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| Viewing: Cape & Kruger Tour |
Package ID: 971 |
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| Cape & Kruger Tour |
Cape & Kruger, now combined: smells of the African bush with fragrances of Cape Floral Kingdom; roar of the lion with crashing of waves & the taste of adventure with delicacies of South African wine.
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Cape & Kruger (14 days)
“Classic Kruger” are very special experiences of the world famous Kruger in South Africa. Now the adventure of a six day safari is combined with the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the six-day Cape biodiversity Tour.
Now combined:
The smells of the African bush with the fragrances of Cape Floral Kingdom.
The roar of the lion with the crashing of the waves.
The taste of adventure with the delicacies of South African wine.
14 days including internal flights from Nelspruit/JHB to Cape Town R27 300.00 per person sharing - Min 2/Max 8
Cape Tour Includes:
Accommodation
Licensed and trained guide/driver
Activities as per itinerary
Entrance fees
Meals as per itinerary
Refreshments provided in the vehicle
Excludes:
Additional / optional activities
Tips, gratuities and porterage
Drinks not provided
Meals not specified
Items of a personal nature incl. laundry, telephone and curios
Your tour experience will be optimised by rain, germination and flowering incidence.
Kruger Safari Includes:
Transport to and from Johannesburg International Airport/hotel/guest house
FREE night at 5 th Avenue Guest House, Johannesburg
Kruger entrance and conservation fees
Kruger night drive in open vehicle with armed ranger
Min. 2 game drives per day during safari
Luxury accommodation (5 nights) (en-suite bathroom and air-conditioned/ ceiling fan)
All meals during safari (B/fast, light lunch and dinner)
All refreshments with meals
Licensed and trained guide/driver
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6 Day Cape Biodiversity Tour Itinerary
This unique botanical experience will take you through different eco-regions in the Western Cape Province of South Africa like Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and Forests areas.
Fynbos is the key vegetation type of the tiny botanical region known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. The five other floral kingdoms that are recognised cover huge areas such as most of the northern hemisphere and the whole of Australia. The Cape Floral Kingdom is both the smallest and the richest floral kingdom , with the highest known concentration of plant species: 1 300 per 10 000 km2! The closest rival, the South American rain forest has a concentration of only 400 per 10 000 km2.
The Succulent Karoo is special, because it is the only biodiversity hotspot, which is completely dry. As a rule such dry landscapes have few species, but the Succulent Karoo is a unique exception. There are about 6000 species, of which 40% are endemic.
More than 1000 of the endemic species are succulents. It makes the Succulent Karoo the area, which is richest in succulent flora in the world!
The Forest eco-region is the smallest biome in South Africa. Here one can expect to see luscious vegetation with splendid trees such as yellowwood, stinkwood, red alder and the dominant ironwood.
Though the focus will be the ecology of the flora, several other delights, such as a visit to Cape Point, Table Mountain, a wine farm, beautiful beaches, a penguin colony and possibly spotting whales are included to ensure a full biodiversity experience.
Day 1: Arrival at Cape Town International Airport
Highlights: TABLE MOUNTAIN & KIRSTENBOSCH
Table Mountain - 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. Table Mountain alone is home to approximately 1470 species of plants - more than the entire British Isles. Many of these are endemic (meaning they occur nowhere else on Earth). Exhilarating trip in a rotating cable car to the top of Table Mountain where the Dassie (Rock Hyrax), the closest living relative to the elephant, roam wild. Be guided through the natural wonders on the flat quartzite top whilst enjoying an awe-inspiring view of the Cape of Storms. (Weather dependent excursion).
Lunch @ Kirstenbosch: own account
Breathtaking Kirstenbosch , one of the world's most famous botanical gardens and 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 covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. An exquisite trip no visitor to Cape Town can go without.
Dinner: Included
Overnight: Luxurious Guest House, Cape Town
Day 2:
Highlights: CAPE POINT, AFRICAN PENGUINS ALONG SCENIC COASTAL ROUTE
A tour to Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve , which forms part of the Cape Peninsula National Park and is managed by the South African National Parks. The Nature Reserve is recognized globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora.
Fauna includes, to name a few, the mountain zebras, antelope, about 250 species of birds and several troops of baboons. 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.
Lunch @ Simon's Town/Cape Point: Own account
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.
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 3:
Highlights: BOTANICAL SPLENDOUR, WHALE WATCHING (seasonal)
Approximately 60 minutes east of Cape Town, the road takes you over the mountain (‘Over de berg') and out of the blue you are an area blessed with beautiful beaches, amazing fynbos (our indigenous vegetation), a wealth of birds, sharks and of course whales. Here the people are friendly and the pace of life leisurely.
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. Depending on the time Walker Bay, known as one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world, may be teeming with Southern Right whales .
Visit Fernkloof Nature Reserve - This predominantly fynbos reserve is conveniently situated almost in the centre of Hermanus and all along the coastal cliffs and gives very easy access to a number of the region’s special bird and plant species.
Overnight: Hermanus
Day 4:
Highlights: HISTORICAL TOWN OF SWELLENDAM, FOREST NATURE RESERVE TRAIL
Stop at the town of Swellendam, the historic heart of the Overberg – the 3rd oldest settlement in SA. Visit to the Drostdy Museum (built in 1746) & Historical Buildings with its unique collection of historical antiques.
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 5:
Highlights: KAROO NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN, TULBAGH CAP CLASSIQUE & WINE TASTING or FYNBOS HORSE TRAIL
Changing scenery from semi-desert areas to lush farmland make this a day of surprises. At Worcester we visit the Karoo National Botanical Garden – Africa's only true succulent garden.
We then enter the Breede River Valley, 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 we go on a walk, enjoying the magnificent historical houses and museums and also visit one of the well-known wine farms & Cap Classique cellar in the area.
OR
Enjoy a Fynbos Horse Trail. Combine adventure in nature with culinary delights in this picturesque country valley nestling at the foot of a mountain range. An unsurpassed area to enjoy the natural beauty of the Western Cape. The guiding will be done by an experienced local guide. The horses are easy to handle and well trained.
Overnight: Tulbagh
Day 6:
Highlights: WINELANDS AREA, CHEETAH CONSERVATION, EAGLE ENCOUNTERS and HISTORIC STELLENBOSCH
Today visit Cape Dutch wine farms in the Winelands area, including a cellar tour; wine tastings and the opportunity buy wine.
Also visit the Spier Wine Estate where we have the opportunity to see their cheetah conservation project as well as ‘Eagle encounters’.
Spier has made land available to a group of hand-raised cheetahs in the care of the Cheetah Outreach Programme. Learn more about these incredible cats from a distance, or get up close and personal and even step inside the enclosure (own account). Entrance donations help fund the Cheetah Outreach Programme.
The Cheetah Outreach assists the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in their efforts to ensure the survival of the free-ranging cheetah. This is done through education programmes that increase the awareness of the diminishing numbers of free-ranging cheetahs in the wild. Funds are raised for CCF to support their efforts in releasing trapped, wild cheetah and non-lethal predator control methods.
‘Eagle encounters’ is a bird of prey rehabilitation, education, conservation and eco-tourism centre. As a self-funded, non-profit establishment, they rely on the income generated by tourism to drive the numerous programmes. Their long-term vision is to do their part in preserving the eco-environment by protecting birds of prey through the release of rehabilitated birds, and through creating community awareness.
In the afternoon enjoy the quaint town of Stellenbosch – South Africa’s 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.
Overnight: Stellenbosch
Day 7:
Highlights: TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM
Experience the Two Oceans Aquarium, a great opportunity to learn more about the astounding marine diversity found here at the tip of the African continent.
An opportunity to visit the V&A Waterfront shopping centre and working harbour – South Africa's number one tourist destination before departure for your flight.
Six day Kruger Safari Itinerary
Day 1 (arrival and FREE overnight)
From the moment you fly into JHB International airport and are met our representatives, you realise you're in for a safari experience unrivelled in South Africa. Your free overnight at 5 th Avenue Guest House in close proximity to the airport is an introduction to the style, extremely high level of personal service and professional guiding you will receive for the duration of your holiday to South Africa.
Dinner at 5 th Avenue Guest House is a three course affair (also included in your safari package deal) and provides time for you to relax, enjoy the sublime ambiance of the G/H and enjoy an early evening preparing for the safari adventure that starts early the next morning.
Day 2
JHB - Kruger
An early start this morning – you are collected at the Guest House by a fully trained and accredited guide who will guide you through the start of your journey (a five hour drive) through some of the finest, panoramic and historical areas in South Africa. Vehicles are luxurious, fully licensed and insured, and are of the highest standard – complete with on-board library, a snack box and fridge.
The journey takes you over the escarpment (Drakensburg mountains) and down towards the Kruger where we will introduce you a wonderful world of exciting adventure, close up wildlife encounters - luxurious and in the true spirit of the African bush.
Breakfast and lunch are served en-route (a special trout or venison pie is a culinary highlight of the trip down) and there is always plenty of bottled water, fresh juice and snacks for your pleasure.
We arrive at the Kruger early in the afternoon – and straight into game drive mode as we head for our first overnight, always set deep in the bush, on the banks of a river or dam, or some other beautiful scenery. The lodges we use depend on seasonal and climatic conditions to enhance big 5 and other game viewing opportunities.
We arrive at our first lodge at about 15h00 and settle in to the peace and quite of this great bushveld home. Dinner is cooked and prepared for you under the stars.
As thoughts of your day's exploration, relaxation or game chasing and twitching activities dim with the setting sun, night in the Kruger brings on a whole new set of matters for you to attend to.
The stars are overwhelming – especially since there are so many of them. Knowing a bit about the stars transforms your enquiry into a tangible experience.
The sounds of Kruger nights combine in melodious song and your sense of the myriad of life around you can be a fantastic experience. Just understanding some of the noises and why they are there is the beginning of a story that will solicit your participation, and keep you riveted.
Fireside conversation: Kruger yesterday, Kruger today and Kruger tomorrow always highlights thought-provoking sentiment, and only silenced by the roar of a nearby lion, or the cough of a prowling leopard.
The world we show you is a world of ancient mystery where Nature, in the wider sense, is infinitely more complex than mankind has to yet fully appreciate. This world, where the actions of man have tended to repeat themselves over and over again through the centuries until they become well documented and predictable, is also a world of new discoveries and of no final answers -- but a place of learning and a place that will stay in your heart forever.
This safari (journey) is a story of connections: The invisible links between organism and environment that make up the fabric of a working ecosystem.
Day 3 - 7
An early morning wake up and out into the bush for either a walk or game drive in an open vehicle (you decide!) These activities are thrilling and last for about three hours. Breakfast is taken after the morning drive or walk.
The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon is spent resting and soaking in the sun's spring rays surrounded by the bird life that abounds in this great place. A sundowner game drive in the late afternoon and then back to camp for a sociable dinner and drinks.
A three-hour night drive on an open vehicle provides an excellent chance to view nocturnal animals and birds. Then back to the lodge to enjoy a well-deserved bush meal cooked on an open fire. Relax and enjoy the memories of your day while your guide takes you through the planned adventure for the next morning.
We spend two nights at our first lodge – time to move on – the Kruger is a big place (about the size of Israel) and in order to truly experience the great diversity and wealth of animals – we move to another lodge in a different eco-zone where we can spend the next three nights exploring the savannah of the Kruger.
Game drives, meals and attention to detail are what this safari a once-in-a-lifetime experience . Your guide, personal chef and vehicles provide you with the best possible safari and wildlife memories and learning experiences in South Africa.
More than anything else a thissafari is an easy, private and relaxing experience of African wildlife. The adventure, the sights and sounds, the ecology and of course, chasing down the big 5, are combined with luxurious accommodation and view-filled nights in stunning locations.
On a this safari the bush is always on your doorstep . Nocturnal visitors like hyena and civet cats sniff around at night. The whooping location call of hyena and the roar of lions –an irritated hippo splashing back into a nearby water-hole, and the anxious snort of an impala all combine to make your stay in the bush a memorable one.
After five nights in the bush – it's time to say goodbye.
Reflections on this safari bring back memories of exciting wildlife encounters, fascinating discussions and in the true spirit of South African hospitality – a lifetime experience of one of the world's great places where millions of years of history, people and wildlife combine to capture your heart and soul.
Your accommodation on safari with is luxurious and private – I do not operate safaris on an ad hoc basis, it takes time and organisation to maintain ourstandards.
Our safaris into the Kruger are fully inclusive – once I've quoted you a rate, you will have no other expenses other than your own personal purchases, and any gratuities you may wish to award staff, etc.
Professionally guided Kruger safaris in order to afford you the best possible service when it comes to bush interpretation, field guidance and animal behaviour.
Our outdoor chef , cooks up a storm and caters for all dietary needs during the safari – fireside at dinnertime is an unbelievable experience.
We always include (as part of our service – and your safari package) collection and drop off at Johannesburg International airport – and we include a FREE NIGHT at a luxury Jhb guest house the night before we leave on safari.
Our guides are fully qualified tourist guides, as well as national field guides and a speciality Kruger field guides for the Department of Environmental affairs and Tourism in South Africa. They are also registered and qualified field guides (nature guides) for FGASA – the Field Guides Association of SA.
Vehicles
We use a combination of all-weather and open game viewing vehicles, depending on the whether and the type of game drive we have planned.
Food
All meals, snacks and beverages are taken on board – we have an outdoor trailer with a freezer. We will ask what your dietary requirements are a couple of weeks before we leave.
Medical
All guides are qualified to offer first aid services and carries an extensive first aid kit with them. You need to bring any specific personal medications with you such as malaria medication, etc.
Please complete form below to request more information and check availabiilty
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