September is regarded as one of the best times to visit South Africa, offering the best game viewing safaris of any month out of the year. During this time, you will have the opportunity to witness two of South Africa’s most iconic giants: Elephants and Whales. As the start of Spring, wildflowers are in full bloom and the seas off of Walker Bay welcome the largest migration of Southern Right whales on the planet. Follow Taryn along with her mom, Cathy, on an epic journey to their home country that will be packed with epic wildlife, wines and whales.
Total Cost: $7,595.00 Per Person
Save $250.00 per person if you deposit before 10 October 2023
Save 3.5% by paying with cash or check
Inclusions:
- VIP Arrival Assistance at Johannesburg Airport
- 4 Nights on Safari on a Fully Inclusive Basis
- 8 Nights of Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- All Private Airport and Hotel Transportation
- 2 Full Days of Private Touring with Expert Local Guides
- Boat Based Whale Watching Tour (shared basis)
- 3 Lunches on Private Touring Days
- All Applicable Entrance and Park Fees
Exclusions:
- All International and Domestic Flights
- Gratuities
- Spa Treatments or Items of a Personal Nature
- Travel Insurance
Let's Take a Look at the Journey...
Day to Day Itinerary
17 Sept: Arrival at Johannesburg Airport with Forced Overnight
Due to airline schedules, we will be forced to spend the night at the InterContinental OR Tambo Airport Hotel before moving to our onward journey.
As soon as you deplane, our Airport Assistance Staff will meet you at the gate, holding a signboard with your name(s) on it. The officer will assist and take you to the priority line for immigration procedures.
After clearing immigration, you will be escorted to baggage reclaim to collect your luggage and take you onward to the hotel.
Meals: None
Accommodation: InterContinental OR Tambo Airport Hotel/ Deluxe Room
18 Sept: Johannesburg to Simbavati River Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
Scheduled Flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Hoedspruit – Eastgate Airport – not included.
Upon arrival at Hoesdpruit – Eastgate Airport, you will be met by a representative for private road transfer to Simbavati River Lodge.
After check in formalities, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Simbavati River Lodge/Luxury Tent
19-21 Sept: Three Full Days on Safari at Simbavati River Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
EARLY MORNING
An early start means an equally early wake-up call. Tea and biscuits are served at about 6am and at sunrise you head off on your early-morning game-drive. This is generally the best time to spot the wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still very active, including the big cats, which will be returning from a night of hunting.
LATE MORNING
After a few hours, you will either return to your camp/lodge for a hearty breakfast, or have a bush breakfast out on the plains and then return just before the heat of the day.
LUNCH AND AFTERNOON
You usually have lunch in the camp/lodge and spend the main part of the day either relaxing or using the amenities, such as an outdoor pool. You might have something to eat and drink at around 3pm before heading out for another game-drive.
EVENING
As with early morning, the evening game drive is often the best time to see the wildlife. The predatory animals begin to stir from their heat-of-the-day slumber, and similarly, their prey become ever more active and alert as darkness falls. Vehicles usually return just before dark in time for a shower, pre-dinner drinks and then dinner. The evenings are often rounded off with a few drinks around the campfire, warming toes and swapping safari stories.
NIGHT
Sometimes, you will have the opportunity to go on a game-drive at night. Vehicles are equipped with powerful spotlights, as well as expert trackers who will generally spot any wildlife well before you will. This is often the best time to spot the elusive leopard, which more-often-than-not will be high up in a tree. A game-drive at night gives you a completely different perspective of the bush and is an unforgettable experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Simbavati River Lodge/Luxury Tent
22 Sept: Transfer from Timbavati Game Reserve to Cape Town
After morning game drive activities, breakfast and check out, you will be met for private road transfer to Hoedspruit – Eastgate Airport.
Scheduled Flight from Hoedspruit – Eastgate Airport to Cape Town Airport – not included.
Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be met by a representative for private road transfer to More Quarters where you will spend 3 nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: More Quarters/Luxury Apartment
23 Sept: Full Day Private Tour of the Cape Peninsula
After Breakfast, our guide will meet us for a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Includes Chapman’s Peak Drive (rated one of the most scenic in the world), Cape Point, the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, and lunch will be included.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch
Accommodation: More Quarters/Luxury Apartment
24 Sept: Day at Leisure in Cape Town
Enjoy today at your leisure.
With so much to see and do around the city, take advantage of a day at leisure to explore the hustle and bustle of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, ascend Table Mountain (one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature) taking 360 degree aerial views of the city, or visit the fantastically beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: More Quarters/Luxury Apartment
25 Sept: Transfer from Cape Town to the Cape Winelands
After breakfast and check out, you will be met by a representative for private road transfer to the Cape Winelands.
We will stop for lunch and wine tasting on the way to the hotel.
Check in to the Oude Werf Hotel where we will spend 2 nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Oude Werf Hotel/Plenty Room
26 Sept: Full Day Private Tour of the Cape Winelands
Enjoy a full day in the picturesque Cape Winelands, visiting South Africa’s most famed wine regions including Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Aside from excellent wines, these areas offer tasty cuisine, stunning natural beauty and historical masterpieces.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Oude Werf Hotel/Plenty Room
27 Sept: Transfer from the Cape Winelands to Hermanus
After breakfast and check out, we will be met for private road transfer to Hermanus where we will spend our final 2 nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Marine/Garden Room
28 Sept: Shared Boat-Based Whale Watching
After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel to the harbour for a whale watching boat cruise, weather dependent. Go in search for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and African penguins. Not to mention the incredible seabird sightings (albatross, petrels, skuas, etc) and breath-taking unspoiled scenery.
Accommodation: The Marine/Garden Room
After morning at leisure, check out for private road transfer to Cape Town Airport, in coordination with your outgoing flight.
