Garden Route & Wild Coast

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Discover the lesser-known sides of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. Segdefield remains an insider’s tip along the Garden Route, featuring unique beaches, endless lake landscapes, and dense forests in the background. The Crags marks the western entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park, home to the idyllic Natures Valley and many other attractions. St. Francis Bay is a picturesque seaside resort with many houses built in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Of course, you can also go on a Big Five safari at Addo Elephant Park. The crowning finale is the small town of Chintsa, considered the gateway to the pristine Wild Coast.

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. This trip can be started all year round, we recommend the months of September to May. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not absolutely necessary for this trip, but a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is advisable.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Sedgefield
• 2x The Crags
• 2x Tsitsikamma
• 1x St. Francis Bay
• 2x Addo
• 2x Greater Addo
• 2x Chintsa

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 13x breakfast, 4x lunch, 8x dinner
• Rental car class R (Toyota Corolla Cross SUV Automatic or similar)
• Four game drives in a private Big Five concession at Addo Elephant Park
• four game drives in the private Big Five Kariega Game Reserve
• 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
• 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. 40 KM):

SEDGEFIELD

On arrival at George Airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. Sedgefield is the great unknown on the Garden Route for tourists from overseas. South Africans tend to vacation here. The large Wild Oats Farmers Market takes place on Saturday mornings, where many local products from the surrounding farms and galleries are sold. The beaches are unique and invite you to relax. The hinterland is characterized by large lake landscapes and dense forests, ideal for beautiful hikes.

The luxurious accommodation Fynbos On Sea is located high up on the dunes in a 600-hectare reserve with typical fynbos vegetation. The view of the sea, the lagoons and the mountains in the hinterland is breathtaking. Wild animals such as zebras and antelopes are not rare guests. The accommodation offers nine suites with bath/WC, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe and private veranda. The Classic Suites offer a view of the mountains, the Luxury Suites and Superior Suites offer a view of the sea. The Two Bedroom Superior Suite has a second smaller bedroom with its own bathroom/WC. The accommodation has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, a pool and free Wi-Fi.

SIMBAVATI FYNBOS ON SEA (SUPERIOR SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 90 KM):

THE CRAGS

The Tsitsikamma National Park is the largest contiguous forest area in South Africa and 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 Bloukrans Bridge, which offers the highest bungee jump in the world, is also very close by. The western part, the Natures Valley, also offers the best swimming and hiking opportunities. Whales and dolphins are not rare guests.

You will stay at the upmarket Lily Pond Country Lodge near Natures Valley on a private 12ha nature reserve. All the attractions of the Tsitsikamma National Park and Plettenberg Bay are within a day's drive. The lodge offers an outdoor deck with sun loungers, a pool, a restaurant, a spa (for a fee) and a hiking trail on the grounds. The ten rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a Nespresso machine, a safe, a TV, a veranda and free WLAN. The Garden Rooms are around 40 square meters in size. The Luxury Suites are about 50 square meters and have sun loungers on the veranda. The Garden Suites are about 60 square meters in size and offer a private courtyard with an outdoor shower. The Honeymoon Suite is 60 square meters and has a private courtyard with an outdoor shower and a Jacuzzi bathtub in the bathroom.

LILY POND COUNTRY LODGE (HONEYMOON SUPERIOR SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 60 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 at The Fernery Lodge in a private nature reserve just east of the Storms River. From the lodge you have a breathtaking view over the Indian Ocean, the gorge of the Sanddrift River and the dense forests. There are seven lodge rooms in the main building and 13 detached chalets set slightly apart, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, a TV, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. The Premier Suite has a fireplace and a deck with sea views. The Premier Rooms have a deck overlooking the gorge or the sea. The Lodge Rooms have a veranda with access to the garden. The Chalets have a veranda with barbecue facilities and a lounge area with kitchenette and fireplace. In addition to the double bed, the Family Chalets have two single beds for children under the age of 16. The twin units have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC and private plunge pool on the veranda. The accommodation offers a lounge area, a bar, a restaurant, a pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and free Wi-Fi. Various hiking trails start right outside the door. Mountain bikes can be rented for a fee.

THE FERNERY LODGE & SPA (PREMIUM SUITE OCEAN VIEW)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: TSITSIKAMMA

STORMS RIVER FULL DAY GUIDED HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 140 € PER PERSON

This easy and relaxed hike takes you through the forests and unique fynbos vegetation of the Tsitsikamma National Park to the Suspension Bridge, a suspension bridge over the spectacular Storms River estuary. From here you have the option to cross the bridge and reach the viewing platform on the opposite side, from where you can enjoy spectacular views over this incredible coastline.

The tour language is English. The hike is carried out with other people. The approximately 15 km long route is considered easy, an appropriate level of fitness and appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are required. Drinking water and a light lunch will be 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 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 110 KM):

ST. FRANCIS BAY

St. Francis Bay is a fantastically beautiful and sun-kissed vacation resort in the Eastern Cape, just under an hour's drive from the Tsitsikamma in the west and Port Elizabeth in the east. The thatched roofs throughout and the architecture of the harbor district, which is reminiscent of the Mediterranean, make you forget for a moment which country you are in. The white sandy beach is ideal for swimming and water sports. The Cape St. Francis Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to hike through the fynbos vegetation. The Seal Point lighthouse at the southern tip of the small peninsula is striking.

The luxurious The Sands Beach House is located directly on the beach and offers a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. All the amenities of the small village are within walking distance. The five upscale suites all have a shower/WC with separate whirlpool bath, air conditioning, telephone, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe and a terrace with uninterrupted sea views. The Upper Level Luxury Room is also the hotel's honeymoon suite with its own Jacuzzi on the terrace. The boutique guesthouse offers two pools, a panoramic terrace, a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and in-room spa treatments for a fee.

THE SANDS (UPPER LEVEL LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 250 KM):

ADDO

Your destination is a private concession area that borders directly on the north-western Darling Section of the state-owned Addo Elephant Park. Like the Addo, the approximately 14,000-hectare concession area is also malaria-free and is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals, including giraffes, which are not found in the Addo. Only overnight guests have access to this area, which guarantees undisturbed and very personal animal sightings.

You will stay at the luxurious Kuzuko Lodge, which is the only lodge in the entire concession area. The lodge is situated on a hilltop with spectacular views of the reserve. The 24 detached chalets feature a bathroom with toilet, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a TV, a veranda with a view, and free Wi-Fi. The lodge features an observation deck, a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness room, a spa area (for a fee), a birdwatching shelter, and a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire). The drive to the lodge follows a 40-kilometer gravel road; a mid-size SUV is recommended.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives 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.

KUZUKO LODGE (LUXURY CHALET)

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

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 250 KM):

ADDO

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,305 PER PERSON

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. Nowhere else in the world are there more elephants per square kilometer than here in Addo. With a bit of luck, you may also spot the other representatives of the Big Five, although the big cats are only found in relatively small numbers. A classic is the Addo Dung Beetle, a dung beetle species that can only be found here.

You will spend the night at the first-class Gorah Elephant Camp in a private concession in the heart of Addo National Park. There is a natural waterhole right next to the lodge, which is regularly visited by elephants. The colonial Gorah Farmhouse serves as the main building of the lodge and takes you back to those bygone days. The eleven luxurious safari tents are all equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, underfloor heating, minibar, safe and veranda. The lodge also offers its guests a pool, a lounge and veranda, a viewing deck, a boma and a library.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives 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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

GORAH ELEPHANT CAMP (LUXURY TENTED SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 110 KM):

GREATER ADDO

The private Kariega Game Reserve is located about an hour's drive east of Port Elizabeth in the beautiful Eastern Cape bush landscape between Bushmans River and Kariega River. The malaria-free reserve covers almost 12,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five - elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos and leopards - as well as many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state national parks, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. These are therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique animal sightings. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

Ukhozi Lodge embodies the true romance and intimacy of Africa. With its hidden location in the bush, it offers its guests a lot of privacy and a unique panoramic view of a valley. The ten luxurious detached chalet suites have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, minibar, safe, telephone and a veranda with a view and private plunge pool. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a viewing deck, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and a pool with sun deck.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives 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.

KARIEGA GAME RESERVE UKHOZI LODGE (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 110 KM):

GREATER ADDO

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,600 PER PERSON

The 25,000-hectare Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari experience in the malaria-free bushveld of the Eastern Cape. Unlike the state-run Addo Elephant Park, only overnight guests have access to the private game reserves. They are therefore much more suitable for short stays and unique wildlife viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. Shamwari is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, as well as many other African wildlife species.

Bayethe Tented Lodge, built in the modern Out-Of-Africa style, is situated in the north-east of the Shamwari Game Reserve, far away from all other lodges. From a hill you have a unique view of the Eastern Cape bush landscape. The twelve freestanding semi-fixed tent suites have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a lounge area and a viewing deck with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole, a souvenir store and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives 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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE BAYETHE TENTED LODGE (TENTED SUITE)

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

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 270 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.

Prana Lodge is the jewel in Chintsa's crown and the most luxurious accommodation on the Wild Coast. The exclusive lodge with its own spa area is situated on a private forest property with its own beach access. All eight suites offer a great deal of privacy and have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a safe, a fireplace and a private forest garden with veranda and private plunge pool (Forest Suite does not have its own plunge pool). The suites are about 90sqm in size. The Diamond Suite is approximately 120 square meters in size and also offers a view of the sea. The Beach House is ideal for a private group and has four bedrooms, a private pool and direct sea views. The lodge offers a lounge, a restaurant, a bar, a spa area (for a fee), a large garden, a terrace, a pool and free Wi-Fi.

PRANA LODGE (DIAMOND SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 14 (APPROX. 60 KM): EAST LONDON

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 to East London Airport or the agreed station at least two hours before departure.

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.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

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. Plan on spending about 119 EUR on fuel for this trip. Some roads require tolls. Plan on spending about 2 EUR on 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.