South Africa -in 11 Days

Your South Africa in 10 Days tour begins with your arrival in the spectacular city of Cape Town. A place of awe-inspiring natural beauty, creative talent and a melting-pot of cultures and traditions, Cape Town’s dazzling sense of spirit and character is almost tangible. The city offers so many different and amazing ways to create great, unforgettable memories.

Upon your arrival, we will meet and transfer you to your first accommodation at Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel. Settle in and unwind, as Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel will be ‘home’ for three (3) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Located in the under the looming Table Mountain in the cool suburb of Tamboerskloof, Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel is an ideal and central base from which to explore the mother city of Cape Town. Many good restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and within a short drive you can visit great beaches, the V&A Waterfront or Table Mountain itself. The building itself is beautifully renovated and offers a spa, a rooftop bar to capitilize on its excellent location, rooms each with their own individual charm, wifi throughout, plunge pools and more.

This morning we set off on a privately guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, including lunch. A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without seeing the stunning Cape Peninsula so African Travel Gateway has put together an exciting day of the best Cape Peninsula highlights including:
• Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
• Boulders Beach – the lovable Penguin Colony
• Hout Bay – optional boat trip to see the Seal Colony
• Simon’s Town – the historic South African Naval base on the shores of False Bay
• Fynbos vegetation – part of the Cape Floral Region and a protected World Heritage Site
• A chance of seeing baboons, bontebok, ostriches, bird life and the Southern Right Whales (seasonal)
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden – set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain

The scenic drive of the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, with its rugged coast, craggy peaks and rich biodiversity, winds its way south from Table Mountain at its northern end to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope at its southern tip. Dotted along the way are a host of picturesque seaside towns and villages steeped in maritime history, culture, colourful fishing boats and friendly local characters. Overlooking the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay, this is without a doubt one of the world’s most stunning scenic routes.

This morning you will join your private guide for an inspiring tour of the city of Cape Town including lunch, followed in the afternoon by a public guided tour to Robben Island. Today’s journey explores the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa offering a fascinating mosaic of vistas, history and people. This morning’s highlights include:

• Table Mountain – travel by cable car to the top of this world famous summit and enjoy spectacular views of the city (weather dependent)
• City orientation tour
• The Castle of Good Hope – a 17th century fort and South Africa’s oldest colonial building
• Malay Quarter – Cape Town’s historical centre of Cape Malay culture
• Flower market – this friendly, colourful landmark is a Cape Town institution
• Green Market Square – South Africa’s oldest market

This afternoon, you will take a boat cruise from Cape Town’s Waterfront area to Robben Island. After a bus tour of the island you will join an informative tour of Robben Island’s former prison guided by one of its former political prisoners. The notorious Robben Island prison was where Nelson Mandela and other present day South African politicians were incarcerated and the tour includes a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. Enjoy superb views of the city and Table Mountain on the return boat journey. On your return to the mainland, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel.

This morning after checking out of the hotel, you will embark on a privately guided full day tour of the Cape Winelands, including lunch. This pretty-as-a-picture region of Cape Town is all about grandeur. Elegant Cape Dutch manor houses, lush sweeping valleys, charming villages, and fields of world class grape vines some of which were first planted hundreds of years ago; all set against a soothing mountain backdrop. The extremely fertile soils of the Cape Winelands, in particular the areas of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, produce a multitude of exceptional white, red and fortified wines which can be found on the shelves of some of the best international wine stores. Highlights of today’s tour include:

• Stellenbosch – tree lined streets, historical architecture, al fresco cafés and great shopping
• Franschhoek Valley – South Africa’s food and wine heartland surrounded by endless mountain vistas
• Paarl – the ‘pearl of the Cape’ and home of the Afrikaans language
• Cape Dutch architecture – a visit to the exquisite Boschendal Manor House dating to the early 1800’s
• Wine tasting at some of the finest Cape Wineland estates
• An informative Wine Cellar Tour

At the end of today’s tour you will be taken to your accommodation for the evening, Franschhoek Country House, on a bed and breakfast basis. This beautifully restored manor house and former perfumery, dating back to the late 1800’s, oozes style and opulence. Step back in time as you relax at this intimate hotel in your French-styled quarters or take a stroll around the manicured gardens. Situated on the edge of the quaint village of Franschhoek, the French heritage of this area is palpable and it is easy to see why it is known as the ‘French Corner’ of the Cape. The Huguenot monument stands proudly at the top of the village in commemoration of the French Huguenot pioneers who settled the area in the late 1600’s amidst the mountains surrounding this picturesque valley.

Today you will commence the second half of your South Africa in 10 Days tour in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on the eastern side of South Africa. This morning you will be collected from Franschhoek Country House and transferred to Cape Town International Airport where you board your flight to Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. Here you make your way to the Avis counter and collect your rental car.

Durban’s warm subtropical climate and lush vegetation are an interesting contrast to the scenery of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. Boasting the busiest port on South Africa, the city of Durban is home to beautiful ocean beaches, seaside resort villages and a unique blend of ethnic diversity, Zulu culture and history.

After collecting your rental car, you drive north to Isibindi Zulu Lodge in the Eshowe area of Zululand. Your accommodation at Isibindi’s peaceful bushveld retreat is for (1) night on a full board basis. Also included is one (1) game drive or walk per day and a Zulu Boma dinner experience – an energetic and powerful performance of traditional dances and their role in Zulu history and culture.

This morning you drive further north to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge on the boundry of Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in the hills of Zululand. Established in the late 1800’s, Hluhluwe is the oldest game reserve in Africa! Here you will check in for (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis, which means all meals & twice daily game drives.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, Day 6 on you 10 Day South Africa Tour

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge gazes over Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Each unit is positioned to capitilize of the magnificent view which could include many species of wildlife such as rhino, giraffe, zebra or even wild dogs. Adding to its appeal is the watering hole that attracts game both day and night.

A full day at leisure to make the most of wildlife spotting on the safari activities at Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The gently rolling hills of the 96,000 hectare reserve are covered with a combination of grassland, savannah and woodland habitats providing a wonderful sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, bird and plant species. Hluhluwe is also well recognized for its commendable efforts towards conservation, in particular of the white rhino. Historically, the region was first recognized for its beauty and abundant wildlife by the Zulu kings Shaka and Dingiswayo who put the first measures of conservation in place. Today, the reserve is a thriving environment for a myriad of wildlife, including the big Five, and is a prime birding destination.

After your game drive and breakfast, you depart and drive to the Maputuland Coastline where you will check into your sea view room at Thonga Beach Lodge for two (3) nights on a full board basis. Your stay includes all meals, teas & coffees, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, cultural tours, kayaking, and sundowners at Lake Sibaya.

Relax and enjoy the tranquil view from your thatched suite, a design inspired by traditional Thonga fishing villages. Thonga Beach Lodge is a stunning seaside hideaway, harmoniously tucked into coastal dune forest overlooking a pristine sandy beach and the glistening Indian Ocean. Classed as a World Heritage site, this eco friendly lodge will create a lasting impressi

Days at leisure to admire the beautiful ocean and beaches of Thonga Beach Lodge and enjoy the fantastic activities on offer.

You may wish to explore the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with a mask and snorkel and marvel at the underwater seascapes and astounding diversity of marine life. Or perhaps take a trip to a rural homestead and learn about the traditional heritage and culture of the local community. Stunning Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s largest fresh water lake is also only a short distance away. Lake Sibaya’s shores are an ideal location to enjoy a sundowner and make a toast to the end of your amazing journey of South Africa in 10 days!

Today, enjoy a picturesque drive down the coast to Durban where you will return your rental car to Avis at King Shaka International Airport.