Ten Day Whirlwind Roadtrip to Cape Town, Sun City and Safari

DAY 1

You will be met on arrival at Cape Town International Airport and assisted to the rental car counter where you will collect your hired vehicle. In your welcome pack there will be detailed information on places of interest and happenings, things to do, directions and maps, and all other relevant information you might require. 

Self drive to your hotel, which is situated at the foot of Table Mountain and set in nine acres of lush gardens.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town’s most distinguished hotel, offering unparalleled tradition, history and sophistication. The hotel’s combination of elegance, grace, grandeur and exceptional location, ensures her guests a truly memorable experience.

Overnight : The Mount Nelson Hotel

 

DAY 2 & 3

Days at Leisure to explore the beauty and magnificence of Cape Town. As mentioned, you will have detailed information on where to go and what to do. Our offices will be delighted to assist with any bookings / reservations you might require.

Laze around one of the pools shop or explore some more of what makes Cape Town one of the top travel destinations in the world. Cape Town is a vibrant melting pot of history and culture, with a great mix of fascinating people, places to see and food to taste.

Overnight : The Mount Nelson Hotel

 

DAY 4

After a leisurely breakfast this morning you will depart on your scenic four to five hour drive into the Garden Route. 

With detailed directions and maps you will find out more about the Cape Winelands and the Overberg region, which you will travel through.

Arrive at Phantom Forest in the late afternoon. You will be met at the entrance of this beautiful nature reserve and transferred up to the lodge. 

Tonight you will enjoy a 6-course gourmet dinner in the Boma. Cuisine style is fusion / international with local African flavor and influence.

Overnight : Phantom Forest Eco Reserve

 

DAY 5

Day at Leisure to enjoy the magnificence of this one of a kind eco reserve in the heart of the Garden Route. 

The elevated “treesuites” at Phantom Forest are an African celebration of natural textures, handcrafted furnishings, ethnic artifacts and hand weaving, stunning end-glass gable, en-suite forest bathroom, and deck with trees popping through here and there!  

You will have access to all the activities on the premises – mountain bikes, beautiful indigenous forest walks, the Bubble Barrel, two person sauna, private jetty with canoes, two fresh-water plunge pools and excellent bird-watching. 

The Body Boma offer treatments such as Full Body Massage, Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish, Facials etc. and also a wet treatment area (Vichy Shower) with mineral and mud wraps.

Overnight : Phantom Forest Eco Reserve

 

DAY 6

After a leisurely breakfast you will depart on your drive to George Airport for your short scheduled flight to Johannesburg. 

Also recommended is a visit to Knysna for some sight seeing and optional shopping before your afternoon flight to Johannesburg. 

On arrival at OR Tambo Airport, you will be met and transferred in an air-conditioned sedan to Sun City. 

The Cascades is encircled by a necklace of tropical gardens threaded with tumbling waterfalls, weirs, lagoons and shaded walks – giving The Cascades it’s name and positioning it as one of the most sought after sophisticated and elegant hotels at Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure – Sun City.

Overnight : Sun City Cascades

 

DAY 7

Day at your leisure to enjoy all the many activities on offer at Sun City. Sun City has dazzled the international community with its glamorous casinos, gourmet restaurants, extensive sports facilities and star-studded spectaculars. 

The full variety of entertainment on offer ranges from slots to safaris; the theatre extravaganza to a games arcade for children; horse-riding to golf; the valley of waves to the lost city…whatever it is you are looking for you will find it at Sun City.

Overnight : Sun City Cascades

 

DAY 8

You will be met at your hotel after a relaxing breakfast this morning and transferred into the Madikwe Game Reserve. 

The Malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve is a 75 000 hectare reserve restored from farmland to its natural environment. The largest ever translocation of game occurred when 10 000 animals of 27 species were moved to Madikwe in Operation Phoenix. These included the big five and other endangered species such as the Wild Dog and Cheetah.

Etali Safari Lodge provides luxurious and elegant accommodation in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge has a wonderfully romantic atmosphere with its completely private suites and views of the nearby waterhole, making it the perfect destination for honeymooners and holidaying couples.  Etali offers an abundance of exciting activities, including guided game drives and scenic nature walks. Relax and unwind at Etali’s top-class wellness center, offering indulgent spa treatments, a relaxing steam room, and a well-equipped gym.

Overnight : Etali Safari Lodge
DAY 9

Madikwe Game Reserve is home to plenty of African big game with many Elephant; both Black and White Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe and lots of different antelope, including South Africa’s rugby mascot – Springbok. Day and evening game drives and walking safaris through Madikwe, allow you to get close to these animals and provide great photo opportunities.

Overnight : Etali Safari Lodge

DAY 10

Enjoy one last exciting game drive and bush breakfast, before you will be met at the lodge and transferred to OR Tambo Airport for your international homebound flight.

**End of Services**

From Coast to Mountain Crest – The Ultimate South African Getaway Package

Spend four unforgettable days exploring and experiencing the splendors of beaches and mountains in the Garden Route of South Africa.  This special package includes two nights at Sandpiper Cottages, the hosts of the famous Oystercatcher Trail, situated in the quaint fishing village of Boggomsbaai.  The package also includes two nights at the four Star Eight Bells Mountain Inn situated at the foot of the Robinson Pass.  Daily breakfasts and free use of all outdoor facilities including swimming, tennis, squash, bowls, walking trails in the mountains and on the beach and so much more!  Two children under twelve sharing with adults also stay absolutely free.

This is the perfect add on to any Southern Africa Safari Holiday.  Extra experiences like a guided hike on the Dolphin Trail or Oystercatcher Trail plus a beach lunch at Fransmanshoek with snorkeling or a guided outride on horseback in the mountains through forests and Fynbos can be added.  Whether you are visiting Africa with your family, or on a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, as a bucket list safari, or visiting just for the hell of it, a few extra days in the Garden Route of South Africa will most definitely enhance your experience.

The Garden Route is a very popular stretch of the southeastern coast of South Africa.  The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast.  Some of the better-known towns include Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.  It has the mildest climate in South Africa and the second mildest climate in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records.  The Garden Route is sandwiched between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean.

Boggomsbaai is situated close to Mossel Bay, and is one of the best-kept secrets on the Garden Route.  No one is really sure where Boggomsbaai got its name, but its most likely the “boggom” or the bark of the baboons in the area.  You can hike along the beach and look for the elusive “pansy” shell.  Hikers can walk along the coast to Vleesbaai or Dana bay.  While hiking you may spot some Cape pheasant, steenbok, or bushbuck.

Imagine a safe golden beach with whales and dolphins at play in the surf, romantic thatch roof cottages, fireplaces and candlelight dinners.  Red wine, starry nights, beach walks, a full moon and lasting memories…  This you could experience at Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai, this is as close as you could possibly get to your dream of a holiday in paradise.  The Sandpiper cottages are rustic but luxurious, and you could choose the self-catering or bed and breakfast option.

The Oystercatcher Coastal Hiking Trail is a fantastic eco-adventure.  And is rated as one of the top slack packing trails in the world.  You can discover ancient stone-age caves, dolphins, whales, remote dunes, rare fynbos, Oystercatchers, Sandpipers, Wild Oysters and marine rich rocky pools.  The trail is fully and professionally guided.  On this five day, 4 night hiking trail you will hike from Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay to the Gourits River.  Whilst enjoying the natural wonders, you can also swim in small safe bays, experience brilliant stargazing nights and sunny days.  You only have to carry a small bag, as your luggage is shuttled for you.  You will fondly remember he tasty traditional meals.  On your hike you will also learn more about the habits and plight of the endangered African Black Oystercatcher.  You will enjoy a total ecological encounter with marine species, wonderful beaches, dynamic dunes, rare plants and wide variety of birds and mammals.  This is a truly eye opening educational experience.

The Eight Bells Mountain Inn is situated in the Ruiterbos Valley region at the foot of the Robinson Pass between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.  This quaint inn was established more than eighty years ago and is renowned for its hospitality, great service and huge variety of recreational facilities set in breathtaking mountain scenery.  You have a choice of tastefully decorated accommodation, from log cabins and thatched rondavels set in lovely enchanting gardens with an abundance of bird life.  The Inn is located close to the green coastal belt of the Garden Route as well as the Little Karoo, making it easy to explore the many natural wonders, diverse activities and Scenic Mountain passes in this area.  On the 400-acre estate itself you can enjoy horse riding, walking trails and excellent birding.

Contact us at Road Travel Africa to assist you in adding this package to your South African Trip – the Garden Route really is exquisite, and should not be missed.  You could choose to do the hike first, or at the end of your holiday – you may even decide just to spend a few lazy days at Boggomsbaai or in the Ruiterbos Valley – the choice is yours!  We look forward to hearing from you.

Pezula in Knysna joins Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide has announced Pezula Resort & Spa, one of South Africa’s leading resorts, is set to join the luxury portfolio of Conrad Hotels & Resorts.  Hilton Worldwide owns three other hotels in South Africa: the Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg, the Hilton Durban and the Hilton Cape Town.  John T A Vanderslice, global head, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide said: “By combining Conrad’s signature style and service standards with such a superior Resort property and location, we will create an exceptional and memorable guest experience.  For 25 years Conrad has epitomized the definition of smart luxury and our arrival in South Africa represents a key milestone in the brand’s ongoing global expansion.”

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, Development, Hilton Worldwide, Europe & Africa said: “I’m very excited at the prospect of our luxury Conrad brand making its debut in South Africa with such an outstanding and well known resort property.  Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa will be a valuable addition to our growing international hotel portfolio and helps to underline our position as one of the leading hospitality providers in the continent.”

Located on the Eastern Head of Knysna on the exquisite Garden Route coast, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches.  With sweeping views of the Pezula Championship Golf Course, the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon, it is a haven of privacy and luxury.

Seventy-eight stylish suites, four to a villa, each with its balcony, well-stocked pantry and spacious bathroom, deliver a whole new world of luxury in an elegant African style.  Designed to maximize the views, the suites exude the warmth of stone and wooden textures, while welcoming earth tones create an unexpected contrast to the blues and greens of the landscape and ocean.  The suites have individual climate control, satellite television, a DVD player, electronic safe and direct telephone. Each has a pantry kitchen with delicious deli snacks prepared by the pastry chef of the hotel’s restaurant, and a well stocked drinks cabinet.  Real log fireplaces are lit on request.  The bathrooms are huge with oval-shaped calabash baths and wet rooms big enough for two.  Beds are beautifully dressed with Egyptian cotton linen and guests are supplied with luxurious toweling gowns and slippers.

The core building houses a sumptuous cigar lounge, champagne and whisky bar, library, wine cellar and gourmet restaurant, Zachary’s.  Intimate and romantic at night, the setting of the restaurant is spectacular during the day, with magnificent views over the Knysna Lagoon against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, tempting you to dine al fresco.  Executive chef Geoffrey Murray delights in serving up the freshest local ingredients in his inimitable style.  His menu offers a variety of ‘modern ethnic’ dishes inspired by his worldwide experiences which include owning his own restaurants in New York and Miami and his role as executive chef at the exclusive Seychelles resort, North Island.

Situated on the lower level of the hotel, the Spa is a calm sanctuary that reflects the soul of Africa and provides world-class professionalism in the delivery of a superior health and wellness experience.  Named Best Spa in South Africa in the 2005 Professional Beauty Awards, it includes a 12m heated indoor pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium, outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, rain shower, nail bar, hair salon and nine therapy rooms, as well as a post-treatment room with heated water beds.  It offers a comprehensive range of treatments, which combine natural therapies with the most technologically, advanced equipment available.  A number of packages have been designed to revive body and spirit.

Guests have access to the secluded Noetzie Beach and River and activities including canoeing, fishing, hiking, birding and nature trails.  The estate’s Field of Dreams sporting complex offers an equestrian center, four world-class tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports oval and golf driving range.  The Championship Golf Course lies high above the Indian Ocean and the vast Knysna lagoon – a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine indigenous landscape.  The Championship Course is primarily for member play, offering referred access to visitors on a space-available basis.

The stylishly appointed Pezula Clubhouse includes a gourmet restaurant, bar, plush private lounge with library, and a boutique pro shop.  A heated pool, short game practice area, tennis and leisure facility are also available to members and guests.  Contact Road Travel Africa to book your stay at this incredible resort at even more incredible rates.