Bush & Beach Family Tour

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Go on safari with your family deep in the South African bush and then experience the highlights of the Cape. The malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park is just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and is home to the Big Five, as well as many other African wild animals. Along the Garden Route to Cape Town, you will discover beautiful beaches where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cold Atlantic Ocean. South Africa is an ideal long-haul destination for families with children. There is no or only a minimal time difference from Europe. Flights are usually night flights with arrivals in the morning. In the tourist regions, the country has a consistently European standard in terms of infrastructure, accommodation and food.

We are happy to change this tour itinerary or the rental car category according to your individual wishes. Please contact us for your personal offer. You should allow two weeks for this trip. We recommend starting this trip in the South African summer from September to April. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this trip.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 3x Pilanesberg
• 3x Knysna
• 2x Oudtshoorn
• 2x Hermanus
• 3x Cape Town

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner
• Regional flights according to program
• Rental car class E (Hyundai Staria Minivan Automatic or similar)
• six game drives in the Pilanesberg National Park
• Tickets for Monkeyland and Birds Of Eden
• guided tours Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm and Cango Caves
• Tickets for Table Mountain cable car, aquarium and Ferris wheel
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Long-haul flights
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 4 (APPROX. 200 KM):

PILANESBERG

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station. The malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park is located about two and a half hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg. The 55,000-hectare park is almost circular and encompasses the area of a 1200-million-year-old volcanic crater with a small lake in the center. The extremely scenic terrain lies in the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter lowveld, and both types of vegetation can be found here. The park is home to the Big Five and many other African wild animals.

You will spend the night at the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge in the south of the park. The 90 rooms are spread over the spacious and well-kept grounds in a two-storey building. There are two pools, a children's playground, a wellness area (for a fee), a bar, a restaurant with a view of a waterhole and a second waterhole with an observation stand. Twice a week, dinner is served in the boma, the traditional campfire dining area (weather permitting). The well-kept rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, minibar, TV, safe, tea/coffee maker and a terrace or balcony. The Standard Rooms are furnished in African style, family rooms have two double beds. The Executive Rooms are modern and luxuriously furnished, family rooms have two double beds.

You take part in guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle according to the program (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). Additional activities such as hot-air balloon trips or bush walks can be booked on site.

KWA MARITANE BUSH LODGE (EXECUTIVE FAMILY ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 6 ACTIVITIES

DAY 4 (APPROX. 200 KM): JOHANNESBURG

ONEWAY FLIGHT TO GEORGE

A domestic or regional flight is the fastest and most convenient way to cover longer distances in southern Africa. Thanks to various competitors, there is a dense network of scheduled flights to a total of more than 25 airports. All local airlines fly with modern aircraft that meet the highest safety standards and are of course regularly maintained, just like in Europe.

The flight is operated in Economy Class. Depending on the airline, only one piece of checked baggage weighing 20kg to 23kg and one piece of hand baggage are permitted per person. You will receive details with your travel documents. Additional baggage, seat reservations and other services can be booked at very reasonable prices. We recommend arriving at international airports such as Windhoek, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town at least two hours before departure; at smaller regional airports, 90 minutes is sufficient.

Please return your rental car to Johannesburg Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

DAY 4 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 60 KM):

KNYSNA

On arrival at George Airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your new rental car. Knysna, with its striking lagoon, is the center of the Garden Route and offers a wide range of daytime activities. The dense forests in the hinterland or the beautiful coastal sections are ideal for hiking, the nearby beaches for swimming and relaxing. Boat trips are offered on the lagoon. From June to November, you may be lucky enough to spot whales. The town itself and the small waterfront with its cafés, stores and boutiques also invite you to stroll and linger.

You will stay in the historic and lovingly restored Parkes Manor Guest House, a stately home in a 12000 square meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. The waterfront or the center of Knysna can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by car. The nine individually furnished suites all have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe. The Cozy Suite is located on the first floor and has a private courtyard without a view. The Standard Suites are located on the first floor at the rear of the building and have a balcony. The Lagoon View Suites are also located on the first floor and have a balcony with a view over the garden and the lagoon. The spacious Grand Suite is located on the first floor and has a four-poster bed, a double shower in the bathroom and a private courtyard without a view. This suite is also used as a honeymoon suite or family suite with two extra single beds. The guest house offers free Wi-Fi, a fireplace lounge, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with lagoon view, a large garden with pool, a summer pavilion, a golf tee with putting green and secure parking on the premises.

PARKES MANOR (GRAND SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5: THE CRAGS

MONKEYLAND AND BIRDS OF EDEN EXPERIENCE

You will receive a double ticket for Monkeyland and Birds Of Eden at The Crags (between Plettenberg Bay and Nature Valley). You are responsible for your own transportation.

The Monkeyland Sanctuary is home to over 450 primates, from lemurs and baboons to gibbon monkeys, which can roam freely in a jungle-like area. The Birds Of Eden Sanctuary is home to over 280 different bird species in one of the largest free-flight aviaries in the world. Both sanctuaries have a strict "do not touch" policy, where the animals can be observed up close but not touched.

This day trip is best combined with a detour to the Natures Valley or other protected areas in the region, such as the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center (optional).

DAY 6: KNYSNA

FEATHERBED ECO EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 105 € PER PERSON

On this half-day excursion, discover the most beautiful private nature reserve on the Garden Route, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a paradise not only for bird lovers.

We take a boat across the Knysna lagoon to the reserve below the Western Head, the western boundary of the lagoon from the open sea. A four-wheel drive vehicle takes you through the beautiful nature and to spectacular viewpoints. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the open air under old Milkwood trees. You then have the option of walking back to the jetty through the forest and along ancient caves. The boat will then take you back towards the Knysna Waterfront.

The excursion starts in the late morning near the Knysna waterfront and takes about four hours. A light lunch is included. The tour is in English and is conducted with additional people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6: KNYSNA

ROBBERG COASTAL PRIVATE HALF DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 60 € PER PERSON

You will be picked up at your accommodation in Knysna. The drive heads east towards Plettenberg Bay to the Robberg Nature Reserve. The small nature reserve forms a peninsula in front of the elongated bay of Plettenberg Bay and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. There are always great views of the sea and, with a bit of luck, you may spot seals, dolphins or even whales (June to November).

You set off on the approximately 5.5 km long Witsand circular hiking trail and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings time and again. The Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful coastal reserves on the entire Garden Route. After around four hours, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Knysna.

The tour language is English, no other people take part. Drinking water and entrance fees are included in the tour price. This is a moderate hike, you should be sure-footed. Sturdy shoes, clothing suitable for the weather and sun protection are essential. The hike can be started at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 130 KM):

OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn is the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert and the largest town along Route 62. The C.P. Nel Museum in the town center explains the history of the town and its rise to become the "ostrich capital" of South Africa. A stop at one of the local ostrich farms is a must, where you can learn a lot about the largest and flightless birds in the world and admire the historic ostrich palaces. The Cango Caves, a huge stalactite cave landscape that is one of the most impressive in the world, are definitely worth a visit. Adventure-seekers with the right vehicle can take a drive over the famous Swartberg Pass, but guided tours are also available. An insider tip is the Rust en Vrede waterfall, located east of the Cango Caves. Clear nights with little light pollution make for an impressive starry sky, and professional stargazers offer appropriate evening observation activities. On several farms, the cute meerkats can be spotted early in the morning on guided tours. Some interesting wineries, such as the Karusa Estate, offer wine tastings.

This upmarket lodge is situated on a working olive farm about 10 km outside Oudtshoorn in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley with views of the Swartberg Mountains. The famous Cango Caves are only a 20-minute drive away. The 31 modern rooms all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, an outdoor seating area and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two bedrooms. The spacious Honeymoon Suite also has an oversized bathtub. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, a large outdoor area with a pool and the following activities, some for a fee: olive tastings, kayaking and rowing boat trips on a reservoir, mountain bike rental and various hiking trails.

SURVAL BOUTIQUE OLIVE ESTATE (FAMILY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 7: OUDTSHOORN

CAVES AND FARM EXPERIENCE

You take part in probably the two most important highlights that the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert has to offer. 29 km outside Oudtshoorn, in the picturesque Cango Valley, lies an impressive underground wonder - the Cango Caves. This stalactite cave landscape is one of the largest accessible cave systems in the world. You take part in the guided Heritage Tour. This approximately one-hour tour is quite easy to manage and involves no climbing or crawling.

Cango Ostrich Farm is located a few minutes' drive north of Oudtshoorn in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley. During the 45-minute tour, you can learn a lot about the largest living birds in the world and enjoy the beautiful landscape at the same time.

If you only stay one night in Oudtshoorn, the cave tour takes place in the afternoon on the day of arrival and the ostrich farm tour takes place in the morning on the day of departure (adjustments possible). Both tours are in English and are conducted with additional persons. Arrival is always on your own.

DAY 8: OUDTSHOORN

SWARTBERG TOUR & LUNCH

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

Experience the beauty of the Swartberg Mountain Range with 360° views over the Little and Great Karoo. This is the ideal activity for all nature lovers, where you will learn a lot about the special flora and fauna of the region. As you drive up the spectacular Swartberg Pass, you will stop to take photos and enjoy the scenery. You have the opportunity to go on a 30-minute hike or mountain bike ride (bike and equipment optional at an extra charge). Afterwards, a typical Karoo lunch awaits you with lamb, ostrich, boerewors (South African sausage), various salads and vegetables as well as traditional roosterkoek (bread baked on coal).

The tour language is English. Additional people can take part in this tour. The approximately three-hour tour starts at 10:30 (own arrival at the starting point on the R328) and ends there again at around 13:30. A buffet lunch is included in the price, drinks are paid for on site. Please wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing and remember to wear appropriate sun protection.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 370 KM):

HERMANUS

The tour continues to the "whale capital" of South Africa, Hermanus. Here you have the best opportunities to watch whales from the coast between June and November. Of course, you can also take a boat trip out to sea to get even closer to the largest mammals on earth. But Hermanus also has a lot to offer outside the whale season in the South African summer. There are excellent beaches, great restaurants and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a unique nature reserve with typical fynbos vegetation and many hiking trails. Even winegrowing has now left its insider status here in the Coastal Region. Over 30 wineries have joined together to form various wine routes.

On the quiet outskirts of Hermanus, Whale Rock Lodge offers you a warm welcome with its luxurious rooms and large, park-like garden. The lodge is within walking distance of New Harbour, which also marks the start of the famous Cliff Path. The town center with its many restaurants, cafés and stores is just a few minutes' drive away. The 17 rooms are modernly furnished and all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, TV, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a veranda or balcony. The different room categories vary in size and location on the premises. The family units have two bedrooms. The lodge has a large garden with two pools, two guest lounges with fireplaces, secure on-site parking, a bar and free Wi-Fi.

WHALE ROCK LODGE (LUXURY OR DELUXE FAMILY SUITE (4 PAX))

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10: HERMANUS

BOAT-BASED WHALE WATCHING

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

In the South African winter months from June to November, you have the best chance of spotting Southern Right Whales (right whales) and Humpback Whales (humpbacks) in Walker Bay near Hermanus. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. This is an experience that no one should miss, especially if the whales are not directly on the coast. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins, sharks and seals during the trip.

The trip takes about two hours and starts at the New Harbour in Hermanus (own arrival). The tour is in English and is conducted with additional people. A small refreshment is included in the price. We recommend booking this activity in advance, especially in the popular months of October and November, as places on the boat are limited and may be fully booked on site. If the trip has to be canceled at short notice due to weather conditions, we will refund the price after your trip.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 11 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 120 KM):

CAPE TOWN

Welcome to the Mother City. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To get an overview, your first excursion should be to Table Mountain. A drive along Chapmans Peak Drive, an impressive coastal road that leads past the penguin colony at Boulders Beach to the Cape of Good Hope, is also a must. On the way, you can visit the oldest wine estates on the Cape in Constantia. The V&A Waterfront is inviting with its countless stores and restaurants. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. On weekdays, you can explore the city center, the colourful Bo-Kaap district and the Company's Garden on foot without hesitation.

The beautiful Cape Riviera Guesthouse is located in the upmarket Oranjezicht district below Table Mountain. De Waal Park and several restaurants and cafés are within walking distance. The Table Mountain cable car station and the V&A Waterfront are around ten minutes away by car. The time-honored and stylishly renovated Victorian villa with great views of the city and the harbour offers a beautiful garden with two pools, a breakfast room, a lounge, an elevator and free Wi-Fi. The twelve rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, smart TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and a safe. The Standard Rooms have access to an inner courtyard, but no view. The Superior and Luxury Rooms have a small lounge area and views of the city or Table Mountain. The Family Rooms have two additional single beds.

CAPE RIVIERA GUESTHOUSE (LUXURY FAMILY ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11: CAPE TOWN

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

They take part in the three family-friendly activities:

You will receive an unlimited return ticket for the Table Mountain cable car, which can be used once during your stay in Cape Town. As the mountain can be closed due to weather conditions, we recommend using this ticket at the first available opportunity.

You will receive an unlimited ticket for the famous Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront. Here you will learn a lot about the marine flora and fauna at the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

You will receive an unlimited (but date-bound) ticket for the Cape Wheel, the famous Ferris wheel at the V&A Waterfront, which offers you a fantastic 360° view over Cape Town, the harbor and the sea.

All activities are in English and are carried out with other people. Arrival and departure for the individual activities is on your own. You will need to stay at least two nights on site. Entrance fees are included in the price, meals and other personal expenses are not included. Should one of the activities be canceled due to weather conditions, we will refund you accordingly upon your return.

DAY 12: CAPE TOWN

YZERFONTEIN BEACH & SAFARI RIDE (2H)

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

You go on a wonderful horseback ride, which starts at Blombosch Game Farm. You ride to the beach and along the fascinating coastline of Yzerfontein. On the way back, you will cross the game farm and, with a bit of luck, have the opportunity to spot animals. The reserve is home to giraffes, zebras and various species of antelope, among others.

The ride is suitable for all levels, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider. You can choose between leisurely strolls, gallops and rides along the coast. Each time slot can accommodate up to 6 riders, ensuring a personalized experience.

The approximately two-hour ride is in English and takes place with other people. The ride on the beach depends on the tide. The farm is about an hour's drive north of Cape Town (own journey).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 13: STELLENBOSCH

HALF DAY FAMILY CYCLE TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 80 € PER PERSON

You start at 10 am at a wine estate near Stellenbosch (own arrival) for a bike tour into the beautiful wine regions of the Western Cape with spectacular views along the way. The ride takes you at a family-friendly pace through the vineyards and across private wine farms. Take a break at two wineries and taste the excellent wines directly from the producers. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for children to sample. You return to the starting point at around 13:30.

The tour language is English, the tour is conducted with other people. Mountain bikes and helmets are provided. Two wine tastings, drinking water and snacks are included in the price. A normal level of fitness is required for this tour. The tour covers about 12 km on unpaved roads. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sun protection. Bicycle trailers or child seats are available for children under the age of six.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14: CAPE TOWN

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

Please return your rental car at the latest two hours before departure at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability prior to booking and are based on the stated number of participants. Errors and omissions excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps, or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personalized tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer excludes flights (except for regional flights in southern Africa explicitly stated in the offer).

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

EUROPCAR/TEMPEST RENTAL CAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: Petrol, toll, deposit, one-way fee South Africa 1947 ZAR.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

One liter of fuel (gasoline or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Budget about 156 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. Budget about 26 EUR for tolls on this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.