Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 11 Breakfasts 1 Lunches 3 Dinners

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that’s done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It’s a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we’d recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline. Local crew Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group’s tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly, you should allow £20.00 per family member for group tipping.

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Accommodation

2 nights standard cabins 5 nights standard hotel 2 nights simple lodge 1 nights standard lodge 1 nights standard tree-house Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on a selected number of night stops within the holiday. If you would like this option, a discount may be applicable on the cost of the trip - please ask our Sales team for further information. The accommodation 30 minutes outside of Swellendam is rustic, but for many a real highlight of the trip. The A frame cabins themselves are basic, however its more than made up by the setting, right on the Breede River. There is plenty of outdoor space with a family play area, dining room and bar. The games room has a pool and table tennis table with plenty of room to play sports with the staff and other families, ideal for older children. Some cabins have private open air shower rooms attached, others have shared bathroom facilities. All have mosquito nets. The food is simple but homemade, wholesome and delicious, served in a buffet style format. A perfect spot to enjoy getting away from everything, really friendly staff and big fire pit to sit around after dinner to enjoy a drink and socialize. Our next stop is Oudtshoorn. Our locally owned and operated guesthouse offers en-suite accommodation with a TV and coffee and tea making facility. Wifi is available. The owners take great pride in their garden, there is a small treehouse with a seating area, a decent sized swimming pool, ideal for relaxing in after a busy day of activities and the accommodation offers a welcome and homely feel. The Dunes resort complex in Plettenberg Bay, where we have two nights has two swimming pools and an excellent restaurant. Rooms are well decorated with a TV, en-suite tea and coffee making facility and safe. The setting is truly fantastic, it’s a short walk through the sand dunes to the beach on Plettenberg Bay with endless white sand to enjoy. This is a good location to get any laundry done as its a two night stop mid way through the trip. One of the highlights of the trip is the Teniqua Treetops in Sedgefield with individual treehouses scattered around the complex which are built into the trees and consequently offers wonderful views of the surrounding area that can be taken from the balcony. Each treehouse varies in design but generally they will have a living room, kitchen and a sleeping area. The main area of the complex has a large living area with lots of games, restaurant and a pool and table tennis table. There is also a hot tub and swimming pool. We move onto the Tsitsikama Coastal National Park where we sleep in cabins (not ensuite - communal shower blocks are available). The cabins are all together with a separate restaurant close by and there are amazing walks that can be taken in the area. Our final accommodation is in Addo National Park where we sleep in family cabins. Meals maybe served during the game drives and served by the ranger.

Transport

4WD, Boat, Ferry, Minibus Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Visa and Passport Information Travelling with Minors via South Africa (including transits) Regulations affecting all children aged under 18 years that are travelling to, from or via South Africa have been updated (Nov19). The law states that visa exempt children travelling for tourism purposes with one or both parents and/or an adult who is not a biological parent require to present a valid passport for each child on arrival. We strongly recommend you to refer to the South African House website for full information and to travel with a copy of these requirements. South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Optional

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Days 1 to 3: Cape Town - Aquarium £11 per person Day 8: Plettenberg Bay - Whale watching trip £50 per adult & £26 per child under 12 years. Knysna Monkey Land £15 adults, £8 children per person Day 12: Early morning additional open top safarai drive before departing for Port Elizabeth. £25 per person (minimum 3 people required)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Cape Town, Scale Table Mountain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Cape Town, Scale Table Mountain

Our tour starts today in Cape Town, South Africa’s vibrant capital. Edged in by the blue waters of Table Bay and crowned by the looming Table Mountain, Cape Town combines cosmopolitan culture with majestic scenery - it’s the ideal launch pad for our South African adventure. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1pm for a welcome meeting and to take us on a guided walk to climb Table Mountain. Not only does the climb afford us spectacular views across the city and beyond, but we’ll also get to discover the beautiful plant life of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which has more indigenous plant species per square metre than anywhere else in South Africa. If you’d like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is around a 40-minute drive from our hotel. If you’d like to join the Table Mountain walk today, you need to arrive at the hotel by 1pm. If you’re booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport, it’s around a 40-minute drive to the hotel, so the latest your flight can arrive is 11am. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Anyone arriving late on Day 1 will be able to ascend Table Mountain on one of the other days in Cape Town. Please note, the weather in Cape Town can be highly variable. In the event of adverse weather, our Table Mountain climb will be postponed to another day. For those not wishing to walk, an aerial cable car runs frequently to and from the summit. It’s worth noting that the Table Mountain Cableway usually closes for general maintenance at the end of July each year. When the cable car is not running, the hiking trail is still accessible.
Day 2 Day 2: Catch The Ferry To Robben Island, Free Afternoon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Catch The Ferry To Robben Island, Free Afternoon

Today we’ll travel from the nearby Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Waterfront in Cape Town to take a tour of the world-famous Robben Island Museum, which includes a boat trip across Table Bay. Please note, the ferry tickets and museum entrance tickets (both booked by Explore) need to be purchased around 4-6 weeks before departure and we cannot guarantee that they will be available for late bookings. Returning across the bay, we’ll arrive back at the hotel at around 2pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace
Day 3 Day 3: Full Day In Cape Town – Hout Bay Boat Trip And Cape Point, Surfing Lesson On Muizenberg Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Full Day In Cape Town – Hout Bay Boat Trip And Cape Point, Surfing Lesson On Muizenberg Beach

This morning, we’ll make our way to Cape Point Visitors Park and take a walk up to a viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to soak up the rugged scenery. We’ll take an hour-long walk within the national park to Cape Point and the lighthouse, keeping an eye out for resident baboons, tortoises, otters and seabirds along the way. The trail is well marked, slightly rocky in places, and boasts diverse flora with many colourful flowers. Moving onto Hout Bay, we’ll take a boat trip to see the remarkable bird and marine life of Seal Island - where approximately 7,000 Cape Fur Seals have made their home on low-lying rocks. This afternoon we head to one of Cape Town’s best beaches. Muizenberg Beach is an ideal location to learn to surf; well known amongst the surfing community as offering some of the best surfing conditions along this stretch of coastline. A wetsuit is provided, please bring a towel, swimming suit and sunscreen.
Day 4 Day 4: District Six Museum, Stony Point Penguin Colony And Whale Watching In Hermanus. Drive To Breede River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: District Six Museum, Stony Point Penguin Colony And Whale Watching In Hermanus. Drive To Breede River

Today, we’ll discover the District Six Museum. Initially started as a community space for ex-residents to gather and meet, the museum now tells the story of District Six under apartheid to both local and foreign visitors to Cape Town and South Africa. Our group will have the privilege of taking a tour with an ex-resident of the district and get to hear their personal experiences and recollections. After our museum visit, we’ll leave Cape Town behind. We’ll make a stop at Stony Point penguin colony just outside the quaint coastal town of Betty’s Bay. The nature reserve is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins in the world as well as hosting a wealth of endemic bird life. It sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, undiscovered feel, offering excellent penguin viewing without the crowds. The boardwalks can be followed over the craggy outcrops to see the resident seabirds up close without disturbing them. Although humans are not allowed to wander beyond the boardwalks, it doesn’t always stop the penguins from joining the trail and setting a slow walking pace! After a lunch break at Betty’s Bay, we’ll continue our journey, making a stop at the small seaside resort of Hermanus, regarded as one of the premier spots for shore-based whale watching in the world. From the cliff-top walks, it’s possible to spot whales no more than 50 or 100 metres away. (whale watching season is between June and November). Departing Hermanus in the late afternoon, it’s a short drive to Swellendam. Leaving the main road to follow a gravel track to our river camp, where rustic, wooden a-frame huts line the banks of the Breede River. Our accommodation offers a real break from reality and a chance to enjoy the surrounding nature. You can chat with the friendly team - many of whom come from the nearby town - at the bar or around this evening’s campfire for an insight into their life on the Western Cape. This evening a traditional, bush-style dinner will be served around the campfire under the starry sky (weather-dependent).
Day 5 Day 5: Rafting Along The Breede River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Rafting Along The Breede River

We’ll spend today exploring in rafts along the scenic Breede River. From its source up in the mountains above Ceres, the Breede River meanders for 300 kilometres/186 miles before it deposits its water into the mighty Indian Ocean. During its long journey to the coast, it provides life-giving water to one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. This river also boasts amazing bird life and ample fishing. The winding channels and playful rapids make it the ideal river-rafting destination for families. This ultimate river adventure offers exciting grade 2 and 3 rapids. No experience is necessary, and briefings will be given by our local guides. The rest of the day is free to find a relaxing spot along the riverbank to enjoy the peace and quiet at our riverside base.
Day 6 Day 6: Visit Oudtshoorn, The Ostrich Capital Of South Africa And Explore The Deep Caverns Of The Cango Caves
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Visit Oudtshoorn, The Ostrich Capital Of South Africa And Explore The Deep Caverns Of The Cango Caves

Today we’ll drive to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. The arid landscape that borders the Little Karoo is a desolate yet magnificent area of semi-desert. After checking into our accommodation around lunchtime, we’ll set out to explore the finest dripstone caverns in the world - the Cango Caves. Situated in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, these limestone caves extend more than 5 kilometres/3 miles underground through a series of large caverns connected by passages. After our cavern adventure, we’ll take a tour of the Safari ostrich and butterfly farm, north of Oudtshoorn as well as the Zeekoegat School which showcases the process of building a new school. Each group member will get the opportunity to sponsor a ’brick’ towards the building of the new Zeekoegat Primary School. Please note, depending on timings and weather, today’s schedule might be switched with Day 7.
Day 7 Day 7: Drive The Garden Route From Knysna To Plettenberg Bay. Sea Kayaking Along The Coast At Central Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Drive The Garden Route From Knysna To Plettenberg Bay. Sea Kayaking Along The Coast At Central Beach

Making our way eastwards, we’ll travel along the awe-inspiring Garden Route to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. This afternoon, we’ll get to try our hand at sea kayaking along the coastline from Central Beach. We’ll explore this unique stretch of coast, with its abundant marine life, up close in one of our stable kayaks alongside an experienced guide. After a thorough briefing, we’ll paddle off from Central Beach and glide across the sparkling water, taking the opportunity to soak in the view of the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Robberg Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site. If we’re lucky, we might also spot Cape Fur Seals, Bottlenose and Humpback Dolphins and a variety of sea birds along the way. Please note, no experience is necessary to join the kayaking trip but you must be able to swim. We recommend bringing a sun hat and sunscreen as well as a change of clothes. Our accommodation for the next two nights is a white-washed, seaside resort, centrally located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, with three ’Blue Flag’ beaches only a short drive away.
Day 8 Day 8: Free Time Around Plettenberg Bay And Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Free Time Around Plettenberg Bay And Beach

Plettenberg Bay and its surroundings boast some of the most stunning beaches and scenery of the Garden Route, as well as an unparalleled choice of activities to keep the family busy. If you fancy a day at the beach, we recommend Central Beach - its long stretches of white sand and calm, warm waters are perfect for families. Today is free and there are several optional activities to choose from including boat-based dolphin and whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing (some of these activities have age restrictions). Whale watching is especially recommended in season (between June and December), as this shoreline offers the chance to watch a truly great mammal, the southern right whale. The dunes and escarpments offer panoramic views of the coast, and you have a good chance of seeing seals, dolphins and whales, plus a wealth of bird and botanical life.
Day 9 Day 9: Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Treehouse Accommodation In The Tree Canopy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Treehouse Accommodation In The Tree Canopy

This morning, we’ll take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve where our tour leader will guide us on a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderate - it’s uneven underfoot in places and can be slippery so good walking shoes are advised. Our efforts are rewarded with the chance to soak up the sweeping coastal views and the possibility to spot dolphins and seals playing in the waters below. From July to December, we might also be lucky enough to spot the southern right whales that come into the calmer and warmer waters to calve and nurse their young. Our accommodation at Treetops is a two-hour drive away. We’ll be staying in the Storms River region where there are plenty of well-marked walking trails, as well as the opportunity to explore suspended canopy walkways and zipwires or to try river kayaking. Teniqua Treetops is a unique eco-tented tree house occupying a position high on the foothills of the ancient Outeniqua mountain range. The tree houses offer a unique opportunity to sleep, eat and shower up in the canopy of the forest, all surrounded by birdsong and butterflies. Built on hand-crafted platforms and situated in carefully chosen beauty spots, the accommodation boasts comfortable tented bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and leafy bathrooms.
Day 10 Day 10: Morning Walk And Snorkelling In Tsitsikamma
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Morning Walk And Snorkelling In Tsitsikamma

The morning is left free to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Around midday, we’ll take a short drive to Tsitsikamma National Park ’the place of much water’, South Africa’s most impressive marine and forest park, stretching for 80 kilometres/50 miles from the lagoon at Nature’s Valley to the mouth of the Groot River. The lush forest and sheer cliffs host several short walking trails, the most popular of which takes you to a suspension bridge spanning the mouth of Storm’s River, a unique sight, where the booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores. The heartland of the park stretches for 5 kilometres/3 miles to the sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reefs and deep-sea fish - we can snorkel to discover the marine life. Dolphins frolic in the breakers and the gentle giant of the ocean, the southern right whale visits here, coming inshore to breed, in season.
Day 11 Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park

We’ll spend the morning enjoying the sparkling swimming pool, a large farm dam with canoes, a pool table, ping pong and the jungle gym on the farm before leaving late morning and heading eastwards to Addo Elephant National Park. The world-famous park is a 300,000-acre sanctuary, home to a wide range of South Africa’s wildlife. It’s known for its elephants (with a population of more than 600) but also supports buffalo, black rhinos, leopards and lions in its southern locations. We’ll head out for an afternoon game drive on arrival in the park. Tonight, we’ll stay in the park’s Forest Cabins, giving us prime access to the park. Each cabin sleeps a maximum of four people - families of over four will have two cabins. Each cabin has an open area with four single beds, a table and seating for four people, with a separate shower, toilet, and hand basin. We’ll gather this evening for a traditional braai dinner (included) prepared by our tour leader.
Day 12 Day 12: Tour Ends In Port Elizabeth
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tour Ends In Port Elizabeth

After breakfast this morning, we’ll depart Addo Elephant National Park area, driving 75 kilometres/46 miles to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ). We aim to arrive at about 10am and this is where our trip ends. Please note, the earliest your flight can depart is 12.30pm.

12 days tour

Family South Africa’S Garden Route And Safari

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Family South Africa’S Garden Route And Safari

Day 1: Join Trip In Cape Town, Scale Table Mountain

Day 2: Catch The Ferry To Robben Island, Free Afternoon

Day 3: Full Day In Cape Town – Hout Bay Boat Trip And Cape Point, Surfing Lesson On Muizenberg Beach

Day 4: District Six Museum, Stony Point Penguin Colony And Whale Watching In Hermanus. Drive To Breede River

Day 5: Rafting Along The Breede River

Day 6: Visit Oudtshoorn, The Ostrich Capital Of South Africa And Explore The Deep Caverns Of The Cango Caves

Day 7: Drive The Garden Route From Knysna To Plettenberg Bay. Sea Kayaking Along The Coast At Central Beach

Day 8: Free Time Around Plettenberg Bay And Beach

Day 9: Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Treehouse Accommodation In The Tree Canopy

Day 10: Morning Walk And Snorkelling In Tsitsikamma

Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park

Day 12: Tour Ends In Port Elizabeth

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