Mar 2, 2016 - ... deck, a comfortable area on which to sip a drink, watch the passing animals and .... Room facilities i
Experience, Discover & Explore South Africa
Andrew Daddo: Back to South Africa
Day 1 : 02MAR16 DEPART SYDNEY (---) This afternoon make your way to Sydney Airport and check in for your flight to South Africa. Check should be at least 1.5 hrs before departure. DEPART ARRIVE
SYDNEY PERTH
1900 2105
SA7257 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (Operated by Virgin Australia)
Arriving in Perth later this evening, make your way to the international terminal, clear customs and immigration before boarding your flight to Johannesburg. DEPART Day 2 :
PERTH 03MAR16
ARRIVE
2345
SA281
ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG
0440
(-LD)
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport, you will clear customs and immigration before being met by a representative who will assist you to your connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. DEPART ARRIVE
JOHANNESBURG KRUGER MPUMALANGA
0700 0750
SA8823 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRLINK
Arrive Kruger Mpumalanga, meet your driver and transfer to the Kruger National Park, the transfer-cum-safari drive will be in closed air-conditioned vehicles. En-route you will stop for breakfast at Pretoriuskop, a rest camp situated in the southwestern part of the Kruger National Park. Upon arrival at your Lodge the rest of the day will be at leisure and if you feel up to it you will have the opportunity to participate in an evening game activity before returning to the Lodge for dinner. Accommodation: Lukimbi Safari Lodge Lukimbi Safari Lodge Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a stunning luxury safari lodge situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Greater Kruger National Park. Kruger is home to the Big Five and a wide variety of other animals and birds which roam freely in their natural habitat. Informative game rangers will take you on drives in open Land Rovers along Lukimbi’s private roads. Alternatively, you can take guided walks or relax in the magnificent lodge; it all happens on 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares) of prime game and wilderness area of which the lodge has exclusive use. Walking into your classic river-view suite, you are struck immediately by the sense of space. The room seems to stretch into the bush beyond, and the high windows bring the sky and the trees right into the room. The lounge drops down from the level of the bedroom area and the space flows out to the covered deck, a comfortable area on which to sip a drink, watch the passing animals and birds and just relax. The bathroom is large and also looks directly onto the bush. Each suite has a spacious bath, inside and outside showers, and separate toilet. All suites have air-conditioning & fan; a safe; gauzy, romantic mosquito nets; tea- and coffee-facilities, and a mini-bar.
Days 3 & 4 : 04-05MAR16 LUKIMBI SAFARI LODGE (BLD) After an early morning wake up call, some tea, coffee and snacks your ranger will escort you to your open safari vehicle for your morning game drive. Return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time or a guided walk before lunch. Your afternoon game drive will continue into the evening before returning to the lodge for dinner. Accommodation: Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Day 5 : 06MAR16 LUKIMBI SAFARI LODGE - KNYSNA (B-D) After another early morning game drive and breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to George, located on the Garden Route. DEPART ARRIVE
KRUGER MPUMALANGA JOHANNESBURG
1335 1425
SA8842 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRLINK
DEPART ARRIVE
JOHANNESBURG GEORGE
1550 1740
SA1509 SOUTH AFRICAN EXPRESS
Upon arrival into George you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Knysna where dinner will be served. Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate Knysna Hollow Country Estate Perfectly set on a secluded country estate, near Knysna’s famous lagoon, Knysna Hollow welcomes you with warm and friendly hospitality. Knysna Hollow is the perfect base from which to explore Knysna, the Garden Route and the surrounding forest. Activities are numerous, from ferry trips across the lagoon, to walking trails through the ancient forests, a game of golf, treetop canopy tours, township experiences, whale-watching – or just relaxing at one of the three sparkling swimming pools set in lush indigenous gardens with abundant birdlife. Outdoor games at Knysna Hollow are a unique feature, boasting a full-size petanque court with a boule set, as well as a giant-size chess board set in the Rose Garden. Drinks can be enjoyed in the pub or on the deck of the old Manor House. The Knysna Hollow Restaurant, overlooking one of the pools, has a warm relaxed atmosphere and offers delicious seasonal fare, whilst the Pecan Tree Grill Room offers contemporary decor and cuisine.
Day 6 : 07MAR16 KNYSNA After breakfast you will meet your Guide and enjoy a Full Day Featherbed Nature Reserve Eco-Experience.
(BL-)
Featherbed Nature Reserve Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled: numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides. Good walking shoes are recommended and remember to bring your camera, hats and sunblock in summer and a warm jacket for the ferry trip in winter. After driving through the reserve to the top of the Western Head, you can take the optional, 2.2km guided walk, passing through Milkwood forests onto the steep sandstone cliffs, into ancient Khoi Khoi Sea Caves and along a scenic coastal path fringed with aromatic fynbos. Your guide will inform you on the ecology, fauna, flora, bird and marine life in the reserve. On the coastal walk back, you can often spot the resident Black African Oyster Catcher, one of the rarest coastal birds in South Africa.
Featherbed Nature Reserve is home to a breeding program of the rare Blue Duiker - one of the smallest antelope species in the world, the beautiful Knysna Loerie and the endangered Knysna Sea Horse. Visitors have the rare opportunity to view these creatures on the Reserve. The Forest Restaurant is situated on the edge of the Lagoon under a canopy of Milkwood trees. A timber deck expands to a beautiful yellowwood bar area and behind that is the kitchen and buffet room where you will be served a sumptuous buffet lunch fit for a king. Browse through our unique 'Blue Duiker' Curio Shop where a variety of curios can be purchased including the famous carved 'Feathers of Knysna' collection. Featherbed is one of the most special dining experiences in South Africa and makes for an excellent activity. Return to your hotel where the evening is at leisure. Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate Day 7 : 08MAR16 KNYSNA (BL-) Today after breakfast you will have an adventure-filled day. Firstly you will be met and transferred to the resort town of Plettenberg Bay then continue to Tsitsikamma National Park. You will enjoy a half day morning Blackwater tubing experience, before lunch at a local restaurant (included). In the afternoon enjoy a Canopy Tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest (weather permitting). You will then return to your accommodation in the late afternoon where the rest of the evening will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate Day 8 : 09MAR16 KNYSNA – THE WINELANDS (BL-) After breakfast you will continue your journey westwards along the Garden Route to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands region. En-route we will stop for lunch in Swellendam, a quiant little town in the Western Cape province. After lunch we will continue via the stunning scenic Franschhoek pass before arriving at your accommodation in the afternoon. Evening at leisure. Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa Le Franschhoek is built on the site of one of Franschhoeks original opulent country retreats. The accommodation manages to retain that olde world charm of the grand old days while emanating a simple, modern ambience. A truly luxurious retreat, the impeccably appointed Le Franschhoek Hotel offers unparalleled views of the spectacular Franschhoek Mountains located in the splendid world famous vineyards of Western Cape.
The rooms at Le Franschhoek are located close to the dining areas and meeting rooms in the hotel. Comfortably equipped and furnished for two, twin Hollywood beds can be made up into one king-size bed upon request. Neat finishes and muted tones complement the relaxing aura of the surrounding countryside, with wonderful views over the mountains and gardens. Extra touches such as artworks and flowers add flair to the accommodation. The en-suite bathroom features elegant styling, with separate vanities and a frameless glass shower for extra decadence. Complimentary toiletries are provided in each bathroom. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, including an espresso machine with a supply of fragrant coffee pods and a plate of edible treats on arrival. Air-conditioning, underfloor heating, direct dial telephones, remote-controlled television with selected DSTV channels, hairdryers and electronic safes are provided for your convenience. Wi-fi is also available at a surcharge. Day 9 : 10MAR16 THE WINELANDS (BL-) After breakfast you will be collected by your driver and transferred via the Helshoogte pass to the Stellenbosch winelands area. Today you will enjoy wine and chocolate tasting at the Waterford Wine Estate, wine tasting and lunch at Neethlingshof Wine Estate, and nougat & MCC – Method Cap Classique (South African Champagne) tasting at JC Le Roux. You will return to your accommodation in the late afternoon and your evening is at leisure to try out some of the quaint local restaurants.
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel Day 10 : 11MAR16 THE WINELANDS – CAPE TOWN (B--) Today after a leisurely breakfast you will continue on to Cape Town. En-route you will visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The newly completed Treetop Canopy Walkway gives you the opportunity to experience the forest from high above the ground. The galvanised steel structure meanders throught the trees and branches, with sections that crown above the forest. You will also have the opportunity to ascend the iconic Table Mountain for unforgettable sweeping views (weather permitting), after which you will be taken to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to enjoy lunch (own expense) before taking the 30min ferry ride across to Robben Island for a tour of the infamous Maximum Security Prison. At the conclusion of the tour you will be be taken to your accommodation where the rest of evening will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Cape Town Hollow Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel is a charming 4-star property. The newly-renovated hotel offers stylish, serene accommodation with spectacular views over the Dutch East India Company Gardens, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel is a smoke-free property. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk service. Room facilities include coffee/tea maker and direct-dial phone. Other hotel amenities include tennis courts, complimentary newspapers in lobby, concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry service, elevator/lift and wedding services. Local tourist attractions such as the South Africa Library and Houses of Parliament are not far from the hotel. Also easily within reach are South African National Gallery, St. George's Cathedral and Slave Lodge.
Day 11 : 12MAR16 CAPE TOWN (BL-) After breakfast you wil be met by your guide for a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. You will be travelling at a pace that allows you to explore the beauty of Cape Peninsula, meandering along one of South Africas most scenic routes and passing Hout Bay. Enjoy a cruise to Seal Island to view seals and sea birds at Duiker Island (weather permitting). You may also be lucky enough to see several thousand Cape Fur Seals playing leisurely among the kelp beds, supervised by the rare Black Cormorant. You will travel along Chapman’s Peak Drive (conditions permitting) before enjoying a linefish lunch at a local seafood restaurant. After lunch you will visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, then continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The scenery en-route to Cape Point, at the south-western tip of the reserve, is particularly lovely. The new lighthouse is the most powerful in the world and you will have the opportunity to ascend to the top by Funicular (own expense). You will return to your hotel by late afternoon and the evening is at leisure; maybe head down to the V&A waterfront where you will find an array of restaurants overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: Cape Town Hollow Day 12 : 13MAR16 DEPART CAPE TOWN (B--) After breakfast enjoy some leisure time for any last minute shopping or touring of Cape Town. At approximately 12pm you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport to begin your journey home. Check in for your flight 2 hours before departure; your bags should be checked all the way through to Perth. DEPART ARRIVE
CAPE TOWN JOHANNESBURG
1610 1810
SA352 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, connect on to your Australia-bound flight: DEPART
Day 13 : ARRIVE
JOHANNESBURG
14MAR16 PERTH
2100
SA280
ARRIVE SYDNEY 1255
(---)
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Arriving into Perth around lunch-time today, you will clear customs and immigration before boarding your domestic flight back to Sydney. Virgin Australia should be able to transfer your luggage between flights. DEPART ARRIVE
PERTH SYDNEY
1505 2225
SA7258 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (Operated by Virgin Australia)
Andrew Daddo: Back to South Africa $7,545 per person twin share
Includes: International Airfare and tax ex Sydney with South African Airways 10 nights’ accommodation 10 x breakfast / 8 x lunch / 4 x dinner Meals as stated All transfers and excursions, inc entrance fees as stated Porterage and Gratuities Excludes: Travel Insurance Meal not stated Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, room service etc.
End of Swagman Tours Services We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.
