7-DAY & SAFARI GETAWAY

This scenic self-drive journey will take you through the undulating wheat fields of the to the lake district of the Garden Route, en route to the lagoon town of . From Knysna, you continue via to Lalibela Game Reserve, for a thrilling safari in one the best Big 5 Game Reserves of the Eastern Cape. The journey home takes you through the Klein with an overnight stay in , at a working wine farm. The Klein Karoo has one the richest and most diverse succulent habitats in the World, with over 5000 species of succulents recorded. This area is located between the majestic mountains to the south and north and you travel through fruit growing, wine producing and ostrich farming towns such as , , Barrydale & Uniondale. Windmills dot the landscape, with starry skies to enjoy on a clear night.

ITINERARY:

Day 01 f Departure to Knysna or Plettenberg Bay

Set off from and make your way along the passing and , before you reach the Lake District area of the Garden Route and the Lagoon town of Knysna, where you spend 2 nights. En route to Knysna, we suggest a little off the beaten track route via the 7 Passes Route between George and Knysna, which is a wonderfully scenic route with its forests, rivers, gorges, , and sleepy farmlands. (not suitable for all vehicles)

Should you prefer the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, we can book alternative accommodation.

Day 01 & 02 f Knysna or Plettenberg Bay (2 nights)

Set between the majestic and the rugged Southern Cape Coastline, surrounded by forest and nestled on the banks of the lagoon, lies Knysna, paradise, in the heart of the Garden Route. The unique mix of water and forest, drop out and executive, tin shack and state–of-the-art architecture combines to make Knysna a fascinating town – one with a romantic history and a bright future.

The 21 ha estuary is protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" - silent sentinels down the centuries of the rich history of this unique part of "paradise of earth". Adding to the richness of this incredible region is the spectacular Fynbos vegetation, contributing 8000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom. The Knysna forest measures some 80, 000 ha in size and is managed according to strict conservation principles.

Accommodation: Belvidere Manor or similar

Suggested Activity | Knysna Scootours A unique and true forest experience. Enjoy an exhilarating downhill on the Monster Mountain Scooter, descent through indigenous forest, sweeping bends and single track. A scenic minibus ride takes you into the heart of the forest to the best hills to start your descent in the Garden Route National Park. All of this while on the lookout for the local wild life, the majestic Knysna Loerie, the shy bushbuck and wild boar. Scooters are non-motorized making this eco-friendly. These Swiss designed scooters are used in the Alps during the summer season on the ski slopes when the snow is gone. All trips are guided by professional qualified guides. All scooters can handle one adult with a child passenger.

Suggested Activities | Featherbed Nature Reserve

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is reached by ferry and is only accessible as part of the Featherbed Tour. Visitors are taken across to the reserve by ferry before being taken on a guided 4x4 trip to the top of the headland with spectacular views. Visitors can then choose to walk the 2.2km route through Milkwood Forests and onto a track along the coast back to the restaurant, or may continue with the 4x4. Look out for the elusive Knysna Loerie, the rare and tiny Blue Duiker and African Oystercatchers. Back at the Forest Restaurant, visitors are treated to a buffet luncheon as they sit beneath a canopy of Milkwood Trees on the edge of the lagoon. The trip is a 4-hour round trip and departs from the Knysna Waterfront at 10am for the lunch trip. A second 3-hour trip departs at 14:30

Suggested Activities | Ocean Odyssey Tours

Ocean Odyssey Tours offer a variety of activities from ocean trips to E Bikes. Enjoy a 45 minute adventure tour to the dynamic Knysna Heads, as you learn about the estuary, fascinating birdlife and compelling history. Hire an Electric Bike for the day and make exploring simple and stress free by avoiding traffic and searching for parking. Close encounter whale watching tours showcase these majestic giants that inhabit our vast and pristine Indian ocean. These migratory mammals, Southern Right and Humpback whales, grace us with their presence from June to November annually showing off their acrobatic skills while nurturing their young. Approaching a whale requires incredible skill and understanding of the behaviour of these gentle giants. Our skippers are well aware of the strict guidelines set in place by the permit and respect that they are in the whale’s domain. The trip duration is between 1½ to 2 hours.

Suggested Activities | Knysna & Surrounding areas

There are several activities on offer in Knysna and the surrounding areas. o Horse Riding in the Knysna Forest o Visit Thesen Island & enjoy lunch and beer tasting here o Visit the Knysna Heads and walk the trail along the cliffs o Enjoy Oysters at a local restaurant at the Knysna Waterfront o Sedgefield - Wild Oats Community Farmers Market (only on Saturdays) o Hiking at Robberg Peninsula o Beach walks at Buffalo Bay, Brenton Beach or Plettenberg Bay o Old Goal Museum o Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Tenikwa Wildlife Sanctuary o Tree Top Canopy Tours in Tsitsikamma o Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve o Bramon Wine Estate o The World’s Highest Bungee Jump

Day 03 f Knysna to Lalibela Game Reserve

Enjoy breakfast before departing Knysna to reach your safari destination around mid-day. You check into Big Five game reserve, Lalibela. Upon arrival you are transferred from reception to your lodge where you are greeted by your lodge host and have time to settle in before your afternoon game activity.

Days 03 to 06 f Lalibela Game Reserve (3 nights)

Lalibela Game Reserve is a 10,500 hectare malaria-free Big Five game reserve in the heart of Eastern Cape game country. Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. Lalibela has three lodges, all offering décor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service, exciting safari cuisine and unforgettable game viewing.

Accommodation: Mark's Camp

Included Activities | Daily Safari Programme at Lalibela Game Reserve Upon arrival at Lalibela Game Reserve you are transferred from reception to your lodge, where you are given a welcome drink and your safari experience will be explained to you by your lodge host. There will be time to settle in before lunch followed by your first game drive.

Game drives take place in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when animals are most active. Night game drives provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the predators. You return to your lodge in time for a sumptuous safari cuisine dinner.

The next day after a light snack you are taken on a morning game drive. You return to the lodge for a grand brunch. Then there is time to relax around the sunny pool, do some birdwatching from the observation deck or read a book in the peace of your room’s private veranda. You set off on another evening game drive, returning in time for dinner.

On your day of departure, you will do a morning game drive, followed by a hearty brunch and depart.

Day 06 f Lalibela Game Reserve to Ladismith (1 night)

The day starts as dawn breaks, enjoy your final morning game drive and a grand brunch prior to your departure. You are transferred to reception where you collect your vehicle and depart Lalibela. You head back along the N2 bypassing Port Elizabeth and Jeffrey’s Bay. You can either continue along the Garden Route or take the R 62 towards Kareedouw and Joubertina. You continue past Oudtshoorn and onto Ladismith, where you spend the night.

Accommodation: MyMering Guest Farm

Day 07f Ladismith to Cape Town

Your Journey ends here, depart Ladismith for the final stretch home.

We hope you enjoyed your adventure!

END OF TOUR

TOUR SUMMARY & QUOTATION*

TOUR PRICE

Per person sharing ZAR 8 305

* Room types are suitable for 2 guests and can be amended for bigger groups or families. * Room types can be amended on request * Package is subject to availability at the time of booking * Valid for travel from August to 15 December 2020

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

KNYSNA OR PLETTENBERG BAY - 2 nights in Knysna: Belvidere Manor in a Cape Style Cottage on a Bed & Breakfast Basis (continental breakfast) LALIBELA GAME RESERVE - 3 nights on Safari in the Lalibela Game Reserve: Mark’s Camp in a standard luxury chalet on a Full Board & Activities Basis (Includes three meals per day, tea and coffee, and twice daily game drives / excludes all beverages.)

LADISMITH - 1 night in Ladismith: MyMering Guest Farm in a cottage on a Bed & Breakfast basis

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

- All meals not specified above - Optional/Suggested Activities - Personal items, tipping, personal refreshments, and extras

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

+27 41 581 8170 [email protected]