NEW ADVENTURE!
Explore the country’s most spectacular landscapes and best hiking areas, from Cape Town to the Drakensberg Mountains, on our most active and exclusive South Africa trip!
The southern coast of South Africa is strikingly diverse, from the rich history and cultural heritage of Cape Town, to the lush temperate rainforest and breathtaking seascapes of the Tsitsikamma National Park, to the jagged spires of the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa’s highest range. On this active adventure, you’ll cover the best hiking areas of South Africa and discover the landscapes in all their infinite variety. You’ll summit Table Mountain, go sea kayaking with penguins or take a whale-watching cruise, journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive (one of the most spectacular coastal passes in the world), cycle through the Winelands, drive along the celebrated “Garden Route,” hike the coastal trails of Tsitsikamma, and explore the towering cliffs and waterfalls of the Drakensbergs, home to the largest series of rock art paintings in Africa. Your active days are rewarded by comfortable nights in some of South Africa's most exclusive hotels, where you can also taste the outstanding Cape cuisine and award-winning local wine. For those who wish to add on a safari element, our Kruger National Park/Sabi Sands extension is the perfect complement.
Activities
Hikiing, sea kayaking, cycling, whale watching, cultural touring
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the beaches, cultural sites and historical landmarks of Cape Town—from Robben Island to the Cape of Good Hope
- Climb to the top of Table Mountain, bike through the celebrated Cape Winelands, go whale watching, and sea kayak with penguins on this active MTS adventure
- Drive along the famous Garden Route, and hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, where a mosaic of fynbos, proteas and giant ferns grow down steep cliffs to meet the crashing sea
- Explore the highest mountain range south of Kilimanjaro, and see the largest series of rock art paintings in Africa—South Africa is more than just safaris
- Enjoy deluxe accommodations and the excellent cuisine and wine of South Africa!
Duration: 11 days Start Location: Cape Town End Location: Durban
Download Detailed ItineraryBRIEF Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive Cape Town
Arrive into Cape Town at anytime today.
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Day 2 : Cape Town
Today we visit Robben Island by ferry, then tour a local township in the afternoon.
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Day 3 : Cape Town
Full day hike up Table Mountain (5-6 hour moderate to strenuous hike).
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Day 4 : Cape Peninsula
Today we explore the stunning Cape Peninsula and can choose between a sea kayaking excursion to a colony of African penguins OR a whalewatching cruise (Sept, Oct, Nov) OR a cruise to Seal Island (December).
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Day 5 : Winelands
Full day winelands tour with the option of cycling.
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Day 6 : Garden Route
Drive along the famed Garden Route to Plettenburg Bay with a lunch stop in Mossel Bay.
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Days 7 - 8 : Tsitsikamma National Park
Full days of hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park.
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Day 9 : Drakensberg Mountains
Transfer to Port Elizabeth airport for a scheduled flight to Durban. Transfer from Durban to the Montusi Mountain Lodge.
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Day 10 : Drakensberg Mountains
Hike to an incredible natural Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg Mountains or enjoy easier day hikes in this area.
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Day 11 : Depart Durban
Trip ends at King Shaka International Airport today in Durban, South Africa.
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DATES: Best time to go: September - December Departures: Sep 5 - 15, 2013 Oct 3 - 13, 2013 Nov 5 - 15, 2013 Dec 3 - 13, 2013 |
PRICING:
2013 Prices *internal airfare is subject to change based on published fares |
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Hotel
Cape Town, South AfricaThe Victoria & Alfred Hotel is located in the historic North Quay warehouse with excellent views of Table Mountain, Table Bay and the working harbor. The hotel has 94 large, comfortably furnished, air-conditioned, en suite rooms each with a mini-bar, television, radio and hair dryer. The Waterfront area offers many interesting shops and boutiques, plus a cinema, a theatre, numerous restaurants and cafes, bistros and bars, historic buildings and a maritime museum.
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Le Franschhoek Hotel
South AfricaLe Franschhoek Hotel offers unequalled views of the Franschhoek Mountains, located in the equally splendid vineyards of the Western Cape. The hotel comprises 63 elegantly appointed rooms in 3 unique settings (garden, vineyard and river rooms). All rooms are air-conditioned, offer internet connections, mini bars, satellite television, room safes and underfloor heating. The hotel also contains 2 restaurants, a culinary school, swimming pool, spa and wine bar.
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Hog Hollow Country Lodge
South AfricaHog Hollow is a delightful private nature reserve set on the edge of indigenous forest, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Hog Hollow is known for its outstanding cuisine, African decor, creative style and personal attention. The 15 unique en suite bedrooms have private wooden decks, large beds and cozy fireplaces. Superb breakfasts and dinners are served on the pool deck or around the communal candlelit dining table.
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Montusi Mountain Lodge
South AfricaMontusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in South Africa. Montusi consists of a large thatched main building with reception, restaurant, terrace, bar and lounge. A swimming pool looks over the escarpment. 14 spacious garden suites with comfortable bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, lounge areas with sofas and fireplaces, plus private patios for your own views of the Drakensbergs.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
We use two separate private guides on this trip: one for Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and one for Durban and the Drakensbergs. Both guides will be local South African guides with years of experience sharing the wonders of their country with guests. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
photo credits: ©MTS Photo File
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