Colorful Northern Cape

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Discover the Northern Cape and the West Coast—a lesser-known region of South Africa that nonetheless has plenty of highlights to offer: Wine-growing in lush Upington, impressive landscapes and wildlife in the red-and-gold Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the spectacular Augrabies Falls, endless expanses along the mighty Orange River and in Namaqualand, bizarre rock formations in the Cederberg Mountains, and beautiful turquoise coastal stretches along the West Coast and the Cape. In August and September, during Flower Season, entire regions burst into bloom in the most vibrant colors.

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 at least two weeks for this trip. We recommend starting this trip in the months of April to October. Early booking is particularly recommended during the flower season from August to September. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not absolutely necessary for this trip, but a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is a prerequisite. Due to its proximity to Botswana, this tour has a slight risk of malaria.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Upington
• 3x Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• 2x Oranje River
• 1x Springbok
• 2x Clanwilliam
• 1x paternoster
• 3x Cape Town Camps Bay

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 13x breakfast, 7x lunch, 8x dinner
• Rental car class R (Toyota Corolla Cross SUV Automatic or similar)
• Six guided activities in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Four guided activities at Tutwa Desert Lodge
• four guided activities at the Cederberg Ridge Lodge
• 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 2 (APPROX. 10 KM):

UPINGTON

On arrival at Upington airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. Upington is a green oasis in the dry Kalahari semi-desert. Thanks to the mighty Orange River and an ingenious irrigation system, a Garden of Eden has been created in which wheat, fruit, vegetables and even wine can be grown. The wines now have an excellent reputation, thanks to the dry climate and mineral-rich soil. The building of an old mission station on the river now houses a local history museum.

The River Place Manor is located directly on the Oranje River. Restaurants and shopping facilities are just a few minutes' drive away. The guest house offers you a great garden terrace with a view of the lush garden and the river, where you can relax with a drink. On hot summer days, you can cool off in the pool. The restaurant offers an A La Carte dinner from Monday to Friday. The guest house's 15 modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, TV, tea/coffee maker, safe, air conditioning, minibar, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi. The Standard Rooms have a private terrace overlooking the vines. The Deluxe and Superior Rooms are more spacious and have a private terrace overlooking the garden and the river. The Superior Family Rooms have two double beds.

RIVER PLACE MANOR (SUPERIOR RIVER-FACING ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 310 KM):

KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK

In 1999, South Africa's former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park was merged with the neighboring Gemsbok National Park of Botswana. The huge game reserve was named Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. It covers an area of around 36,000 km² and provides an insight into the fascinating landscape of the Kalahari with its orange-red dune ranges and wildlife specially adapted to this dry savannah. The border between South Africa and Botswana is only marked by a few whitewashed stones. There are no fences. This allows the game to roam unhindered through both parts of the park in search of food and water.

You will spend the night at the !Xaus Lodge. From the private deck of the accommodation and the main building you have a good view of a salt pan further down. At this lodge you can enjoy the tranquillity of the red desert. Activities such as hikes, nature drives or visits to Bushmen villages are offered. The !Xaus Lodge is located in a remote part of the park in a unique landscape, where the density of animals is rather low. The lodge is owned by the local communities of Mier and Khomani San and is run jointly with Transfrontier Parks Destinations. (12 detached chalets: bathroom/WC, terrace, heating, fan. Lodge: restaurant, pool, fireplace lounge, viewing deck).

The price includes daily activities such as a night drive, a morning hike, a visit to a craft village, a sunset drive, a half-day game drive in a riverbed rich in wildlife and a further sunset or night drive of your choice. Transfers from/to Kamqua Picnic Site are also included. All activities and transfers are in English and are carried out with additional people.

!XAUS LODGE THREE NIGHTS PACKAGE (STANDARD CHALET)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 6 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 480 KM):

ORANJE RIVER

The Orange River rises in the mountains of Lesotho and flows over 2000 kilometers through South Africa and Namibia before finally flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. The banks of the Orange River are also home to abundant wildlife, including antelopes, zebras, jackals and a variety of bird species. A boat trip on the river allows visitors to experience this unique environment from a different perspective and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature. The Orange River is not only an important habitat for animals and plants, but also an important water resource for the surrounding communities.

In the heart of the barren Kalahari semi-desert, home to South Africa's indigenous Koi San people, you will find an oasis of peace and relaxation. The luxurious Tutwa Desert Lodge is situated in a 16000ha nature reserve between the mighty Oranje River and the Augrabies Falls National Park. Here you have the opportunity to discover leopards, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and unique birdlife. The nine spacious suites offer an en-suite bathroom/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a safe and a private veranda with a view. The lodge has a bar, a restaurant, a lounge, a pool and a boma (traditional campfire dining area). In addition to full board, local drinks are also included in the price.

You can take part in two guided activities per overnight stay: Nature drives in open off-road vehicles, bush walks, canoe trips, stargazing and more (English-speaking, with additional persons, activities offered depending on the season).

TUTWA DESERT LODGE (SUPERIOR ROOM)

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

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 290 KM):

SPRINGBOK

Springbok lies in the middle of a valley of rugged granite rocks. The town is the center of the diamond industry and the capital of Namaqualand. It seems to be a miracle when the gray-brown and dull landscape of the Namaqua National Park regularly transforms into a veritable sea of flowers of various plants and colors in the months of July to September. Every year after the winter rains, millions of bulbous plants and succulents sprout from the dry ground and decorate the landscape with an impressive beauty of blooming wildflowers. In the Namaqua National Park, about 50 kilometers south of Springbok, there are over 3,500 different plant species, many of which are endemic and only occur here. In addition to the picturesque splendor of the wildflowers and the occasional quiver tree, this reserve is also home to various bird species. Even some mammals such as leopards, porcupines and klipspringers are at home here.

The Naries Namakwa Retreat is beautifully situated in the Spektakelberg Mountains between Springbok and Kleinzee. This accommodation offers a good starting point for excursions to the Namaqua region and the Oranje River. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. The Manor House has five en-suite rooms with air-conditioning, minibar, veranda and a central tea/coffee station. The three detached Mountain Suites offer a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a fan and a private terrace with mountain views. The two detached Two Bedroom Cottages have two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC, a lounge area with fireplace, a kitchenette and a veranda with barbecue facilities.

During the flower season from August to September, a two-night stay in Namaqualand is a good idea.

NARIES NAMAKWA RETREAT (MOUNTAIN SUITES)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 370 KM):

CLANWILLIAM

You continue to the Ceder Mountains. In addition to countless interesting mountain formations and beautiful valleys, there are also an impressive number of rock paintings by the San, the indigenous people of South Africa. A paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. The famous rooibos tea, which only grows in a small area here, is also harvested in the Cederberg. You have the opportunity to try different types of tea during a tasting. If you wish, you can also take part in a guided tour of the plantation. In the South African spring, you can marvel at the wildflowers here.

The luxurious Cederberg Ridge Lodge is located around ten minutes' drive outside the small village of Clanwillian and overlooks the endless expanse of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve. The lodge offers plenty of peace and relaxation as well as a variety of activities (some for a fee), such as hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, boat trips, farm tours and excursions to the rock paintings, wildflowers (seasonal) and into the mountains. Amenities include two pools, a garden, a spa area (for a fee), a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. All eleven rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a terrace and free WiFi. With the exception of the Classic Courtyard Room, all rooms have a view of the mountains. The Luxury Suites and Superior Suites also offer a fireplace and a viewing deck with outdoor shower. The Superior Pool Suites also have a private plunge pool on the terrace.

You can take part in two of the following activities per overnight stay: Excursion to cave paintings, visit to a rooibos farm, guided hike, guided mountain bike tour, stargazing (English-speaking, carried out with additional persons).

SIMBAVATI CEDERBERG RIDGE LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 370 KM):

CLANWILLIAM

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €780 PER PERSON

You continue to the Ceder Mountains. In addition to countless interesting mountain formations and beautiful valleys, there are also an impressive number of rock paintings by the San, the indigenous people of South Africa. A paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. The famous rooibos tea, which only grows in a small area here, is also harvested in the Cederberg. You have the opportunity to try different types of tea during a tasting. If you wish, you can also take part in a guided tour of the plantation. In the South African spring, you can marvel at the wildflowers here.

Bushmans Kloof is a private nature reserve covering around 7,500 hectares in the wilderness of the Cederberg Mountains. Here you will find plenty of peace and quiet, but you can also discover the local wildlife and rock paintings that are up to 10,000 years old. Your exclusive hotel is a wellness and well-being oasis consisting of 18 rooms, suites and villas, all of which have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a safe, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV and a private veranda. The Luxury Rooms are approximately 27sqm in size, the Deluxe Rooms are approximately 57sqm in size. The accommodation offers a pool, a garden, a restaurant, a bar, a wellness area (for a fee) and free WiFi

You can take part in two guided activities per overnight stay: Nature drives, hikes, visits to rock paintings, stargazing, canoe trips and more (English-speaking, carried out with additional people).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 210 KM):

PATERNOSTER

The small fishing village of Paternoster is located around 150 km northwest of Cape Town on a long bay on the west coast. Here you will find plenty of peace and relaxation. In addition to a few stores and boutiques, there is an upmarket restaurant scene, with the Wolfgat Restaurant one of the best restaurants in South Africa. Nearby is the West Coast National Park, which is ideal for a day trip. During the wildflower season in the South African spring (August, September), whole areas look like colorful carpets. You can also watch whales here from June to November.

The exclusive Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is located directly on the beach on the outskirts of Paternoster. Here you have plenty of peace and quiet and yet you can reach all the restaurants and stores in the small town on foot. The hotel offers a restaurant with a panoramic view of the bay, a sun deck with a large pool, a spa area (for a fee) and a guest lounge. The 14 luxurious suites all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a Nespresso coffee machine, a TV with DVD player, a minibar and free Wi-Fi. The Courtyard Rooms are approximately 30 square meters in size and have a small terrace with seating (without a view). The Courtyard Lux Rooms are approximately 35 sqm and have a lounge area with a fireplace and a private terrace with seating (without a view). The Ocean Suites are approximately 40sqm in size and have a terrace with a sea view. The Ocean King Suites are approximately 50sqm in size and have a lounge area with fireplace and a terrace with sea view. The Nature King Suites are approximately 80 square meters in size and have a lounge area with fireplace and a terrace with a view of the West Coast natural landscape.

STRANDLOPER OCEAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL (OCEAN SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 170 KM):

CAPE TOWN CAMPS BAY

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 Ocean View House is located in the upmarket suburb of Camps Bay, with the mighty Twelve Apostles mountain range behind it and a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean. In the spacious, park-like outdoor area, everyone will find a nice place to linger. The Table Mountain cable car station can be reached in about ten minutes by car, the V&A Waterfront in about 20 minutes. The 25 rooms all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, a tea/coffee maker and a safe. The Classic Rooms have a balcony or terrace with a side sea or garden view. The Superior Rooms have a balcony with a direct sea view. The Panorama Suites have a spacious lounge area and a balcony or terrace with a direct sea view. The Garden Suite has a small private garden area with sea view. The Milkwood Suite also has two single beds for children and a balcony with a limited sea view. The Panorama Apartments have a spacious lounge area with kitchenette and a balcony with direct sea views. The accommodation has a pool, a sun deck, a bar, a spa area (for a fee), a lounge and free Wi-Fi.

OCEAN VIEW HOUSE (PANORAMA SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 13: CAPE TOWN

FULL DAY PRIVATE CULINARY CAPE EXPERIENCE

OPTIONAL BOOKING STARTING AT €200 PER PERSON

Experience the Capetonian way of life: you start in the morning on a culinary excursion into the city of Cape Town. The itinerary may vary depending on the day of the week. During the week, you will discover the small and fine temples of indulgence where usually only the locals shop - far away from the usual tourist traps. Enjoy coffee, ice cream, bread, wine or chocolate from small local producers, for example. At the weekend, the famous food markets take place in various locations and are always worth a visit. At lunchtime, head to the oldest wine region in the Cape - Constantia. You stop at a local winery for a delicious lunch (optional). Of course, two wine tastings are not to be missed, where you will get to know the fine wines of the region. You will return to your accommodation in the afternoon.

This is a privately guided tour conducted in English and lasts about eight hours. You will be picked up at your accommodation and dropped off there again. The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted on-site to suit your preferences. Snacks and two wine tastings are included in the price. Lunch is paid for on-site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14: CAPE TOWN

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 at the latest two hours before departure at Cape Town Airport or at the agreed station.

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.

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.

EUROPCAR/TEMPEST RENTAL CAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: 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.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs around EUR 1. Allow around EUR 221 for fuel for this trip. Some roads are subject to tolls. Allow around EUR 4 for tolls for this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.