Versatile Eastern Cape

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The Eastern Cape is a diverse and unspoiled province of South Africa—and it’s really too good to just drive through. In addition to classics like the dense primeval forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, Graaff-Reinet (one of the country’s oldest towns), and the Big Five in and around Addo Elephant Park, you’ll find a few truly special gems off the beaten path. Discover beautiful stretches of beach between the Sunshine Coast and the Wild Coast, scenic nature reserves in the arid Karoo semi-desert, and a completely “un-African” mountain landscape in the Amatola Mountains.

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. We recommend starting this tour from August to May. Note: A four-wheel drive vehicle is not absolutely necessary for this trip. However, a car with a higher wheelbase will serve you well on some of the overland routes in the Eastern Cape.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Addo
• 2x Tsitsikamma
• 2x Graaff-Reinet
• 1x Cradock
• 2x Hogsback
• 2x Chintsa
• 2x Greater Addo

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 13x breakfast, 2x lunch, 5x dinner
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• a game drive in Addo Elephant Park
• A sundowner game drive in the private Addo Wildlife Reserve
• four game drives in the private Big Five Sibuya Game Reserve
• 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
• Flight performance
• 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 3 (APPROX. 110 KM):

ADDO

Upon arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport or the agreed-upon meeting point, you will pick up your rental car. Your destination is the malaria-free Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, famous for its large herds of elephants, which gave the park its name. But Addo has much more to offer: thanks to land acquisitions, it now extends all the way to the coast and is therefore the only “Big 7” national park that, in addition to lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, and leopards, also offers whale and shark sightings.

You’ll stay at the comfortable Addo Wildlife Lodge in the small town of Addo, just a few kilometers from the famous Addo Elephant Park. Springboks and other small game roam the grounds. There is a pool, a playground for children, a fire pit, a wildlife center with birds and reptiles, a farm shop, a restaurant, and a bar. The 17 rooms feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a minibar, and a veranda with seating. The Standard Rooms are freestanding rondavels (round huts) furnished in African style. The Superior Chalets, which are also freestanding, are more spacious and feature modern furnishings. The Superior Family Chalets have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/toilet, and a lounge with a kitchenette.

On the day of arrival, you will take part in an approximately two-hour game drive in an open off-road vehicle into the private Addo Wildlife Reserve, followed by dinner under the stars by the river (weather permitting). On the second day, you will take part in an approximately four-hour game drive in an open off-road vehicle in the Addo Elephant Park. Both activities are in English and can be done with additional people. Conservation fees are already included in the price.

ADDO WILDLIFE LODGE TWO NIGHTS SAFARI PACKAGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 230 KM):

TSITSIKAMMA

The Tsitsikamma National Park is the largest contiguous forest area in South Africa and is ideal for hiking or relaxing. The hiking trails always offer fantastic views of the dense forests and the endless sea. At the Storms River Restcamp in the eastern part of the park, you can take short boat trips on the river of the same name. The famous Suspension Bridge, a suspension bridge over the river, is also located here. Various long hiking trails start directly at the camp. The western part, the Natures Valley, also offers beautiful nature and the best hiking opportunities. With a bit of luck, you can even spot whales (seasonal) and dolphins from land.

You will spend the night in a cozy guest house in the small village of Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. You will find cafés, restaurants and stores within walking distance. The famous Big Tree, an 800-year-old yellowwood tree almost 40 meters high and with a trunk circumference of nine meters, is about a 20-minute walk away. The Storms River Restcamp is about 15 minutes' drive away. The guest house offers a garden with pool and sun deck, a fireplace lounge, a bar and free Wi-Fi. The eight rooms have a bathroom/WC, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, a fan, a TV, a safe, a minibar and a veranda or balcony. The Family Room is more spacious and has two single beds for children in addition to the double bed.

AT THE WOODS GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 4: TSITSIKAMMA

WOODCUTTERS ON FOOT HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 50 € PER PERSON

The Plaatbos Nature Reserve is a pristine rainforest area in the Tsitsikamma National Park. With a local guide, you will go on a hike along the former logging trails, where you will learn a lot about the flora of South Africa's most rain- and water-rich region. Highlights are, of course, the Big Trees, the up to 40m high Yellowwood trees. You can also marvel at interesting birdlife and some smaller mammals. On the way, you will have the opportunity to swim in the Storms River at a beautiful picnic spot.

The tour language is English. The hike starts at 9 a.m. and takes about 3 hours, it is carried out with other people. You will have to make your own way to the starting point. The approximately 8 km long route is considered easy, an appropriate level of fitness and appropriate clothing for the weather including sturdy shoes are required. If you would like to swim, please bring swimwear and a towel. Drinking water and snacks are provided. If the hike is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be reimbursed by us after your trip.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 390 KM):

GRAAFF-REINET

Graaff-Reinet is one of South Africa’s oldest towns and is considered the jewel of the Karoo semi-desert. Thanks to its many buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style, a visit to the town feels like a stroll through a living museum. No other South African town has as many listed buildings as Graaff-Reinet. In the center stands the imposing Groot Kerk, the “Great Church,” modeled after Salisbury Cathedral in the UK. The town is almost entirely surrounded by Camdeboo National Park, which offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities and whose highlight is the bizarre rock formation of the “Valley of Desolation”—especially at sunset.

Sundays Karoo Guesthouse is centrally located in Graaff-Reinet. Within walking distance you will find cafés, restaurants, stores, museums and the famous Groot Kerk church. The Valley Of Desolation can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The guest house has a swimming pool, a garden, a bar, a guest lounge, a cozy outdoor terrace and free Wi-Fi. Each of the eight rooms is equipped with a TV, air conditioning, a bathroom/WC and a tea/coffee maker.

SUNDAYS KAROO GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: GRAAFF-REINET

VALLEY OF DESOLATION SUNDOWNER TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 135 € PER PERSON

Your English-speaking guide will pick you up at your accommodation in the late afternoon. You will set off on a sundowner tour on which you can discover the breathtakingly beautiful geological formation of the Valley Of Desolation. The formation with its spectacular 120-metre-high columns of ancient volcanic rock, which watch over the endless, parched plains of Camdeboo, is impressive and glows in the most beautiful colors, especially at sunset. There is also a panoramic view over Graaff-Reinet. With a bit of luck, you may even spot various animals such as kudus, Cape Mountain zebras, mountain redbucks and the majestic Verraux eagle with its two-meter wingspan.

Please note the exact pick-up time in your tour book. You will be dropped off at your accommodation after about three hours. The tour is in English and can take place with additional people. Entrance fees and light sundowner snacks are included in the price.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 140 KM):

CRADOCK

You drive through the Karoo semi-desert. The small town of Cradock is an ideal base from which to explore the Mountain Zebra National Park. Several herds of the rare mountain zebra still live here, as well as other species of antelope, buffalo and rhino. The Mountain Zebra National Park is one of the most scenic parks in South Africa. The town of Cradock also offers historic buildings from the Victorian era as well as smaller museums. The dry semi-desert climate often makes for spectacular sunsets and ideal stargazing opportunities.

You will spend the night in the center of the small town of Cradock, where an entire street of Victorian buildings, including a historic hotel, has been combined to form the best accommodation in the town on Market Street. There are 16 hotel rooms in Victoria Manor and 30 Karoo Cottages (Tuishuise) along Market Street. The hotel rooms have bath/WC, air conditioning, TV and free WLAN. The cottages have bath/WC, TV and kitchenette. The family cottages consist of two bedrooms and two bathrooms. All guests have access to a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a beauty salon and a spa area for a fee.

THE TUISHUISE & VICTORIA MANOR (HOTEL ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 200 KM):

HOGSBACK

Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains is still an insider tip in South Africa and is mainly visited by South Africans. Dense forests cover the landscape and the mountains rise up to 2000 meters. It can snow in the South African winter, but in summer it is always a few degrees cooler than on the hot coast. The small town thrives on its outdoor activities. Hikes to various waterfalls and mountain peaks are possible, and mountain biking, quad biking and abseiling are also on offer. Hogsback is also home to some esoteric quirks such as an Eco Shrine and an eleven-circle labyrinth, both with breathtaking views of the valley below.

Even after 140 years, the historic Hogsback Inn is still the first address for travelers in the area. While the rooms used to resemble simple shelters and you had to go to the nearby river to bathe, today the charming country hotel offers everything you would expect from comfortable accommodation. The Riverside Suites are spacious and modern with a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, a tea/coffee maker and a veranda overlooking a small river. The hotel has a large garden with a pool, a fireplace lounge, a restaurant, a bar and free Wi-Fi.

HOGSBACK INN (RIVERSIDE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9: HOGSBACK

HALF DAY MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTAL

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 45 € PER PERSON

Discover the unique forests and quirky features of Hogsback by mountain bike. Trails lead to various waterfalls and viewpoints, such as the Madonna & Child Waterfall. In town, you can reach Diana Graham's award-winning Eco Shrine and the famous Eleven Circles Labyrinth at The Edge accommodation

The mountain bike, helmet and maps are provided on site. You ride on your own, this is not a guided activity. The duration of the mountain bike rental is four hours.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 180 KM):

CHINTSA

Just half an hour north of East London lies the small village of Chintsa, a paradise nestled in the beautiful countryside at the southern beginning and end of the Wild Coast. Here you can slow down wonderfully in this pristine piece of Africa. Let yourself be enchanted by the dreamlike landscape, the evergreen nature and the endless sandy beaches.

Cintsa Lodge is idyllically situated above a pristine dune landscape. A breathtaking panorama draws the eye from the Haga-Haga Mountains in the east to far beyond the Cintsa Lagoon in the west. You can reach the endless sandy beach in about 20 minutes via a beautiful hiking trail. The seven rooms are equipped with a bathroom/WC, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a hairdryer and a balcony or terrace. The lodge has a guest lounge, a terrace, a large garden with pool and free Wi-Fi.

CINTSA LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11: CHINTSA

BREWERY & FARM EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 30 € PER PERSON

Emerald Vale Farm is located just a few kilometers outside the small town center of Chintsa. Since 2012, there has been a small brewery here that produces the finest craft beers. In the afternoon, you take part in a guided tour of the brewery and can of course sample the four local beers. Afterwards, you will take an open off-road vehicle across the farm grounds to a beautiful viewpoint, where a light sunset picnic awaits you. You then have the option of having dinner in the farm's own restaurant.

The tour language is English, additional people can take part. The beer tasting and picnic snacks are included in the price, dinner is optional. Travel to and from Emerald Vale Farm is on your own. This tour only takes place on Wednesdays to Saturdays.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 210 KM):

GREATER ADDO

The malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve is probably one of the most unique safari destinations in South Africa. The Kariega River, which runs through the middle of the reserve, is particularly attractive. In combination with the nearby ocean, this naturally attracts an incredible variety of bird species: more than 400 different species have been counted to date. It is also a sanctuary for a rich variety of game species, from elephant to otter, and is of course home to the Big Five. After your arrival at the reception in Kenton-on-Sea, you will take a boat up the Kariega River to your accommodation at 12 noon. This approximately 9 km long trip is a unique experience in itself.

Forest Camp is located right on the banks of the Kariega River. Electricity is generated exclusively by solar panels, so energy-intensive appliances cannot be used—a true “Out of Africa” experience. The eight freestanding tent suites are connected by wooden walkways through the forest and feature a shower/toilet with a separate bathtub, a fireplace, and an outdoor deck. The camp features a lounge area and a boma, where dinner is served around the campfire when the weather permits.

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Alternatively, guided bush walks or activities on the Kariega River are available. Local drinks and conservation fees are already included in the price.

SIBUYA GAME RESERVE FOREST CAMP (TENTED SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 210 KM):

GREATER ADDO

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM 100 € PER PERSON

The malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve is probably one of the most unique safari destinations in South Africa. The Kariega River, which runs through the middle of the reserve, is particularly attractive. In combination with the nearby ocean, this naturally attracts an incredible variety of bird species: more than 400 different species have been counted to date. It is also a sanctuary for a rich variety of game species, from elephant to otter, and is of course home to the Big Five. After your arrival at the reception in Kenton-on-Sea, you will take a boat up the Kariega River to your accommodation at 12 noon. This approximately 9 km long trip is a unique experience in itself.

The Bush Lodge is the most luxurious lodge in the reserve and offers a great view of the pristine forests in the valley below. There are only four suites, which are housed in two detached chalets and all have en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a fireplace and an outdoor deck with seating. The lodge offers a viewing deck, a boma (traditional campfire dining area), a solar-heated pool and a lounge area with bar.

You will take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Alternatively, guided bush walks or activities on the Kariega River are available, some at an additional cost. Local drinks and conservation fees are already included in the price.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

SIBUYA GAME RESERVE BUSH LODGE (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

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: Gasoline, toll, deposit.

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.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs around EUR 1. Allow around EUR 168 for fuel for this trip. Some roads are subject to tolls. Allow around EUR 4 for tolls for 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.