Lions, Wines and Whales

Itinerary

• South Africa

  South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna.  Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent.

• Cape Town

  Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

• Hermanus

  Hermanus is a town on the southern coast of South Africa and is famous as a place from which to watch whales during the southern winter and spring. It forms part of the Western Cape and is a popular retirement town. The whales can be seen from the cliffs in the town centre from as early as June. They were once hunted locally, but are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions which explain the whaling history of Hermanus. Grotto Beach is the largest beach in Hermanus and has also been proclaimed a "Blue Flag" beach which ensures its preservation as a world heritage site. Other beaches include Voelklip, Onrus, Kammabaai and Langbaai.

• Sabi Sands

  The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Reserve and the wildlife roams freely between the two game reserves. Some of the best and most exclusive private game lodges in the country are in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the chances of seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) are excellent.

• • Cape Town
  • Kensington Place

  Day 1: Cape Town

  Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, top tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc.)

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Kensington Place

  Kensington Place luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in the most contemporary style. Facilities include twin/king size beds, iPod docking facilities, safe and laptop and Skype phone facilities.Though in leafy suburbia, our luxury hotel is well placed for the city centre of Cape Town. Attractions include a wide variety of restaurants, Robben Island and beautiful beaches.

• • Cape Town

  Day 2: Cape Town

  Today you will be met by your guide for an exploration of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take in the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), lively Greenmarket Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (cable car fee is not included as it is weather dependent). On our descent, we stop at the Bo Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses.

  Accommodation: Kensington Place
• • Robben Island

  Day 3: Cape Town

  Sign up for optional activities (not included in tour price); diving to see Great White sharks, whale watching, visit to Robben Island to see Mandela's prison, visit to local townships, walking tours, visit winelands, cycling, cultural tours and more.

  Accommodation: Kensington Place
• • Hermanus
  • Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

  Day 4: Hermanus

  This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred along the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Hermanus. This is regarded as one of the top scenic drives in South Africa, hugging the coastline with amazing views of False Bay. Between June and November, whales are often sighted on this drive. The route winds through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, which is known for its beautiful fynbos. En route to Grootbos we will visit Stony Point in Betty’s Bay to view a colony with over 3500 African Penguins (the same penguins, guests would experience in Boulder’s). There are incredible pathways leading past the penguin nests and you will have many photographic opportunities of these amazing creatures.

  Accommodation: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

  Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges is a jewel of Cape ecotourism and luxury accommodation. The reserve is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a unique niche in the up market eco-lodge sector by specializing in the Cape region of South Africa’s world-renowned flora and marine biodiversity. This multi-award winning 1750 ha reserve is home to more than 750 different species of plants, offers warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, fine South African wines and is a nature lover’s paradise.

• • Shark Diving
  • Grootbos

  Day 5: Hermanus

  Grootbos works with Marine Dynamics located at Kleinbaai Harbour (a mere drive of about 15 minutes), which we regard as the top sharking company in South Africa. It is not only known for its extensive conservation efforts, but also for their highly qualified marine biologists and staff on board, which makes it a truly amazing experience. Transfers from Grootbos to the harbour are included so you don’t have to rise early. After the boat trip you'll come back for a warm shower and a light lunch is already waiting for you.

  Grootbos offers many wonderful adventurous trips that weave throughout the majestic reserve; it is the perfect place to recapture one’s outdoor spirit through the panoramic and beautiful scenery. On a guided walk through the nature reserve trails, visitors are far more likely to encounter birdlife which they would not have been able to spot and discuss if they had been in a vehicle. The Grootbos hiking trails offer so much to explore above the obvious flora and fauna. Animal tracks, local insects, flower details and much more are far more easily observed on the pleasant guided walks and hikes through the Grootbos reserve.

  Other activities incldue: forest walks, visit the historic Klipgat Caves, spend a day at the beach, or enjoy 4×4 reserve drives through the last of the Cape’s Milkwood forests and the beautiful floral Kingdom. On another day you could choose to go horseback riding. One of the most satisfying and enriching ways of exploring Grootbos Nature Reserve is by horse back. The horses at Grootbos are ideal for beginners and experienced horse riders alike. Experienced staff look after 18 horses at the Grootbos stables, and accompany guests on rides.

  Accommodation: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
• • Winelands
  • Whale Watching by Boat

  Day 6: Hermanus

  The Overberg has long been known for its great wines, starting with Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson in the late 1980’s. During the last seven years, the area has become known as the new vogue area for wines in South Africa. This area boasts over 70 wine estates, many of them with award winning wines. Grootbos has decided to offer a guided wine tour, visiting three wine estates, where guests have the chance to interact with the winemakers during the wine tasting, and including a visit to the true southernmost tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas, where your guests will enjoy a hearty picnic lunch. The wine route will take guests also through the small village of Elim, which is the second oldest missionary station in South Africa, with the only functional watermill in South Africa.

  Grootbos boasts the last of the Cape’s Milkwood Forests and the beautiful Cape Floral Kingdom. For those who wish to venture farther you can sign up for other activities as well.

  • Whale Watching - By land, sea or plane (from June to December)
  • Shark Cage Diving - By air, boat or cage diving
  • Big 5 Marine Tour - By boat, enjoy sights such as penguins, seals, dolphins, sharks, or even whales
  • Scenic Flights - View mountains, vineyards, shipwrecks and even sharks and whales. View the southern most part of the African land mass from this unique perspective.
  • Birding Tours
  • Bloom Beauty Salon
  • Wine Tours - By land to Elim which means ‘place of God’, a wonderfully conserved little historical town that is home to several wineries

  Accommodation: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
• • Sabi Sands
  • Kirkmans Bedroom

  Day 7: Hermanus - Cape Town - Nelspruit (KMIA) - Sabi Sands

  Private transfer from Hermanus to Cape Town.

  Take your flight from Cape Town to Kruger (KMIA) today. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hrs.

  Private transfer to your lodge from KMIA Airport. This trasfer will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp

  Step back in time into the gracious atmosphere of this original homestead and marvel at the spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness from each of the 18 guest cottages. Rolling lawns carve out a niche in a wild and tumbling wilderness that hosts memorable game viewing in one of the world's most celebrated Big Five wildlife regions. Spacious sitting, dining and bar areas contain mementos of a time long past, while the untamed wilderness outside whispers a promise of adventures not to be forgotten.

• • Morning Game Drive

  Day 8: Sabi Sands

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp
• • Sabi

  Day 9: Sabi Sands

  Before first light you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your early morning game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge for breakfast. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost depending on availability.

  This afternoon you'll meet up with others at the lodge and embark on your afternoon game drive. Sunrise and sunset are when the animals are most active. You'll be out in the reserve for a few hours before returning back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner. A private vehicle can be booked at an additional cost dependant on availability.

  Accommodation: Kirkmans Kamp

• Day 10: Sabi Sands - Nelspruit (KMIA)

  Private transfer from your lodge from to KMIA Airport. This trasfer will vary depending on the location of your lodge and can take 3+hrs.

  Take your flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Johannesburg today. The flight duration is approximately 1 and a half hour.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The African Elephant is a notably intelligent animal due to their large brain, and has a distinct social conduct from other animals. Herds consist of related females and their young, directed by the eldest female, or matriarch. Elephants remain close to their families, the relationship between each elephant is very strong and they recognize each other even after long periods apart. During migration, the matriarch decides the route and leads the group to all the water sources she knows. The other members of the herd will memorize these places for the future. Males stay with the herd only long enough to remain self sufficient, and then go to form their own groups with other males. They will only approach a herd in response to a mating call, which can occur at any time of the year.

• Culinary Delights

  South Africa has emerged as a polyglot cuisine. European colonization, the adaptation of the native Bantu cooking, and mass immigration of migrant workers have all contributed. The Dutch brought their forms of agriculture, and British merchants imported "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. The French introduced the cultivation of vineyards. Malay workers and East Indians added curries and spice to the plain English-Dutch influence. Local game, and lamb, the famous South African lobster, and a vast repertoire of fish combine to create a truly cosmopolitan cuisine.

• Kid's Fun

  Butterfly is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. It is an enclosed garden boasting a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which fly freely around you, as well as loads of water features and exotic plants. The location of Butterfly World is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is no time limit on a visit to Butterfly so you can take as many photographs and videos as you like, or just sit down on a bench and admire these beautiful creatures fly around you. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant, and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.

• • Kensington Place

  Kensington Place

  Kensington Place luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and is close to the National Park. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in the most contemporary style. Facilities include twin/king size beds, iPod docking facilities, safe and laptop and Skype phone facilities.Though in leafy suburbia, our luxury hotel is well placed for the city centre of Cape Town. Attractions include a wide variety of restaurants, Robben Island and beautiful beaches.

  • More information
• • Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

  Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

  Grootbos Nature Reserve, with its two 5-star lodges is a jewel of Cape ecotourism and luxury accommodation. The reserve is spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest clad hills overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a unique niche in the up market eco-lodge sector by specializing in the Cape region of South Africa’s world-renowned flora and marine biodiversity. This multi-award winning 1750 ha reserve is home to more than 750 different species of plants, offers warm hospitality, excellent cuisine, fine South African wines and is a nature lover’s paradise.

  • More information
• • Kirkmans Bedroom

  Kirkmans Kamp

  Step back in time into the gracious atmosphere of this original homestead and marvel at the spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness from each of the 18 guest cottages. Rolling lawns carve out a niche in a wild and tumbling wilderness that hosts memorable game viewing in one of the world's most celebrated Big Five wildlife regions. Spacious sitting, dining and bar areas contain mementos of a time long past, while the untamed wilderness outside whispers a promise of adventures not to be forgotten.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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