South Africa Safaris and Tours
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Best of the Cape 10 days 9 NightsSILVER CLASS TOUR 
Self Drive 10 days and 9 nights Highlights:
DAY 1: FRANSCHOEK AND WINELANDSDepart Cape Town in the early morning and spend the day exploring the Winelands. Franschhoek is South Africa's gourmet food and wine capital of the Cape and many visitors opt to stay here for the sole purpose of indulging their wine cravings along with their taste buds. In Franschoek, every building that isn't a guesthouse or antique shop is a restaurant. If you stay here you'll be able to sample the finest French cuisine this side of Paris - Franschhoek literally means 'The French Corner' and was founded more than three centuries ago when the French Hugenots settled in the Berg River Valley. Alternatively, venture out of your Franschoek hotel or guesthouse to spend the day estate-hopping at one of the 14 wine estates open to the public. In Franschhoek, the scenic milieu of dense pine, flowing streams, mountain and valley views is perfect for long walks, horse riding and mountain climbing, or for a relaxing family picnic. ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
DAYS 2 & 3: MONTAGUThe town of Montagu was established in the mid-nineteen century, on the site of a loan farm known as Uitvlucht. It is in a fertile valley at the confluence of the Kingna and the Keisie rivers, surrounded by the Langeberg mountain range. The earlier inhabitants known as the Quena or Khoikhoi would probably call the area Xuaka, that is, "Where the Fiery River meets the Burning Tongue". Their history is still evident in the local caves, perhaps used for religious purposes. One entrance to the town, the Cogmans Kloof pass, was built by Thomas Bain, it passes through a hole in the rock face which is guarded by an Old English Fort, a relic of the Boer war. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards and healing hot mineral springs. Visitors will discover our wildflower nature garden, lovely hiking trails and ideal rock climbing opportunities The town boasts many well preserved Cape Dutch and Georgian National Monuments. There are two museums, one of them is Joubert House, restored to illustrate its former glory. It has a unique herb garden, cultivated with most of the healing plants available in the local hills ACCOMODATION OPTIONS:
DAYS 4 & 5: OUDSHOORN :Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres from the large coastal town of George. First class hotels, lodges, inns, and guesthouses await the visitor. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country. Attractions:
Overnight in Oudtshoorn both days ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
DAY 6:GEORGEThe 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. George is the sixth oldest town in South Africa, situated in the beautiful Western Cape Province and is the Capital of the Southern Cape. The town is very centrally situated: halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and centre of the Garden Route - ideal from where to explore the areas many variant and diverse scenic wonders. Situated on a 10 kilometre plateau between the majestic Outeniqua Mountain to the north and the Indian ocean to the South. For Golfers - enjoy a day of Golfing at Fancourt Golf Estate Attractions:
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DAY 7- KNYSNAThe name Knysna is a Khoi word but it's uncertain as to its exact meaning. It could mean 'place of wood', or it could mean 'fern leaves', but its most probable meaning is straight down' - an obvious reference to the Heads. Knysna Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well known attraction being the heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is a privately owned nature Reserve - Featherbed Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports a oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses material relating to the history of the town, and includes artifacts once owned by George Rex. It was built from yellowwood at the end of the previous century during the gold rush. From Millwood, it was later moved to Knysna. Attractions:
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DAY 8: KNYNSA OR PLETTENBERG BAYRemain in Knsyna or venture to Plettenberg Bay for a night - only a 30 minute drive from Knsyna The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay, which lies on South Africa's spectacular south coast 210 kms from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer the nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an exciting opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of South Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife. Nearly 300 species are to be found in the great variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands. No less than ten important nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. The bay itself is Nursery to the endangered Southern Right Whale which come here to calve in the winter and spring (July to December). 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. Optional activity: Whale Watching Boat Trip ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
DAY 9:PORT ELIZABETHAfter breakfast, you'll head to Port Elizabeth, 'the friendly city', set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, located on the south eastern coast of Africa, and a major tourist destination. The city offers the best mix of eco-attractions as a holiday destination with a rich diversity: scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a unique coastal climate. The calm waters of Algoa Bay, its shores lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, make Port Elizabeth a Mecca for all beach and water sport activities. So spend your time here at leisure! The Eastern Cape is also home to the Addo Elephant National Park, part of the South Africa National Park Service and a delightful reserve near Port Elizabeth. The elephants used to be tightly packed in this park but it has recently been expanded so that these large but quietly trodden pachyderms have a wider area in which to roam. Staying at Elephant House or Camp Figtree will give you the opportunity to see these elephants and other wildlife. ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:
DAY 10: PORT ELIZABETHAt the end of a wonderful trip - drop off your rental vehicle at Port Elizabeth Airport. Fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg, or extend your trip with a couple of nights at one of the Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. Back to topEND OF SERVICES COSTS ON APPLICATION Note : All accommodation mentioned are suggestions, and may be replaced with accommodation choices to suit individual travellers TAILOR MAKE ME A SELF DRIVE PROGRAM  |