Enjoy morning and evening game drives with an experienced ranger. Lalibela Game Reserve is a Big Five game reserve in the Eastern Cape. Its location means it is not only malaria free, but spans five ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals and birds, Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is the perfect blend of the formal and informal.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 – Port Elizabeth to Lalibela Game Reserve
You arrive at Port Elizabeth airport and handed your travel documents, then pick up your car. You depart Port Elizabeth and travel to the Big Five game reserve, Lalibela. Upon check-in at 13h00, you are served lunch at reception. At 14h30 you are transferred by landrover to your Lodge. At each of Lalibela’s 4-star lodges, secluded thatched chalets are placed where magnificent indigenous gardens merge into the surrounding bush. Each en-suite unit has a private observation deck to make the most of the views. The lodges also all boast a large lounge, viewing deck and a sunny swimming pool where you can spend a lazy afternoon. They also have an outdoor dining “boma” for fireside dinners and open-air brunches. At Lalibela, food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes. After high tea, you are taken on your first game drive at Lalibela. This late afternoon/evening game drive is an opportunity to search for nocturnal animals, such as the elusive bat-eared fox, aardvark, black-backed jackal, aardwolf and the curious spring hare. You return to the lodge in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner. Overnight: Lalibela Game Reserve.
Day 2 – Lalibela Game Reserve
This morning after a light breakfast you are taken on another game drive. Game drives at Lalibela bring you face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from the mighty Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) to tiny blue duiker and rock Hyrax. Lalibela is also home to African wild dog, cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. You return to the lodge for a grand brunch. There is time to relax around the pool, do some bird-watching from the observation deck, or read a book in the privacy of your room’s private deck. After tea you set off on another night drive, returning again in time for dinner. Overnight: Lalibela Game Reserve.
Day 3 – Lalibela Game Reserve to Tsitsikamma Forest
This morning you are taken on your last game drive at Lalibela. After brunch you bid farewell to this African wonderland and are transferred by landrover to reception. You begin your journey along the Garden Route and travel to the Tsitsikamma Forest. The Tsitsikamma Forest is an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. Drive down the steep pass to the aptly-named Storms River Mouth, where there are numerous short walking trails into the forest. You can also stop at the 800-year old “Big Tree”. Check into the 3-star Tsitsikamma Lodge. This award-winning country-style lodge, built entirely of timber-logs, offers cozy accommodation and typical South African fare in their quaint restaurant. Spectacular mountain and forest views are enjoyed from each cabin, which are set in lush gardens. Gentle river and forest walks are available in the surrounding Tsitsikamma forest. Overnight: Tsitsikamma Lodge.
Day 4 – Tsitsikamma to Knysna
There are many activities on offer in nearby Storms River Village and we especially recommend the tree-top canopy tour where you travel between treetop platforms by gliding along in harnesses along steel cables 30 metres above the forest floor. The guides will show you the forest from a bird’s perspective and the tour is suitable for all ages from seven to seventy. After the tour you make your way towards Knysna, traveling through the heart of the Garden Route via soaring single-span bridges. You can stop in the glamorous seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay and do a sedate “eco-stroll” along the Robberg Peninsula, a rocky headland which presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea. Robberg affords excellent views of any whales and dolphins that may be visiting Plettenberg Bay. Alternatively, you may wish to take a whale-watching boat trip out into the bay. There are several licensed operators down at the main beach. or continue through to Knysna and check into the 4-star Knysna Log Inn. As the largest known timber structure found in the Southern Hemisphere, the Knysna Log Inn provides its guests with a unique four star accommodation experience in the heart of the town of Knysna. Beautiful yellowwood interiors and massive stain glass windows creates a setting of timeless beauty and style. Overnight: Knysna Log Inn.
Day 5 – Knysna to Oudtshoorn
Spend some time browsing through the arty-crafty shops and curio stalls that Knysna is famous for and take a drive along the shores of the lagoon to the Heads, one of the large sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon. You depart Knysna and travel via the scenic Lake District and Wilderness to George. From George, you cross over the protea-covered Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn, in the Little Karoo. We suggest you visit the Cango Caves this afternoon and embark on a magical journey through massive caverns and fascinating limestone formations. The Adventure Tour is highly recommended, as it takes you to parts of the caves little frequented by tourists, but it does require a certain level of fitness. There is also the more sedate Panoramic Tour. You check in at the 4-star De Opstal Country House. De Opstal is on a working ostrich farm, a mere 12 km. from the famous Cango Caves. The lodge consists of a group of historical Karoo farm buildings, beautifully restored and fitted with modern conveniences and en-suite bathrooms. You can relax beside the swimming pool or in the lush, tranquil garden surroundings. Overnight: De Opstal Country House.
Day 6 – Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
Before departing Oudtshoorn this morning we suggest you visit the Safari Ostrich Show Farm for a fascinating insight into the world’s largest birds. You journey through the unique landscape of the arid Little Karoo, passing through Calitzdorp and Barrydale. You enter the verdant Breede River Valley, the largest of the Western Cape’s fruit and wine producing valleys. As you follow the “fruit route”, you enjoy magnificent mountain views, vineyards, orchards and indigenous flora. Stops can be made at roadside farm stalls to purchase fruit. From Worcester, the spectacular Du Toit’s Kloof Pass takes you over the mountains to the “Mother City”, Cape Town. You check into the V&A City Lodge. Situated within walking distance of Cape Town’s CBD and at the gateway to the world-famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this 3-star hotel maintains a tasteful décor throughout the hotel, and it is well known for its superb service and friendly environment. Recently refurbished, the hotel offers guests a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. We suggest that, weather-permitting, you ride the cable car up Table Mountain early this evening to enjoy the view over Cape Town and across Table Bay to Robben Island. You can then have dinner at one of the quayside restaurants at the V&A Waterfront. Accommodation: V&A City Lodge.
Day 7 – Cape Point
Today is at leisure in Cape Town. We suggest you either take a tour or self-drive along the coast around the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point. You travel along the Atlantic seaboard via glamorous Clifton to the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay. Here you can take a boat ride from the fishing harbour out to the seal colony on Seal Island. Continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives one an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. You then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where you can visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs will bring you back to the hotel in the late afternoon. You can go up Table Mountain in the evening if the weather was inclement the day before. Accommodation: V&A City Lodge.
Day 8 – Cape Town and departure
Today is at leisure in Cape Town. We suggest you explore the V&A Waterfront, which is South Africa’s trendiest shopping precinct and is a great place to look for gifts. You can also take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony. You could visit the Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. Alternatively, you may like to relax on one of the trendy beaches of Camps Bay or Clifton. Museum lovers can wander through the South African Museum and the National Art Gallery. You travel to Cape Town airport and check in for your flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Start with a Safari, then wander the Garden Route and finish your exploration of SA in Cape Town; starting at $2599 per person Air/Land;
Included:
- RT Transatlantic Air;
- Meet and Greet at Port Elizabeth airport;
- Class "B" auto for length of trip, with unlimited mileage and super cover insurance;
- 2 nights in a thatched chalet at the 4-star Lalibela Game Reserve on a fully inclusive basis (includes accommodation, all game drives, meals and all drinks);
- 1 night in a garden cabin at the 3-star Tsitsikamma Lodge on a B&B basis;
- 1 night in a standard room at the 4-star Knysna Log Inn on a B&B basis;
- 1 night in a standard room at the 4-star De Opstal on a B&B basis;
- 2 nights in a standard room at the 3-star V&A City Lodge on a B&B basis.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Cultural Journey
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