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Walking & Trekking Holiday, South Africa: Cape Town + Dolphin Trail + Safari

Cape Town + Garden Route (Dolphin Trail) + Safari
SYK14C

14 NIGHTS

FROM £1,998

Per person sharing

International flights + car hire quoted separately

Walking Trekking Holiday South Africa Cape Town Dolphin Trail Safari

This self-drive walking & trekking holiday in South Africa starts in Cape Town, where you have the opportunity to hike up Table Mountain with a guide. Then drive along the Garden Route to Storms River, for the 3-night 'slack-packing' Dolphin Trail, sleeping overnight in small lodges (your luggage will be transported for you). Afterwards enjoy a luxury Big Five safari, with all park fees & game drives included,

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• Walking & Trekking Holiday	• Cape Town, South Africa	• Table Mountain Hike	• Cape Point
• Seasonal Whale Watching	• Ostrich Farm, Oudtshoorn	• Knysna Lagoon	• Dolphin Trail
• Garden Route	• Big Five Safari

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• Walking & Trekking Holiday	• Cape Town, South Africa	• Table Mountain Hike
• Cape Point	• Seasonal Whale Watching	• Ostrich Farm, Oudtshoorn
• Knysna Lagoon	• Dolphin Trail	• Garden Route
• Big Five Safari

Day 1

You will be met at Cape Town Airport and transferred to your hotel in this beautiful city, within sight of Table Mountain.

Check in and relax in your magnificent surroundings.

Day 2

Today is free for independent sightseeing in Cape Town.

To orientate yourself, we suggest you purchase a pass onboard the convenient Red Route Hop-Off Bus, which stops at all Cape Town’s key sights and attractions, including the Table Mountain cable car (discounted tickets are sold on the bus). Here you can ascend and enjoy one of the world's most famous views.

Continue to trendy Camps Bay beach and the many attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (pay all entrance fees locally).

Note: Don't let the colour of the bus confuse you. All buses are red, but they run two different routes - the Red City Route and the Blue Kirstenbosch Route.

Day 3

Weather permitting, today enjoy a guided hike up Table Mountain, with spectacular views of the city below. Marvel at the pristine beauty of this mountain, whilst enjoying on foot one of the world’s most famous views.

You have a choice of two hikes:

- Platteklip Gorge (easier route) is a 2 to 2.5-hour hike up the mountain, with lots of steps; or

- Kasteel Poort from the Camps Bay side (intermediate), a longer 4 to 4.5-hours hike that zig-zags up the mountain and requires moderate to good fitness.

There is a time to explore the top of the mountain, with lunch at the restaurant (own account), before returning by cable car and being dropped off at your hotel.

Note: A reasonable level of fitness is required for these mountain hikes. Remember to bring good walking shoes, a light jacket suitable for changeable mountain conditions, 2 litres of water, sunscreen, sunglasses & hat.

Day 4

This morning your hire car will be dropped off at your hotel.

We recommend you spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve peninsula (pay all entrance fees locally). Start with an optional short boat trip from Hout Bay to view Cape Fur seals at Seal Island and continue via Chapman’s Peak Drive to spectacular Cape Point where you may see baboons, ostrich and perhaps even dolphins or whales in season (July/November).

On the return journey we recommend driving through naval Simons Town and visit the resident penguin colony at Boulders Beach. You can also make a short stop at the world famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 5

Drive 45-minutes to the beautiful Stellenbosch Winelands.

Along the way we recommend stopping at the Cheetah Outreach project in Somerset West, a community-based programme seeking to raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and campaign for its survival.

You can also stop at one or more wine estates along the famous Stellenbosch wine route. Check into your hotel in this famous wine producing area, relax under the giant oak trees and savour the fine food and wines of this region.

Day 6

Drive 2-hours today from Stellenbosch to the small seaside town of Hermanus, travelling along the scenic coastal route through Gordon’s Bay and along the False Bay coast.

Along the way we suggest a detour to the Stoney Point Penguin Colony in the small coastal town of Bettys Bay. You may also want to visit Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, renowned for its fynbos flowers. The walk through the gorge and down to the waterfall is particularly rewarding (pay all entrance fees locally).

Continue to Hermanus and check into your hotel. From July to November, southern right and humpback whales come here to breed and this is considered the best location for land-based Whale Watching in the world. Once severely endangered, these magnificent creatures of the deep are now breeding successfully in the area due to a major international conservation effort.

Day 7

Today drive 4-hours along the scenic Route 62 through the dramatic Little Karoo to Oudtshoorn.

Along the way we suggest you stop at the historic town of Swellendam - the third oldest town in South Africa, with some wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

On arrival we suggest visiting an Ostrich Farm to see these huge flightless birds in their natural surroundings (pay locally), before checking into your hotel.

Day 8

We suggest that today you visit the famous Cango Caves – a vast series of underground halls and caverns formed over 20 million years ago in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. The caves, which extend for over 3 miles, contain spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and offer relatively easy access.

If you are adventurous and enjoy driving on steep gravel mountain passes, you can detour via the Swartberg Pass (about 1-hour) to Prince Albert. You can return the same way, or head east along the base of the mountain and return to Oudtshoorn via the Meiringspoort Pass (about 2-hours). This detour offers spectacular views, but a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Then continue 2-hours through the magnificent Outeniqua Pass to the oyster capital of Knysna in the heart of the scenic Garden Route. Enjoy the beaches of Wilderness and the lakes of Sedgefield, before checking in to your hotel in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Note: In season we recommend booking Knysna restaurants online in advance of your visit, to avoid disappointment.

Day 9

Today we recommend making your way to the Knysna Waterfront for the ferry to Featherbed Nature Reserve situated on Knysna's Western Head, one of two magnificent sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to the vast Knysna Lagoon.

This spectacular nature reserve is only accessible by ferry, followed by a short trailer ride to the top of the reserve which offers panoramic views. Most visitors choose to return on foot along a 1-mile guided nature walk through natural coastal forest onto the cliffs, through caves and along a scenic coastal path, followed by an included seafood buffet lunch served under the old Milkwood trees.

In the afternoon we recommend a visit to Knysna Elephant Park, for the opportunity to interact with and feed these gentle giants for 45-minutes (pay entrance fee locally).

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Knysna. This lively town is famous for its oysters, which are grown in the lagoon. It offers good shopping opportunities and many interesting craft shops.

Note: Subject to availability, it is possible to book a night of self-catering accommodation in Knysna Elephant Park. The en-suite bedrooms overlook the outdoor boma and the communal lounge overlooks the elephants' sleeping area - allowing you to watch them browse, feed and sleep.

Day 10

This morning leave Knysna and drive 1.5-hours along the scenic Garden Route to Storms River.

Check in after 2 pm at the Garden Route National Park (Tsitsikamma Section) reception, where you will leave your hire car. Be sure to have your booking confirmation available, as this includes your entry to the park. After checking in to your quaint Dolphin Trail chalet, the balance of your day is at leisure. There are a number of short trails that you can enjoy, including the 1-km Loerie trail, which is excellent for birding, with 35 different species. Alternatively you can walk the first 3-km of the famous Otter Trail, know as the Waterfall Trail.

At 7 pm meet your Dolphin Trail guide at the restaurant for your pre-tour briefing for this spectacular 10.5-mile (17 km) hike, spread over two days. Afterwards enjoy an included dinner and the sound of the pounding waves, with a myriad of stars shining above.

Note: Regardless of your hotel meal plan, all meals are included from dinner on your arrival day to breakfast on your departure day (but not drinks). The transport of your luggage between overnight stops is also included. Wear good hiking boots and a sun hat. Carry a light daypack with your camera, sunscreen, towel and swimwear. Children under 12 years are not allowed on this trail.

Directions: When travelling from Knysna on the N2, pass through the Tsitsikamma toll gate and continue for 30 km after which you will pass BOSKOR sawmill on your left. 1 km beyond the sawmill turn right onto the Storms River Mouth / GRNP - Tsitsikamma Section road. Continue on this road until you reach the security booms at the entrance to the park.

Day 11

We will walk 4.7 miles (7.5 km) today - graded medium difficulty.

Early risers can enjoy the stunning views, enjoy bird watching or walking before breakfast, which is served from 8 am. Your luggage then will be collected from your chalets and you will meet your walking guides, who will accompany you for the next two days. When the group is ready and all drink bills settled, we depart along the boardwalk to Storms River Mouth.

After crossing the Storms River on the suspension bridge, we follow a steep and rocky path to the Lookout Point, with magnificent views of the coast towards Plettenberg Bay. Here we will be greeted by Misty Mountain staff with well deserved refreshments and a light snack. Relax and enjoy the endless views of the Indian Ocean, whilst keeping your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins.

The path continues level for a short distance, before beginning a long descent through indigenous forest to sea level. This is the perfect place for our picnic lunch, either in the shade of trees at the edge of the stream, or on the rocks in the sun. Take a good break, here as the next climb up Steilkop (Steep Hill) is quite taxing. Remember that there is no rush, so walk slowly and admire the beautiful views as you go. Once you have conquered Steilkop it is a comfortable forest walk to Misty Mountain Reserve.

For the energetic Misty Mountain offers many optional activities, including sundowner quad tours, mountain biking, foot golf, 9-hole chip and wedge mashie golf and fresh water fishing. We meet at the Khoisan Lounge at 6.30 pm for pre-dinner sundowners followed by an included dinner, with a wonderful Indian Ocean sunset spanning 180 degrees as a backdrop.

Day 12

We will walk 6 miles (9.5 km) today - graded medium difficulty.

After a hearty breakfast served in the restaurant from 8.30 am, your guides will brief you on today's hike. We set out at 9.30 am and follow a steep path from our chalets straight down to the rock pools below. Today’s hike is mainly at sea level and the morning walk along the coast is magnificent. Enjoy the beautiful plant life and rocky scenery, and in Otter’s Alley keep your eyes open for the spoor of the Cape clawless otter. Swimming and snorkelling are possible in a couple of rock pools today, so remember to take your swimming gear. Your guides will carry two snorkelling sets for the use of the group.

After a stiff climb up the cliff onto level ground, we reach a beautiful spot in the forest where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Soak up the peace and tranquillity of this magnificent forest, before we set off again on the last leg of our hiking through indigenous fynbos to The Fernery. At times you will be required to clamber over rocks that are often damp from sea spray, so do take care.

On arrival check into your chalet nestled in fynbos along the river. Several optional activities are available for those who are still feeling energetic - such as boating, cycling and bird watching. A swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna are also available for your use. At 6.30 pm we meet for pre-dinner drinks followed by an included 4-course dinner.

Day 13

This morning early risers can enjoy more bird watching or visit the lodge's fern export operation. Breakfast is served at 8:30 after which the luggage is loaded. We then set off on a 2-hour scenic 4x4 transfer through the old Storms River Pass, arriving back at Garden Route National Park around noon.

Retrieve your car and drive 3-hour to your malaria-free private game reserve near Addo in the beautiful Eastern Cape. After checking in to your lodge - which is home to all the Big Five - enjoy an afternoon game drive, before dining in your warm African surroundings.

Note: You will need to drive straight to your safari lodge, to ensure you arrive in time for your afternoon game drive. Game drive times vary by lodge and according to the season.

Day 14

Rise at dawn to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions of the day and enjoy a thrilling open-top game viewing safari with your lodge ranger in your Private Game Reserve which is home to all the Big Five - Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino. Hope to see many interesting species before returning to your lodge for breakfast.

The rest of the morning is free to relax by the lodge swimming pool, before setting out again in the late afternoon for another game drive. Hope to see giraffe, hippo, kudu, crocodiles, antelope, waterbuck, warthogs, baboons and many other interesting animals. With hundreds of different bird species, outstanding bird watching is also guaranteed!

After a beautiful African sunset, enjoy the balmy evening and pristine stars of the Milky Way as you have never seen them before – as well as the spectacular Southern Cross.

Note: If travelling with a child < 6 please request a family lodge that allows young children on open top game drives.

Day 15

Enjoy some final early morning game viewing, before driving 2-hours to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight home.

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