DAY 1: ADDO ELEPHANT PARK

Our first night is spent in Addo Elephant Park, one of South Africa’s major conservation success stories, and now home to not only these gentle giants but also Africa’s Big 5 ie: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. The Park has an abundance of bird-life and many varieties of flora and fauna. Spend some of your time here overlooking the main waterhole, not only enjoying the wildlife but also absorbing the peaceful atmosphere.

Passing through Jeffreys Bay – South Africa’s surfing capital, famous on the world circuit, we head for Tsitsikamma Forest National Park - a truly unique area, with forested slopes on one side and pounding surf on the other. We have time to enjoy our spectacular surroundings – walking to the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth which has excellent views or for the more adventurous there is the option* of doing a canopy trail through the forest.

Situated on an enchanting lagoon, the town of Knysna is surrounded by forests and offers some magnificent coastal scenery including the ’Knysna Heads’. We spend time in and around some of the smaller towns such as Plettenberg Bay, which boasts white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Note that during the whale-breeding season (June - October) Plett offers excellent vantage points for watching the southern right whales. We climb aboard the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train (subject to availability). When the line between George and Knysna was built it was regarded as one of the most expensive sections of track in the world - today it is rated the most beautiful. 

Driving inland over the Outeniqua Pass, into the semi arid region of the Karoo brings us to Oudtshoorn, which is host to many highlights. Stroke a cheetah at the Cheetahland Conservation Foundation*, visit an ostrich farm and perhaps even sit on one of these enormous birds and venture into the Cango Caves, famous for their beautiful limestone formations. A full and memorable day is rounded off with an evening restaurant meal in town.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, or just enjoy wine - South Africa has earned great acclaim around the world, for the production of outstanding wines. Set in the picturesque Breede River Valley, Worcester is a convenient base for access to some of the better-known wine estates in the region. The scenery is breathtaking, with vineyards on the lower slopes of the mountains, and small wine estates dotted in the valleys. Enjoy a spot of wine tasting, while learning about the wine making process. You may even be tempted to ship a case home.

We finish our tour back in Cape Town, surely one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We recommend you allow some extra time here before or after the tour, as there is so much to see and do. You can overlook the entire city from Table Mountain, cruise to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, enjoy the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the lovely beaches and visit the Cape of Good Hope.