Garden Route & Kruger Park

ABOUT THIS TRIP

This is the ideal trip for those who don't have a lot of time at their disposal but still want to discover the main highlights of South Africa in a relaxed way. You can start either from Cape Town to Johannesburg or vice versa. The long distance between the north and south of the country can be bridged by domestic flight. The number of overnight stops is limited, so you can spend several nights in one place. You will experience breathtaking landscapes on the Panorama Route, the Big Five and all other African wildlife in Kruger Park, endless beaches and pristine forests on the Garden Route and in Tsitsikamma National Park, the endless expanse of the Little Karoo semi-desert, culinary delights in the wine regions and Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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. This tour can be started all year round, but we recommend focusing on the north from May to August. You should allow at least two weeks for this route. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this route, but a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is sometimes helpful in the north.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Hazyview
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 1x Johannesburg
• 1x Tsitsikamma
• 2x Knysna
• 1x Oudtshoorn
• 1x Hermanus
• 1x Stellenbosch
• 3x Cape Town

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 14x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 14x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner
• Regional flights according to program
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in the private Big Five Balule Game Reserve near Kruger Park
• 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 3 (APPROX. 380 KM):

HAZYVIEW

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station. Hazyview is ideally situated between the scenically unique Panorama Route and the world-famous Kruger Park. From here you can take day trips to the Blyde River Canyon, the Bourkes Luck Potholes and various waterfalls as well as to the Big Five and all other African wildlife. It is also possible to discover the highlights of the Panorama Route or the Kruger Park on the way to or from the private game reserves.

You will stay at the comfortable Böhms Zeederberg Country House, which is nestled in beautiful natural surroundings in the picturesque Sabie Valley near the small town of Hazyview. The ten detached chalets are spread over spacious subtropical grounds with unique views over the valley. The chalets have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar and a veranda. The Family Suites also have a sofa bed. The guest house offers a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a fireplace lounge, a garden area, a wine cellar and free WLAN in the main building.

BÖHMS ZEEDERBERG COUNTRY HOUSE (GARDEN CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 170 KM):

HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is the almost 50,000-hectare private Balule Game Reserve in Kruger Park. In contrast to the state-run national parks, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. The small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. A private reserve is preferable for a short stay, as it is much easier to observe animals under expert guidance. Balule has had no fences to the national Kruger Park for many years, so the animals, including the Big Five, can move around freely.

The authentic and unfenced Baluleni Safari Lodge is situated in the unique nature of the Balule Game Reserve overlooking the Olifants River. You can make your first game sightings directly from the viewing deck. All eight detached accommodation units have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning (except Luxury Safari Tent), mosquito nets, a veranda and free WLAN. The spacious Luxury Bushveld Chalet also has a free-standing bathtub in the bathroom as well as a hot tub and an outdoor shower on the veranda. The Luxury Safari Tent has four single beds. The four Riverside Suites overlook the Olifants River. The two Garden Cottages overlook the surrounding nature. The lodge offers a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and a bush spa (for a fee).

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other persons), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. The entrance fees to the Balule Game Reserve must be paid on site.

BALULENI SAFARI LODGE (RIVERSIDE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 510 KM):

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg or "Joburg", as the City of Gold is usually simply called, is the largest metropolis in South Africa and the entire African continent. With a population of around 4 million, the city on the Witwatersrand is the pre-eminent economic center and the economic engine of the Republic of South Africa. The metropolis offers a wide range of cultural activities that combine African and European components.

This comfortable guesthouse is located in the Kempton Park neighborhood, just a five-minute drive from the international airport, in a safe residential area. The 27 rooms feature a bathroom with a toilet, a fan, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a terrace or balcony with seating, and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms feature either two double beds or one double bed and two single beds. The Two-Bedroom Unit has two separate bedrooms. The guesthouse offers a restaurant, a bar, a garden with a pool, a fitness room, and a gift shop. A complimentary airport shuttle is available for guests without a car.

SUNROCK GUESTHOUSE (DOUBLE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: JOHANNESBURG

ONEWAY FLIGHT TO PORT ELIZABETH

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 6 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 170 KM):

TSITSIKAMMA

You will receive your new rental car on arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport or at the agreed station. 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 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)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 90 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 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 (STANDARD SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8: KNYSNA

CULTURE AND NATURE EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 125 € PER PERSON

You will take part in the following two activities during your stay in Knysna:

You take part in a guided hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve, which is considered the most spectacular coastal hiking area on the entire Garden Route. You will always have great views of the sea and, with a bit of luck, you may spot seals, dolphins, sharks or even whales (seasonal). You will embark on a moderate circular walk lasting around two and a half hours and have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic surroundings time and again (privately guided, pick-up from your accommodation, sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing and sun protection).

Together with a qualified guide and a local resident, you will take a guided tour into the township of Knysna. Here you will learn a lot about the history of the black and colored inhabitants of South Africa, from the times of apartheid to the present day. The tour itinerary varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. For example, the program may include short visits to small stores, a school, a kindergarten, a shebeen (local pub) or the library. You will get to know the people and their culture and will certainly leave one or two preconceptions behind you (with other people, pick-up at your accommodation).

Both activities are in English. Conservation fees for the hike are included in the price, meals and other personal expenses are not included.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 9 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 130 KM):

OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn is the jewel of the Little Karoo semi-desert and the largest town along Route 62. A stop at one of the local ostrich farms is a must, where you will learn a lot about the largest and flightless birds in the world. 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 observation activities. The cute meerkats can be spotted early in the morning on several farms. Some interesting wineries, such as the Karusa Estate, offer wine tastings.

Located at the foot of the mighty Swartberg Mountains in the beautiful Schoemanshoek Valley, halfway between Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves, Berluda Farmhouse is part of a working ostrich farm. On site, you can take part in a private farm tour or an early morning tour to see the meerkats for an extra charge. For overnight guests, there are two pools, a garden, a guest lounge, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. The 28 rooms and cottages all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar, a TV and a veranda. The Luxury Farmhouse Rooms are located in the main building. The Luxury Mountain Manor Rooms are located about 300 meters away in separate parts of the building. The Family Cottages and Luxury Cottages are detached units, each with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, a lounge area and a barbecue on the veranda. The Luxury Honeymoon Suites are also located in detached units and offer a luxurious bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a whirlpool bath.

BERLUDA FARMHOUSE (LUXURY FARMHOUSE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9: OUDTSHOORN

STARGAZING WITH PICK-UP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

Clear nights in the dry Klein Karoo semi-desert provide an impressive starry sky with little light pollution, and professional stargazers with the appropriate equipment offer evening observation activities. Learn interesting facts from a local expert about the southern hemisphere's starry skies on a cloudless night.

This activity is in English and can be done with other people. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. Please pay attention to the pick-up time stated in your tour book.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: OUDTSHOORN

OSTRICH & MEERKAT TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

You go in search of the meerkats of the Little Karoo. Together with an experienced tour guide, you make your way to the meerkats' dens at sunrise and observe the cute predators as they start the day. The excursion starts early in the morning before breakfast and lasts around two to three hours. The tour is conducted in English and additional people can join in.

After breakfast, you will take part in a guided tour of the ostriches on Berluda Farm. Here you will learn a lot about the largest flightless birds in the world and about farm life in the Klein Karoo in general. The tour takes about one to two hours. The tour language is English, additional people can take part.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 380 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.

The family-run Penguino Guesthouse is located in the popular coastal town of Hermanus, within walking distance of the famous Cliff Path and the town center, which is home to many restaurants, cafés, and shops. The eight rooms are spacious and stylishly furnished, featuring a bathroom with a shower and toilet, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee maker, and a minibar. The Emperor Penguin Room features a private balcony on the first floor. The Galapagos Penguin Room features a terrace with access to the pool. The guesthouse also offers a terrace, a pool, and free Wi-Fi.

PENGUINO GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11: 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 12 (APPROX. 90 KM):

POSITION BOSCH

Stellenbosch is the heart of South African wine production. Countless wine estates are lined up next to each other, and you can get to know South Africa's fine wines at one or two wine tastings. The scenically impressive mountain ranges offer unique hiking opportunities. The second oldest city in the country has a beautiful historic city center with many listed buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Cafés, restaurants and boutiques invite you to stroll and linger. Thanks to the local university, Stellenbosch is a very lively and young city, despite its historical background.

You will stay in the Villa Grande Guest House, an elegant and lovingly renovated villa from the 1920s, which is centrally but quietly situated in a cul-de-sac in Stellenbosch. Restaurants, cafes, boutiques, the botanical gardens and the historic town center are all within walking distance. Countless wine estates can be reached in less than 15 minutes by car. The 12 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a TV, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, hairdryer and free WiFi. The Deluxe Rooms are more spacious than the Standard Rooms. The Honeymoon Room also has a Jacuzzi bathtub. The guest house offers a bar and a lounge.

VILLA GRANDE (DELUXE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12: STELLENBOSCH

CLASSIC CAPE CUISINE WALK

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 125 € PER PERSON

You’ll start your day at the Stellenbosch Tourist Information Office (on your own) for an extraordinary culinary walking tour of the city. You’ll explore the historic old town with its many houses built in the Cape Dutch architectural style. You’ll also visit the oldest house in the city, which now houses a museum.

Along the way, you will stop again and again to discover the culinary highlights of the Cape Winelands as well as the visual beauty of Stellenbosch. You will taste local tea and the traditional rusks, a type of sweet rusk. You will also take part in a wine tasting in a local wine bar (non-alcoholic alternatives are available). Of course, South African classics such as biltong and droewors (smoked meat and dry sausage) are not to be missed.

For lunch, there is a traditional lunch platter with all kinds of South African specialties, followed by a typical Cape dessert trilogy. The tour concludes with a visit to Stellenbosch's oldest store, the Oom Samie se Winkel general store, which still looks much as it did a hundred years ago. At around 2 pm, you will return to the Tourist Info, where the tour ends.

The tour language is English. A maximum of eight people take part in this tour. The tour covers a distance of around 2 km on foot. All tastings and lunch are included in the price.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 12 TO DAY 15 (APPROX. 50 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.

This comfortable Victorian villa is located in the quiet suburb of Oranjezicht below Table Mountain with a great view of the city and the harbor. The city center and the Table Mountain cable car station are just a few minutes' drive away. The beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton as well as the V&A Waterfront can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. There are several small cafés and restaurants within walking distance. The 13 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, air conditioning, a TV, a safe and a tea/coffee maker. The guest house has a large pool with sun deck, a breakfast room, a lounge with bar and free Wi-Fi.

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

FLOREAL HOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 14: CAPE TOWN

SUNSET HIKE LIONS HEAD

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 100 € PER PERSON

You will take part in an approximately three-hour guided sunset hike up the famous Lions Head. During the ascent, you will be treated to spectacular views of the city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic suburbs. Once at the top, enjoy the 360° view over Cape Town with snacks and a glass of sparkling wine, including a spectacular sunset.

This hike is in English and is carried out with other people. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. The price includes snacks, drinking water and a glass of sparkling wine. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, sun protection and torches/headlamps for the descent in the dark. This hike is considered moderate to challenging. The hike may be canceled due to weather conditions, in which case we will refund the price on your return.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

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.

The regions around the Kruger Park, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eastern Eswatini are malaria endangered areas.

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. You should budget about 213 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. You should budget about 29 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.