South Africa with Garden Route Splendour 2018
Port Elizabeth - Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
From the moment we depart the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth, youll see and feel the changing landscape and why we call it The Garden Route.
Overview
| Start | Accommodation | Destination | Duration | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Dec 2018 | Overnight Travel | 1 night | ||
| 6 Dec 2018 | Garden Court King's Beach | Port Elizabeth | 1 night | B&B |
| 7 Dec 2018 | Kariega Main Lodge | Kariega Private Game Reserve | 1 night | B&B |
| 8 Dec 2018 | The Gallery Luxury Apartments | Knysna | 3 nights | B&B |
| 11 Dec 2018 | Hlangana Lodge | Oudtshoorn | 1 night | B&B |
| 12 Dec 2018 | Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel | Cape Town | 4 nights | B&B |
| 16 Dec 2018 | Overnight Travel | 1 night |
Destinations
Port Elizabeth
Set on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth also referred to as PE, is known as the Friendly City as well as the Windy City and hopefully, if you stay here you will get a chance to experience the former and not the latter. Port Elizabeth was established to home British settlers who were brought out on a government-sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the Cape Dutch and the Xhosa conflict. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route and serves as an excellent base to explore the Eastern Cape’s magnificent game reserves and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the Addo Elephant National Park, inhabited by hundreds of elephants; and other wildlife, climb the area’s largest dune at Maitland’s Beach and jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales.
Kariega Private Game Reserve
Located in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Kariega Private Game Reserve lies in the upper reaches of the beautiful Kariega River Valley. Stretching for over 10 000 hectares, the landscape of the reserve features impressive vistas of forest, savannah grasslands scattered with abundant wildlife and encompassing two rivers: the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers. Visitors can spot the Big Five as well as a variety of other animals including giraffe, eland, zebra, wildebeest and an array of bird species; paddle a kayak, jump on a game drive or a river cruise for a close encounter with the reserve’s plentiful wildlife.
As a family owned and operated private game reserve, Kariega Game Reserve offers a warm and friendly environment where guests can experience a real connection with all that Africa has to offer, including its rich culture. Local cuisine, traditional braaivleis (barbeque), and outdoor dining in the African boma are all part of the authentic African journey at Kariega.
Of course, your African safari would not be complete without the big game experience offered at Kariega. Comprising 10,000 hectares of rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, Kariega is a malaria-free safari destination home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cape leopard) and much more. Twice daily game viewing from open game vehicles is the center of your safari experience but other safari activities on offer include walking safaris, river cruises, canoeing and fishing. Also available is a tranquil health spa, and a well-equipped gym.
Kariega Game Reserve is a 90 minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport, and is only a 10 minute drive from the coastal village, Kenton-on-Sea. It forms a great start or end to a tour of South Africa's beautiful Garden Route.
Knysna
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’. It is surrounded by world-renowned forests, lovely lagoons and pristine beaches. Visitors can look forward to an array of markets offering delicious food and organic locally-made goods, explore the town’s picturesque waterfront and quaint streets, adventure through the lush forest, skip over streams and catch a glimpse of the multicoloured Knysna Loerie, take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of exciting activities including: surfing, swimming, yachting, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing.
Oudtshoorn
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
Cape Town
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
Map
Information
This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches of Cape Town; enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
banking
Currency
The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.
Banking
Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.
transport
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.
Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.
An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:
- A valid international driver's licence is required.
- We drive on the left hand side of the road.
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cell phones can only be used ‘hands free'.
- Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.
- Toll fees apply on certain national roads.
- Petrol stations are widespread.
- Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa
Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.
dress
Summer
Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.
General
Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.
Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.
cuisine
Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.
It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.
Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.
Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.
electricity
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available at major airports..
climate
South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.