Intimate Wonders Of South Africa

From secluded bays to vineyards and game.

ENLARGE MAP

Day 1 - Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town where your personal driver will transfer you along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastline to the secluded de Oudekraal Bay for 4 nights in a sea-facing room at the elegant Twelve Apostles Hotel (picture 1). Just 20 minutes from the airport (and only 10 minutes from the palm-fringed sandy beach of Camps Bay), this intimate 70 room hotel sits at the foot of Table Mountain's majestic 'Twelve Apostles' and boasts endless views across the rocky shoreline to the Atlantic Ocean waters beyond.

Days 2 - 4 - Cape Town

Wake up to a spectacular ocean view each morning and breathe in the fresh mountain and sea air. Welcome to Cape Town! Start each day with breakfast overlooking the bay before heading off to explore Cape Town - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Your rental car will be delivered to you on your first morning (for your use over the next 6 days). The white sands of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay are just a short drive away and there are numerous fabulous restaurants in each of the nearby bays and down at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. (B)

Day 5 - Stellenbosch, Winelands

Enjoy a leisurely drive out of Cape Town today to the rolling vineyards of the picturesque Winelands (just under an hour's drive). Make your way to Stellenbosch where your accommodation for the next 2 nights is the historic River Manor Guesthouse (picture 2) which boasts a 'colonial charm with a touch of Africa'. Set in an oak-lined avenue across from the Eerste River and just a two minute stroll from the cafés and restaurants in the village centre, River Manor (which enjoys National Monument status) actually comprises two gracious manors dating back to the early 1900's. Each of the 16 intimate guest rooms combines old world charm with stylish modern conveniences. If you wish, we can arrange a visit to a local wine estate with tastings followed by lunch at the Jonkershuis Restaurant at the Spier Wine Estate (additional cost). (B)

Day 6 - Stellenbosch, Winelands

After a poolside breakfast, spend the day discovering the history of this charming university town in the heart of the Winelands. The meticulously restored buildings and oak tree-lined streets all bear witness to the town's proud past - you will see many examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian architecture. This once quiet little village, surrounded by mountains, has evolved from humble beginnings into a renowned wine centre but it still retains its original character and welcoming ambience. (B)

Day 7 - Plettenberg Bay

Head back to Cape Town airport this morning to drop off your car and board the short 50 minute flight to George - your first taste of the acclaimed Garden Route. Pick-up a car at George airport and follow the coast to Plettenberg Bay (approx 1 hour 30 minutes drive). This stretch of rugged coastline which is graced with beaches, indigenous forests, lakes, lagoons, bays, cliffs, coves and meandering rivers - the list is endless - is commonly referred to as the 'Garden Route'. Make your way through the Wilderness National Park and past the Knysna Heads and Lagoon area to Plettenberg Bay - the jewel of the Garden Route crown where you will spend the next 3 nights at Kurland Estate (picture 3). Kurland is an historic Cape Dutch homestead which is now a grand country hotel with a relaxed 'family-run' ambience. It is set in extensive grounds on a plateau between the emerald-green Outeniqua Mountains and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and it boasts 12 individually-styled spacious guest rooms, each of which has a separate living area (most have separate loft rooms especially designed for children). All meals, which are served in the elegant dining room or in the adjacent courtyard, are included in your stay. (B,L,D)

Days 8 & 9 - Plettenberg Bay

Enjoy a hearty farm breakfast in the mornings before heading out to go exploring. The estate has immaculate polo fields, stables (horse riding can be arranged), a swimming pool, tennis court, a beautiful rose garden and a health spa with a gymnasium (beauty treatments are available) so there's plenty to do if you just wish to relax at Kurland. The sweeping beaches and rocky peninsulas of Plettenberg Bay are only a 15 minute drive away and a 'must' is a visit to the spectacular Knysna Heads -two giant sandstone cliffs which mark the Knysna River's entrance. There are some superb hiking trails in the Tsitsikamma Forest (approx 1 hour 15 minutes drive) where you can walk amongst the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees (this species has survived unchanged for millions of years - it is a true monarch of the world's forests). Tsitsikamma National Park is also Africa's oldest and largest marine reserve and water enthusiasts will enjoy great snorkelling and scuba diving - and you can often see dolphins playing in the waves. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Kruger National Park

Early start today for the drive back to George airport to drop off your car and board your onward flight to Johannesburg where you will connect with a charter flight to the southern region of the Kruger National Park. Your destination for the next 3 nights is Lion Sands Private Game Reserve (picture 4). Here you will stay at the intimate River Lodge which has 6 stylish thatched rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower and a private wooden deck ideal for game viewing. River Lodge is decorated in an 'old African style' and takes full advantage of its unique position overlooking the Sabie River. You will enjoy alfresco dining at its very best and all meals and game activities are included in your stay. (B,L,D)

Days 11 & 12 - Kruger National Park

Spend the next few days enjoying game drives in open landrovers. Interpretive bush walks, river fishing, bush survival skills programmes and hippopotamus trips (the game drives traverse the interior of the reserve so these trips follow the banks of the Sabie River) are just some of the other activities available. In the evenings, your dinner table is set in the African bush, lit only by paraffin lamps and the light from the open campfire - this romantic 'Out of Africa' setting will provide lasting memories. Unique to Lion Sands is the opportunity to 'sleep-out in the bush'. Just 5 minutes from the lodge, a hide has been constructed high up in the top of a fig tree overlooking the Sabie River where a maximum of 2 people can sleep for the night. The 'bush room' comprises a mosquito net, mattress, linen and even a hamper of refreshments. The experience is all about being left alone in the African bush in complete privacy - yet secure from dangerous animals. A handheld radio provides direct communication with the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Johannesburg

Return to Johannesburg today by light aircraft charter to await your overnight international flight back to the UK. Most flights depart in the evening so we can arrange for day use of a room at the Airport Sun Intercontinental Hotel or you may like to join a fascinating afternoon tour to Soweto.