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Taste of south Africa

Taste of south Africa

Overview

Explore South Africa with a mix of adventure, beauty & touch the culture

Highlights

  • - Goddess Rocks of Mpumalanga
  • The Mother City of the San (Bushmen)
  • Adam's Calendar
  • Elands River Falls

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to the airport. Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your complimentary arrival transfer. Your opportunity to meet your local guide and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Taste the delicious local flavours and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart to, without doubt the most recognizable symbol of Cape Town, Table Mountain rises behind the city touching the clouds with its flat top (Cable Car closure 15th Jul-1st Sep). Experience a different perspective and marvel at the sweeping views of Cape Town below and the surrounding coastline. At the top you will have free time to enjoy the views, explore the walking trails, or simply bask in the mountain's serene ambience. City Walking Tour: Explore the Mother City walking in it's vibrant streets, visit Green Market Square, the colourful neighbourhood of Bokaap and the green heart of the city: Company Gardens. Lunch in the Garden's restaurant, enjoy a tasting of the local cuisine with fresh produce from the oldest garden in South Africa. The restaurant is an oasis of peace and calm in the middle of a busy city. After the morning tour, return to the hotel to relax or explore the V&A Waterfront at your own pace. Explore the many restaurants at the Waterfront and enjoy of a beautiful view from the restaurant. Dinner on your own account. Dinner on your own account

Day 3

Explore the stunning Atlantic Seaboard southwards towards Cape Point, with the incredible Twelve Apostle mountain range towering above you and the breathtaking coastline. Marvel at the engineering and panoramic views of Chapmans Peak drive, one of the most beautiful drive you will do in your life. Cape Point is a wonderful introduction to the uniquely diverse Cape Floral Kingdom. A region that boasts more floral diversity than the United Kingdom, and is home to more than 20% of Africa’s plant species. All this is complemented by panoramic ocean views, secluded beaches and a variety of wildlife like chacma baboons, eland, Cape mountain zebra and the endemic bontebok. After visiting the nature reserve, we will drive to meet the African penguins at Boulders Beach is a magical wildlife encounter. While walking along the dedicated walkways, enjoying heartwarming and openly funny scenes of waddling penguins, one can be forgiven for thinking that these incredible animals are now facing extinction! Stop at Kalk Bay for a delicious lunch with views of the harbour. After the morning tour, return to the hotel to relax or explore the V&A Waterfront at your own pace.

Day 4

Visit and enjoy Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at your own pace this morning. This is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world and a must-see while in Cape Town along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Make sure to check out the new Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway dipping it's way above and through the trees in the arboretum. The winding walkway takes visitors from the forest floor into and through the trees to burst out above the canopy. Relax at the hotel or explore the Waterfront In the afternoon, experience the city from a different perspective. Cape Town has one of the best locations to see the Sunset from the Sea. With the Atlantic Ocean stretching away from the majestic Table Mountain range, this is certainly a ‘must do’ cruise for locals and tourists alike. Toast the setting sun from the deck of one of the local vessels (a complementary glass of sparkling wine will be served). Dinner on your own account

Day 5

Start early in the morning with a nature walk up Lion's Head rim and Signal Hill, two of the iconic geographical formations of the Mother City. This nature walk offers sensational views, enjoy the warm of the sun over the city with a 360 degrees view of Table Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Twelve Apostles Mountains. Duration: 30 min walk Distance: 1.5km After the hike, we will go back to the hotel for a shower, breakfast and check out (check out is at 10:00). Drive outside of Cape Town along the beautiful Atlantic road, arrive to the beautiful property of Khwattu Heritage Centre where we will spend the night. !Khwa ttu strives to restore dignity and cultural pride of the San communities, navigating a practical path between the old ways and the new world, the centre is committed to the dynamic preservation of indigenous knowledge and the development of skills to equip San to thrive in a rapidly changing Southern Africa. Join the San indigenous team who are interns and staff. Your San guide will introduce you to the knowledge and skills of some of the world’s last hunter-gatherers and share their stories with you. Khwattiu is passionate about wholesome, freshly prepared, locally sourced food. If it doesn’t grow or graze on the farm, they will track down a local producer or fair trade supplier for any ingredients that they need for our seasonal, bistro-style menu. Afternoon to explore the property and relax, there is something magical about waking up at !Khwa ttu. It should not be missed. Game drive: Eland, Zebra, Springbok, Black Wildebeest, Ostrich – just some of the magnificent animals you might encounter on this special 90 minute game drive in the veld. Feel the wind on your face as you drive in the open. Drop down, and learn a little more about the characteristics of the unique flora and fauna found here. Pause, sip the drink we’ve kept chilled for you, and take in the wild beauty of the West Coast with its extraordinary views. A view largely unchanged since our mutual ancestors looked out to sea 70,000 years ago. Feel the beat of Africa in an exhilarating group lesson that unites and inspires. Enjoy and feel the energy of the beats while watching sunset over the ocean. A memorable experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner with the group.

Day 6

After a delicious breakfast, pack your bags and we depart to Cape Town International airport for our flight to Durban. Be inspired by the beautiful and changing scenery as we drive through the less travelled roads to the stunningly beautiful Cederberg Mountains where you will encounter nature in it's raw state. The solitude and breathtaking natural beauty of the area is captivating. Exposure to natural elements and a degree of freedom and isolation ensures a true wilderness experience that will draw you back. The San regarded this area as sacred and kept coming back throughout generations and leaving their art in many places, there are about 2500 examples in the area. *We will do some stops at the charming little towns and lunch in a local restaurant. We scape the city to a wide open space, where we can experience true communion with nature. We will spend time in an unfettered environment where you can lose yourself in the tranquillity of uninterrupted natural beauty. Selected unique accommodation and be transported to a world of wonder and comfort. • Stay two nights and receive one complimentary bottle of sparkling wine with dinner on one night. • Complimentary refreshments upon arrival at the Lodge • Complimentary sherry and turndown pillow chocolates in the Suite • Guests staying for two nights on full board receive one complimentary 10 minute hand or foot massage Check in: 14:00 The clear, dark skies, relatively high elevation and the lack of light pollution make Kagga Kamma the perfect stargazing spot. This fascinating experience is facilitated by a Nature Guide who will assist and guide guests, via telescope and laser pointer, to ensure that they experience the wonders of the sky as clearly and closely as possible.

Day 7

After breakfast we embarlk on a guided tour on the San Rock Art of the area. Enjoy a journey back in time with our skilled Guides as they uncover fascinating Rock Art paintings, left behind by the Khoi and San tribes. Kagga Kamma Nature Guides provide insight into these incredible creations which are scattered across the Nature Reserve. Explore the Cederberg's interesting ecological features in all their glory; dramatic rock formations and intriguing plant life under foot make this an incredible way to spend an afternoon. Different trails: recommended Blue Trail, 4-5km Enjoy a delicious dinner with the group.

Day 8

After a delicious breakfast, pack your bags and we depart to Stellenbosh crossing beatiful farmlands along the way. We will settle for the night in Stellenbosh, the second oldest town in South Africa. Welcome the winelands area of South Africa, enjoy a delicious lunch and spectacular views over the mountains. Check in at the hotel. In the early afternoon explore Stellenbosch on foot and explore the “village of the oaks” with its shady oak avenues bordered by the water furrows of the Mill Stream. Admire the charm and harmony of the Cape Dutch Architecture and listen to tales about the colorful inhabitants of three centuries. Our local guide will share many more interesting facts and fables about the past while experiencing the present in Stellenbosch.

Day 9

After a delicious breakfast, pack your bags and we depart to Cape Town International Airport for our flight to the bushveld. Fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit airport. Welcome to the bushveld. Upon arrival transfer from the airport to Hoedspruit, one of the gateways to Kruger National Park. Enjoy of a delicious local lunch at the lodge. The lodge has 50–50% partnership with the local Mdluli Community. The lodge was developed with the purpose of sustainably improving the lives and infrastructure of the 45,000-member Mdluli Community, who live across 4 villages – Makoko, Bhekiswayo, Salubindza and Nyongane. Designed to perfectly blend in with nature, each tent offers 70sqm of eco-conscious design and refined safari-style luxury. The magic is in the detail, with a considered curation of natural timber, canvas textures and an interior palette inspired by the surrounding Kruger environment. Jump into your safari vehicle and get ready for a chance to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. The safari will be within the private roads and will finish off with sundowners for the group at a great spot to see the African sunset. Enjoy a delicious dinner with the group.

Day 10

Kruger at dawn is unlike anything else on earth. Rise early and set off on a guided bush walk through the wild terrain of the bushveld. Enjoy being as close to the bush as possible to the land and learn from your experienced guides all about the park as well as their own personal stories of past experiences while on safari. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Jump into your safari vehicle and get ready for another chance to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. Guides will drive you to our exclusive bush braai area – to a dinner of a lifetime, in the middle of the bush blanketed by the African sky. Engage all your senses as the sun sets against the open flame fire. Breathe in the smells of the bush and your meal cooking, and listen closely for the hoots of the owls, and the calls of the hyenas as the nocturnal wildlife stir. Experienced guides will keep you safe as you experience nature’s most magnificent dining setting.

Day 11

Early Morning Game Drive. Jump into your safari vehicle and get ready for another chance to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. The safari will be within the Mduli private roads. After breakfast we will embark on one of the country's most scenic drives, the Panorama Route, explores the Mpumalanga highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In these rugged mountains the plateau comes to an abrupt and dramatic halt, falling steeply away into the Lowveld accompanied by incredible views out over the grasslands of Africa. We will  cover the famous God’s Window, beautiful Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the pristine Three Rondavels and magnificent Waterfalls and the gorgeous Graskop Gorge. Stop at Graskop at a local restaurant. Umbhaba Eco-lodge is surrounded by natural, indigenous bush including the Umbhaba Tree (Lowveld Chestnut) after which the lodge is named. The lodge is built among stunning dams and water features, overlooking the Sabie valley in the distance. We have abundant bird life and the most beautiful sunsets. Enjoy a delicious dinner with the group with traditional Shangaan dancers.

Day 12

After breakfast we will take our touring vehicle and drive to the site known as Adam's Calendar (2 hrs drive approx.) Known to only a select few and accessible solely by rough dirt roads past the wild horses of Kaapschehoop, the megalithic stone calendar is dubbed Adam’s Calendar. With the shape of a circle and a diameter of 100 feet, it is nicknamed the “Birthplace of the Sun” and dubbed “Africa’s Stonehenge.” As with many similar stone monuments, it loosely aligns with the celestial world. Then, 10 min away we can find Elands Waterfall. These waterfalls are not only a natural wonder but they are also considered a site of spiritual energy and healing. The waterfalls are often visited by those who are seeking for rejuvination and connection with the natural world. Enjoy of a delicious local lunch. Sandton is a safe, vibrant, high energy commercial centre in Johannesburg. This prestigious suburb is an exciting hub around which business people, residents, shoppers, and tourists live, work, play, shop, and meet. Experience true luxury in one of the most progressive centres in Africa. Try some of the local restaurants around Mandela Square.

Day 13

Departure

Included

  • Meet and assist service by Joyce travel's representatives at all airports.
  • All airport transfers by air-conditioned private vehicles.
  • All transportation.
  • 5 nights accommodation in a 5* hotel in Cairo (B.B. basis).
  • Admissions for the sightseeing stated in the itinerary.
  • Egyptologist guiding services.
  • All meals stated in the itinerary: 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
  • 24/7 ETS On-Call support.
  • All service charges and taxes.

Excluded

  • Extra tickets not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • International flights.
  • Extra meals.
  • Entry visa to Egypt.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Laundry or other personal items.

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