South Africa II with Lindsay Mukaddam

TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), between 8:00 A.M. and 5 P.M.

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a Gold restaurant, just a brief 10-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste paired with traditional Mali puppets and music entertainment. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Cape Town

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Kloof Street Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

Depart between 7:00 A.M. to 7:15 A.M.: Transfer to the Penguin Paddle Kayak (~50 minutes).

After breakfast, get into your swimsuit and join your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. A 50-minute transfer will take you to Long Beach, where your kayaking guides will be waiting. Following a safety briefing, you'll swiftly hop into single kayaks and set off. Beginning at the serene Long Beach, the journey leads through the yacht harbor and along the naval harbor wall, offering glimpses of the diverse sea life inhabiting these waters. Continuing to Seaforth Beach, navigate through rocks and kelp of the Great African SeaForest, often spotting sea birds, penguins, and occasionally seals. Please note that wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed. We typically take a break at Seaforth Beach before determining the route based on the group's size, skill level, and prevailing conditions. Options may include a return to Long Beach or continuing past Boulders Beach toward Windmill Beach, culminating in a return to Long Beach to conclude the journey. Be prepared to paddle for about 2 hours, and potentially get wet during the activity; packing a change of clothes is advisable. Arrive ready to paddle in your swimming costume, board shorts, and a T-shirt, and bring along sun protection, a cap, and a light water-resistant jacket. In colder weather or winter, an additional long-sleeved layer is recommended. No prior kayaking experience is necessary, but participants should be reasonably agile for kayak entry and exit, with a weight limit of 240lb. Once the kayaking adventure concludes, hop into the vehicle for a scenic transfer to the Cape of Good Hope. *Start time may vary due to weather conditions.

After concluding your kayaking adventure, a scenic transfer awaits, guiding you through the captivating landscapes of Table Mountain National Park. Within approximately 40 minutes, you'll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of Africa, also referred to as Cape Point. Here, immerse yourself in the historically significant site that once captivated antique ocean explorers. Take in the stunning vistas while exploring the rugged coastline, and ascend a lengthy staircase to reach the majestic lighthouse, offering an imposing panoramic view of the surroundings. Following this exploration, indulge in some leisurely free time to relish local cuisine at seaside restaurants. Please note that lunch is at your own expense and should be a quick meal to seamlessly continue with the tour. (3 hours)

Transfer from Cape Peninsula Tour to Table Mountain Aerial Cable Car (~1 hour & 50 minutes with a stop for lunch)

4:30 P.M.: After lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to Table Mountain, a natural marvel dominating Cape Town's skyline. Ascend to the summit aboard the cable car, an exhilarating journey that unfolds breathtaking panoramic vistas before your eyes. Each car accommodates 65 travelers, providing a swift 4–5 minute ascent. During the journey, the car floors rotate 360 degrees, offering a panoramic view of the ascent or descent. Upon reaching the summit, revel in ample free time to wander and soak in the coastal views and surrounding landscapes. After approximately one hour, descend via the cable car and take the transfer back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon. (~1 hour).

Overnight in Cape Town

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Kloof Street Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

Depart between 7:00 A.M. to 7:15 A.M.: After an early breakfast, prepare to check out of the hotel and pack your luggage. Then, jump into the vehicle, and enjoy a scenic 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town to Elgin Valley, where you'll enjoy a thrilling zipline activity.

After a 1.5-hour transfer, you'll reach Elgin Valley, a lush area nestled amidst majestic mountains. Prepare for an exhilarating stop at Cape Canopy, your destination for an incredible zipline adventure. The experience comprises eleven thrilling slides, some spanning over 985 feet, each culminating on a platform perched atop the cliffs overlooking the awe-inspiring Riviersonderend Gorge. A highlight of this adventure is the unique suspension bridge, traversing a narrow sandstone ravine above a magnificent double waterfall—a sight sure to etch itself into your memory. Trained guides will accompany each group on the approximately 4-hour tour. To ensure smooth logistics, groups larger than 8 travelers will run in concurrent half-hour timeslots, accommodating 8 people per slot. At the reception area, a cozy coffee shop awaits, offering a delightful cup of coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi, and additional drinks and snacks for purchase. Please note, reaching the zipline area requires a 4x4 ride followed by a 1-mile hike. This thrilling activity, unfortunately, isn't suitable for pregnant individuals and has a weight limit of 265 lbs. It's also not recommended for those with a fear of heights. After completing the zipline adventure, restroom facilities are available at the entrance before you rejoin the vehicle to continue your transfer to Hermanus.

Following the Zipline tour, resume the transfer for another 4.5-hour drive to Oudtshoorn. A midday stop at a charming farm stall is planned, allowing you the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your own expense. Please keep in mind that the transfer duration may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Overnight in Oudtshoorn

(Start time varies between 4:00 A.M. and 5:30 A.M. ~ your guide will instruct you): This optional activity starts before sunrise, requiring an early wake-up. A brief 20-minute transfer will whisk you away to the area where meerkat burrows are nestled. Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits with steaming coffee and a serving of rusks. A leisurely walk leads to an ideal vantage point to observe these charismatic creatures, considered part of the elusive Shy 5, which also includes the bat-eared fox, aardvark, porcupine, and aardwolf. Witness an unforgettable moment as the meerkats emerge from their burrows, embracing the sunlight and commencing their daily rituals and playful antics. Guides will share insights into their behaviors, social dynamics, and the challenges they confront in the wild. This safari prioritizes a non-invasive approach, ensuring minimal disruption to the animals while offering an intimate encounter with these captivating beings. After a two-hour observation, your transfer will return you to the hotel. You will have time to enjoy breakfast and check out.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. De Zeekoe B&B provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including pancakes, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

Depart between 8:00 A.M. and 8:45 A.M.: Check out and depart hotel to head to the Cango Caves (~35 minutes).

11:00 A.M.: These subterranean marvels greet you with towering limestone formations and an irresistible air of mystery. Your adventure kicks off with a guided tour, leading you through a complex network of caverns. Renowned for their extraordinary dripstone formations, these caves exhibit a mesmerizing showcase of stalactites and stalagmites. Meandering through narrow passages and vast chambers, the magnificent formations, meticulously shaped over centuries, command attention with their sheer scale and intricate allure. Please note that this excursion involves traversing thrilling passages and narrow tunnels, requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness. Prepare to crawl, slide, and climb—immersing yourself fully in the art of spelunking. The duration of the activity spans approximately 60 minutes.. (~1 hour).

Transfer to Plettenberg Bay plus a stop for lunch. (~2 hours)

A brief 15-minute transfer will take you to the Keurbooms Estuary. This estuary, where the Keurbooms River meets the ocean, offers tranquil waters ideal for an immersive and scenic stand-up paddleboarding adventure. Upon reaching the shoreline, you'll be provided with a stand-up board and paddle. A comprehensive safety briefing and instructions on navigating the board will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. As you gracefully glide atop your paddleboard, the serene estuary unveils a picturesque setting, with its calm, glassy waters mirroring the natural beauty that surrounds you, creating a truly relaxing experience. Take moments to pause, inhale the fresh coastal air, and immerse yourself in the beauty that envelops this peaceful oasis. The activity typically spans around 2 hours. It's recommended to arrive wearing a swimsuit, as getting wet is part of the adventure. Facilities are available for changing into dry clothes after the activity. (~2 hours). Important Note: Please pack a change of clothes and extra towel. *Start time may vary depending on weather conditions.

Overnight in Plettenberg Bay

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Bayview Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

A 30-minute transfer will take you to Robberg Beach. Before reaching the beach, you'll stop at a local restaurant for lunch at your expense. Upon arrival at the beach, you'll be provided with a wetsuit, mask, and fins. Following a safety briefing and instructions from your guide, a 20-minute boat ride will bring you close to Plett’s colony of Brown Fur Seals in their natural habitat. Situated in the Robberg Nature Reserve, the seal colony eagerly welcomes visitors, showcasing their acrobatic skills and playful nature upon your arrival. These Brown Fur Seals are friendly and enjoy interaction, showcasing pure joy as they engage with guests. It's advised not to tug back if they playfully interact with your equipment to avoid startling them. The seal swimming adventure is safe, requiring no prior skills. After enjoying your time in the water, you'll return to the beach. Changing facilities will be available for you to switch into dry clothes.

A quick 30-minute transfer will whisk you from Plettenberg Bay to this animal sanctuary. Hosting over 220 bird species and providing a haven for 3,500 birds, this sanctuary stands out for its commitment to bird welfare. The diverse aviary, housing exotic and African birds, showcases varied habitats, ensuring a holistic experience for bird species. About an hour's exploration along the sanctuary's walkways awaits. The sanctuary offer cafes and restroom facilities. Remember, touching or feeding the animals is strictly prohibited.

On your monkey safari, you will be able to see over 550 primates of various species like capuchin monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, gibbons, and howler monkeys.

Overnight in Plettenberg Bay

6:30 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. (guide will inform you): After enjoying breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you'll head to the Robberg Nature Reserve with a short 15-minute drive. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you along pathways and sandy trails that wind through the reserve. The trails here cater to various skill levels and timeframes, with the most common trail extending for around 3.5 miles. This trail leads to the spectacular Witsand dune, offering panoramic views of the coastline and frequent opportunities to spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and diverse bird species. The Robberg Coastal Trail promises an adventure that blends natural beauty with thrilling wildlife encounters, making it a must for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers. Make sure to carry ample water, wear hats, apply sunscreen, and opt for sturdy hiking shoes. Be ready for potential weather changes along the way. Restrooms are available at the parking area. Once you've concluded your hiking experience, you'll hop back into the vehicle to begin your transfer to Albertinia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Bayview Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

Depart between 10:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.: Transfer from Plettenberg Bay To Albertinia plus a stop for lunch (~3.5 hours).

5:00 P.M. (Guide will inform you): After settling into the lodge, you'll have some free time to relax and unwind. As the sun begins its descent, prepare for an immersive safari adventure aboard 4x4 jeeps, each accommodating a maximum of 10 passengers. Led by expert guides, the journey traverses rugged terrain, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness. Lasting approximately 2 hours, the safari unfolds amidst the captivating golden hues of the setting sun, painting the landscape with a mesmerizing glow. This excursion provides your first opportunity to witness the majestic Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses – thriving in their natural habitat. Throughout the safari, ample opportunities arise to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures. Guides will share insights into their behaviors, habitats, and the dedicated conservation efforts aimed at preserving these incredible animals. As the sun sets, temperatures may begin to drop, creating a cooler atmosphere. It's advisable to wear warm clothing for comfort during the safari. During the activity, complimentary snacks and soft drinks are provided. Following the safari, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner. (~2 hours to 2.5 hours).

Starts between 7:00 P.M. to 7:15 P.M.: After concluding your sunset safari, you'll have a few minutes to freshen up before gathering with your fellow travelers at the lodge restaurant. Dinner is served buffet-style, offering a variety of authentic African dishes for you to savor and enjoy. Please note that beverages are not included and should be purchased individually at the restaurant.

Overnight in Albertinia

Set your alarms early for a unique experience as you embark on the second safari of your South African adventure. Today the game drive activity starts before sunrise; and unlike the previous evening's sunset safari, this time you'll witness the awakening savanna. The morning light casts a different ambiance, offering a chance to spot an array of wildlife distinct from those seen during the evening hours. Board the safari vehicle as the dawn breaks, and keep your eyes peeled for animals that prefer the cooler temperatures of the morning, which might include various antelope species, zebras, giraffes, and perhaps elusive predators starting their day. To keep you warm and energized during the safari, hot drinks and snacks will be provided. After 2-hours, return to the lodge, where a hearty breakfast awaits. It's also time to check out of the hotel, and then jump into the vehicle for your journey to Hermanus.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Garden Route Game Lodge provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including omelette, scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, orange juice, and hot drinks.

Transfer to Hermanus with a stop for lunch (~4 hours).

Overnight in Hermanus

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Garden Route Game Lodge provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including omelette, scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, orange juice, and hot drinks.

After breakfast, both those participating in the optional shark cage diving activity and those opting out will travel together in the same vehicle for a 50-minute transfer to Gansbaai, a charming fishing village. For those not partaking in the shark cage diving experience, free time awaits to explore the town by foot, unwind at the wild beaches, or enjoy a relaxing coffee at a local café. Travelers joining the shark dive will board a public boat for a 3-hour cruise. Onboard, a guide will conduct a briefing session, providing safety instructions and an overview of the upcoming dive. Participants will be outfitted with wetsuits, gloves, boots, life jackets, and snorkeling gear, preparing them for this incredible encounter with the sharks. Upon reaching the shark diving location, participants will enter a secure cage attached to the boat. Small groups of a maximum of 9 travelers take turns entering the cage. As the sharks swim nearby, participants have a remarkable opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment. For those not entering the cage, there's the option to observe the predators from the outside area of the boat. After the dive, access to a boat shower allows for a quick rinse, followed by a change into dry clothes. Please note, this adventure requires participants to be comfortable in the water and may not suit individuals prone to seasickness. Additionally, shark sightings are never guaranteed due to their presence in their natural habitat. Strict safety measures ensure a secure and respectful interaction with the sharks. The diving experience concludes at the harbor, where participants will reunite with fellow travelers to continue the drive to the Cape Town. (~5 hours). *Starting time may vary based on weather conditions.

Transfer to wine tasting with a stop for lunch (~1 hour and 15 minutes).

En route back to Cape Town, you will stop at Robertson’s Wine Valley for a tasting. Your guide will teach you the winemaking process, from the vineyards to the glass. Explore the nuances of three different wine varieties during the tasting, discovering their distinctive flavors. Feel free to wander the gardens and revel in the winery's beauty. The winery offers a restaurant where you can opt for lunch at your expense. Please note, the specific winery may vary based on availability. As time for lunch is limited, it's advisable to enjoy a quick meal to continue our journey to Cape Town.

Transfer to Cape Town (~1.5 hours).

6:30 P.M.: In the evening, a brief 20-minute transfer will take you to a Shoreditch restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic African flavors. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Cape Town

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Kloof Street Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks.

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Cape Town International Airport, between 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M.