7-Day Cape Wildlife Luxury Safari
(Self-Drive option also available)
Cape Town to Cape Town
Day 1 - Sanbona Private Game Park (L, D)
We collect you from your overnight accommodation or from the airport in Cape Town and drive through to the Little Karoo where we leave Route 62 to visit the Sanbona Game Park, near Montagu, for two nights.
The name Sanbona, a combination of the "San" people, who occupied the area 100 years ago and "bona" representing their vision, have been combined to position this 54 000 hectare Klein Karoo property. Sanbona is the first Big Five reserve in the Western Cape. A variety of activities are available to guests who are accompanied by highly skilled guides. Guiding encompasses game drives to view the Big 5 and a variety of antelope, archaeological discussions, birding, walks to the rock art, visits to the dam and presentations on the varied plant species. Visits to the raptor rehabilitation and breeding centre can also be included in the birding experience. Trout fishing, stargazing and quad biking is also available. This afternoon we do a game drive in this recently restocked wilderness.
Day 2 - Sanbona Private Game Park (B, L, D)
Full day Lodge programme at Sanbona.
Day 3 - Oudtshoorn (Breakfast)
After our early morning drive we depart after a late breakfast and drive through to Oudtshoorn where we overnight at Fosters Manor (or similar). Experience the days gone by of ostrich feathers and feather palaces at Foster`s Manor Bed & Breakfast - the embodiment of the ambiance of the era when the ostrich and its feathers reigned supreme in the Little Karoo. Today, time permitting, we will also visit the Cango Caves, which are among the biggest stalagmite formations in the world. Some of the sandstone formations are colourfully illuminated and the bizarre shapes in the caves are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. They develop as limewater drips from the stones and evaporates. The structures growing down from the cave ceiling are called stalactites, while those that grow from the ground to the top are called stalagmites.
Day 4 - Shamwari OR Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (Breakfast, Dinner)
Today we drive a most scenic route through to the world renowned Shamwari (OR Kwandwe Game Reserve) where we spend two nights.
Shamwari, meaning 'friend' in the Shona language, is a 20 000ha, malaria-free, private game reserve. This award-winning, internationally recognised reserve is about conserving a vanishing way of life. It has 5 eco-systems, which support many forms of plant, animal and bird life. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. It is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown, and is a natural conclusion to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route. A victory for far-sighted conservation, 25 000 hectares (62 000 acres) of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve.
Operated by & Beyond, Kwandwe aptly means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa (South Africa’s highly endangered national bird) and is home to a population of these rare birds. It offers an exceptional safari experience in a region steeped in history and culture. The Great Fish River was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779 to 1878 between the Xhosa nation, Dutch farmers and the 1820 Settlers from England.
Day 5 - Shamwari OR Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)
Full day Lodge safari programme at Shamwari or Kwandwe Game Reserve. Game drives are taken in the morning and evening with highly experienced rangers, who share their knowledge with you and bring you close to rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, hippo and more than eighteen antelope species. Game drives are in open 4x4 safari vehicles for you to fully appreciate the plains, grasslands, valleys, thicket, vast species of birds and animals that Shamwari has to offer.
Day 6 - Knysna (Breakfast)
After our early morning game drive and late breakfast, we depart for the Garden Route where we visit the Tsitsikamma National Park for a walk to the suspension bridge over the storms river, before arriving in Knysna. Knysna is known for its indigenous forests, oysters and other fine seafood, art and crafts and wonderful shopping. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Knysna River Lodge. The award winning Knysna River Club comprising of 35 luxury chalets is situated on the edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon, offering a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay at one of South Africa's prime destinations. The remainder of the day you are at leisure
Day 7 - Cape Town. (Breakfast)
This morning we make our way to Mossel Bay where we visit the interesting Diaz Museum in the town, before heading to Cape Town. If this is during the whale season (July to November) we travel via Hermanus, which is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale-watching destination in the world.
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