Cape Town To Kruger National Park Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town to Hermanus via Clarence Drive and then drive to Cape Agulhas over night in Arniston

Stop At: Hermanus, Hermanus, Overstrand, Overberg District, Western Cape
A scenic drive along Clarence Drive to Hermanus, one of the world`s great Marine Drives, followed by a walk on the cliffs to do some whale watching in season, for those clients that want to get up close to the whales, (Southern Right Whales with their calf`s , occasionally Bryde`s Whales and Humpback Whales, and Bottlenose and Humpback Dolphins) there is the added option of a boat trip though not included in the Tour Price quoted. Lunch in Hermanus at the Bientangs Cave Restaurant on the rocks literally with the waves breaking next to you is very special – optional wine tasting at Creation Wine Estate in the Hemel & Aarde Valley, then on to Cape Agulhas, the most southern point of the African continent and a visit to the Lighthouse and Museum with its incredible history of all the great ships that sunk off this treacherous coast is a absolute must and great opportunity for some fine photographs of the most southern point of Africa.
Arniston – Overnight at the Arniston Hotel

Duration: 14 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Arniston Hotel - 4 star - optional luxury, superior and pool facing rooms

Day 2: Arniston to Oudtshoorn via Tradouw Pass

Stop At: The Cango Caves, 328 Approximately 30km (19 miles) from town on the R, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Drive to Oudtshoorn via Tradouw Pass, which means Womens Path in the Khoi language, this 16 kilometer drive is a master piece by Thomas Bain through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in the Langeberg and undoubtedly in the top 20 passes in the Western Cape and then on to Oudtshoorn and a tour of the Cango Caves – located at the foot hills of the Swartberg Mountains according to legend, discovered by Mr. Van Zyl in 1780. Explore this fairyland of magnificent crystalline formations an example of the finest Stalactites, Helicites and Stalagmites in the world. For Adrenalin seekers there is an interesting assault course at the end of the route that includes a steep ladder, small hole to crawl through and more crawling to smaller chambers, all in all a great adventure. Overnight in Oudtshoorn at Protea Hotel ( Riempies ) - ( Standard room ) or similar .

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Protea Hotel in Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate - 4 star, combining country charm in a farm setting in thatched chalets

Day 3: Oudstshoorn to the Wilderness via the N12

Stop At: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Scenic Cape Route 62 Volmoed, Oudtshoorn 6620 South Africa
Visit High Gate Ostrich Farm the worlds first, finest and original Ostrich Show established in 1938. – Meet , greet and interact with these gigantic birds on this farm which produces some of the finest feathers, leather and meat products. The tour includes information on breeding methods,incubation and hatching where some 15,000 chicks are hatched annually. For the brave tourists you can ride a Ostrich or simply watch jockeys riding the Ostrich`s around the race track at around 70 kilometers per hour. Attractions include the Pepper Tree restaurant or dinner on the Stoep. Drive to The Wilderness via Herolds Wine Farm where we do a wine tasting and try out their famous cheese platters or light lunches while sipping Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc wines on the terrace. Attractions cutural, walking and biking tours. Followed by a drive through to George and lunch at ( La Capannina Restaurant )
Overnight at The Wilderness Hotel ( Standard room ) or similar


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Protea (Riempie Hotel)Only bottled water included for the day
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Wilderness Hotel ( Standard room ) or similar

Day 4: Wilderness to Knysna via N2

Stop At: Knysna, Knysna, Western Cape
The Wilderness is settled between the Kaaiman`s River and Goukama Nature Reserve bordering the Outenique Mountains which includes 5 rivers, 5 lakes and a magnificent 18 kilometer long coastline. After breakfast we paddle up the very sedate Touws River for 40 minutes before disembarking and hiking for a further 40 minutes to the waterfall and back again. We then drive up to “ Map of Africa” for a wonderful photographic opportunity before returning for lunch at Cocomo Restaurant. Drive on to Knysna and the Knysna Heads for photographsafter which we drive down to the bottom of the Heads for more photo`s with spectacular views of both the lagoon and the Heads from the shoreline. On the way back to Cunninghams Guest House on Leisure Island we stop for some refreshing drinks at Cruise Café before checking in at Cunninghams Guest House followed by Dinner at Blend Country Restaurant and Pub. A wonderful restaurant to interact with the locals.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Cunningham Bed & Breakfast - 3 star

Day 5: Knysna to Tsitsikamma National Park via N2

Stop At: The Crags, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Visit the quaint little curio shops at the Waterfront before embarking on a lunch cruise on the John Benn around the lagoon, with its magnificent 360 degree view of The Heads, Harbor, Mall and Knysna , after which we drive on to the Radical Raptors for an encounter with the Eagles (a very intense experience with these kings and Queens of the air) and then to the The Crags for a visit to the Birds of Eden, home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species in a unique hectare dome spread over a Indigenous Forest, after which we walk over to Monkey land and the free roaming multi species primate sanctuary comprising 12 hectares of Indigenous Forest and Jukani to see the big cats - lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and cheetah`s (only if time allows). For adrenalin addicts we stop at the Bloukrans River and at (216 meters the highest commercial bungee jump in the world), then on to Tsitsikamma National Park.


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tsitsikamma Inn or Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa

Day 6: Tsitsikamma National Park

Stop At: Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
Because of time constraints or inclement weather the previous day we will try and accommodate the Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans River Bridge at 216 metres, highest commercial bungee jump in the world, (Strictly not for the faint hearted) weather permitting, followed by Ziplining over Kruis River Waterfalls or Ziplining over tree top canopies, (either you prefer zipling over a river or tree top canopy`s), lunch at either The Cattle Baron Restaurant at the Storm River Mouth or at Marilyn`s Diner in the Tsitsikamma Village, should you not have attempted the bungee jump then we we will commence with our next adventure being the kayaking and liloing up the breath taking Storms River, here we start by paddling up to the bat`s cave in between the spectacular cliffs surrounding us and Tubing and Cliff Diving off the magnificent shear cliffs in the Storms River.
Overnight at Tsitsikamma Inn or Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa ( standard room ) or similar.


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tsitsikamma Inn or Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa ( standard room ) or similar

Day 7: Tsitsikamma National Park

Stop At: Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
We spend the day with adventures not completed the day before, because of time constraints clients would need to choose the particular adventure that appeals to them not completed the day before, because of either time constraints or inclement weather clients would need to choose the particular adventure that appeals to them being : 1) Big Tree and Ratel hiking trip to the Giant Yellow Wood tree over 800 years old, 36.6 meters in height and 9 meters in circumference, 2) A 22 kilometer Mountain Biking tour along the old national road, 3) Sedway Tour on a personal Space Age Scooter into the forest, 4)For keen birders we have the Loerie Trail, 5) Ziplining over the waterfalls in the Kruis River, and finally, 6) Ziplining over the Tree Top Canopies. We enjoy lunch at Marilyn`s Diner an experience of note, typical American Diner serving Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Cocktails, Milkshakes and Desserts
Overnight at Tsitsikamma Inn or Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa ( standard room ) or similar

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tsitsikamma Inn or Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa ( standard room ) or similar

Day 8: East London

Stop At: East London Aquarium, Esplanade, East London 5200 South Africa
Once again if time allows we could possibly still complete some excursions not possible the day before and then travel on to East London stopping at Nanaga Farmstall a child’s delight for grownups after which we do a detour to a small tiny village called Bathurst, on the R67 and stop at “The Workshop Art and Craft Gallery”a veritable Disneyland full of arts and crafts, followed by a lovely lunch at the Pig and Whistle Inn. We then continue on our journey via Port Alfred and the R72 to East London and the Blues Guest House on the Quenera River and a walk on the Bonza Bay Beach.We than have 3 choices for dinner being The Cricketer, Sanook Cafe`or Grazia Fine Food Restaurants . A drive along the Esplanade finishes our day.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Blues Guest House on the Quenera River or accommodation that is similar usually between 3 and 4 stars

Day 9: Monks Cowl , The Drakensberg

Stop At: Drakensberg Mountains, Drakensberg Region South Africa
Day 9 and we drive on to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains via Kokstad where we stop for lunch at Cassandra`s Restaurant at the Old Orchard Guest House. After a lovely lunch we head on to Monks Cowl which marks the access to the Mlambonja and Mdedelelo Mountain Wilderness, the most unspoilt areas of the Ukhahlamba , Drakensberg Park. The gateway to some of the most magnificent mountain and Wilderness areas in S. Africa – The Rock Art of the Drakensberg is the largest and most concentrated group of Rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara Day where we spend walking and hiking and possible drive to Mont - Aux - Sources ( should time allow ). Mont – Aux – Sources known as the fountains mountain by French Missionaries in 1836 , 3 very important rivers originate here namely the Tugela, plunging 947 meters the second highest in the world, The Elands River and Caledon River, main tributary of the Orange River, S. Africa`s largest river. Monk`s Cowl Golf resort in the Drakensberg.


Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Monk`s Cowl Golf resort in the Drakensberg.

Day 10: Mont - Aux - Source, Drakensberg and the Midlands Meander

Stop At: Monks Cowl, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 3340 South Africa
Once again should we not have had time to visit Mont- Aux- Sources the day before we can then travel there, first thing, in the morning for a quick hike and if time allows see some more bushman art and then head to Howick and the Howick Falls along the Midlands Meander - ( places of interest include Karkloof Canopy Tours, Spa Days at either Granny Mouse Spa, Karkloof Safari Spa, Fordoun Spa, Hartford House, Arts & Culture include Arodmore Ceramics and The Mandela Capture Monument where Nelson Mandela was arrested before being sentenced to 27 years in jail. We stop for lunch at either the Piggly Wiggly or Lampara Italian Restaurant while visiting various arts and craft markets along the Midlands Meander for tourists to purchase some memorabilia of their trip to the Natal Midlands including a wine tasting, craft beer tasting and Swiss Cheeses tasting & Coffee before heading back to Gooderson Monk`s Cowl Golf Resort via Nottingham Road.

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Gooderson Monk`s Cowl Golf Resort or similar 3 or 3 star Hotel or Guest House

Day 11: Mpumalanga

Stop At: Mpumalanga, Mpumalanga
After a early breakfast we now navigate our way to Mpumalanga Province via Newcastle, Volksrust, the superb Laingsnek Pass and the infamous Majuba Mount where the Boers under Commandant General Joubert surprised the British troops under Gen. Sir George Pomeroy Colley on the mountain killing the General and 256 of his men inflicting one of the British Army`s greatest losses. Through Ermelo, Barberton, Nelspruit and finally arriving at Sabie. Sabie is a forestry town situated on the banks of the Sabie River, derived from the Tsonga word “Ulusaba, which means "Fearful River " because of the great number of fearsome Nile Crocodiles calling this river home once upon a time. Sabie lies plumb amongst the never ending jewels of the Old Eastern Transvaal including their 7 most famous waterfalls, Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the old famous Gold mining town called Pilgrims Rest

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Sabie Town Lodge (Standard room) or similar

Day 12: Sabie, Blydr River Canyon and all the waterfalls

Stop At: Pilgrim's Rest, Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga
Breakfast completed early as possible as we have so much to see and do, we depart for Pilgrims Rest, and a trip down memory lane to a village over 150 years old and today a museum after gold was discovered around 1873 which resulted in the 2nd Gold Rush of the Transvaal Goldfields, after a walk about we head for the Blyde River Canyon, possibly the largest green canyon due to its lush subtropical foliage and some of its deepest precipitous cliffs on any canyon in the world including The Three Rondavels & Gods Window. Then where the Trier River and the Blyde River meet we find a series of cylindrical ,rock sculptures of exquisite beauty and shape called Bourkes Luck Potholes and finally we try and see all the waterfalls or as many can be seen in time remaining – ( Mac Mac falls, Lisbon Falls, The Berlin Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Lone Greek Falls Horseshoe Falls, & Forest Falls ) We try and see as many waterfalls as time allows.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Sabie Town Lodge (Standard room) or similar

Day 13: Cape Town to Kruger National Park Tour

Stop At: Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park
On this day we visit Kruger National Game Reserve so we rise as early as possible for game viewing and spend the day in the Kruger National Park returning at dusk for dinner at Sabie Town Lodge
Overnight at Sabie Town Lodge (Standard room) or similar, an extra alternative is a one night stay inside one of the camps in the Kruger National Park

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Sabie Town Lodge (Standard room) or similar

Day 14: Sudwala and Gauteng

Stop At: Sudwala Caves, R539, Nelspruit South Africa
On this final day of your tour we visit that which is regarded the biggest attraction in Mpumalanga and that is the Sudwala Caves, considered the oldest caves in the world they are set in what is known as Precambrian Dolomite Rock with the caves being dominated by its spectacular amphitheatre 70 metres in width and 37 metres at its highest point and blessed with some of the most incredible acoustics to be found in any concert hall in the world and or so says Ivan Rebroff who sang a concert in the caves in 1970. Our exploration of the caves completed we head to Johannesburg. In the event that we missed some viewing opportunities the day before should we have not been able to get to all the sights we planned on our very busy schedule we will try and squeeze them in before visiting the Sudwala Caves and returning to Johannesburg..
Duration: 12 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.