Whales & Wildlife

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The South African winter months from June to November are particularly suitable for game viewing. It is the dry season in the north, the grass is low and the bushes have little foliage. The animals have to go to waterholes, rivers and dams to drink. In addition, the southern right whales and humpback whales come very close to the sheltered coast to raise their young. Despite the winter, you can swim in the warm Indian Ocean in Durban and St. Lucia. The price includes extensive wildlife observation activities on land and at sea, others can be booked as optional extras.

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 a good two weeks for this trip. This trip can only be started from June to November. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary for this route, but a car with a higher wheelbase can be helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Graskop
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 1x Hazyview
• 2x Eswatini
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 2x St. Lucia
• 1x Umhlanga
• 2x Knysna
• 1x Arniston
• 2x Hermanus

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 16 nights' accommodation in the Superior **** category
• 16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Regional flight 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
• four game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• Afternoon game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Boat trip in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Whale-watching boat tour in Knysna
• Whale-watching boat tour in Hermanus
• 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
• 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 2 (APPROX. 380 KM):

GRASKOP

You will receive your rental car on arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station. Graskop is centrally located on the famous Panorama Route. The highlight of the town is the Graskop Gorge, a deep gorge with a waterfall and adrenaline activities for the adventurous. Gods Window, the former gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest and the waterfalls Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls are also within easy reach. You can experience the famous Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels and the Bourkes Luck Potholes either on a round trip or on the way to or from the private game reserves in Kruger Park.

This modern boutique hotel is located not far from the small village of Graskop and therefore very central to the highlights of the Panorama Route. The location directly on the cliffs overlooking the Lowveld provides a breathtaking view. The 34 rooms and suites all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a safe, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The Superior Rooms are approximately 20 square meters in size. The Luxury Classic Suites, which are furnished to a high standard, are approximately 30 square meters in size. The luxuriously furnished Earth Grotto Suites, measuring around 30 square meters, are located directly on the cliffs and also have a veranda with a view. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, a café, two pools, a lounge with a library and a souvenir store.

ANGELS VIEW HOTEL (SUPERIOR ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2 TO DAY 4 (APPROX. 120 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 intimate Greenfire Game Lodge with only nine modern chalet suites is beautifully nestled in the unique bush landscape overlooking the Mohlabetsi Riverbed. The detached suites have a bathroom/WC, a safe, air-conditioning and a private veranda with seating and a view of the riverbed. The lodge offers a viewing deck with pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.

GREENFIRE GAME LODGE (CHALET SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 4 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 110 KM):

HAZYVIEW

Hazyview is ideally located 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.

The upscale Blue Jay Lodge is located in a quiet neighborhood of Hazyview. It is about 10 km from the Phabeni Gate of Kruger National Park, and the highlights of the Panorama Route are within a radius of about 40 km. The five suites are approximately 55 square meters in size and feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a mosquito net over the bed, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, a TV, and a private terrace. The property offers a large subtropical garden, a barbecue area, a pool, a lounge, and free Wi-Fi.

BLUE JAY LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 4: HAZYVIEW

KRUGER PARK AFTERNOON DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 155 € PER PERSON

You will take part in an afternoon game drive in an open off-road vehicle in the national Kruger Park. You will prefer to stay in the southern part of the park, as this is where the animal population is densest. Your professional ranger will bring you very close to the animals, a first-class safari experience. The park is home to more than 150 different mammals including the so-called "Big Five", i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Over 500 different bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians make the Kruger Park the ultimate safari experience.

Depending on the time of year, you will be picked up at your accommodation around 13:00 (please note the pick-up time in your tour book). The safari takes about four to five hours, after which you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Conservation fees for the Kruger Park are included in the price. The tour language is English and the tour is conducted with other people. The safari takes place in an open off-road vehicle. The transfer to and from the Kruger Park can be done in closed vehicles.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 290 KM):

ESWATINI

The independent kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is an interesting facet of any trip through northern South Africa. Crossing this original and traditional country is very exciting in terms of landscape and culture. The center is the beautiful Ezulwini Valley with the two culturally interesting towns of Mbabane and Manzini on one side and the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mantenga Nature Reserve on the other. Please note that the infrastructure and comfort cannot necessarily keep up with that of South Africa, and you will also have to allow for waiting times when crossing the border. You will be rewarded with an exciting and authentic piece of Africa.

Just a short drive from the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and the capital Mbabane, this luxury boutique hotel is located in the middle of a beautiful botanical garden. Some interesting hiking trails start right outside the door. The 34 rooms all have a bathroom/WC, a TV/DVD player, a minibar, a safe, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The Dove Nest Rooms are located in a beautiful villa and share a small private garden with seating. The Luxury Suites also offer a small lounge area and a dressing room. The Executive Suites also offer a spacious lounge area, a dressing room and a private veranda with seating. There is space for extra beds for children in these two room categories. The spacious Garden Villas have a separate bedroom, a lounge/dining area, a dressing room and a private veranda with seating. The resort offers several bars and restaurants, an outdoor terrace, a pool, as well as various sports and observation activities (some for a fee).

SUMMERFIELD RESORT (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 290 KM):

ESWATINI

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 280 € PER PERSON

The independent Kingdom of Swaziland (new name eSwatini) is a very interesting facet of any trip through northern South Africa. Its center is the beautiful Ezulwini Valley with the two culturally interesting cities of Mbabane and Manzini on one side and the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mantenga Nature Reserve on the other. Please note that the infrastructure and amenities may not necessarily be on par with those in South Africa, and you should also expect delays when crossing the border. However, you will be rewarded with an exciting and authentic piece of Africa.

The Mkhaya Game Reserve is one of the three Big Game Parks in Eswatini and is home to four of the Big Five, as well as many other small and large wild animals. The only place to stay overnight in the reserve is the rustic Stone Camp. True to the motto "back to the roots," the camp is lit by lanterns in the evening. There is no electricity or internet here. You will stay in one of the eleven thatched huts with bathroom/WC, veranda with seating area, and mosquito net over the bed. The huts have no doors or windows to create an authentic and natural experience.

During your two-night stay, you will take part in guided wildlife viewing activities such as game drives in open off-road vehicles or game walks. As you cannot reach the camp yourself, there is a fixed transfer service from the meeting point on the MR8 (departure at 4 p.m. on the day of arrival and return at 10 a.m. on the day of departure). These times must be strictly adhered to. Please note that there may be waiting times at the border upon arrival.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

MKHAYA GAME RESERVE TWO NIGHTS PACKAGE (STONE CAMP COTTAGE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 270 KM):

HLUHLUWE

Your next destination is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which is divided into the northern Hluhluwe section and the southern Imfolozi section. The two rivers of the same name gave the park its name. The park is home to the Big Five, i.e. elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, as well as many other African wild animals. The rhino population in particular is larger here than anywhere else in the world. With over 20000 hectares of rolling hills and open savannah, the park is one of the most beautiful state game reserves in South Africa.

The luxurious Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the Hluhluwe section of the park and offers breathtaking views over the African bush. The lodge has an outdoor pool, sun deck, fire pit, bar, restaurant and spa area (for a fee). The 16 modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a private outdoor deck and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Luxury Bush Villas have an additional lounge area with fireplace and a larger outdoor deck. The Honeymoon Bush Villas also offer a private plunge pool on the outside deck.

You take part in two guided game drives per night 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. You pay the entrance fees (conservation fees) on site.

RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE (SAFARI ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 270 KM):

HLUHLUWE

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 360 € PER PERSON

Your destination is the private Manyoni Game Reserve near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers around 24,000 hectares. The reserve is home to the Big Five and many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. These are therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique game viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

The upscale Mavela Game Lodge offers a relaxing stay in the African bush. The seven luxurious tented suites, decorated in a modern "Out of Africa" style, feature a bathroom with an additional outdoor shower, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, and a veranda with seating. The lodge offers a pool, a viewing deck, a bar, a boma (traditional dining area around the campfire), and free Wi-Fi. Spa treatments can be booked for an additional charge.

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. You pay the conservation fees for the Manyoni Game Reserve on site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

MAVELA GAME LODGE (LUXURY TENT)

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

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 120 KM):

ST. LUCIA

Your destination is the small town of St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. Take a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. The Eastern Shore Section with Cape Vidal is a unique nature retreat with a real bush & beach feeling between the ocean and the evergreen hinterland, which is even home to three of the Big Five. The beautiful beach of St. Lucia with subtropical water temperatures invites you to swim all year round. An excursion to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa with its Big Five, is also an absolute highlight.

The modern Serene Estate Boutique Guest House is located on the outskirts of St. Lucia, overlooking the subtropical landscape of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The town center with restaurants and stores as well as the beach are within walking distance. The guest house impresses with its minimalist architecture, which nevertheless blends into the landscape. Bright colors and lighting effects were used to create the African ambience. The five rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee maker and free WiFi. The Garden Rooms are approximately 35 square meters in size and have a private veranda. The Parkside Suites are approximately 50sqm and offer a private balcony overlooking the Wetland Park. The guest house has a large pool, a modern bright garden and a cozy lounge area.

SERENE ESTATE (LUXURY PARKSIDE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting right whales and humpback whales in St. Lucia. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins and seals during the trip.

The boat trip on the sea takes about two hours, an additional hour is required for arrival and departure. If it is not possible to start in St. Lucia, the whale watching tour can start in Richards Bay, including the journey and boat trip, the tour takes around 5 hours (English-speaking, with additional people). Please note that this boat trip departs from the beach, which can be quite bumpy in rough seas.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

ISIMANGALISO SUNSET DRIVE

There is something magical about a sunset in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In the cooler evening hours, the animals become active again and you have a good chance of spotting leopards, buffalo, hyenas, elephants, rhinos, hippos, zebras, warthogs and numerous species of antelope.

This game drive takes place in an open off-road vehicle and lasts around two and a half hours (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). You will be picked up at your accommodation in the afternoon and dropped off there afterwards. Conservation fees are included in the price. Please remember to bring a jacket or sweater, as the evening game drives can get quite chilly - even in the South African summer.

DAY 11: ST. LUCIA

HIPPOS & CROCS BOAT TRIP

You take part in a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. A very special wealth of species has developed here at the confluence of fresh and salt water. You have a good chance of spotting hippos, crocodiles and an extraordinary world of birds. If you are very lucky, you might even spot a representative of the Big Five on the banks.

The boat trip takes about two hours, is in English and is conducted with other people. It starts and ends at the small jetty just before the entrance to St. Lucia (own arrival).

DAY 11 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 230 KM):

UMHLANGA

Continue to the metropolitan area of the lively metropolis of Durban. Visit the colorful markets or simply relax on one of the many excellent city beaches on the warm Indian Ocean, which invites you to swim here all year round. It is also worth visiting uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park with stores and restaurants. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, inaugurated in 2010 for the World Cup, has become a tourist attraction.

At Ocean Vista Boutique Guesthouse in the quiet suburb of Umhlanga, north of Durban, you can expect a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and a modern ambience. The spacious veranda is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful sea breeze. You will stay in one of seven light-flooded suites, all of which are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, some with terrace/balcony and some with sea view, safe, WLAN, satellite TV, minibar and tea/coffee station. The difference in the individual room categories relates only to the size of the room. The guest house offers a veranda with sea view, a lounge, a small pool, an honesty bar and a garden. The beach and La Lucia Shopping Mall with its many stores and restaurants are within walking distance.

OCEAN VISTA BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12 (APPROX. 20 KM): DURBAN

ONEWAY FLIGHT TO GEORGE

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

DAY 12 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 60 KM):

KNYSNA

On arrival at George Airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your new rental car. 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 (LAGOON VIEW SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 13: KNYSNA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

Take a speedboat through the Knysna lagoon to the open sea. From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting southern right whales and humpback whales on South Africa's coasts. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. With a bit of luck, you may also spot dolphins, sharks and seals during the trip.

The tour language is English. The approximately two-hour boat trip takes place in an open speedboat (without WC) with other people. The start and end point is the jetty on Thesen Island, the journey there and back is your own responsibility.

DAY 13: KNYSNA

ROBBERG COASTAL PRIVATE HALF DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 80 € 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 14 TO DAY 15 (APPROX. 360 KM):

ARNISTON

Arniston is a small town very close to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. Nature lovers can enjoy excursions to the De Mond or De Hoop nature reserves. From June to November, you have excellent whale watching opportunities here on the coast. The snow-white beaches with their turquoise waters are among the most beautiful in the Western Cape. Arniston is also home to the famous Waenhuiskrans Cave, which can only be entered at low tide.

Your destination is the Arniston Hotel, which is located directly on the small fishing harbor. The restaurant offers first-class South African cuisine and is famous for its seafood dishes. The 31 rooms have a bathroom/WC, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe and a balcony. The Pool Facing Rooms are approximately 30 square meters in size and face the inner courtyard with pool. The Superior Seafacing Rooms are about 40 square meters in size with a unique sea view from the private balcony. The Luxury Seafacing Rooms are about 50 square meters in size and have a small lounge area and a private balcony with a unique sea view. The Haarburger VIP Suite is 100sqm and extends over two levels with a large lounge area, four balconies (two with sea views) and a separate bedroom accessible via a spiral staircase. The hotel offers a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a wellness area for a fee and free Wi-Fi.

ARNISTON HOTEL & SPA (LUXURY SEAFACING ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 15 TO DAY 17 (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.

The Hermanus Boutique Guesthouse is located on the famous Cliff Path and within walking distance of the small town center with many restaurants and shopping opportunities. The guesthouse has a large lounge and breakfast area as well as a cozy courtyard with pool and sun loungers. The 18 rooms have a bathroom/WC (some have an open bathroom solution with separate WC), a TV, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar, a safe and free WiFi. The Standard Rooms are located in the main building and measure around 30 sqm. The Luxury Pool View Rooms, which are approximately 30 m² in size, are located in an adjoining building next to the pool area. The Luxury Sea View Rooms (approx. 35 sqm) are located in the main building and have a small balcony or veranda with sea view. The 40 sqm Honeymoon Suites are located on the second floor of the main building and have a balcony with sea view. The Family Suite is located in an adjoining building and has two bedrooms that share a bathroom/WC. The Penthouse Suite, measuring around 60 sqm, has a large lounge area and a large balcony with sea view.

HERMANUS BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE (LUXURY ROOM SEA VIEW)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 16: HERMANUS

BOAT-BASED WHALE WATCHING

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.

DAY 16: HERMANUS

HALF DAY FERNKLOOF HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 95 € PER PERSON

You set off on a half-day guided hike in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy the most beautiful views that Hermanus has to offer. The nature reserve between the endless white beaches of Walker Bay and the mighty Kleintier Mountains inland is home to the fynbos vegetation typical of the Cape with over 1,250 different plant species on a total area of just 18 square meters. With a bit of luck, you may spot smaller antelope species, baboons and rock hyrax.

The hike is in English, additional people can take part (max. six people per guide). You are responsible for your own transportation to the starting point. Meals, drinks and other personal expenses are not included, there are no shopping facilities in the nature reserve. Please remember to wear sun protection, sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. Please note the start time and starting point in your tour book. The hike is moderate, covering around 8 km. Entry to the nature reserve is free, a donation is requested.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 17 (APPROX. 120 KM): 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 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.

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 locally: Petrol, toll, deposit, one-way fee South Africa North 1947 ZAR, border crossing fee to Eswatini 1700 ZAR, one-way fee South Africa South 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 238 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. You should budget about 15 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.