole of the Western Head of Knysna and is one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites. It is home to two of the Garden Route's icons, namely the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker, one of Africa's smallest antelope species. Other wildlife found on the Reserve include Cape Mountain Tortoises, Blue Cranes (South Africa's national bird), rare Black African Oyster Catchers (listed in the endangered Red Data List), White breasted cormorant, Bushbuck and more! DAY 8:PLETTENBERG BAYOnto Plettenberg Bay into the Garden Route of South Africa. Tropical lush vegetation and sweeping mountain ranges. Charming towns and excellent beaches. SA s number 1 beach resort for a relaxing stay. Two excellent beaches are a walking distance from the hotel. Diving is also an option. A very good boat trip is available to view whales and dolphins. It's a 2-hour trip and highly recommended. OVERNIGHT:PLETTENBERG BAYThe Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas, most of which occurs in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian ocean. Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination during the summer. The area is of course a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. A wide range of accommodation offers luxury hotels, exclusive country retreats, cosy bed and breakfasts, self-catering chalets and excellent camping facilities . DAY 9:LALIBELA GAME RESERVE
Depart Plettenberg for Lalibela Private Game Reserve - approximately 1 hour from Port Elizabeth On arrival at Lalibela Private Game reserve, check in at lodge Lunch is served at the lodge Early evening game drive in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles with armed rangers Dinner served at the lodge OVERNIGHT: LALIBELA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - FULL BOARDWe currently have four lodges - Lentaba Lodge, Mark's Camp, Tree Tops and Idwala Lodge - all offering decor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. A 5th lodge, Makana's Lodge, is due to open in August this year. Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. At Lalibela, food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes. Excellent game viewing:We are fortunate to be the only private game reserve in the Eastern Cape that does not have any public roads running through our property.
Of the 6 vegetation types in South Africa, 5 occur naturally on Lalibela. Of these, the Valley Bushveld biome, which only occurs in the Eastern Cape, has the highest carrying capacity of game in South Africa. For this reason Lalibela is able to sustain a dense population of wildlife. Big5 sightings occur regularly and other game such as zebra, giraffe, antelope, hippo, cheetah etc are abundant.Location:Our location in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa makes us a perfect extention to the Garden Route and Cape Town. Cape Town and Port Elizabeth airports allow visitors to South Africa to save precious holiday time - many of our guests fly into Cape Town, drive along the Garden Route and end with a safari at Lalibela. Check out time at Lalibela allows for guests to fly out of Port Elizabeth and connect with international flights from either Cape Town or Johannesburg, which depart in the evenings. The popularity of doing a safari in the Eastern Cape has grown and this is borne out by the fact that our region boasts a variety of safari products such as Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari, Kwandwe, Gorah, Kariega and Amakhala. Malaria-free:Increasingly people are choosing to have their safari in a malaria-free area. The Eastern Cape is malaria-free which means that your safari at Lalibela can be enjoyed without having to take any anti-malaria medication. Children's ProgrammeSince opening, we have become aware that there is a huge demand for families wanting a safari holiday in a malaria-free area. Lalibela's location makes us ideal for adults travelling with children who are wanting to combine a family safari with the Garden Route and Cape Town. Over the last 12 months we have looked at various programmes catering for families and have come up with a children's programme, which we feel optimizes the safari experience with quality family time. Each family is different and children require varying degrees of attention, which is why the emphasis at Lalibela is to be as flexible as possible to ensure memorable family holidays. An overview of our children's programme is as follows:In the early morning Lalibela's child minders come on duty so that parents can leave for their morning game drive. The children are given a chance to wake up, get dressed and be ready for the day. Parents are welcome to stay behind and accompany their children on the kiddies game drive. Breakfast is served and then it is time for the activities of the morning starting with a short game drive with their own game ranger and in their own special game viewing vehicle, taking care to avoid any close encounters with the dangerous game. The middle of the day makes time for the family to spend together. Before the adults go out on their afternoon game drive, high tea is served for both adults and children. After heading out on their afternoon game drive, the children return to the lodge for an early dinner before getting creative with some arts and crafts activities. DAY 10:BreakfastEarly morning game drive in open 4 x 4 vehicles in search of the Big Five OVERNIGHT: LALIBELA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - FULL BOARDDAY 11:BreakfastEarly morning game drive in open 4 x 4 vehicles
On return check out of hotel and transferred to Port Elizabeth airport for flight home. Our itineraries are "recommended itineraries" and may be booked as suggested.
However, they also serve to inform you - as a possible first time traveler to Africa,
an idea of what can be done.
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Once on top, visitors
can stroll along 2 km of pathways and enjoy magnificent views from over 12 viewing sites and decks.
At the heart of Knysna is the 21 ha lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" - silent sentinels
down the centuries of the rich history of this unique part of "paradise on earth".
Breakfast followed by morning departure through the Bloukrans and nature's valley passes which penetrate thick rain forests
and a visit to the Storms river bridge (deepest gorge in South Africa and then 800-year-old Yellowwood 36 metres high.
In addition, we are one of only 3 private game reserves in the Eastern
Cape where all of the animals, including the predators,
are free-roaming throughout the entire reserve.