South African Odyssey

This 8-night tour gives you a fabulous insight into South Africa’s incredible diversity. Over the course of your trip you’ll explore the magic of Cape Town, its modern Waterfront and majestic Table Mountain backdrop; taste the abundance of the Winelands and see the spectacular scenery along the Garden Route. You’ll end your stay on safari, with morning and evening game drives giving you the best chance of spotting the coveted Big 5 plus hundreds of other native African animals. First-class accommodation, a knowledgeable driver-guide and an unforgettable journey makes this trip a wonderfully complete introduction to South Africa.

Day 1: Arrive South Africa

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to The Queen Victoria Hotel on the beautiful V&A Waterfront.

Day 2: Cape Town (B)

After breakfast, set out to explore the wonders of Cape Town with a half day City & Table Mountain tour. Take the cable car to the summit and visit the city centre, The Houses of Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope and the Malay/Muslim quarters. In the afternoon you will have a chance to explore the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach with its wonderful African Penguins, small rock pools and flightless birds.

Day 3: The Winelands (B, L)

South Africa has a justified reputation for great wines and today you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try them for yourself. The Stellenbosch wine route includes a cellar tour, a trip to the Stellenbosch museum, plenty of wine tasting and a delicious gourmet picnic lunch at Boschendal – think rillettes of salmon, fresh salads, pasture-reared chicken and a fine selection of wines to accompany it. You’ll also have a chance to explore the food and wine heartland of the country – Franschhoek – where you will find wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and restaurants.

Day 4: Garden Route (B, L)

Enjoy a privately escorted tour taking you through the spectacular Du Toit’s Kloof Pass and over the mountains to Worcester. Stroll through the Karoo National Botanical Garden before heading to the Breede River Valley – the largest of the Western Cape’s fruit and wine producing valley. Mountain views, vineyard vistas and beautiful flora and fauna await you. You’ll see arid Little Karoo, Barrydale, Calizdorp and the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, before checking into your hotel.

Day 5: Knysna (B)

Drive to Cango Caves to see the fascinating limestone formations in this enormous complex of underground caverns. From here you will take the Garden Route to Sedgefield, travelling via the scenic Lake District and reaching Knysna in time for a drive along the shores of the Knysna Lagoon to the quiet village of Belvidere.

Day 6: Tsitsikamma (B)

After breakfast visit the Knysna Elephant Park in the Knysna forest, where these magnificent creatures once roamed freely in large numbers. You’ll then have time to browse the boutique shops in Knysna before heading along the coast to Plettenberg Bay where you’ll take an eco-stroll along the Robberg Peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled for whales or dolphins that might be visiting the bay. This is the heart of the Garden Route and you’ll enjoy the wonderful scenery along Old Passes Road before stopping at the unspoilt beaches of Natures Valley for a swim. Your hotel for the night sits in the heart of Tsitsikamma Forest.

Day 7: Kariega Game Reserve (B, L, D)

Today is spent exploring the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous primeval forest with towering ancient yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. A short afternoon walk brings you to the 800-year old “Big Tree”. From here, you’ll leave the Garden Route behind and reach Port Elizabeth in the afternoon where a river transfer will take you to the Kariega River Lodge. Incorporating luxury safari lodge accommodation, magnificent Big 5 viewings and other game as well as breathtaking vistas over the hills, valleys and rivers below; Kariega Game Reserve offers the ultimate in authentic South African safari holidays.

Day 8: Kariega Game Reserve (B-L-D)

This malaria-free South African game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa and stretches across 9,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. A morning safari takes you into the African bush intime to watch the dawn of a new day across the landscape while an evening safari may show you the thrill of a lion hunt or a family of hippos emerging from the water for some night grazing. In the evening, relax and sit back with a sundowner to simply enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of river life within this unique reserve.

Day 9: Departure (B)

After breakfast you will make the return transfer to Port Elizabeth for your departure flight.

Our Price Includes:

• Flights & airport taxes
• Private Airport transfers
• 8 night’s Accommodation
• Full day Winelands scheduled tour
• Half Day Table Mountain & city scheduled tour
• Half Day Penguin colony & Hout Bay Meals as mentioned
• Garden Route 3 night tour with English speaking driver/guide, entrances , 1 lunch
• Odyssey World agent in South Africa

Our Price Excludes:

• Tips to guides, hotels & restaurant staff
• Personal expenses
• Dinner transfers under own arrangements
• Drinks and meals not mentioned
• Travel insurance of any kind
• It is a condition of travel that guests must have insurance for cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses and baggage loss.
• Odyssey World does not accept liability for any costs incurred by any airline delays or cancellations.