Itinerary - 15 days

 

Meal Plan :  (B) - Breakfast,  (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner is highlighted each day for which meals are included for that day.

 

Day 1: Cape Winelands and Paarl Rock Nature Reserve.

Arrive Cape Town International Airport and after meeting your guide you will transfer to the Cape Winelands. Time to explore the area and a visit to the Paarl Rock Nature Reserve where we climb up the big granite rocks with great views of the Cape Winelands and the surrounding mountain chains.  Then a visit to the Taal monument in recognition of the Afrikaans language and their culture.  We will return to our lodge in the Winelands and eat dinner out a restaurant. No meals included today.

 

Day 2:  Walk in the Du Toit’skloof Mountains.

Today we will walk in the majestic Du Toit’s Kloof mts- Depending on the the level of the water we will do the Krom River (or Elands River hike ) walking through this beautiful and remote area we do several river crossings and towards the end the gorge it narrows and deepens climbing up to a beautiful waterfall where we can swim. Later in the afternoon there is a chance to do an optional wine tasting in one of the surrounding wine estates. Return to Guesthouse. (B)

 

Day 3: To the Cederberg-Walk to the Maltese Cross.

 In the morning we will transfer to the beautiful, remote, wild, rugged and captivating  Cederberg  Wilderness area. We will also stop along the way to do some shopping.  It is about a 3 hour drive and we should reach there in time to check in and have lunch. In the afternoon we walk to the Maltese cross- a unique and imposing sandstone rock formation. Dinner will be prepared by your guide.  Overnight in the Cederberg in chalets. (B, L, D)

 

Day 3:  Cederberg- Hike to the Wolfberg Arch.

 The Cederberg Wilderness area has a special aura about it and although only about 3 hours from Cape Town it is like another world with it’s amazing sandstone rock formations. Today we will hike up through the  “The Cracks” and then to the “Wolfberg Arch”. It is a tough but special walk and the memory will linger for some time.   Overnight in the Cederberg in chalets. (B, L, D)

 

Day 4. Bains Nature Reserve.

Transfer to Limietberg area near the start of the Bain’s Kloof Pass. Along the way we will visit Tulbagh, learn of it’s history and do an optional wine tasting in the area. We then transfer to our accommodation and time permitting we will do a short walk in the Bains Kloof Nature reserve.- Chalets (B, D)

 

Day 5: Limietberg Nature Reserve- Bobbejaans trail.

Today we will head up the stunning Bain’s Kloof Pass and into the wilderness of the Limietberg . Then we walk the Bobbejaans River trail. This scenic trail starts at the Bainskloof Corner Lodge parking area, near De Nek. It winds across the Bobbejaans River, a tributary of the Witte River. After about 3.5km, you can plunge into the river’s inviting mountain pools (remember to bring your swimming costume). The final steep ascent leads you to a stunning three-tiered waterfall. This trail is particularly beautiful in summer when the colourful disas and giant proteas are in bloom. We return to our accommodation and enjoy the tranquillity of our surroundings- Chalets (B, L, D)

 

Day 6: To Oudtshoorn- Ostriches and Caves.

A day of sight seeing and a chance to rest our legs. After breakfast we head into the stunning Klein Karoo ( a semi desert area ) and transfer along the R62 to Oudtshoorn – The Ostrich capital of the world. Here we will learn all about this giant flightless bird and then thereafter we head to impressive Cango Caves where we do an hour guided tour through the caves . Guesthouse in the Karoo . (B)

 

Day 7: To Knysna- The Heads

 This morning we will drive down over the Outeniqua Mountains towards the beautiful coastline known as the Garden Route. Famed for it’s majestic scenery, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, lakes and indigenous forests.  We visit the unique and charming town of Knysna with it’s important lagoon. Your guide will show you all the delights of Knysna including a visit to “The Heads” and the impressive views that it commands of the lagoon, the ocean and the Heads themselves the two imposing  rugged Headlands that act as gateway between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.  Consider an optional boat trip through the lagoon and the famous Heads into the ocean and looking for  dolphins, seals and whales in season (July – November). There is also and optional walk along a beach from Brenton to Buffels Bay. Guesthouse (B)

 

Day 8: Plettenberg Bay-Robberg Hiking Trail.

Today we visit stunning Plettenberg Bay- one of South Africa’s premier beach towns. We will walk the Robberg Hiking Trail one of the most popular and well know trails in the area and also one of the most scenic. The route is one of our few circular routes and it is a very rewarding 11km walk all around the Robberg peninsula with sweeping views of the Bay and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, Cape Fur seals, whales and even Orcas. We also have a chance to swim along the way. (B)

 

Day 9: Tstsikamma National Park.

Today we will visit the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. We will spend the day exploring this beautiful coastline which forms part of the marine reserve. We take a walk along a boardwalk through the forests to the mouth of the Storms River we cross the suspension bridge and take in the view. There are other options for the afternoon such as a walk along the coastline to a beautiful waterfall, zip- lining through the forest canopy, sea kayaks in the ocean and through the mouth of the river up into the breathtaking gorge. Also one of the highest bungee jumps in the world....if you up to it. Return to our guesthouse after a full day in this beautiful place. (B)

 

Day 10: Wilderness National Park.

This morning we will take a short drive to the beautiful town of Wilderness. Here we will canoe up the Touws river and hike the Kingfisher trail in the beautiful Wilderness National Park. When we return there is a chance to swim in the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Wilderness (B)

 

Day 11: To Hermanus.

After breakfast we have a about a 4 hour long transfer to the town of Hermanus. This town is renowned for some of the best land based whale watching in the world.  Once we are there and have had lunch there are a few options to enjoy: There is a stunning beach close by to your accommodation- Grotto Beach- It is lovely to walk on, or swim if you can brave the colder water. Drive into town, near the old harbour in the centre of town, there are beautiful walks along the coastal path. Walk in the nature reserve in the mts- Great views. Drive into town for dinner. (B)

 

Day 12: Cape Point and Penguin Colony.

Today we leave early to make the most of this very full day. First we drive the very scenic whale coast road to Gordons Bay and from there we head towards the famous Cape Point – the most south-westerly point of Africa. We visit the lighthouse and walk down to Cape of Good Hope. In the afternoon we will visit Penguin colony at Boulders beach. Overnight in Simonstown Guesthouse (B)

 

Day 13: Climb Table Mountain.

 Today we climb the iconic Table mountain. We first visit the world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, rated in the top 10 Botanical gardens of the world. After exploring the Gardens we start our hike up through Skeleton Gorge. The canopy of the forest keeps us cool as we ascend the steepest part of the climb. From here we make our way to McClears Beacon the highest point of Table Mountain and from there we proceed to the Cable Car station. You can hike down the front part of the table or reward yourself with a lift down the cable car (weather dependent). We make our way to our guesthouse in Cape Town (B)

 

Day 14: Free day to enjoy Cape Town

A full day to explore the magic of Cape Town ...so much to do in this city. Your guide will be on hand to help offer advice, arrange bookings and logistics for your optional activities for your fee day, and for the next morning. guesthouse in Cape Town. (B)

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Some optional activities are:

• City tour- walking or cycling. Worth doing for a couple of hours.

• The hop on- hop off bus. Several routes are available.

• Various museums, galleries and buildings of interest around the Company Gardens District.

• Table mt- cable car or climb up and cable car down.

• Beautiful hike up Lions Head peak.

• Check out the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

• Boat trips out the harbour.

• Visit Robben Island ( must book in advance).

• Walk along the promenade in Sea Point and beyond or hire a bike and do a self cycle ( ask for tips)

• Sea kayaking ( weather dependent...as is everything!! )

• Explore the Waterfront.

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens- Very beautiful and considered in the top 10 Botanical gardens in the world.

• Tandem paraglides with an instructor.

 

Day 15: Free Morning - Afternoon transfer to Airport

Your last morning in glorious Cape Town to do another optional activity. Enjoy lunch at the Waterfront and then in the afternoon we transfer you to the airport for your flight  home. Tour ends. (B)