Sea, Safari, South Africa | 2024
Sea, Safari, South Africa | 2024
Sea, Safari, South Africa | 2024
14 Days Starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: Cape Town, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Durban, Saint Lucia, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Mbabane, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Kruger National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AASSMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Sea, Safari, South Africa" tour, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of South Africa and Swaziland. Begin your journey in Cape Town, traveling through the Karoo desert and visiting the ancient Cango Caves. Experience thrilling safaris in Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, where you'll encounter majestic elephants, lions, and more. Relax on the stunning beaches of Jeffreys Bay and Knysna, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Stellenbosch and a local Zulu village. This tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences, culminating in Johannesburg.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town To Oudtshoorn Via Cango Caves
Location: Cape Town, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn
Accommodation Name: Riempie Estate (or similar)
Hello Africa… and hello Cape Town. Ready to get going? It’s off to the Karoo desert via the famous ‘Route 62’. Today's scenic drive goes through mountain passes, vineyards and epic desert scenery along the way. An included guided tour of Africa's LARGEST show cave system. The Cango Caves are replete with cavernous halls, limestone formations, cave paintings and artefacts (which indicate they were in use throughout the Middle Ages)! How's that for a pitstop? Welcome to the Klein Karoo! This evening we'll check into Oudtshoorn with our first adventure on offer. You can choose to take a scenic bike ride or drive down the UNESCO Swartberg Mountain Pass. And finish off with a Karoo braai dinner on a local farm with produce straight from the farm around you.
Day 2: Oudtshoorn To Gqeberha Via Addo Elephant National Park
Location: Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Gqeberha
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good morning! Let's continue heading East towards one of South Africa's most loved National Parks: Addo Elephant. (Anyone guess which animal this place is famous for?) That’s right, it’s elephant time. After lunch, we’ll set out in search of Africa's largest land mammal here at the Addo National Park, home to over 600 of these tusk-tastic creatures. (Keep your eyes peeled for lions, buffalo, and antelope too though!) We'll retreat here for the night but fear not, more safari adventures await in the morning. Stuck for something to do this evening? Let us introduce you to the karaoke bar just around the corner. (Cue your fave Lion King jams.)
Day 3: Gqeberha And Private Game Reserves
Location: Gqeberha
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ready for the second chance at wildlife spotting? We thought so. Today is all about wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. We’ll start with a morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, who give sick and injured penguins the care they deserve and help them to return to the wild. Later this morning, we’ll set out on the first of today’s two private game drives. The Eastern Cape’s game reserves are some of South Africa’s best spots for seeing the Big 5, home to valleys, plains, rivers and much more. So today, we have two optional game drives in two different Private Game Reserves. (IKR?) Yes, yes that is three game drives in 36 hours giving you the best chance of spotting the Big 5. Lucky you, right? Tonight we’ll head back to the city where a free evening awaits. Karaoke round two? We won’t stop ya.
Day 4: Gqeberha To Knysna Via Jeffreys Bay And Tsitsikamma National Park
Location: Gqeberha, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna
Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beach time. Desert? Tick. Caves? Tick. Safari? Tick. Now it’s time to make our way along the famous Garden Route to our next destination, Knysna – with a few sensational stop-offs on the way.
Known as one of the best surf spots in the world, it’d be wrong not to start our day with some chill time on J-Bay… which is exactly what we’ll do.
Welcome to our next pitstop, known for the infinitely Instagramable Storms River Bridge – which we’ll take a picturesque hike to so you can get all the legendary snaps you need. After that, you’ll have the chance to up the adrenaline, with a spot of kayaking up the mouth of Storms River.
And then we pull into the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, ready to explore all the sights and activities the Garden Route is known for. (We've got two nights here too!)
Day 5: Knysna And Plettenberg Bay
Location: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna
Accommodation Name: Knysna Quays (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, team. Today starts with an included breakfast, overlooking the Knysna lagoon, and then we’re off again once more.
It’s ocean time… Join our optional marine safari and set out in search of whales, dolphins, seals and more spectacular sea life. Afterwards, we’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing on Plettenberg's main beach, catching those rays and helping ourselves to some splendid seafood.
This evening, we’ll embark on a Township visit here in Knysna, where you’ll meet the locals and have the chance to make a positive impact for the children who live here. Afterwards, we'll tuck into a group dinner on the Knysna lagoon, followed by a night on the town.
Day 6: Knysna To Cape Town Via Hermanus
Location: Knysna, Hermanus, Cape Town
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make sure you call dibs on a window seat. As we drive back to Cape Town, you’ll watch the magnificence of the Garden Route unfold as we pass coastal towns, forests, gorges and some jaw-dropping ocean views. Marine mania… We’ll have lunch and some free time here in the coastal town of Hermanus, which is one of the world’s best areas for spotting whales – between July and November at least – so have your binoculars at the ready. And here we are, back in the city where it all began. Tonight, you can opt for a MasterChef-style cooking class and enjoy the food, music and drinks.
Day 7: Cape Town To Johannesburg Via Stellenbosch
Location: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: OR Tambo Protea Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fine wine, all in good time. Today we’ll add a touch of class to proceedings with a trip to Stellenbosch – the Cape’s famous wine region.
After some free time to explore (and shop till you drop) we’ll set out to discover Stellenbosh’s awesome wine farms, sampling the very finest of the Cape’s fine wines. With spectacular views, and a traditional South African braai for lunch, this really is one tasty excursion indeed.
Touching down, we’ll head straight to our hotel for the evening. The second half of our South African adventure awaits us in the morning...
Day 8: Johannesburg To Durban
Location: Johannesburg, Durban
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: City Lodge Umhlanga (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day of history. Here in the City of Gold, we’ll take a drive through the heart of South Africa to the coastal city of Durban. Along the way, we’ll stop off for a sobering exploration of the nation’s troubled history, with a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela’s capture during the apartheid era. We’ll then take a trip to the museum – yes, you’ll confront the history, but you’ll leave feeling hopeful as you learn how apartheid was finally brought to an end.
Tonight’s accom is conveniently located next to plenty of shops and restaurants… So you can go right ahead and treat yourself.
Day 9: Durban To St Lucia
Location: Durban, Saint Lucia
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a free morning here at one of the finest coastal spots in South Africa. You can check out the uShaka Marine World, rent a bike and cruise down the ‘Golden Mile’ (AKA the 6km promenade) or you can simply sit back and soak up those rays like the sun junkie you are. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Lucia.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife by day and hippos by night here in St Lucia (we’re right by the UNESCO World Heritage listed iSimanagaliso Wetlands Park after all). On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience this afternoon, we’ll visit a local Zulu village, learning all about the Zulu people and their traditions with a chance to meet some of the locals.
Day 10: St Lucia
Location: Saint Lucia
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Forest Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beach or bush? Why decide when you can do both? This morning we’ll head out to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so watch out for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope… plus whales (coz we’re right on the coast, baby). We’ll stop off at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and all-round beach vibes (weather permitting, obvs). You’ll then have some free time to explore St Lucia or kick back at the hotel. This evening, we’ll embark on a Sunset Hippo Boat cruise on Lake St Lucia (Africa’s largest estuary – home to over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles). Afterwards, we’ll round things off with a traditional South African braai dinner. Yup, this day’s as action-packed as it is awesome.
Day 11: St Lucia To Mbabane Via Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Location: Saint Lucia, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Mbabane
Accommodation Name: Mlilwane Beehive Huts (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's an early start today – we’re heading inland to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and we aim to be there by sunrise. The Big Five. A half-day game drive at the reserve instrumental for bringing the White Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Even a picnic lunch. Today’s excursion is a biggie indeed. With our wildlife bucket lists sufficiently checked, it’s time to set off for a brand new country. Passports at the ready folks – here in Eswatini, we’ll meet some of the locals and learn about their culture and language on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You've learnt from locals. Now its time to sleep like them too. Tonight you will stay at Mlilwane's Main Lodge - unique beehive thatched huts with ensuite bathrooms (and hotel room amenities for a bit of comfort).
Day 12: Mbabane To Kruger National Park Via Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Mbabane, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ah, to wake up in nature. We'll kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and then join the Trip Manager for a morning safari walk. Don't forget to sign up for a guided Mountain bike ride through the wilderness. There is no Big 5 here so feel free and safe to explore as you choose. Keep an eye out to spot some antelopes and warthogs! Next up, it’s the big one. The world famous one. Here in Kruger, we’ll stay at an exclusive safari campsite – located right in the middle of the park. (Struggling to picture it? Think glamping canvas tents with mattresses, linen and stretchers, a roaring bonfire burning all the while.) This is a true Once in a Lifetime experience, where you’ll fall asleep to the nocturnal calls of hyenas, jackals and lions.
Day 13: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Contiki Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're up bright and early for our first taste of the fresh morning air. We'll start with a sunrise safari – just in time to catch Africa’s elusive predators finishing off their nocturnal hunt. At midday, you’ll have the chance to relax back at the camp: you can visit the local shop, take a dip in the pool or visit the nearby restaurant where you can look out over the Sabie River and watch as the animals come to quench their thirst (yup, it's preddy special.) This afternoon, it’s back to the safari vehicles for a sunset game drive and another chance to see the Big Five and more. Tonight back at camp, we’ll tuck into a traditional South African braai or BBQ, complete with local sides and desserts.
Day 14: Kruger National Park To Johannesburg
Location: Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day. But is there time for one last morning game drive? You bet there is. We’ll head out bright and early before making our way back to Johannesburg.
And now, with heavy hearts (and even heavier camera rolls) we’ll make our way back to either the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (Vic Falls anyone?) or Johannesburg International Airport. It’s been a thrill… we’ve seen wildlife, we’ve made friends for life. The only question is: where next?
What's Included
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Cango Caves Tour
An included guided tour of Africa's largest show cave system, the Cango Caves.
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Meerkat Safari
A sunrise Meerkat Safari to watch these precious creatures wake up and start their day.
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Addo Elephant National Park
A visit to Addo National Park to see Africa's largest land mammals, including over 600 elephants.
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SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center
A morning tour of the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center to learn about penguin care and rehabilitation.
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Private Game Drives
Two private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves, known for the Big 5.
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Tsitsikamma National Park Hike
A picturesque hike to the Storms River Bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park.
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Knysna Lagoon Breakfast
An included breakfast overlooking the Knysna lagoon.
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Township Visit in Knysna
A visit to a township in Knysna to meet locals and make a positive impact.
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Shark Conservation Learning
A session to learn about shark conservation in Hermanus.
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Stellenbosch Wine Tasting
A trip to Stellenbosch to explore wine farms and sample Cape's fine wines.
What's Not Included
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Optional Marine Safari
The marine safari in Plettenberg Bay is optional and not included in the tour package.
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Kayaking at Storms River
Kayaking up the mouth of Storms River is an optional activity and not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel through South Africa and Swaziland by scenic drives, including the famous 'Route 62', with stops at national parks, coastal towns, and game reserves. Enjoy private game drives and a sunset hippo boat cruise.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including Riempie Estate, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth, Knysna Quays, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, OR Tambo Protea Hotel, City Lodge Umhlanga, Forest Lodge, Mlilwane Beehive Huts, and Contiki Safari Camp.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, meerkats, penguins, the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Additionally, you may spot whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine life during the optional marine safari.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as a marine safari in Plettenberg Bay and kayaking at the mouth of Storms River.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to a local Zulu village to learn about Zulu culture and traditions, a township visit in Knysna to meet locals and make a positive impact, and a visit to the site of Nelson Mandela's capture and a museum to learn about apartheid history.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation varies throughout the tour, including stays at estates, lodges, hotels, and an exclusive safari campsite in Kruger National Park. Specific examples include Riempie Estate, Town Lodge Port Elizabeth, Knysna Quays, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, OR Tambo Protea Hotel, Royal Palm Hotel, Forest Lodge, Mountain View Hotel, and Contiki Safari Camp.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes various meals such as breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Specific meals include a bush dinner in Oudtshoorn, breakfast overlooking the Knysna lagoon, a traditional South African braai for lunch in Stellenbosch, and a final bush dinner in Kruger National Park.
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What kind of physical activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of physical activities such as hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park, a walking and mountain bike safari in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and snorkeling at Cape Vidal in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
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Will there be any opportunities for wine tasting during the tour?
Yes, there will be a trip to Stellenbosch to explore wine farms and sample Cape's fine wines.
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Are there any conservation-focused activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Center to learn about penguin care and rehabilitation, a session on shark conservation in Hermanus, and a visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve known for its efforts in rhino conservation.
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What kind of game drives are included in the tour?
The tour includes multiple game drives such as two private game drives in the Eastern Cape's game reserves, a half-day game drive at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, and morning and evening game drives in Kruger National Park.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions