South African Family Safari
& Nature Tour
Operates:
Duration:
Routing:
Includes:
Highlights:
Excludes:
Notes:
Accommodation:
Daily from Johannesburg – as a private tour
16 days / 15 nights
Johannesburg – Drakensberg Mountains – Durban & Coast – Port
Elizabeth – Kariega Game Reserve – Garden Route with Tsitsikamma and
Knysna – The Lakes District – Oudshoorn – Route 62 – Stellenbosch –
Cape Town– Cape Peninsula and Cape Point/of Good Hope
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, accommodation, activities
entrances and fees according to programme. Meals as indicated,
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. Multilingual Guide per request.
Johannesburg - Soweto – Drakensberg – Raptor show - Phezulu cultural
experience - Howick Falls - Ushaka Marine World – Durban Beach - Port
Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma National Park – Storms River Mouth - The Big
Tree - Knysna - Featherbed Nature Reserve - Cango Caves – Route 62 Ostrich Farm – the Winelands – Table Mountain (weather dependent) –
Cape Town - Castle of Good Hope - Green Market Square - Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront – Cape Point Nature Reserve - Hout Bay - Chapman’s
Peak Drive - Boulders Beach Penguin Colony.
All flights, visas, pocket money, tips, meals not mentioned, travel
insurance and optional activities.
This tour is based on a minimum of 2 paying adults plus 1 or two children
free of charge, sharing a family room. Max. 2 such families.
3* and 4* Star Hotels/ Lodges
Day 1: Arrival in Africa! – eventually….
You arrive in the golden city of Johannesburg in the early morning, where your guide
welcomes and transfers you to your first accommodation. The morning at this family run
Guesthouse can be flexibly structured to suit your preference. After the long flight perhaps
time to refresh and just relax in a comfy easy chair beside the inviting pool, while the kids can
run off their boundless energy (of-course!) in the safe, fenced garden. There are even
Springbuck and other animals which can be seen through the fence on the next door property.
(oh..look..!)
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In the afternoon your guide will take you on a tour of
Soweto, where the original house of Nelson Mandela as
well as the Hector Pietersen Museum and Memorial will
be visited. The latter gives an insight into the violent
student uprisings in 1976. An optional excursion can be
booked to "Gold Reef City”, an impressive theme park
in the style of Johannesburg at the turn of the century.
This fun fair offers many child attractions such as the
Gold-Reef-City-Train running around the park, a
number of fun rides and scary rollercoasters ( yippee!),
as well as an old gold mine and museum. (Closed
Monday and Tuesdays outside of SA school holidays)
Overnight: Das Landhaus (Rondavel with up to 2
extra child beds) or similar (B)
Day 2 & 3: Nature’s Magnificence in the
Mountains!
Today we travel south to the province of KwaZulu-Natal
and it’s Drakensberg mountains, known by the Zulu
people as “uKhahlamba“, the “Barrier of Spears”. The
4-hour drive takes you through the open savannah of
the “Highveld“, till you reach the mountains at the
Spioenkop dam. You will then descend into the green
valleys of KwaZulu-Natal, arriving at a scenic family
resort in the Champagne Castle region around
lunchtime. Besides its scenic beauty, enjoy the many
optional activities offered here, particularly suitable to
children, such as the pools, playgrounds, plenty of
hikes (optionally guided), farm animals for cuddling (if
you can catch them!), horse rides, fishing, or
swimming in mountain streams. An on-site shop and
restaurant further enable you to flexibly structure your
meals, as your accommodation is also equipped with a
kitchenette and barbeque.
Also very impressive is the Birds of Prey show at the
neighbouring Falcon Ridge farm. You and your kids will
be amazed as you experience the habits and hunting
practices of various birds of prey, such as owls, falcons,
large eagles, even vultures. Amazing to see these birds
dive from great height to snatch a small piece of meat
off the stick of their trainer (wow-hold on to your cap),
or to have an owl fly by in front of you without you
hearing a thing!
Overnight: 2 nights Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort
(Family Cottage) or similar (B)
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Day 4: Drakensberg – Durban
After breakfast you continue your tour travelling to
the subtropical, multicultural beach resort and
harbour city of Durban on the warm Indian Ocean.
En route you visit the impressive Howick Falls, and
then also stop for a Zulu cultural experience
illustrating
dances and their traditional lifestyle
(mommy, mommy, please can I also have such a
fighting speer and fur hat!?). And already late that
same afternoon you could enjoy your first walk along
the beach promenade on arrival in Durban.
Overnight: Balmoral Hotel (Family room) o. s. (B)
Day 5: Discover Durban with children –
hooray..!
Today we experience the magnificent marine
highlights of uShaka Marine World, which offers an
impressive Aquarium in the style of an old sunken
ship (with large scary sharks!!), an entertaining
Dolphinarium as well as a seal show. An optional
extra is to visit Wet and Wild, a children’s water
world paradise, with many slides, pools, and even a
lazy river where your little ones can drift around the
park on tubes (yippee..!). And all this right next to
the beach! You can watch an enthralling dolphin
show (Oh..!), enjoy the cute penguins, or just enjoy
the beach. Optionally you can also cage dive in the
shark tank (Oh dear!..definitely!) or watch
instructors teach your children snorkelling amongst
all the tropical fish! You can even arrange an
individual dolphin encounter with photographs (Oh
yes, yes please daddy!).
The rest of the day is at leisure. You could visit the
colourful African market and Indian bazaar with their
oriental aromas and strange foods and goods.
Admire the silks, linen, ceramics, curios, beadwork,
leather goods, curry’s, fish and other specialities, as
well as “Muthi“, the Zulu medicine man’s potions
made from various plants, roots, and animals such
as snakes and monkeys (yuck..!). Then take a break
in the Yacht Mole Restaurant & Pub overlooking the impressive harbour basin observing ships
from all over the world. A harbour cruise is also possible.
Overnight: Balmoral Hotel (Family room) or similar (B)
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Day 6: Port Elizabeth – Game Reserve
You transfer to the airport after breakfast, where your
tour guide says his farewells. It’s a short 1 ½ hour
flight to Port Elizabeth, from where you will be
transferred by way of a short 2-hour drive from the
airport to your next destination, the malaria free
Kariega Game Reserve. Already that afternoon you
partake in your first Big 5 safari drive. You and your
children will be amazed by this unique experience!
The “Big 5” (buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and
leopard), are so named as in days gone by they were
the most dangerous animals to hunt. Far cuter are all
the young wild animals, if only one could cuddle
them!
Overnight: Kariega Safari Lodge (Family room) or
similar (BD and Activities)
Day 7: Safari - Game Reserve
A further exhilarating day in the game reserve with
safaris, and even a boat ride, during which the many
varieties of wild African animals can be observed,
expertly commentated on by your knowledgeable
game ranger. Much to see and learn for your children,
then tired and early to bed, so mom and dad can
enjoy an evening together. Be amazed at the
vastness of the star studded southern sky, or simply
enjoy a special bottle of wine together. Your new tour
guide also arrives tonight, and will be with you until
Cape Town.
Overnight: Kariega Safari Lodge (Family room) or
similar (BLD and activities)
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Day 8: Tsitsikamma - Knysna
You continue via Port Elizabeth to the Tsitsikamma
National Park and beyond along the famous Garden
Route of the Western Cape. Indigenous forests,
mountains tumbling into the ocean, a very scenic
coastline of rivers and lagoons and quaint towns and
villages in-between. See the “Big Tree”, a mighty 800
year old yellow wood giant (nearly as old as
grandpa!), gaze down the depth of the Storms River
road bridge, and thereafter head to the mouth to
partake in a short hike across the suspension bridge
over the mouth (hey…this swings nicely dad!).
Thereafter you continue via beautiful Plettenberg Bay
to Knysna (are we nearly there?), the scenic town on
its magnificent lagoon, which will be your home for
the next three nights. (phew - eventually out of the
car..!)
Overnight: Knysna Log
Inn (Family room)
o.s.............................................................. (B)
Day 9: Knysna – beautiful!
This morning you can enjoy a boat cruise across the
lagoon to the Featherbed Nature reserve on the
western “head”, one of two impressive rock/cliff
formations on either side of the mouth of the Knysna
lagoon to the sea. On arrival, a tractor-powered
“train” pulls you up the mountain (great fun!), from
where one enjoys a magnificent ocean-side and
inland panorama. From here it is a scenic hike back
down the mountain and along the lagoon to a shady
outdoor restaurant under Milkwood trees, where your
lunch is included. Thereafter it is back on the boat for
a further scenic ride back to the Knysna Waterfront
with its quaint shops, café’s and pubs. The rest of the
afternoon is at leisure, we suggest a nice ramble
through the many markets and malls, all within easy
reach of your hotel.
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn (Family room) or similar (B)
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Day 10: Day of rest – boring..!
An entire day to relax and rest, but also alternatively one
with so much “child adventure” potential. Suit yourself!
For example, a visit to the Knysna Elephant Home,
where a genuine Elephant encounter is possible – meet
and touch/feed an elephant – wow, what a rare privilege!
Also the Knysna exotic bird sanctuary is impressive with
its many colourful species, not to speak of Monkeyland,
with its many cute and playful monkeys (do we feel sort
of at home here?). Your tour guide will assist you to
arrange the day.
Overnight: Knysna Log Inn (Family room) o.s. (B)
Day 11: Oudtshoorn - Caves und Ostriches!
After breakfast we continue along the scenic Garden
Route via the Lakes District and Wilderness, we make a
short stop at the railway museum in George. Impressive,
these old locomotives! We then continue over the
Outeniqua pass and mountains to the little Karoo, a semi
desert on the other side of the mountains, home of the
ostrich industry, and also famous for the Cango Caves!
Enjoy a guided tour of these caves (mommy I’m scared,
it’s so dark!) with their many stalactites and stalagmites,
and then relax the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Optionally a Meercat visit/tour may be possible (mommy,
why does that one Meercat in the picture above look so
different from the rest of the family?) enjoying these
always curious creatures also at home in this region.
Overnight: Montana Lodge (Family room) or similar (B)
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Day 12: Oudshoorn – Cape Town
After breakfast we first visit a typical ostrich farm, where we learn about the African Ostrich,
and the largest bird in the world, on a guided tour. And if it’s not too hot, the children can also
ride the ostriches – who will be the winner in the race? – hang on tight to that rubbery flexible
neck!! We then continue along the scenic Route 62 via Montagu and the picture postcard wine
lands and fruit farms to Cape Town, arriving late that afternoon.
Overnight: Breakwater Lodge (Family room) or similar (B)
Day 13: Cape Town – City and Table Mountain
Weather permitting, we take the cable car to the top of
Table Mountain, where from 1085 metres in height you
can enjoy a breath-taking panorama of Cape Town and its
peninsula. If lucky, you can also observe the cute (KlipHyraxes) or “dassies“, Hamster-like creatures, although
larger, who are at home on the mountain. (No! – you can’t
take one home!)
Thereafter a city tour of one of the words most scenic
cities. You visit the Castle of Good Hope (the old fort) the
flower market, the company gardens, the historical centre
and Green Market Square. Then spend the evening in the
cosmopolitan Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its many
shops, restaurant and pubs in the historic reconstructed
fishing harbour of Cape Town.
Overnight: Breakwater
Lodge
(Family
room)
o.s.............................................................. (B)
Day 14: The Cape Peninsula.
Today you circum-drive the Cape Peninsula, and visit Cape
Point and Good Hope Nature Reserve. You first drive along
the cold Atlantic coast through attractive suburbs such as
Bantry Bay, Clifton, and via colourful Hout Bay (with its
traditional fishing harbour) and the spectacular Chapman’s
Peak Drive (if not closed due to weather or rock fall). The
drive then continues to Cape Point, some say that the
Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet here. Besides climbing up to the observation platform, from
where an impressive view of the two oceans can be
enjoyed, you can also take a short hike in the Cape Point
Nature Reserve. On the way back we follow the False Bay
coast (Indian Ocean side) and stop at the Simonstown
Boulders Beach Penguin colony (mom, it smells here!).
Thereafter it’s back to Cape Town, with a possible stop at
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the Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens if time permits. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Breakwater Lodge (Family room) o.s..............................................................
(B)
Day 15: The Wineland region (with kids?)
Another day excursion, this time to the beautiful
wine lands with a visit to Paarl, with its “TaalMonument“, and the second oldest town in South
Africa, Stellenbosch, centre of the wine industry.
Ramble through its historic streets with their
distinct Cape-Dutch architecture, visit Oom Samie
se Winkel, an old trading store (also with nice
sweets!), and then enjoy a wine tasting or two in
the region, preferably with an accompanying lunch
on an estate. In the afternoon, a visit to scenic
Franschhoek, the Motor Museum may be of
interest, if the kids are not impatient already, or,
if you prefer, you can stop at Ratanga Junction, a
theme park just outside Cape Town, on the way
back. Once at your hotel, you say farewell to your
guide.
Overnight: Breakwater Lodge (Family room)
o.s..............................................................
(B)
Day 16: Cape Town – farewell!
Your last day is entirely flexible to suit you,
barring the late afternoon airport transfer for your
flight home. Various excursions are possible,
however, if last minute shopping is not a priority,
we suggest a morning tour to Robben Island,
where past president Nelson Mandela was
imprisoned for 27 years. Best to pre-book this.
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The boats leave from the Waterfront, an easy walk from your hotel.
Late afternoon airport transfer, and farewell! (B)
Guided Family Safari
16 days / 15 nights: from
Johannesburg to Cape Town
Room type:
Currency
A: Per Adult sharing.
Max 2 children under
12 included in rate
Family Room
B: Per Adult
sharing Double
C: Per Adult in
Single room
Standard Room
Standard Room
1 FAMILY: 3 - 4 persons in car: 2 paying adults - up to 2 children included
1 Jan – 30 Apr 2015
ZAR
83 700
N/A
1 May – 31 Aug 2015
ZAR
79 430
N/A
1 – 30 Sep 2015
ZAR
80 870
N/A
1 – 31 Oct 2015
ZAR
84 035
N/A
1 FAMILY + one extra room: 5 - 6 persons in car: 3 or 4 paying adults – up to 2 children included
1 Jan – 30 Apr 2015
ZAR
66 355
36 620
1 May – 31 Aug 2015
ZAR
62 085
33 570
1 – 30 Sep 2015
ZAR
63 530
34 855
1 – 31 Oct 2015
ZAR
59 855
36 610
2 FAMILIES: 7 - 8 persons in car: 4 paying – up to 4 children included
1 Jan – 30 Apr 2015
ZAR
61 710
54 180
1 May – 31 Aug 2015
ZAR
57 805
50 885
1 – 30 Sep 2015
ZAR
59 250
52 170
1 – 31 Oct 2015
ZAR
62 925
54 295
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
67 465
62 915
64 205
67 965
62 820
58 635
59 925
63 440
A: Per Adult Sharing – 2 adults & max 2 children: rates per adult includes cost for 1 or 2 children
B: Per Adult Sharing double – rate for 2 adults (no children)
C: Per Adult Single – rate for 1 single person (no children)
For any other variations we will gladly offer a detailed quotation.
ITT acknowledges third party data & photographic material used in all documents & presentations.
Read ITT’s CREDITS & DISCLAIMER
Inspirations Travel & Tours
Email: info@inspirations-travel.co.za l Tel: +27(0)31 266 0030 | Fax: +27(0) 31 266 0255
Inbound: www.africaninspirations.co.za l Outbound: www.inspirations-travel.co.za
9 Kensington Drive, Westville, 3629 l PO Box 1166, Westville, Durban, 3629, South Africa
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