Cape To Wild Coast

Description:  An unforgettable 10 day journey from the hot spots to the secret spots, from the picturesque city of Cape Town through the Garden Route and onto the road less traveled to find the hidden treasures of the under explored Wild Coast.

Highlights:  Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula | The Garden Route boasting the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest and magical Storms River Mouth | The chance to spot the Big 5 and get up close to African elephants in Addo Elephant National Park | Exploring pristine beaches, river mouths and indigenous coastal forests on the Wild Coast | Exciting fishing, birding and hiking opportunities.

Price:

€1150 + ZAR 1650 local payment per person

*based on 8 people travelling

*airport transfers can be arranged, price on application

Day 1 Cape Town

Collection from Cape Town airport and taken to accommodation (if applicable). Welcome and tour briefing at your or predetermined accommodation at 13:00. Weather permitting we visit the top of Table Mountain via the cable car, or you can take a steep 3 hour hike to the top for those who are feeling energetic. From the top you will experience views of nearly the whole of the Cape Peninsula as well as Lions Head and the World Heritage Site of Robben Island. Watch the sunset from this amazing vantage point before returning to your accommodation to freshen up before going out for dinner at one of Cape Town’s local restaurants.

Day 2 Cape Peninsula

After breakfast at around 8:00am you will be collected from your accommodation from where we begin our adventure by heading down the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. En route we will stop in at the fishing harbour of Hout Bay, visit one of only 3 mainland African penguin colonies and pass through the quaint naval town of Simonstown. Lunch is enjoyed with panoramic views of the ocean and peninsula from the cliff-tops of Cape Point. We visit the Cape of Good Hope and have the chance to hike along the cliffs before slowly heading home on the Old Cape Road with its all encompassing views of False Bay and the Cape Flats. In the evening we meet for dinner at one of Cape Town’s popular local restaurants. (B)

Day 3 Knysna

After breakfast we pack up and begin our adventure out of Cape Town through the vast farmlands and onto the Garden Route.  We have lunch en route and after checking in at our accommodation in Knysna; take a cruise on the Knysna lagoon to view the Knysna Heads. On the cruise we enjoy some sparkling wine while we are educated about the Knysna oyster industry, after which we compare and taste imported oysters with the local oysters for which the area is famous. Optionally you could explore the town with its many souvenir and coffee shops before dinner at a local restaurant. (BL)

Day 4 Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Mouth

Today we visit the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Mouth. We hike the coastal trails through indigenous forests and rocky shores with the chance of seeing whales, dolphins, otters and more. Swim in the clear ocean or under waterfalls that end in the sea, bungy jump from the world’s highest bridge bungee or enjoy an optional boat trip into the Storms River mouth. After a full day we return to our accommodation to relax and freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 5 Addo Elephant National Park

Today we leave the tall indigenous forests of the Garden Route and continue along the coast towards the home of the last wild cape elephants, the Addo Elephant National Park. Once settled in we begin our search for wildlife with our first afternoon game drive. We return with the setting sun and relax in camp before enjoying a traditional South African braai (barbeque) prepared by your guide.  (BLD)

Day 6 Addo Elephant National Park

This morning we are up and out with the sunrise to increase our chances of seeing predators and other nocturnal animals. We spend the morning on game drive and return to camp for lunch and siesta. In the afternoon we head out in search of more of Africa’s wild animals and picturesque landscapes. After a refreshing drink with an African sunset we return to camp to cook on the fire under the stars. Tonight there is an optional opportunity to go on a night drive with a SAN Parks field guide. (BLD)

Day 7 East London

Today we continue along the coast to the city of East London to get a feel for what it’s like to live along the East Coast of South Africa. We explore the city and do some shopping. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to see the Nahoon footprints, dated at 200 000 years old, these are the oldest fossilized human footprints found in the world. After a relax and freshen up at our accommodation, we head out to eat at a local seaside restaurant. (BL)

Day 8 and 9 Wild Coast

We move into the Transkei region and the “real” Wild Coast. We travel off the beaten track through traditional Xhosa villages perched on the tops of countless rolling green hills. We will stay in a community driven backpackers with traditional thatched accommodation on the coast in close proximity to the beach and a stunning river mouth. This beautiful, wild and in most places virtually uninhabited stretch of coast is ideal for hiking, fishing, bird, dolphin and whale-watching, fishing, horse riding or just enjoying the beach. We eat the freshest seafood whilst enjoying one of the most scenic and untamed coastlines in the world. We spend two nights here to soak up the pristine, remote beauty that is so characteristic of the Wild Coast. (BLD)

Day 10 Wild Coast

We head back down the coast and spend one the last night on the beautiful Wild Coast in a popular fishing hotel, also situated on an otherwise uninhabited river mouth. We can take a boat cruise up the river for sun-downers, do some kayaking or fish off the productive “Block” where many large fish have been caught at this point where the river meets the sea. (BL)

Day 11 East London

After a breakfast and your choice of morning activities we make our way back to East London International airport from where you will catch your onward afternoon flights. Tour Ends(B)

*An additional option is to spend another night in East London and the next day transit back with your guide to Cape Town to arrive in the evening. Price on application.