DAY 2: Cape Town City Tour - Expat Explore · 2020-03-09 · DAY 1: Arrive in Cape Town Wamkelekile e iKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother city is South Africa's oldest city and

Expat Explore - Version: Mon Mar 09 2020 14:06:44 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/12

DAY 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Wamkelekile e iKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother city is South Africa's oldest city and one of three official capital cities. For

flights arriving today, an Expat Explore team member will meet and greet you at Cape Town airport. A complimentary airport transfer

is offered at selected times to take you to our starting hotel in the city. If you arrive early enough you'll have some free time to explore

Cape Town and its many tourist attractions. This evening you will meet your tour leader as well as your fellow travellers from all over

the world. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening and get to know your travel companions.

Experiences

Book flights to arrive at Cape Town international airport today, where a member of the Expat Explore team will direct you to your

complimentary airport transfer (certain times - see tour help section for more information), which will take you to the starting hotel in

the city.

Enjoy an included welcome dinner this evening - the perfect opportunity to get to know your Expat Explore tour leader and fellow

travellers!

DAY 2: Cape Town City Tour

Itinerary for South Africa Escape • Expat Explore

Start Point:

Cape Town International Airport,

Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa

12:15 hrs & 14:45 hrs

Cape Town Hotel,

Please contact us

Check in from 15:00 hrs

End Point:

Johannesburg Hotel,

Please contact us

from 10:00 hrs Johannesburg airport (Oliver Tambo

International Airport),

O.R. Tambo Airport Rd, O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg, 1627, South

Africa

Complementary airport transfers offered - email us for

confirmation

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:


Your first full day in South Africa kicks off with a driving tour of Cape Town city centre, stopping at the Castle of Good Hope, famous St.

George’s cathedral and take a stroll through the colourful Cape Malay quarters. We’ll also visit the well-known Company's Gardens -

the oldest garden in the country. The afternoon is then yours free to explore this incredible city. With a drop off at the beautiful V&A

Waterfront, this is the perfect place to have lunch and try a variety of local foods, including some fresh fish right next to the Cape

Town harbour. After lunch, why not take a cable car ride up to Table mountain? This table-shaped mountain is a prominent landmark

that towers over Cape Town. Table Mountain is one of the official 'New 7 Wonders of Nature'!

Optional Excursions

Helicopter Flight: R 1450

Langa Experience: R 990

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 3: Cape Town: Free Day

Today is your free day to explore Cape Town! Outside of the famous Robben Island and Table Mountain, the list of travel attractions

are endless. Visit the Botanical Gardens, Constantia wine valley, the Two Oceans Aquarium or District 6 Museum. You also have the

Included Meals


Accommodation

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl


option to join the Cape Point & Peninsula day-trip and venture further south with your tour leader. Cape Point nature reserve is a one

hour drive from Cape Town, on the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula. Expect beautiful landscapes, over 40 km of coastline and

a variety of fauna and flora. The Cape Fynbos is a natural shrubland found here - the smallest floral kingdom in the world. Continuing

along the peninsula, stop at Boulder’s beach to see free-roaming African penguins. Stop for lunch and free time in Kalk Bay, a quirky

coastal town. Make your way back to the hotel after this and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Optional Excursions

Cape Peninsula Day Trip: R 1200


DAY 4: Cape Winelands - Stellenbosch - Hermanus

This morning we explore the Cape Winelands! Following breakfast we take a scenic drive through the Cape wine region. South Africa

has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe. This is your chance to taste South Africa's signature wine, Pinotage. Learn all about

Cape district wines and the wine-making process from a local wine expert . Lunch is a delicious traditional meal served among the

vineyards. Next stop is Stellenbosch, a special university town in the heart of the Cape winelands. Explore the Cape Dutch

architecture and many laid-back coffee shops, boutiques and art galleries. After one more wine tasting tour this afternoon we take a

heavenly coastal drive to Hermanus. The evening you can choose to join dinner with a South African family, or explore the town of

Hermanus.

Experiences

Cape Winelands - Enjoy two wine tasting and included lunch at a wine farm in the famous winelands region of the Western Cape.

Stellenbosch - Take some free time to explore the historical university town, admire the mix of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian

architecture, the tree lined streets and relaxing coffee shops.

Hermanus - Savour the stunning coastal views as we make our way to Hermanus, where you’ll have a free evening to explore this

delightful town on the Cape Whale Coast Route - if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to spot whales from the beach!

Included Meals


Accommodation

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl

Included Meals


Accommodation

Windsor Hotel


Optional Excursions

Dinner with a South African family: R 400


DAY 5: Hermanus - Swellendam - Mossel Bay

This is the official start of our Garden Route adventure! This morning you can stay put in Hermanus to explore this beautiful harbour

town. It’s one of the world's best whale-watching destinations. In season, June to November, you can spot them right off the coast. Join

one of the optional excursions for the day: Shark Cage Diving or a Whale and Eco tour. This is your chance to see Great White sharks

in their natural habitat. The excursion includes a short drive to Gansbaai - a famous shark cage diving spots in South Africa. Free

time for lunch is in Swellendam. Taste authentic Boerekos (traditional farmer’s food), or perhaps some Springbok (venison) carpaccio.

After lunch stop outside of Albertinia to visit Cape Aloe Vera farm. Taste aloe tea, sample the facial cream and learn more about the

health benefits and uses of this indigenous plant. The final destination for today is Mossel Bay, a coastal village and popular holiday

destination. Before making for the hotel we stop at the Pinnacle Caves. This archaeological site is where the early evidence of modern

human behaviour has been found. Fossil findings date as far back as 170,000 years ago. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

Experiences

Swellendam - enjoy free time for lunch in the third oldest town in the Republic of South Africa. Check out the incredible architecture

of the Dutch Reformed Church - a striking mix of Italian Baroque and French Gothic influences, with an Eastern dome and Cape Dutch

facades.

Aloe Vera farm - Stop at one of the original aloe factories in the Hessequa region. Sample various Aloe Vera products, walk around in

the indigenous garden (with 17 species of aloe) and drink some Aloe tea!

Mossel Bay - Visit Pinnacle Point Caves, a Provincial Heritage Site where human bones of between 40,000 and 170,000 years ago has

been discovered. The discoveries have led to further studies by the Institute of Human Origins.

Optional Excursions

Shark Cage Diving: R 2430

Marine Eco Big 5 Trip: R 1390

Included Meals


Accommodation

Oceans Hotel



DAY 6: Garden Route: Game Drive - Knysna - Garden Route

First thing this morning we head to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve for a unique safari experience. Enjoy close encounters with

impala, wildebeest, rhinos, lions, giraffes and more! Over lunch we’ll be in Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route. Jump aboard a

double-decker floating restaurant for an optional lunch cruise (fresh oysters anyone?). The lagoon cruise will take you along Knysna

Bay for spectacular views of the area. You can even do some bird watching from the deck. If you don't feel like a cruise, explore the

beautiful harbour area and dine in a local restaurant.

From Knysna we depart for more exciting animal adventures. Roam free with the monkeys at Monkeyland, a multi-species monkey

sanctuary. Alternatively, visit Birds of Eden, a unique eco-tourism experience, and the world's largest free flight aviary and bird

sanctuary. Dinner is included this evening after which you can kick off your shoes for some rest.

Experiences

Botlierskop Game Drive - Get to know the garden route wildlife on an open vehicle safari truck in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

Sightings include buffalo, zebra, giraffe, golden wildebeest, hippos, rhinoceros, lions and more than 200 bird species!

Knysna - Experience the laid-back yet stylish vibe of Knysna. A small and quaint town known as "the beating heart" of the Garden

Route. Get off at the Knysna waterfront - an ideal location with unique and trendy stores, water activities and the most divine dining

options.

Tsitsikamma Microbrewery - Visit a local craft brewery hang-out for a charming craft beer tasting experience. A local beer brewer

takes you through the process of beer-making, allow you to taste Tsitsikamma favourites like Storms River Ale, Redwood Ale and the

Woodcutters Ale.

*Only offered for passengers staying at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn.

Optional Excursions

Monkeyland: R 280

Birds of Eden: R 280


Included Meals


Accommodation

Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa


DAY 7: Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River - Eastern Cape

The Tsitsikamma forest forms part of the greater Garden Route National Park. The area encompasses rivers, gorges, mountains and

lush forests and plantations - the perfect place to get adventurous! The morning is yours to explore the great outdoors. Options to

consider include tree-top canopy tours, bungy jumping at Bloukrans bridge (the highest bridge bungy in the world!) or the

Woodcutters trail drive. Then it’s onto the Storms River mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. You can take a walk along the coast, cross

the longest suspension river in South Africa, and have some free time to enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean. This afternoon we take a

drive to the Eastern Cape coast where we'll spend the rest of the day.

Experiences

Tsitsikamma National Park & Storms River mouth - A suspension bridge and lookout trail that meanders along the most spectacular

ocean and forest landscapes. The highlight of the walk is a famous 77m long suspension bridge over the Storms River bridge. As you

walk keep an eye out for the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otter and dolphins.

Eastern Cape - Surfers and beach lovers from the world over flock to the Eastern Cape every year. Its over 800 km of breathtaking

coastline, offers perfect mild weather, nature walks and some of the best swimming and surfing beaches in South Africa (it's also a

water sport paradise!). Did you know the Eastern Cape was Nelson Mandela's home province?

Optional Excursions

Bloukrans Bungee Jump: R 1400

Tree Canopy Zip-lining: R 695

Woodcutters Trail Drive: R 350


DAY 8: Fruit Route: Route 62 - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm - Cango Caves Excursion

Included Meals


Accommodation

Cape St Francis Resort


Get set to explore a different region of South Africa as we leave the Garden Route behind and meander along Route 62. Head for the

arid Karoo, and the drive takes you through the Langkloof. Nestled between the Kouga and Tsitsikamma mountains, this area offers

spectacular views. You will see vineyards, fruit and vegetable farms dotted along the road. Make it to Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s

famous ostrich capital! Stop off for a guided tour of a working ostrich farm and learn more about these big feathered animals and sit

down for a special included lunch. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore one of South Africa's hidden treasures, the Cango

Caves. This cave valley is a series of dripstone caverns that are more than 20 million years old. Explore on a heritage walking tour of

the caves or go for the adventure rock- and cave climbing experience (especially if you're feeling a bit adventurous). This evening sit

down for a lovely Karoo dinner.

Experiences

Visit a Klein Karoo ostrich farm - Take a guided tour which covers the history of ostrich farming, farming practices and the breeding

cycle of these special Karoo ostriches. Also get the opportunity to meet ostrich adults and chicks for a special up-close experience. A

delicious traditional lunch is also included in this experience.

Karoo Dinner: Eating and drinking in the Karoo is an experience in itself! On the menu tonight are a variety of dishes prepared the

traditional way: ‘Braaivleis’ (BBQ), boerewors (South African sausage), potato salad, fresh seasonal veg and an iconic South African

dessert. You might also get to taste true Karoo lamb with its distinct herby flavour due to the fragrant shrubs and grasses sheep

naturally feed on in this region. Either way, this is sure to be a sensational culinary experience!

Optional Excursions

Star Gazing: R 420

Cango Caves Adventure Tour: R 70


DAY 9: George - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park Region

Included Meals


Accommodation

De Oude Meul Country Lodge

Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate


This morning, travel from Oudtshoorn to George for an early morning flight to Johannesburg. On your way to the airport, see the sun

rise over the Langkloof. The first stop is on the Outeniqua pass to take in the truly magnificent views. After taking an included flight to

Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, land in the "City of Gold", Johannesburg. Then travel east towards the South Africa’s

Mpumalanga province. The day ends as you arrive at tonight’s accommodation located on the outskirts of the Kruger National park.

Settle down for an included meal under the African sky on arrival.

Experiences

Kruger National Park Region game drive - Enjoy a full-day game drive through the southern part of Kruger in our air-conditioned

tour bus. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic 'Big 5' - the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros.

Today's Kruger conservation fee is included in the tour price.

DAY 10: Kruger National Park Region

Included Meals


Accommodation

Timbavati Safari Lodge

Sabi River Sun Resort

Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites


Time for a full-day game drive of the park! Sitting elevated in the tour bus you can easily spot animals in the bush, perhaps even the

iconic Big 5! The Kruger National Park stretches over 20,000 square km and is just a bit smaller than the country of Belgium. In the

park you can see all African game in their natural habitat. Spot wild animals like cheetahs, wild dogs, leopards, elephants and the

white and black rhino. En route, stop at rest camps like Skukuza, Tshokwane and Satara. Around late afternoon, make your way to the

safari lodge/hotel on the western edge of the park, for a multi-night stay. Time for a relaxing swim in the pool and a sun-downer or

two before our included dinner this evening!

Experiences

Kruger National Park Region game drive - Enjoy a full-day game drive through the southern part of Kruger in our air-conditioned

tour bus. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic 'Big 5' - the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros.

Today's Kruger conservation fee is included in the tour price.

DAY 11: Kruger National Park Region: Free Day

Time to further explore the Kruger National Park! Embark on a safari from the safari lodge/hotel in open safari trucks led by local

wildlife specialists. A full-day safari drive gives you the chance to spend the day driving in prime game viewing areas, stopping at

various waterholes and rest camps. Snacks and lunch are served picnic style along the way. Try to spot some of the resident antelope,

birds and wildlife from your truck. Fingers crossed you’ll be able to tick off more animals on your list! Did you know that Kruger

National Park is home to 114 different species of reptiles, 507 kinds of birds and 147 mammal species? You are sure to come across

some of the most amazing creatures in Africa. Slip into the pool on return to cool down before enjoying an included dinner - in true

African style.

Optional Excursions

Included Meals


Accommodation




Included Meals


Accommodation





Full-day Game Drive: R 780


DAY 12: Kruger National Park Region: Free Day

Today you have the option to go on a full-day, half-day, sunrise safari. The sunrise safari offers you the chance to be outside in the

African bush during an enchanting time of day. Listen to the chorus of animals as they awake and the sun rises over the savanna. As

it gets cooler the animals move around to find food, and your guide will follow to see if there's anything interesting to see. This

evening, enjoy our last dinner in the African bush. Spend time around the campfire exchanging safari stories and sipping Amarula

(an African liqueur made with fruit of the Marula tree).

Optional Excursions

Half-day Game Drive: R 670


DAY 13: Three Rondawels - Bourke’s Luck Potholes - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint - Johannesburg

Included Meals


Accommodation





Leave the Kruger National Park behind, discover the Panorama Route through the Mpumalanga province. The first destination is the

renowned Three Rondavels viewpoint with a stunning vista over the Blyde River Canyon. This canyon forms part of the Drakensberg

ridge and known for storybook views. Next is Bourke’s Luck potholes, a natural water feature with hundreds of natural potholes and

plunge pools. This area marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. On a clear day, you can see the Kruger and even Mozambique

in the distance. Continue the final leg of the tour back to Johannesburg. Sit down for a farewell dinner with new friends!

Experiences

Three Rondavels - A spectacular viewpoint where you can take in views of three famous mountain tops that tower over the Blyde

River Canyon. Named after a traditional round-shaped African homestead, The Three Rondavels is one of the major attractions in the

area. Various look-out points are sure to offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes - Take a short walk and wander around what has been dubbed "nature's wishing well". You will see

numerous waterholes, plunge pools and impressive rock formations. Visit the information centre to learn more about the natural

history as well as the "San" people, the earliest inhabitants of this region.

Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint - Get one last look at the majestic Blyde River canyon. This must be one of the most cherished and

most photographed views in South Africa. See the Lowveld of South Africa with the Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the far

distance.

Farewell dinner - Sit down for one last special dinner together with the group in Johannesburg. You are now in the bustling city of

Johannesburg, the second largest city in Africa. Exchange stories, highlights and memories as you look back at your two-week South

African experience.

DAY 14: Johannesburg: End of tour

Included Meals


Accommodation

Garden Court Oliver Tambo International Airport

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport


The South Africa Escape tour concludes after breakfast. Johannesburg is a great destination to end the trip. Guests are welcome to

stay on to explore Jozi and the surrounding area.

Experiences

Three Rondavels - A spectacular viewpoint where you can take in views of three famous mountain tops that tower over the Blyde

River Canyon. Named after a traditional round-shaped African homestead, The Three Rondavels is one of the major attractions in the

area. Various look-out points are sure to offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes - Take a short walk and wander around what has been dubbed "nature's wishing well". You will see

numerous waterholes, plunge pools and impressive rock formations. Visit the information centre to learn more about the natural

history as well as the "San" people, the earliest inhabitants of this region.

Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint - Get one last look at the majestic Blyde River canyon. This must be one of the most cherished and

most photographed views in South Africa. See the Lowveld of South Africa with the Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the far

distance.

Farewell dinner - Sit down for one last special dinner together with the group in Johannesburg. You are now in the bustling city of

Johannesburg, the second largest city in Africa. Exchange stories, highlights and memories as you look back at your two-week South

African experience.

Optional Excursions

Johannesburg City Tour: R 900

Soweto Half Day Tour: R 900

Soweto Half Day Tour with Lunch: R 1300


Included Meals


Accommodation

Garden Court Oliver Tambo International Airport

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport

Documents

DAY 2: Cape Town City Tour - Expat Explore · 2020-03-09 · DAY 1: Arrive in Cape Town Wamkelekile e iKapa! Welcome to Cape Town! The Mother city is South Africa's oldest city and