Complete South African Experience | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Complete South African Experience

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PRIVATE TOUR - 16 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 8028

Private Tour Highlights

  • Take in some of Cape Town’s rich cultural history
  • Check out a diverse array of landforms on the Garden Route
  • See the view from atop Table Mountain – a natural wonder of the world
  • Indulge in (more than) a few wine tastings in Franschhoek
  • Enjoy a freshly prepared, locally sourced lunch in the Cape Peninsula
  • Come face-to-trunk and befriend African Elephants
  • Embark on multiple game drives to see a number of the “Big 5” game
  • Swim (Caged) in shark infested waters!
  • Tour a working ostrich farm, and take the chance to possibly ride one of these birds
  • Enjoy bird watching within Sabi Sands and witness the massive martial eagle
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Visit Cape Town, iconic Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula before traveling to the Cape Winelands, a region of award winning wines. Take in the southern right whales in the quaint town of Hermaus before heading out to Swellendam, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Port Elizabeth on the famed Garden route. This tour ends with a full multi-day safari at one of several private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park.

The Cape Winelands is a region of award-winning wines, magnificent vineyards, scenic splendor, historic towns and authentic Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as the culinary capital of South Africa with an impressive selection of top quality restaurants. Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Shark cage diving provides an adrenaline fix for adventure lovers and kayaking trips on the sea or lagoon can be booked.

The Garden Route was originally named after the vineyards, orchards and agricultural areas that used to sit between the Karoo Desert and the Southern South Africa coastline. Now it is more recognized for the forests, coastline, beaches, marine life & game reserves as well as the picturesque towns and villages along the way.

Adding to the majesty of Kruger Park safaris are the surrounding private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati. Over the last 20 years the fences between the reserves have been removed allowing the animals to roam freely between the Kruger National Park and these private reserves. The removal of these boundaries has afforded visitors to Kruger Park with the best Big Five safari experience South Africa has to offer.

Inclusions
Price includes:
One way domestic airfare from Port Elizabeth to Nelspruit and Nelspruit to Cape Town, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Notes:
* Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) may be viewed all year round.

* Whales are ONLY viewable June – November.

* PEAK whale viewing is August – October.

* Annual Whale festival in late September.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 8028

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to Cape Town

Overnight international flight to Cape Town.

Overnight international flight to Cape Town.

Day
2

Arrival in Cape Town

Upon arrival in Cape Town, airport reception and transfer in a private vehicle to the hotel. After check in enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, airport reception and transfer in a private vehicle to the hotel. After check in enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

Cultural history tour of Cape Town

Today, start by becoming immersed in some of the city’s history and culture on a private city tour. Stay alert for seldom seen sights and seldom heard stories about the city’s former inhabitants; previous visitors; beautiful architectural heritage; social, cultural, religious and political history.

Today visit the Townships – a tour that offers insight and interaction with different cultures, communities and individuals. Witness everyday life in a harsh environment which tells of the struggles, hopes and achievements. See why 27 April 1994 was such an important day in South Africa (first democratic elections). Start with a tour of District Six and see the oldest mosque in South Africa. District Six was once home to thousands of people of various cultures. Visit Langa, the oldest formal black township in Cape Town, and see the local market, an art & crafts centre, and visit a traditional healer. Experience the warm hospitality of a local B&B and visit a creche offering fun and a safe haven for the local children. Visit Bonteheuwel, Nyanga, Crossroads, Khayelitscha, and Gugulethu where the Gugulethu Seven Memorial and the Amy Biehl Memorial will be seen. Board the Robben Island ferry and enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and Table Mountain during the sailing journey across the bay to this island which is so full of history. Upon arrival to the island embark on a guided tour and see the prison cell that held Nelson Mandela captive for so many years. The return to the hotel is included.
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Day
4

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Cape Point

The journey to Cape Point goes along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. Pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay with their soft white sand and azure blue water. The formidable 12 Apostles Peaks rise above the road on one side, while sheer cliffs and incredible rock formations drop into the icy Atlantic Ocean on the other side. There is no doubt the coast of the Cape peninsula offers magnificent scenery with its great biodiversity. Arrive at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Visit Seal Island (own account) or shop for souvenirs at the craft market at the harbor. The tour continues over Chapman's Peak which offers amazing photo opportunities, and onto the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This area is home to magnificent 'fynbos', many different species of antelope and birds, the Cape Mountain Zebra, and mischievous baboons. These creatures entertain guests while enjoying lunch at the restaurant, which has splendid views of False Bay. Take the funicular (own account) to the lighthouse to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape Point. Visit Boulders Beach to see the Jackass penguins (own account), travel through the naval base of Simonstown and then venture inland to the last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers, and offer a fitting end to a day filled with all the Cape has to offer. ...read less

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Day
5

Winelands tour

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Heading north to Paarl, the first stop this morning is at Anura Wine Estate for a cheese and wine tasting. Then the tour makes its way to Franschhoek, with a photo stop en route, at the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela was released in Feb 1990. The village of Franschhoek nestled amongst the mountains, can easily be mistaken as being in Switzerland. After a short tour of the little town, a second wine tasting will take place in Franschhoek, followed by a lunch stop (optional – own account), and maybe a chance to try some of the fresh trout that Franschhoek is known for. After lunch the tour continues over the Hells Hoogte Mountain Pass to Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village amongst the mountains. The backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes all blend in to give this place a charm that will not be forgotten. Time permitting; a third wine tasting will be included. Return to Cape Town with amazing photos and fond memories. ...read less

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Day
6

Cape Town – Hermanus

Today, transfer from the Cape Town Hotel to the Hotel in Hermanus.

For the more adventurous, enjoy a full day white shark cage diving tour! Upon arrival at the launch site, enjoy a complementary buffet-style breakfast. Mossel Bay has some of the most accessible Great White Sharks in the world, with a protected bay that remains calm throughout the year. After being told the do's and don'ts of shark cage diving by experienced guides, be ready to get face to face with some of nature's most fearsome predators. Once the sharks have been drawn to the boat and are comfortable, the cage will be lowered into the water. Since travelers are safely caged and are non-free diving, no experience is required. Divers will rotate through the cage approximately every 20-30 minutes; rotations will be made until the trip runs out of time.

If shark infested waters don’t sound appealing, viewing from the boat is excellent as well, or take the day to explore Hermanus. Overnight in Hermanus.
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Day
7

Whales of Hermanus

This tour operates during the Whale Season from July to November only. There is no guarantee that whales will be sighted although guides make every effort to find the best viewing point. Travel along the scenic coastal Clarens Drive, which offers spectacular views of False Bay. Arrive at the quaint holiday town of Hermanus and search the cliffs of Walker Bay for whales. There may be an opportunity to join boat-based whale watching (for own account and subject to availability and weather). The tour continues into the beautiful Hemel en Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) to the Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate to indulge in a tasting of some of their delicious wines. Relax with a cup of tea (own account) at a farm stall where one can find natural preserves, jams and delicious pastries. Return over Sir Lowry's Mountain Pass and enjoy the views of long white sandy beaches stretching along the False Bay coastline. On a clear day it is possible to see Cape Point. ...read less

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Day
8

Hermanus – Oudtshoorn

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Private overland transfer from Hermanus to Oudtshoorn

After arriving in Oudtshoorn, embark on a tour of the Cango Caves.
The Cango Caves are located at the foothills of the Swartberg range near the town of Oudtshoorn, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The principal cave is one of the country's finest, best known, and most popular tourist caves. Although the extensive system of tunnels and chambers go on for over four kilometres, only about a quarter of this is open to visitors, who may proceed into the cave only in groups supervised by a guide.

After the tour concludes, enjoy a meal at the Cango Cave Restaurant. Recently accredited by the Klein Karoo International as a 'Blue Ostrich Restaurant' - and commanding dramatic views of the breathtaking Cango Valley - the Cango Caves Restaurant offers quality service and excellent, freshly-prepared meals which highlight the distinctive flavours of the Little Karoo.
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Day
9

Oudtshoorn – Knysna

Tour this working farm with its large flocks of ostriches. Professional, multi-lingual guides will show all the different facets of ostrich farming – and tell stories of the Victorian-era Ostrich Boom, when ostrich feathers were one of South Africa's most important export products. Get close to the birds, too – and maybe even try sitting on one (if weight is less than 80 kg). Our tours end with famous ostrich races, with the birds ridden by local jockeys.


The restaurant serves set menu (table d'hote) meals - which include superior quality ostrich filet – the Coffee Shop serves light meals, and the gift shop specializes in ostrich leather and ostrich feather products.

Take a private overland transfer from Oudtshoorn to the hotel in Knysna, Western Cape.
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Day
10

Knysna – Plettenberg Bay

Spend the the day at leisure, or book an optional tour at an additional cost. Then take a private transfer from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay .

Spend the the day at leisure, or book an optional tour at an additional cost. Then take a private transfer from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay .

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Day
11

Exploring Plettenberg Bay

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Elephant Sanctuary, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, has African elephants and offers an interactive elephant experience, elephant back riding and overnight accommodation. They offer hands-on educational elephant interactions. This provides guests with a far more intimate experience with the elephants. The dedicated staff are committed to the use of positive reinforcement elephant training methods and as a result they have relaxed elephants that enjoy interacting with guests.


Next, begin the Full Elephant Introduction in the Forest. Touching and interacting with Elephants. Walking hand-in-trunk with Elephants. Feeding (Limited Elephant Food included). Includes Elephant Back Riding. The opportunity to purchase a DVD of this experience with the Elephants (Excludes Cost of DVD).


After the elephant interaction concludes, move on to the Birds of Eden Day Tour. In 2010 the species count at Birds of Eden is just touching 220. The bird inhabitants of the aviary comprise a mixture of exotic as well African birds. They also include previously caged pets and hand reared and imprinted individuals, this explains why some of our inhabitants (especially the parrots of which we have 60 different species) are unafraid of human beings and seemingly tame. All new arrivals at Birds of Eden go through a process of rehabilitation before they enter the actual sanctuary of the main aviary. Be they ex pets, or birds confiscated from zoos or irrefutable breeders, most of the birds that arrive at Birds of Eden have a history of being caged in small environments.


This area is full of thriving animal sanctuaries. Finally, leave Birds of Eden and depart for Monkeyland. Monkeyland is the world's first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary (located in The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay). Tours are offered during which more than 550 primates including capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, saki monkeys, squirrel monkeys, vervet monkeys, 2 species of langur, howler monkeys, and gibbons can be seen in their forest home. Experience a 128-metre suspended canopy walk whilst on tour. There's also a restaurant, souvenir store, and viewing deck. Safari guides are multi-lingual.
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Day
12

Plettneberg bay – Port Elizabeth

Private overland transfer from Plettenberg Bay to Port Elizabeth. Spend the rest of the day in Port Elizabeth at leisure.

Private overland transfer from Plettenberg Bay to Port Elizabeth. Spend the rest of the day in Port Elizabeth at leisure.

port-elizabeth-south-africa
Day
13

Port Elizabeth – Sabi Sands

Today, embark on a series of domestic flights from Port Elizabeth to Kruger, and Kruger to a Sabi Sands game lodge.

Once at the Lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive before enjoying sun downer drinks and freshly prepared dinner at the lodge to cap the night off.

Today, embark on a series of domestic flights from Port Elizabeth to Kruger, and Kruger to a Sabi Sands game lodge.

Once at the Lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive before enjoying sun downer drinks and freshly prepared dinner at the lodge to cap the night off.

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Day
14

Exploring Sabi Sands

Today, capitalize on the allotted two game drives per day and see as much of Sabi Sands' biodiversity as possible.

Various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and duiker to kudu, bushbuck and nyala can also be seen, as can giraffe and warthog. However, it is the leopard that is the real star of the show at Sabi Sand, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. This shy and elusive animal, normally the most solitary of the African cats is often viewed both in daylight hours and during game drives.

A number of lion prides have territories in the Sabi Sand area and are regularly spotted on game drives. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, the cheetah is also occasionally seen at Sabi Sand. Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day when its rivals, the lion and the leopard, are resting. This daytime hunting habit occasionally creates spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action.

The fascinating social structure of the spotted hyena can also be clearly observed in a number of packs in Sabi Sands.
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Day
15

Bird watching in Sabi Sands

The biodiversity in Sabi Sands is not limited to merely large mammals and the "Big 5" but is rife with a wide variety of avian life, ranging from water birds, which congregate in the riverside reeds to a staggering array of birds of prey. The bateleur, with its distinctive shape and energy-conserving flight technique, is a frequent sight in Sabi Sand's skies. Africa's largest eagle, the martial eagle, is also often spotted on the reserve. Their gigantic nests, in the shape of an inverted cone, decorate many a knob thorn or other large trees throughout Sabi Sand. ...read less

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Day
16

International flight home

Today, enjoy breakfast take the opportunity to embark on a morning game drive before checkout and transfer to the return flight home or on to the next section of your journey.

Today, enjoy breakfast take the opportunity to embark on a morning game drive before checkout and transfer to the return flight home or on to the next section of your journey.

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

Swellendam, Western Cape, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Kruger National Park, Kruger Park, Limpopo, South Africa

Places You'll See

  • capetown-south-africa

    Cape Town

    As Africa’s most popular tourist destination, Cape Town has much to offer. From its natural features such as Table Mountain, or Hout Bay with its views of the Atlantic Ocean, to its cultural attractions and several hundred shops, it has something for everyone. The Two Oceans aquarium is a popular destination, with its large viewing windows and seven exhibition galleries.

  • franschhoek-south-africa-vineyards

    Franschhoek

    Founded by French settlers, Franschhoek was once known for its large number of elephants occupying the valley and, arguably, is the wine and food capital of South Africa. Enjoy tours of the local wineries and bike along while taking in the beautiful scenery just before indulging in the local cuisine.

  • south-africa-hermanus

    Hermanus

    The lovely seaside town of Hermanus is a well-known village a short way from Cape Town, and is best known as one of the ultimate places to spot the Southern Right Whale among other sea mammals during migration season. Aside from these breathtaking creatures, one can enjoy a great white shark tour as well as many other activities inland.

  • dutch-cape-architecture-south-africa

    Swellendam

    The gateway to the striking Garden Route and the fourth oldest town in South Africa is Swellendam. Here, there are many nearby game reserves that can be visited. While in Swellendam, take in the Cape Dutch architecture while learning of the area’s history and culture.

  • penguins-south-africa

    Plettenberg Bay

    Reaching out into the ocean is Plettenberg Bay. Here one can bathe in the tranquil waters while enjoying the sands of the beach, as well as take on adventurous tours. Birdwatching, diving, and whale watching are just a few of the options one has while visiting the bay. Stop by the Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve to witness the occasional great white, and penguins!

  • port-elizabeth-south-africa

    Port Elizabeth

    Port Elizabeth is a beautiful beach town that is spoiled by warm waters and beautiful beaches. Enjoy surfing, sandboarding, and other beach activities as well as visiting galleries and local museums. Another stop that one could make is at the Addo Elephant National Park where one can see an assortment of big game.

  • cheetah-kruger-nat'l-park-south-africa

    Kruger National Park

    Get the real safari experience at the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s largest game reserves. The offers a chance to see some of the 500 plus species of wild birds, nearly 150 species of large mammals including all of the Big Five game animals, and over 100 species of reptiles including the black mamba. There’s even a 9-hole golf course.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Cape Town : Inn on the Square

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge

Cape Town : SunSquare Cape Town

Franschhoek : Rose Cottage

Hermanus : Abalone

Swellendam : Swellendam Country Lodge

Plettenberg Bay : Periwinkle

Port Elizabeth : Summerstrand Hotel

Kruger National Park : Tydon Safari Camp

4 Star Properties

Cape Town : Protea Hotel Victoria Junction

Cape Town : Adderley Hotel (Waterfront)

Cape Town : The Vineyard (Newlands)

Franschhoek : Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Hermanus : Mosselberg

Swellendam : Bloom Estate

Western Cape : Emily Moon River Lodge

Port Elizabeth : King Edward Hotel

5 Star Properties

Cape Town : Cape Royale

Cape Town : Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Cape Town : Taj Cape Town

Cape Town : Table Bay Hotel

Franschhoek : La Residence

Hermanus : Birkenhead House

Swellendam : De Kloof Estates

Plettenberg Bay : Bay Lodge

Port Elizabeth : Windermere

Luxury Properties

Cape Town : Cape Grace

Sabi Sands : Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Testimonials

Scott and Monique S.

Traveled June, 2013

Merci beaucoup!!

Thank you and your colleagues for doing such a great trip for us.we returned yesterday and unanimously everyone in the family agreed that everything was perfect. We look forward to using your and Yampu again in the future for our travel. Merci beaucoup!!

Traveled To

Ann & Ted

Traveled March, 2015

It was the trip of a lifetime

Ted and I would like to thank you and your staff for helping us plan our trip. It was the trip of a lifetime! South Africa is such a beautiful country and we very much enjoyed all of the activities you planned. The safari was wonderful, wine country beautiful and relaxing, and the Cape Town area vibrant and so very scenic. The hotels were all great, the tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly and adapted plans to our interests, and the car transfers were all very professional. Everything went off without a hitch, which is such an amazing thing since our vacation was nearly 2 weeks long.

Traveled To

Michael

Traveled June, 2014

The safari was beyond description good!

We got home safely and with no problems Friday morning. The trip was excellent! Thank you for all your help in making it a trip to remember. All of the places we stayed were great. The tours were very good, and we especially liked our last guide.We appreciate the stellar job working to get our shark trip in which was very important to us. Incidentally, the shark tour was challenging but most professionally done, as was the balloon trip. We got a lot from the mine tour and learned a bunch. We did buy a diamond for my wife’s ring though we ended up getting from shop outside the mine. The diamonds in the mine store were beyond beautiful and very expensive. We got a very nice (and safe) diamond that we are most happy with for a price that was realistic. We are pleased.We can’t say enough about Arathusa. The safari was beyond description good!

Traveled To

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