Krüger Park and the Garden Route

CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN TOUR OF KRÜGER PARK & THE GARDEN ROUTE

Experience South Africa’s top highlights on this combined Kruger Park and Garden Route tour. First, go on safari in the famous Kruger Park and in a private Big Five game reserve. Along the Garden Route, dense forests, beautiful lakes and lagoons, and endless beaches await you. In the dry, semi-arid landscape of the Little Karoo, you’ll visit an ostrich farm and the Cango Caves. Of course, Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, and the wine regions are also must-sees.

You don't want to drive yourself, but a small group tour doesn't have the right start date for you and a privately guided tour is too expensive? Then our English-speaking chauffeur-driven tours are just the right alternative. Your private chauffeur will take you from place to place, where you will then take part in privately guided day activities and excursions (with the exception of game viewing activities with other people). However, you do not have the all-round support of a continuous tour guide. All chauffeur-driven tours can start daily and can be adapted to your wishes at any point beforehand. The more people take part in your own chauffeur-driven tour, the lower the price per person.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 3x Hoedspruit
• 4x Knysna
• 4x Cape Town

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 11x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners
• Regional flights according to program
• private transfers according to program
• Day game drive Kruger Park
• Afternoon Game Drive at Thornybush Private Game Reserve
• Bush Walk Guernsey Nature Reserve
• Day tour Knysna and surroundings
• Day tour Oudtshoorn Highlights
• Half day tour Cape Town City
• Day tour Cape Peninsula
• Day tour wine regions
• 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
• Continuous tour guide

ITINERARY FOR THE KRÜGER PARK & GARDEN ROUTE TRIP

DAY 1: ONE-WAY FLIGHT TO HOEDSPRUIT

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.

DAY 1: RETURN TRANSFER FROM HOEDSPRUIT AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

You will be picked up at Hoedspruit Airport upon arrival and taken back to Hoedspruit Airport on the day of your connecting flight.

DAY 1 THROUGH DAY 4: HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is a private nature reserve in Kruger National Park. Unlike the state-run Kruger National Park, only overnight guests are allowed access to the private reserves. The small lodges offer a very intimate atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. For a short stay, a private reserve is the better choice, as wildlife viewing is much easier there under expert guidance.

The cozy Thornhill Safari Lodge is nestled among shady marula and jackalberry trees in the Guernsey Private Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to various species of antelope, zebras, giraffes, and more. So you can start spotting wildlife right from your lodge. All eleven rooms feature a bathroom with a toilet, mosquito nets over the bed, air conditioning, a fan, tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, and a veranda. The Standard Triple Room has one double bed and one single bed. The Family Suite has one double bed and two single beds. The Honeymoon Suites are slightly larger and feature higher-quality furnishings. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a garden, a sun deck, a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire), and free Wi-Fi. Entrance fees to the Guernsey Reserve are to be paid on site upon arrival.

During your stay, you will participate in the following three English-language activities with other guests: a game drive in an open-air SUV in a neighboring Big Five game reserve (in the afternoon on the day of arrival), a full-day game drive in an open-air SUV in Kruger National Park (Day 2), and a bush walk in the Guernsey Reserve (morning of the day of departure). On the third day, you can optionally book an excursion to the Blyde River Canyon or additional wildlife viewing activities on site.

THORNHILL SAFARI LODGE THREE-NIGHT PACKAGE (STANDARD ROOM)
3 NIGHTS' ACCOMMODATION WITH HALF BOARD AND 3 ACTIVITIES

DAY 4: ONE-WAY FLIGHT TO GEORGE VIA JOHANNESBURG

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.

DAY 4: ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO KNYSNA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 4 THROUGH DAY 8: KNYSNA

You continue to the small town of Knysna with its famous lagoon, which is only connected to the Indian Ocean by a small strait. A boat trip on the lagoon is a real highlight. Knysna is the center of the Garden Route and offers many opportunities for daytime activities. The dense forests in the hinterland or the beautiful coastal sections are ideal for hiking, the nearby beaches for swimming and relaxing. 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.

The Knysna Log-Inn consists of two buildings facing each other, constructed in a rustic wooden style, and is centrally located on Gray Street. Several shopping centers, the Waterfront on the lagoon, and countless cafés and restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away. The rooms feature a bathroom with a toilet, air conditioning, a safe, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The 50 Standard Rooms are located in the Graywood wing. The 50 Luxury and Deluxe Rooms are located in the Log-Inn wing. The hotel offers two pools, a bar, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.

KNYSNA LOG INN (GRAYWOOD ROOM)
4 NIGHTS' STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5: KNYSNA & NATURE PRIVATE DAY TOUR

You will be picked up at your accommodation in Knysna at 9 am. You will first visit the famous Garden Of Eden, an easily accessible section of rainforest where you will learn a lot about the indigenous flora, from oversized Yellowwood trees to small ferns. The drive then takes you to the western part of the Tsitsikamma National Park in the beautiful Natures Valley, where you take a walk along the beach in a paradisiacal setting. There is also a beautiful viewpoint, although this involves a few meters of elevation gain.

Continue along the unique coastline of the Keurbooms River Lagoon to the picturesque vacation resort of Plettenberg Bay. After a short stroll through the town or along the beach, head to a cozy restaurant overlooking the ocean for lunch (lunch optional). The drive then takes you back to Knysna, where you first drive along the impressive lagoon to the Eastern Head. From here you have a unique view over the lagoon, the town and the open sea. The last stop is the lively waterfront of Knysna, where you have the opportunity to take a leisurely boat trip on the lagoon (boat trip optional and subject to availability). You will be dropped off back at your accommodation at around 5 pm.

The tour language is English, no other people take part. The entrance fees (conservation fees) are already included in the tour price. Lunch and the boat trip are not included in the tour price.

DAY 6: OUDTSHOORN PRIVATE DAY TOUR

You will be picked up at your accommodation in Knysna at 8:30 am. Your journey first takes you along the beautiful coastline of Sedgefield and Wilderness with their beautiful lake landscapes and dense forests in the hinterland. Now you leave the green coast and drive over the imposing Outeniqua Mountains into the dry semi-desert of the Klein Karoo. A stop at a local ostrich farm is now on the program. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of South Africa. Here you will learn a lot about the rearing of the largest flightless birds in the world. Continue to Karusa Wine Estate, where you can taste up to five of the locally produced wines. For those less interested in wine, the estate also has its own brewery with interesting craft beers (all tastings optional). Afterwards, you have the opportunity to have lunch at the winery (lunch optional). The winery is closed on Sundays and public holidays, when an alternative program takes place.

Your next stop is the Cango Caves, a unique stalactite cave landscape located just outside Oudtshoorn in the idyllic Schoemanshoek Valley. Here you embark on a fairly easy guided tour through huge caves and narrow passages (no climbing or crawling). You leave the dry semi-desert and drive back to the coast to Wilderness, where you make a short photo stop at the beautiful beach. You will be dropped off back at your accommodation in Knysna at around 17:30.

The tour language is English, no other people take part. The entrance fees for the Cango Caves and the ostrich farm are included in the tour price. The wine or beer tasting and lunch are not included in the tour price.

DAY 7: FEATHERBED ECO EXPERIENCE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 110 € PER PERSON

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

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

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

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7: ROBBERG COASTAL PRIVATE HALF-DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 95 € PER PERSON

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

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

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

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 8: ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO GEORGE AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 8: ONE-WAY FLIGHT TO CAPE TOWN

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.

DAY 8: ONE-WAY TRANSFER FROM CPT AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 8 THROUGH DAY 12: 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.

You will stay at Head South Lodge, a small owner-managed boutique hotel in Green Point, just a few minutes' walk from the beach promenade, Green Point Park and various restaurants. The V&A Waterfront can be reached in about five minutes by car. The 22 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a TV, air conditioning, a safe and free WLAN. The Deluxe Rooms are more spacious than the Luxury Rooms. The hotel offers a plunge pool, a veranda, a breakfast room, a lounge and an honesty bar.

HEAD SOUTH LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)
4 NIGHTS' STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9: HALF-DAY CITY TOUR

Cape Town, the "Mother City" and oldest city in South Africa, is rightly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The highlights of the city are waiting to be explored by you. You will be picked up at your accommodation and visit the city's landmark, the famous Table Mountain (weather permitting). Please note that the cable car ticket is exclusive here, as Table Mountain may be closed due to weather conditions. After these breathtaking impressions, you will head to the city center. Here you will see the colorful Bo-Kaap district, the Castle of Good Hope, the Companys Garden and other historic buildings.

The tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours, is conducted in English, and includes other participants. For both the morning and afternoon tours, you will be picked up at your accommodation and dropped off there again. You will be informed of the exact pick-up time one day in advance by your accommodation. Drinks, meals, and the cable car ticket for Table Mountain are optional. The individual highlights can be visited in a different order.

DAY 10: FULL-DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR

You will be picked up at your accommodation and set off on a day trip to the beautiful Cape Peninsula. First stop in Muizenberg and marvel at the colorful bath houses, which are a popular photo motif. Continue along False Bay via Kalk Bay to Simon's Town, where you will visit the famous penguin colony on Boulders Beach (admission optional). Continue to the Cape of Good Hope National Park with the Cape of Good Hope and its typical Cape flora and fauna (admission included). Via Chapmans Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, you continue to Hout Bay with its small fishing harbor, where you can take a boat trip to the seal banks of Duiker Island (subject to time and optional). You return to Cape Town in the late afternoon and are dropped off at your accommodation.

The tour is conducted in English and includes other participants. You will be picked up at your accommodation in the morning and dropped off there again in the late afternoon. You will be informed of the exact pick-up time one day in advance at your accommodation. Drinks, meals, admission to the penguin colony, and the seal boat trip are optional. The individual highlights can be visited in a different order. Chapman's Peak Drive may be closed due to weather conditions, in which case an alternative route will be taken.

DAY 11: FULL-DAY WINELANDS TOUR

You will be picked up at your accommodation and set off on a day trip to the beautiful Cape Winelands. First you will reach Stellenbosch and take a stroll through the historic old town with its many listed buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. You will then enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wine estates and visit the wine cellar. Continue to Paarl, where you will also enjoy a wine tasting and visit Nelson Mandela's former prison accommodation. The last stop is Franschhoek, where you visit the Huguenot Memorial and enjoy another wine tasting at a local winery. You return to Cape Town via the spectacular Helshoogte Pass, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon.

The tour is in English and is conducted with other people (some departures are conducted in two languages (German/English)). You will be picked up at your accommodation at around 8:30 am and dropped off there again at around 5:00 pm. Drinks and meals are optional. The individual highlights can be visited in an alternative order.

DAY 12: ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO CPT AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

NOTES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class start at 900 EUR; during peak season, prices can be well over 1,000 EUR. Flights in Premium Economy Class start at 1,500 EUR, and flights in Business Class start at 3,000 EUR (per person for a round-trip ticket). All prices are averages and vary by airline and season. Actual prices at any given time depend on booking volume and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially during the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 11 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 13 EUR (steak, fish) to 27 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.90 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary slightly depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Admission to national parks costs between 5 EUR and 30 EUR per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Admission to museums and other attractions costs between 3 EUR and 20 EUR per person. Children under 12 usually pay half price.