Western Cape & Safari

Itinerary

• South Africa

  South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna.  Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent.

• Addo Elephant National Park

  Addo Elephant National Park is an elephant park situated close to Port Elizabeth in South Africa and is recognized as one of the country's twenty national parks. The original section of the park was founded in 1931 in part due to the efforts of Sydney Skaife, in order to provide a sanctuary for the eleven remaining elephants in the area. The park has proved to be very successful and currently houses more than 450 elephants and a large number of other mammals.

• Cape Town

  Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

• Eastern Cape Reserves

  Eastern Cape is one of South Africa's leading nature and conservation based tourism destinations, offering a wealth of game viewing, diverse scenic beauty. This, the second largest of South Africa's nine provinces, supports landscapes ranging from the dry, desolate, Great Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley.

  The Eastern Cape is the only province that contains all three of South Africa's global biodiversity hotspots - the Cape Floristic Region, Succulent Karoo and Maputoland-Pondoland-Albany. It also incorporates portions of all seven ecological zones, or biomes, which occur in South Africa. This tremendous diversity of climate and the fact that the Eastern Cape also enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year allows for a vast range of activities.

• Oudtshoorn

  Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo region of South Africa. The town is home to the world's largest Ostrich population with a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms such as the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.

• Plettenberg Bay

  Often remarked that "Nature has made an enchanted abode of this beautiful place", it is truly a spectacular destination. Only an hour from George Airport and two hours from Port Elizabeth Airport , Plettenberg Bay is well situated to explore the tourism offerings and activities of our surrounding towns from Knysna to Oudtshoorn along Route 62 and the N2. Plettenberg Bay and environs stretches from Harkerville just outside Knysna through to Nature's Valley along the N2. This spectacular area also includes the towns of Keurbooms with miles of unspoilt golden beaches and excellent land based whale watching along the coast, the Crags which is the artistic heart and Polo mecca of the area, KwaNokuthula, New Horizons and Kranshoek for a fusion of tourism and conservation of diverse and charismatic cultures and nature.

• Port Elizabeth

  Port Elizabeth or known as Madiba Bay is a city in South Africa, situated in the Eastern Cape Province, 770km east of Cape Town. The city, often shortened to PE and nicknamed "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City", stretches for 16km along Algoa Bay, and is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Located at the end of the picturesque Garden Route along the Cape, the city is one of South Africa's major destinations for tourists, many of whom come simply to enjoy the many fine beaches in and near the city.

• Swellendam

  Swellendam is the third oldest town in the Republic of South Africa, a town with 13,629 inhabitants situated in the Western Cape province. The town has over 50 National monuments most of them buildings of Cape Dutch architecture. 

• • Cape Town
  • Cape Cadogan

  Day 1: Cape Town

  Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, top tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc.)

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Cape Cadogan

  The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984.

• • Cape Town

  Day 2: Cape Town

  Today you will be met by your guide for an exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses.

  Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
• • Penguins

  Day 3: Cape Town

  Today we embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. We take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island. From here we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay. We enjoy lunch near here (not included – own account) before continuing to Simonstown, the naval base, and visiting the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. En route back we stop at the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before returning back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
• • Winelands

  Day 4: Cape Town

  You will be met this morning by your guide and set off for the Winelands, a delightful drive which winds its way through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where we enjoy our first wine tasting, coupled with a chocolate and dessert tasting. Onward over the scenic Helshoogte Pass, to Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. Its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you and a further wine tasting is included at one of the renowned estates here. Our final stop is at the town of Paarl, at the foot of a cluster of remarkable granite domes where we enjoy our final wine tasting before heading back to Cape Town.

  Accommodation: Cape Cadogan
• • 
  • Schoone Oordt Country House

  Day 5: Cape Town - Swellendam

  After breakfast, we head west via the historic town of Swellendam, with its 18th century architecture, to the coastal town of Hermanus, world famous for its excellent land based whale watching. Whales are in the bay between May and November, but even out of whale season, the location and views makes this a special place to visit. We enjoy lunch here at the Relais and Chateaux hotel, the Marine, a beacon of elegance on the coast. This afternoon, we continue to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass.

  Accommodation: Klippe Rivier Country House

  The typical outhouses for Cape Dutch homesteads were barns and stables, and in the case of Klippe Rivier, these have been converted into six luxury guest suites, preserving the ambience of a bygone era. The interiors of homesteads in the 1700s and 1800s were often sparse to the extreme, but the present owner of Klippe Rivier, Liz Westby-Nunn, has personally decorated the interiors with her impressive collection of Cape antiques, coupled with a fine selection of paintings. The interiors have a definite "English country house meets Africa" ambience which works beautifully with the stunning architecture of the homestead.

• • Oudshoorn's Ostrich
  • De Opstal Country Lodge

  Day 6: Oudtshoorn

  Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Enjoy a morning tour of the Cango Caves before departing Oudtshoorn. The Cango Caves is one of the natural wonders of the world and has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Just 29km from Oudtshoorn, at the head of the picturesque Cango Valley, lies the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo - the Cango Caves. You'll explore this incredible place either with the standard tour or the adventure tour. Your guide will help you in making your decision! Afterward, travel via Route 62 to Barrydale for lunch (to own account). The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards offer you an unforgettable kaleidoscope of scenic tranquility. Arrive in Cape Town around 18h00.

  Accommodation: De Opstal Country Lodge

  If you are a discerning traveller looking for luxury 4 star accommodation in the picturesque valley of Schoemanshoek, near the world famous Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, then you need to look no further. De Opstal Country Lodge has come to be by way of converting exisitng buildings, into a modern, elegant property with all the luxurious of a 4 star hotel.

• • Plettenberg Bay
  • Laird's Lodge Country Inn

  Day 7: Swellendam - Plettenberg Bay

  After breakfast, depart Swellendam and travel to the lagoon-side town of Knysna – gem of the Garden Route. Enjoy some time at leisure at the Knysna Waterfront Complex before embarking on your own excursions. This drive takes approx. 3-4 hours depending on the number of stops made along the way.

  Accommodation: Laird’s Lodge

  Unsurpassed service and understated comfort, ensure a totally relaxed and truly South African experience...This exclusive Country House set on a 24 acre estate with distant mountain views - is perfectly positioned between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. An ideal getaway for those wanting to enjoy gracious country living, Laird's Lodge offers easy access to unspoiled beaches, world class golf courses, scenic nature reserves and hiking trails.

• • Knysna Elephant Park

  Day 8: Plettenberg Bay

  After breakfast, get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of the resident African elephants and the well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The visit presents you with the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. After lunch (to own account), travel to Plettenberg Bay for a visit to Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. Time permitting you have the option of embarking on a Whale & Dolphin boat experience (weather permitting and to own account) before returning to the lodge.

  Accommodation: Laird’s Lodge
• • Port Elizabeth
  • Hacklewood Hill, Port Elizabeth

  Day 9: Plettenberg Bay - Port Elizabeth

  Morning departure from Plettenberg Bay. The tour winds its way through George and via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Visit an ostrich show farm for a guided tour and lunch. Continue to the Cango Caves – one of the natural wonders of the world and which has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Following this visit of discovery, check into your overnight accommodation.

  Accommodation: Hacklewood Hill Country House

  Hacklewood Hill is a small, fairytale-like country house tucked into the Garden Route stretch of Port Elizabeth. Genuine hospitality and intimacy promise a delightful experience. The 8 rooms exude an old world charm, while still retaining all the contemporary necessities. Four poster beds and spaciousness promise comfort and elegance to all who visit. Dine by the swimming pool and in the gardens, or with silver service in the restaurant. Gourmet meals are prepared by a skilled chef. An authentic wine cellar is on site in the fashion of old Victorian manor houses. Take a stroll through the gardens, play a game of tennis, or simply spend time with a book on the bright verandah. Hacklewood Hill is a romantic experience like no other.

• • Elephant
  • River Bend Lodge During the Day

  Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park - Port Elizabeth

  Departing 4 or 5pm, we enjoy a late afternoon viewing. Snacks & drinks are served as the sun goes down and then some night time viewing – black rhino, buffalo, lions and antelope may be seen.

  You will be picked up by private vehicle and transferred between Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape Reserves. Here you will have the chance to enjoy superior game viewing. The drive time is 1-4 hours depending on the location of your lodge.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: River Bend Lodge

  Revitalise your spirit and soul, leave the city life behind and escape to the tranquil natural beauty found at RiverBend Lodge. Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains, RiverBend Game Lodge is situated a mere 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, within a 14 000 ha private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park on the Eastern Cape. RiverBend Game Lodge - a personal experience, dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation of Africa’s natural world.

• • Lion

  Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  Departing between 6 and 8 pm, we discover the secrets of nighttime in the bush: springhares, porcupines, genets. Make sure to dress warmly!

  Accommodation: River Bend Lodge
• • African Porcupine

  Day 12: Addo Elephant National Park

  Departing early morning (6 or 7 am), we embark on a shared game drive. Make sure to dress warmly while we watch the bush come alive. Lions may still be active from the night’s hunting, buffalo may be seen and kudu are plentiful.

  Departing between 6 and 8 pm, we discover the secrets of nighttime in the bush: springhares, porcupines, genets. Make sure to dress warmly!

  Accommodation: River Bend Lodge

• Day 13: Addo Elephant National Park - Port Elizabeth

  You will be picked up by private vehicle and transferred between Addo National Park and Port Elizabeth.

  Travel between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg today.  Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. 

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The African Elephant is a notably intelligent animal due to their large brain, and has a distinct social conduct from other animals. Herds consist of related females and their young, directed by the eldest female, or matriarch. Elephants remain close to their families, the relationship between each elephant is very strong and they recognize each other even after long periods apart. During migration, the matriarch decides the route and leads the group to all the water sources she knows. The other members of the herd will memorize these places for the future. Males stay with the herd only long enough to remain self sufficient, and then go to form their own groups with other males. They will only approach a herd in response to a mating call, which can occur at any time of the year.

• Culinary Delights

  South Africa has emerged as a polyglot cuisine. European colonization, the adaptation of the native Bantu cooking, and mass immigration of migrant workers have all contributed. The Dutch brought their forms of agriculture, and British merchants imported "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. The French introduced the cultivation of vineyards. Malay workers and East Indians added curries and spice to the plain English-Dutch influence. Local game, and lamb, the famous South African lobster, and a vast repertoire of fish combine to create a truly cosmopolitan cuisine.

• Kid's Fun

  Butterfly is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. It is an enclosed garden boasting a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which fly freely around you, as well as loads of water features and exotic plants. The location of Butterfly World is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is no time limit on a visit to Butterfly so you can take as many photographs and videos as you like, or just sit down on a bench and admire these beautiful creatures fly around you. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant, and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.

• • Cape Cadogan

  Cape Cadogan

  The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was originally a farmhouse which was ‘Victorianised’ in 1912 and declared a national monument in 1984.

  • More information

• Klippe Rivier Country House

  The typical outhouses for Cape Dutch homesteads were barns and stables, and in the case of Klippe Rivier, these have been converted into six luxury guest suites, preserving the ambience of a bygone era. The interiors of homesteads in the 1700s and 1800s were often sparse to the extreme, but the present owner of Klippe Rivier, Liz Westby-Nunn, has personally decorated the interiors with her impressive collection of Cape antiques, coupled with a fine selection of paintings. The interiors have a definite "English country house meets Africa" ambience which works beautifully with the stunning architecture of the homestead.

  • More information
• • De Opstal Country Lodge

  De Opstal Country Lodge

  If you are a discerning traveller looking for luxury 4 star accommodation in the picturesque valley of Schoemanshoek, near the world famous Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, then you need to look no further. De Opstal Country Lodge has come to be by way of converting exisitng buildings, into a modern, elegant property with all the luxurious of a 4 star hotel.

  • More information
• • Laird's Lodge Country Inn

  Laird’s Lodge

  Unsurpassed service and understated comfort, ensure a totally relaxed and truly South African experience...This exclusive Country House set on a 24 acre estate with distant mountain views - is perfectly positioned between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. An ideal getaway for those wanting to enjoy gracious country living, Laird's Lodge offers easy access to unspoiled beaches, world class golf courses, scenic nature reserves and hiking trails.

  • More information
• • Hacklewood Hill, Port Elizabeth

  Hacklewood Hill Country House

  Hacklewood Hill is a small, fairytale-like country house tucked into the Garden Route stretch of Port Elizabeth. Genuine hospitality and intimacy promise a delightful experience. The 8 rooms exude an old world charm, while still retaining all the contemporary necessities. Four poster beds and spaciousness promise comfort and elegance to all who visit. Dine by the swimming pool and in the gardens, or with silver service in the restaurant. Gourmet meals are prepared by a skilled chef. An authentic wine cellar is on site in the fashion of old Victorian manor houses. Take a stroll through the gardens, play a game of tennis, or simply spend time with a book on the bright verandah. Hacklewood Hill is a romantic experience like no other.

  • More information
• • River Bend Lodge During the Day

  River Bend Lodge

  Revitalise your spirit and soul, leave the city life behind and escape to the tranquil natural beauty found at RiverBend Lodge. Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains, RiverBend Game Lodge is situated a mere 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, within a 14 000 ha private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park on the Eastern Cape. RiverBend Game Lodge - a personal experience, dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation of Africa’s natural world.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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