South Africa

Starting Price: $5398
Trip Length: 11 Days

Our journey in this land of astonishing ecological diversity reads like pages from Sir Francis Drake's diary of four centuries ago-so dramatic are the discoveries in store. From Cape Town's striking Table Mountain on the West Coast to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi's game park on the Elephant Coast, this adventure leads into the wild heart of South Africa; the region's natural wonders on display everywhere we wander.

Our tour begins in one of the world's six floral kingdoms, the Cape Peninsula, described by Drake in 1508 as "...the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth." From this botanical garden of fynbos (a uniquely South African bush variety), we head into wine country. The vintages we sample in this old, revered wine region are prized even by French vintner standards and, during our stay, enhance exquisite French-influenced meals. Rugged coastal paths and gentle prairies wind along the lush Garden Route, and the coastal forest of Tsitsikamma beckons with breathtaking terrain. To the north, the jagged Drakensberg peaks form a backdrop as we traverse meadows rippling like a floral tapestry. Wildlife discoveries inspire awe in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, which shares the distinction with St. Lucia Wetland Park of being Africa's oldest-and most abundant-wildlife sanctuary. Curious baboons turn their long, black muzzles our way, white-spotted helmeted guinea fowl scuttle underfoot, and raptors fly overhead.

Our accommodations and meals reflect South Africa's unique cultural mix. A boutique-style inn graced with lovely verandas, and South African country lodges with thatched-roof luxury cabins evoke the rustic character of the region while offering comfortable amenities. We experience South Africa to the fullest; experiencing the legendary natural wonders of an African adventure.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01:
Cape Town; Table Mountain; 1½-2 hours, easy to moderate; 2-3 hours of city walking, easy

Upon meeting at our first hotel, nestled on the lower slopes of Cape Town's most prominent natural landmark - Table Mountain - we travel to the lower cableway station of Table Mountain. Weather permitting, we ascend the mountain by aerial cable car for a bird's-eye view. Our walk this morning is easy, looping around the top of the mountain along a stone path, allowing us to stop and admire magnificent views and beautiful flora. At the halfway point, some guests may choose a loop back to the visitors' center while others follow a more moderate path culminating in a steep, 20-minute ascent.
Following a wonderful lunch on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront we enjoy a leisurely walk through the city's historic districts. Sites may include the Parliament Building, the presidential residence, the Anglican cathedral, the Cape Town Castle, the Cape Town Garden, St. George's Street, and the Grand Parade.

* After our city orientation, we walk back to our boutique hotel to relax. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at a festive local restaurant where guests sample a variety of African cuisines such as Cape Malay Curry and Kenyan Coconut Chicken.
* Please note that in an effort to avoid traffic and normal city congestion, our city tour is held on a Sunday. Therefore, some of the sites visited may not be open. We highly recommend spending pre-tour time in Cape Town in order to spend quality time in the many museums, galleries, and historical sites. Please refer to our "Additional Information on Cape Town" section of the itinerary for more information.
The Cape Cadogan, Cape Town.

Day 02:
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; 2 hours, easy to moderate with challenging sections including ascents and descents; Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; 2 hours, easy

After breakfast we depart for the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The 1 ½ hour drive follows a beautiful route with breathtaking vistas around each corner. En route we stop for an optional short visit to the Boulders Penguin colony before continuing to Cape Point.
Our walk begins with a steep, 20-minute ascent on an asphalt path at Cape Point. A lookout point greets us with the famous view of what is popularly perceived as the Atlantic Ocean meeting the Indian Ocean - absolutely stunning - although geographically these two oceans join just east at Cape Agulhas. On a clear day looking back, guests can take in the entire peninsula stretching as far as the eye can see. Our walk continues along the coast and through the nature reserve along a moderate path of varying terrain including; dirt, boardwalk, rocks, and many steps. We pass the glorious flowers and foliage of the Cape - a variety of Protea, Cycads, and Pincushions. It is likely that baboon families will be spotted as well as the occasional buck.
Following our gourmet picnic lunch, our afternoon becomes a botanical fantasy as we explore the myriad natural wonders at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Our guide provides an introduction to the gardens and points out the more noteworthy areas. Time is allotted for us to explore on our own, or remain with our guide to acquire an in-depth understanding of the gardens' 22,000 indigenous plants. The world is divided into six floral kingdoms, one of them being the Cape Peninsula - a remarkable distinction given the region's relatively small geographical size. The botanical richness of the Kirstenbosch gardens is notable. Its visitors' center should not be missed, even if simply for a cup of tea in an idyllic setting. This evening we enjoy an exquisite meal catered to our lovely hotel.
The Cape Cadogan, Cape Town

Day 03:
Transfer to historical wine towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek; 2 hours of walking, easy

We depart early this morning for the Cape's wine country. The visit includes the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, settled in 1679 and 1713, respectively. A 45-minute drive brings us to Stellenbosch, a village dotted with quaint Cape Dutch-style architecture, small shops, and teahouses. After a brief introduction we are free to explore the town on our own. We later continue to Franschhoek where, depending upon time of arrival, we may have time for a walk through a picturesque vineyard. The morning concludes with an elegant lunch and a bit of wine tasting at a wonderful winery boasting breathtaking panoramas of the Franschoek Valley.This afternoon we drive approximately one hour to the town of Hermanus on Walker Bay, which is renowned for its whale migration. We may spot a Southern Right Whale in the bay (depending on the season).
In the late afternoon we arrive at our next destination, the unique Ocean Eleven. This property combines casually elegant accommodations with an authentic natural ambience. Situated on high cliffs overlooking the bay, guests may relax and enjoy the surroundings from one of the hotel's lovely decks before a very special dinner.
Ocean Eleven, Hermanus

Day 04:
Grootbos Nature Reserve; 4 hours walking, easy to moderate; Fernkloof Nature Reserve; 1 ½ hours walking, moderate

This morning we enjoy a discovery-filled day exploring the Grootbos Nature Reserve, a private reserve of more than 500 acres. Upon arrival, we enjoy a cup of fresh juice while our guide outlines the day's activities. A naturalist guide provided by the Reserve leads us on a journey into the complex and fascinating world of fynbos ecosystems on the Grootbos Nature Trail.
Following our walk, we have time to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal, the spectacular view, and five-star hospitality. After lunch we have the opportunity to enjoy a tailor-made afternoon of whale watching in season (June-December), visit the Klipgat cave, or stroll on pristine white beaches.
This afternoon, we visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, enroute to our hotel. Here we enjoy a 1 ½ hour loop trail that begins with a 30-minute ascent. We walk through a large variety of flora, the proximity in which these diverse plants grow is striking, a photographer's dream with Walker Bay as the backdrop.
We end our day at a local seafood restaurant.
Ocean Eleven, Hermanus

Day 05:
Transfer to the Garden Route - Plettenberg Bay; Tsitsikamma Forest - Hog Hollow; 2-3 hour walk, easy to moderate

After an early breakfast we depart for a 6-hour drive to the famous coastal Garden Route, passing through the towns of Knysna and Wilderness before arriving at Plettenberg Bay. We stop en route for a lovely lunch and leg stretch.
Upon arrival at our luxurious accomodations for the next two nights, we have the option to either relax in the beautiful surroundings or join our guide for a walk. Our lodge is set on the edge of a verdant indigenous forest in a private nature reserve with panoramic views of the surrounding forests, valleys, and mountains - one of the most beautiful parts of Africa, the Garden Route. Some may choose an additional walk on a forested trail down to the sea and back.
This evening, we are treated to the delectable food and friendly personalized service of our lodge.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge, The Crags

Day 06:
Robberg Nature Reserve; 3-4 hours, moderate with challenging sections

This morning we rise to the chatter of birds outside the windows of our individual cabins. Following breakfast on the lodge's deck, we depart for a visit to the Qolweni Township in Plett. Our local guide leads us through the township and provides a unique perspective on life in South Africa today. We meet individuals from the local community and learn about their way of life. The township of Qolweni has formed a Community Development Trust and by offering walking tours of the township and open-air theatre performances, they are able to raise funds utilized for development projects.
Our walk today takes us through the Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve*, a peninsula offering different, spectacular coastal views changing every few feet. The trail is one of mixed terrain: hard-packed sand, large rocks that require scrambling on hands and knees, stretches of sandy beach, and boardwalk. Wildlife encounters may include the shy blue duiker (a small antelope), fur seals, dolphins, whales, and an array of sea birds. We enjoy our picnic lunch on a sand dune with the Indian Ocean before us.
Following our walk this afternoon, you may have the option to join our guide for an additional walk on our lodge's property, visit the nearby Elephant Sanctuary, walk through Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, or perhaps simply relax and enjoy the beauty of our lodge.
We meet for dinner in the elegant dining room of the lodge's main house, where we enjoy dinner around the communal table in a candlelit atmosphere.

* The Robberg walk is dependent on the tide. An alternate route is near the town of Knysna that is easier but slightly longer in distance and may involve an optional canoe excursion.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge, The Crags

Day 07:
Transfer to the Drakensberg Mountains; Optional walk; 2 hours, easy to moderate

We rise with the birds this morning to catch our 1-hour flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban (with a 2 ½-hour drive to Port Elizabeth). From Durban we drive 3 hours to our next destination, Didima Camp, located in the ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. The setting of our accomodations is simply striking - with high peaked mountains rising all around. The Didima Camp, at Cathedral Peak, has been designed incorporating the art of the San people, one of the earliest known indigenous peoples of the region. The San Art Interpretive Centre, opened in 2003, provides insights into the art and culture of the San and includes static displays and audiovisual presentations featuring a reconstructed cave covered with accurate reproductions of San art. Now in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we follow a driving route that takes us by scenic, rural Zulu settlements. Some of the Zulus' traditional rondavel, thatched-roofed huts, are brightly painted and provide a spectacular contrast to their natural backdrops, the mountains.
We arrive at Didima Camp late in the afternoon with time for a short walk. Time permitting, we will set out on a trail to view San cave paintings. The San people left their history in pictures scattered throughout more than 500 caves in the mountains here. Our route takes us through a glorious field dotted with wildflowers, where our local Zulu guide explains the uses of native plants in treating the local community. In addition to the flora, it is likely we will see baboons and other fauna. To reach the paintings, we are required to ascend a 20-minute stretch of rock and dirt pathway. Upon reaching the cave, our guide provides us with an introduction to the fascinating lifestyle and culture of the San People, including the significance of the eland. We dine this evening at the camp.
Didima Camp, Drakensberg Park

Day 8:
Mike's Pass; 7-9 hours, easy to moderate walking with sections of steep descents or shorter options to and from hotel

After a buffet breakfast we follow the route to the crest of Mike's Pass. Panoramic, 360-degree views encircle us as we commence our full day's walk. The trail is very gentle and mostly flat until concluding with a long descent. During our walk, we may catch a glimpse of the Drakensberg fauna, which includes bushbuck, duiker, blackback jackals, water mongoose, and baboons.
Guests may choose a shorter walk to Rainbow Gorge. The trail leads from the hotel across streams to pristine waterfalls and to enticing natural pools. We see a variety of birds (which may include the black eagle, the hadeda ibis, or the cape weaver) and brightly colored butterflies along the way, always with stunning views of the mountains to guide us. Following this walk, you may choose to visit the San Art Interpretation Center at our hotel.
Other active options include horseback riding, golf, trout fishing, or relaxing by the pool (please note that some of these activities are available at your own expense and for fishing, you will be required to bring your personal fishing gear).
Dinner this evening will be in the camp's main dining room.
Didima Camp, Drakensberg Park

Day 9:
Transfer Zululand to St Lucia Wetlands; 1 hour walking, easy

We embark early in the morning to our next stop - St Lucia. On the 6-hour journey towards the coastal town, time permitting, we will stop at a Zulu settlement to view the lifestyle of this fascinating tribal culture.
Late in the afternoon we arrive at our home for the next two nights - the Hluhluwe (pronounced shush-louie) River Lodge. This special setting welcomes us with individual luxury thatched-roof cabins and views of the Hluhluwe floodplain and False Bay (on the western shore of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands) at our doorstep. Guests may enjoy a walk to stretch their legs amidst wildlife including impala, nyala, grey duiker, and other antelope.
Weather permitting, dinner this evening is in our own boma (traditional African seating around the campfire) under a canopy of stars and surrounded by birdsong from some of the reserve's 400 avian species.
Hluhluwe River Lodge, St Lucia

Day 10:
Game viewing in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park

After tea and rusks (South African biscuits) we begin a morning of game viewing in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. We drive through undulating hills in this magical park inhabited by all of the "Big Five" (elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and water buffalo) along with 84 other mammalian species and 350 bird varieties. Predators include cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, and wild dog. Herbivores present are wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, impala, kudu, nyala, and zebra. Birds include dozens of species of eagles, hawks, buzzards, hornbills, vultures, owls, herons, and many smaller birds. Reptiles such as crocodiles and harmless monitor lizards (resembling miniature dragons) also inhabit the park.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Activities available include horseback safari, river boat cruise, ATV touring, afternoon game viewing, or simply relaxing on this last full day in the African wilderness (please note that some of these activities are available at your own expense).
We share a farewell dinner under the African stars, sampling an array of African and Continental cuisine followed by a traditional pudding cake soaked in port wine.
Hluhluwe River Lodge, St Lucia

Day 11:
Game viewing in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park; Departure

We spend our last morning in South Africa venturing out for another round of game viewing. The animals that may have eluded us yesterday could make an appearance on our last day in this African paradise. We say our farewells at Richards Bay airport this afternoon.

Trip Prices

$5298
Single Supplement: $900
Internal Airfare: $225

Departure Dates

02/10/2008
03/16/2008
07/06/2008
10/12/2008
12/21/2008

Please contact us for more details.