Garden Route Family Tour

ABOUT THIS TRIP

South Africa is an ideal long-haul destination for families with children. There is no or only a minimal time difference from Europe. The flights are usually night flights with arrival in the morning. Cape Town and the Garden Route are malaria-free and have a consistently European standard in terms of infrastructure, accommodation and food. Whether sightseeing, on the beach or on safari: experience an unforgettable trip with your family in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We have selected comfortable and child-friendly accommodation for this tour and included family-friendly activities. Additional activities can be booked as an option.

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 just under two weeks for this trip. We recommend starting this trip from August to April. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this trip.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 4x Cape Town
• 2x Hermanus
• 2x Oudtshoorn
• 3x Knysna
• 2x Addo

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 13x breakfast, 2x dinner
• Rental car class E (Hyundai Staria Minivan Automatic or similar)
• Tickets Table Mountain cable car, aquarium and Ferris wheel
• guided tours Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm and Cango Caves
• two activities in Knysna of your choice
• Game drive Addo Elephant Park
• 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 5 (APPROX. 20 KM):

CAPE TOWN

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station. 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)

4X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: 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 3: STELLENBOSCH

HALF DAY FAMILY CYCLE TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 75 € 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 4: CAPE TOWN

YZERFONTEIN BEACH & SAFARI RIDE (2H)

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 75 € 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 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 120 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)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: HERMANUS

BOAT-BASED WHALE WATCHING

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 105 € 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 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 370 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 8: 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. Both tours are in English and are conducted with additional persons. You will be responsible for your own transportation.

DAY 8: OUDTSHOORN

SWARTBERG TOUR & LUNCH

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 105 € 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 12 (APPROX. 130 KM):

KNYSNA

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 at Parkes Manor, a stately home in a 12,000 square meter park-like garden overlooking the lagoon. You can reach the waterfront or the city center in about 15 minutes on foot or a few minutes by car. The nine individual suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe. The Cozy Suite on the first floor has a private courtyard without a view. The Standard Suites on the first floor have a rear balcony. The Lagoon View Suites on the first floor have a balcony with a view over the garden and the lagoon. The spacious Grand Suite on the first floor 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 putting green and secure parking on the premises.

The price includes a three-course dinner on the day of arrival (excluding drinks) and two of the following activities of your choice: guided forest or coastal walk, guided Knysna tour, guided township tour, lagoon boat trip, visit to three wildlife refuges and more (subject to availability, English-speaking).

PARKES MANOR THREE NIGHTS PACKAGE (FAMILY SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 300 KM):

ADDO

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 comfortable Addo Wildlife Lodge in the small town of Addo, just a few kilometers from the famous Addo Elephant Park. The grounds are home to springbok and other small game. There is a pool, a playground for children, a fire pit, a wildlife center with birds and reptiles, a farm store, a restaurant and a bar. The 17 rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a minibar and a veranda with seating. The Standard Rooms are detached rondavels furnished in African style. The Superior Chalets, which are also detached, are more spacious and furnished in a modern style. The Superior Family Chalets have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC and a lounge with kitchenette.

The price includes an approximately four-hour game drive in an open off-road vehicle in Addo Elephant Park. The activity is conducted in English and can be done with additional people. Conservation fees for Addo Elephant Park are already included.

ADDO WILDLIFE LODGE TWO NIGHTS PACKAGE (SUPERIOR FAMILY CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD AND 1 ACTIVITY

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 300 KM):

GREATER ADDO

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 455 € PER PERSON

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.

Kariega Main Lodge is beautifully situated on a hillside and offers unique views of the plains. The lodge has a bar, a restaurant, a pool and a boma (traditional campfire dining area). WLAN is available free of charge. The 24 detached chalets have one to three separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a lounge area with a fireplace and a balcony.

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.

KARIEGA GAME RESERVE MAIN LODGE (CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 14 (APPROX. 100 KM): PORT ELIZABETH

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 Port Elizabeth Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking. 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 1490 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 around EUR 5 (small salad, soup) to EUR 8 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 9 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 12 (steak, fish) to EUR 21 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 1.60 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Allow around EUR 150 for fuel for this trip. Some roads are subject to tolls. Allow about 4 EUR 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.