Natural highlights of Cape Town area, Garden Route and Route 62. Nature Reserves, seeing unique animals and staying in accommodation with a definite local flavour...all with a specialist nature guide.
Overall operator rating 10.0/10 from 1 trip review
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Itinerary
Day 1: Highlights: ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN, KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Experience breathtaking Kirstenbosch, one of the world's most famous botanical gardens, renowned for the splendour and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
Be enriched by the incredible beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom at its best. The estate supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country.
Overnight: Cape Town ________________________________________ Day 2: Highlights: TABLE MOUNTAIN & SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE:
Table Mountain (weather depending) - Over the centuries it has become one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. The rocky outcrops and steep cliffs of the mountain play home to a number of plants and animals. Be guided through the natural wonders on the flat quartzite top whilst enjoying an awe-inspiring view of the Cape of Storms.
Picnic lunch consisting of various traditional South African snacks (included)
Hiking in Silvermine Nature Reserve, which has many manageable walks with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Noordhoek valley. Walking in the Cape Mountains is special, because you can experience the pleasure of Fynbos (our indigenous vegetation), savour the various scents and enjoy the striking flowers and birds.
Overnight: Cape Town _______________________________________ Day 3: Highlights: CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE, AFRICAN PENGUINS & MEETING A TROOP OF BABOONS IN NATURE
A tour to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve is recognized globally for its extraordinary land formations, diverse fauna and unique flora. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and rich biodiversity exist almost within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan City of Cape Town. Also included in this ecological tour is a visit to Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, were there will be unsurpassed opportunities for photography and observation of the rare African Penguin. From mating to moulting, breeding to bathing, their daily lives are played out within a few meters of fascinated visitors.
In the late afternoon (depending on availability) enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of a spectacular guided walk to meet a troop of wild baboons. This is a unique opportunity to walk through nature and observe baboons in the wild, watch them grooming, feeding and their social interaction. A wonderful chance for you to see these fascinating animals, which have so many characteristics similar to human beings.
Overnight: Cape Town _______________________________________ Day 4: Highlights: BREEDE RIVER VALLEY, HISTORICAL TOWN OF TULBAGH INCLUDING WINE TASTINGS
Enter the Breede River Valley via the beautiful Bains Kloof Pass, the Western Cape's largest fruit and wine producing area. Here one can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, orchards, vineyards and indigenous flora.
Tulbagh, set in tranquil rural surroundings, is a lovely historical town with the greatest concentration of national monuments in the country. Here you can join a walk through the town, seeing the magnificent historical houses and museums and also visit one of the well-known wine farms in the area. There will also be an opportunity to visit one of the oldest estates in the valley where Cap Classique (Champangne) is made and can be tasted.
Overnight: Tulbagh ________________________________________ Day 5: Highlights: KAROO BOTANICAL GARDENS, SCENIC DRIVE VIA ROUTE 62 TOWARDS BARRYDALE
Changing scenery from semi-desert areas to lush farmland make this a day of surprises. At Worcester, visit the Karoo National Botanical Garden - Africa's only true succulent garden. Experience this magnificent garden set at the foot of the breathtaking Hex River Mountain Range near Worcester. Here we find plants from the arid parts of our country that store water in their roots, stems or leaves definitely one of most fascinating and riches succulent faunas of the world.
Overnight: Barrydale area ________________________________________ Day 6: Highlights: WALKING IN THE GROOTVADERSBOSCH NATURE RESERVE
Depart for the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, situated in the Langeberg, about 22 km northwest of Heidelberg, and comprises 250 ha of forest. The indigenous forest is the most noteworthy in the south-western Cape and the largest remaining example in the Langeberg.
The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails offer day walks varying from 2 to 15 km and takes one to a wondrous waterfall.
Overnight: Barrydale area ________________________________________ Day 7: Highlights: OSTRICH TOUR, SCENIC DRIVE TOWARDS OUDSTHOORN
The route travelled in the afternoon goes through the mountains - across the breathtaking stretched out countryside of the Little Karoo, famous for its rich geology and dramatic landscapes.
Experience an Ostrich Farm tour, which includes an explanation of the hatching and rearing of the chicks; mating and grading of ostriches; characteristics and special features of the ostrich; and the collection of the eggs. Information on allied ostrich products, such as the feather industry, tanning and curing of the leather, and the valuable ostrich meat industry will also be given.
Overnight: Oudsthoorn area ________________________________________ Day 8: Highlights: WILD MEERKAT TOUR & CANGO CAVES
In the early morning there will be the opportunity to experience a Meerkat tour (weather depending) with a research biologist. An experienced, active wildlife research biologist and conservationist, who is the world's foremost expert on wild meerkat behaviour gives you this opportunity. Through his intensive research and relentless dedication he now offers you the opportunity to benefit from his unique approach to wildlife conservation - to watch wild meerkats, from very close.
He has spent more time working with wild meerkats (11 years) than anyone else in the world, and his expertise has culminated in numerous scientific publications (over 14), as well as documentary films with such prestigious groups as National Geographic, the BBC and the Discovery Channel since 1993.
Then visit the Cango Caves, the largest show cave operation on the continent.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn area ________________________________________ Day 9 Day 11: Highlights: TWO-DAY COASTAL HIKING TRAIL - DAY 1: 15 KM AND DAY 2: 5 KM INCLUDING DINNER, LUNCH, BED & BREAKFAST
Enjoy a unique two-day coastal hiking trail. From the edge of the cliffs watch thundering waves pound the shores, explore tranquil rock pools and magnificent sandy beaches. Experience the marvel of the unspoilt Cape Floral Kingdom and listen to the wistful call of the rare African Black Oystercatcher. During the walk, enhance your knowledge of the rare and indigenous herbs and aloes found here. Carry only a light daypack, costume, sun cream, binoculars and camera. Your luggage will be shuttled from one overnight stop to the next.
2 Day Hike - All-inclusive except bar drinks.
On the afternoon of day 11 drive via the scenic Stanford Road to Hermanus.
Overnight: Hermanus area ________________________________________ Day 12:
Highlights: BOTANICAL SPLENDOUR, BIRD WATCHING and WALKING IN FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE, WINELANDS AREA and HISTORIC STELLENBOSCH
Walk in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which is great bird watching and spectacular views onto Walker Bay. Along the beautiful False Bay Coast line we stop at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Pollination, seed dispersal and germination - there is always something happening and a story to be told.
Today we visit the Winelands area. We visit some of the Cape Dutch wine farms in this area, including a cellar tour; wine tastings and the opportunity buy wine.
Depending on the time of arrival you could enjoy walking in the quaint town of Stellenbosch South Africas second oldest town and home to the famous University of Stellenbosch. Here we stop at Oom Samie se winkel, a shop with a wonderful historical flavour and also some of the other beautiful heritage sites in the town, including the Stellenbosch Museum.
Overnight: Stellenbosch ________________________________________ Day 13: Highlights: TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM, AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Two Oceans Aquarium, a great opportunity to learn more about the astounding marine diversity found here at the tip of the African continent.
In the afternoon there will be time to explore in Cape Town and to visit some of the African Craft Markets or the V&A Waterfront after getting your rented vehicle in town.
Afternoon departure to the Cape Town International Airport ________________________________________________________________________________________
BY JOINING THIS BIODIVERSITY EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS/PEOPLE ARE SUPPORTED:
COASTAL HIKING TRAIL Aids the conservation of the rare Oystercatcher bird along the south coast. Also creates jobs and provides environmental education for local guides
BABOON MATTERS - The Baboon Monitor Project employs men from the nearby community of Masiphumelele. To support this important conservation initiative, 25% of nett proceeds from this tour will be utilized to ensure the continuation of the Baboon Monitor Project.
MEERKAT PROJECT A research and conservation project on wild Meerkats found in the Little Karoo ________________________________________________________________________________________ TOUR INCLUDES:
- Accommodation & breakfasts in great Guest Houses, Cottages and Hotels - all chosen for their unique character and ambiance for 12 nights - Transport in air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle with full insurance cover - Licensed and trained eco-guide/driver - Activities, entrance and conservation fees as per itinerary - All meals during the two-day Coastal Hike
EXCLUDES: - International Flights - Visa (if required) - Additional / optional activities - Tips, gratuities and porterage - Drinks - Meals not mentioned as included - Items of a personal nature incl. laundry, telephone and curios
We are proud members/supporters of:
SATSA bonded (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) CTGA (Cape Tourist Guide Association)
