Compare 12 Day West Coast of South Africa by Getaway Africa vs Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari by Ker & Downey Africa
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 16,797 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 1,400 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
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| Description |
The West Coast Tours on one of the less travelled routes. The rugged and semi desert Sand veld & Dune veld is home to a variety of endemic plants & succulents along with the smallest tortoise in our country. This region along with Namaqualand is known for its great flowering season in September. However traveling along the west coast will allow us to intrude on one of the least populated areas in South Africa. The Cold Atlantic can offer some chilled evenings, but the remote 4 x 4 sand track makes up for unpredictable weather conditions. Explore the combination of the West Coast & Richtersveld with a splendid finish at the Orange River. This is definitely explorer trip for the traveller that seeks the road less travelled |
A country of incredible diversity, South Africa’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and epic wildlife offer something special for every traveler. This 12 day itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the country’s most sought-after destinations, taking you to the vibrant city of Cape Town, the scenic Cape Winelands and concludes with a unique private safari experience in the Kalahari. In true Ker & Downey® Africa style, you will stay in some of the country’s most exclusive hotels and lodges, visit the top sights on private guided tours, savor culinary delights of the Winelands, and experience day and night game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris and visit habituated meerkats. A highlight of your Kalahari safari will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire. |
Day 1, 2: Cape Town, Paternoster, Lamberts bay & Private Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our Trail will start 8:00 am in Cape Town. Our point of departure will be the Backpack Lodge in Cape Town. We continue following the west coast towards a small fishing town called Paternoster and from the west coast road along the beaches between Elands bay and a small Fishing town of Lamberts bay will lead us towards one of the few areas where the Malgasse are breeding on the west coast. Lamberts bay is known for rock lobster fishing and some of the best potatoes in South Africa. The ‘Sandveld’ region that we travel through is the perfect growing area for potatoes. There is time to enjoy some of the local cuisine at one of the local restaurants. Late afternoon we will spend on a private sanctuary on the West Coast past Lamberts bay and have a walk along these beautiful west coast beaches.
Distance: 250km (own lunch en route day 1)
Day 3, 4: Groen River, Namaqua National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The rugged West Coast becomes untouched the further north we travel. The little town of Lutsville is situated along the Olifants River and offers a fresh green change in Namaqualand. This region is known for its vineyards and wineries. The Olifants River valley is the largest wine cooperative in the world. We will have time to visit a winery on the way and stock some of the local wines for our adventure that lies ahead. The Namaqua National Park is approximately 2 – 3 hours from Lutsville and here we will spend two nights in the park. We have time to drive and visit the Spoegriver caves and the opportunity to walk on these untouched beaches in Namaqualand.
Distance: 250km
Day 5: Hondeklipbaai
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After a nice morning walk along the coast we will be driving towards the northern part of the Namaqua National park. On our way we often see a variety of Raptors, Ostriches, Surricates, Jackal, Duiker antelopes, Ground Squirrels, Springbok and an array of succulent plants. This is a relaxing drive towards the small fishing and ex-diamond mining community of Hondeklipbaai. We will visit one of the shipwrecks in the area, namely the Aristae just south of Hondeklipbaai. Our afternoon is at leisure and from our tented camp in Hondeklipbaai you can go for walks at your own interest along the beach and bay.
Distance: 100km.
Day 6: Shipwreck 4 x 4 trail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The 4 x 4 Shipwreck trail is a great way to start our morning after breakfast. We will enter the shipwreck trail with our local guide and explore this private concession along the west coast of South Africa. This is in the heart of the Diamond coast route. The whole day we will be on a 4 x 4 Trail exploring the plants, shipwrecks and a touch of history of our desert-like west coast.
Distance: 50Km
Day 7: Richtersveld Reserve, Hellskloof, Orange River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our Safari will take us through the mining towns of Klein Zee & Port Nolloth. These is old mining towns have two remaining active concessions that are still in production. The remains of a once flourishing Diamond mining town is today only a shadow of what it was. This rugged terrain offers endless mountain views and some of the most spectacular rock formations. The Richtersveld is divided in 3 regions namely the Richtersveld Trans frontier Park, Richtersveld community reserve and the Nababeeb community reserve. Our trail takes us through these community reserves towards the Orange River. Along our way we can find some of the succulent plants and the ‘Halfmens’ that is indigenous to this harsh mountain desert.
Distance: 250km
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Orange River Rafting – Orange River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The next 4 days will be spent rafting along the Richtersveld mountains and exploring the beauty of South Africa’s Longest River. Our camps will be on the banks of the Orange River. One of the few places left, where one can sleep under the stars next to your campfire. What a perfect way to conclude our safari adventure
Distance (45-65 km depending on water level).
Day 12: Transit to Cape Town
After a delicious breakfast prepared by your guide(s) at The Growcery Camp, we will depart and make our way back to Cape Town. We will stick to the N7 while we travel past Springbok, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, and Piketberg - to name but a few - as we reminisce on the amazing sights and sounds we experienced over the past 11 days.
Distance: 700km (own lunch en route)
Day 1-5: Arrive Cape Town International Airport
Check in: 21 Nettleton
Your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you, assist you through immigration and accompany you to 21 Nettleton. Located in one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town, on the slopes of Lion’s Head, this luxury boutique hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and ensures absolute privacy. Your time at 21 Nettleton can be enjoyed lounging by the pool, unwinding with a personalised on-site spa treatment, and indulging in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Discover the Mother City’s breath-taking surroundings on a half-day private tour or venture further afield to the Cape Peninsula to experience Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach – home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in South Africa.
Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton
Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighborhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.
Experiences:
Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Day 6-7: Transfer Cape Winelands
Check in Delaire Graff
After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, your driver will meet you for your transfer to the Cape Winelands. Located along the scenic Helshoogte pass outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estates offers luxury accommodation, each fitted with a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below. Spend the day at leisure or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour before enjoying a drink at the lodge bar before a world-class dinner at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff restaurant offering bistro chic cuisine, or Indochine – a bespoke Asian inspired eatery. You can also visit the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, known for their art, museums, shopping and award-winning wineries. End off your day in the Winelands with your favorite film in the private cinema.
Where you’ll stay: Delaire Graff
Located just outside of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate offers luxury living in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Each lodge on the estate has a private sundeck and heated plunge pool where you can admire the views of the vineyards and the valleys below.
Experiences:
You can enjoy the estate’s world-class spa or explore the working wine farm on an estate and cellar tour to sample award-winning wines followed by a unique fine dining experience at one of the two restaurants – the Delaire Graff Restaurant or Indochine.
Day 8-11: Transfer Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Check in The Motse
After breakfast in the tranquil Cape Winelands, you will be accompanied to Cape Town International Airport for your light aircraft flight to Tswalu Kalahari. On touch down, your dedicated guide will meet you and transfer you to The Motse. With a private guide and tracker, your time at Tswalu Kalahari can be tailored exactly to your unique interests. There are an array of unique experiences available for you to enjoy, from day and night game drives and bush walks to horseback safaris and meerkat encounters. You Kalahari Safari will allow the opportunity to participate in conservation-management experiences during your stay alongside the researchers at the Tswalu Foundation. In the evening, you can enjoy the culinary delights at Klein Jan prepared by South Africa’s first Michelin Star Chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen followed by a world-class guided stargazing experience. A highlight of your time here will be a night under the stars at the luxurious Malori Star Bed, an outdoor deck kitted out with all the creature comforts you desire.
Where you’ll stay: Tswalu The Motse
Located in Tswalu Kalahari, The Motse features just nine luxurious suites, each fitted with a private deck, star-bed and open fireplace. Guests who stay at The Motse can enjoy the lodge’s outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym and photographic studio, as well as wine cellar, National Geographic library and gallery.
Experiences:
The Motse offers a completely private experience to its guests leaving you to design your day according to your mood. Join the conservation-management activities with the Tswalu Foundation and enjoy private game drives and bush walks alongside your dedicated guide and tracker, meerkat encounters and horseback safaris.
Day 12: Transfer Cape Town
Depart Cape Town International Airport
Day 12 marks the final day of your Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari. Your guide will meet you after breakfast and transfer you to the reserve’s airstrip for your flight to Cape Town and onward journey home.
