Compare 12 Day West Coast of South Africa by Getaway Africa vs South Africa with a Twist by Rothschild Safaris

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 - 3: South Africa: Mala Mala Game Reserve - Mala Mala Main Camp, River View Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mala Mala Main Camp

On arrival in Johannesburg, a special meet & greet has been arranged for your arrival to assist you through customs, immigration and to connect with your onward flight. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard.

Johannesburg - Skukuza, Commercial Flight

On arrival into Skukuza Airport you will be met and transferred by road to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Mala Mala Main Camp is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The camp features air conditioned accommodation in 19 en-suite luxury rooms and suites. The camp's large wooden safari deck opens to views over the Sand River in the shade of a Jackalberry tree. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre colored units tucked into the greenery which flanks the Sand River. Facilities include an infinity pool with views across the river, well-appointed safari boutique, fitness facility, library and massage service.

Inclusions:

Your 3 night stay includes:

 • Local beverages (beers, house wine & soft drinks)

• Limited laundry - Please allow 24 hours for your laundry to be returned to you

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

Activities:

Morning & afternoon game drives and walking safaris. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Day: 4 - 5: South Africa: Cape Town - Mount Nelson Hotel, Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mount Nelson Hotel

South Africa: Cape Town - Mount Nelson Hotel, Deluxe Room

Today you will transfer by road to Skukuza Airport.

Skukuza - Cape Town, Commercial Flight

On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Mount Nelson Hotel and Spa is set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town. From the elegant Junior to the magnificent Presidential, this luxury hotel offers an indulgent sanctuary. All rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and bath. The luxurious hotel offers easy access to all that's happening in this dynamic city. Facilities include two swimming pools, a fitness center, hair salon, boutique store and three restaurants.

Inclusions:

Your 2 night stay includes:

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent

January 5 Classic Cape Peninsula Tour Meet your guide for your full day Cape Peninsula tour in the lobby of your hotel. Today you will travel to the Southwestern tip of Africa, to the Cape Point, where it is fabled that two oceans meet. En-route you will stop at Boulder’s Beach, residence of the African Penguin, famous for its animated displays. Guests are restricted to a generous boardwalk, where you are able to view the African Penguin in its natural habitat without disturbing or infringing.

Continue your drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you are provided with an opportunity to view animals like the Cape Mountain Zebra, the mischievous Baboon and the blissful Ostrich; all of which reside in the reserve among the indigenous Fynbos. Learn how the treacherous rocks running along the Atlantic Seaboard came to be known as the “Ship Graveyard”, why Bartholomew Diaz called this The Cape of Storms, and why Jan Van Riebeeck proclaimed Table Bay as The Cape of Good Hope. Lunch is typically enjoyed at the Harbour House which boasts an unbeatable location (as well as delicious fresh seafood) where waves are known to crash against the huge plate-glass windows at high tide. Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. Your drive this afternoon continues along the dramatic and beautiful Chapman’s Peak drive. Hugging the face of Chapman’s Peak Mountain, this pass offers breathtaking vantage points that rise up to 593 meters above sea level. Each one of the 114 curves along the roadway offer incredible views - so get your camera ready! You will arrive back at your hotel late afternoon.

Day 6 - 7: South Africa: Cape Winelands - Grande Provence Estate, Shiraz Room

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grande Provence Estate

This morning you will be met by your guide for your Winelands tour. Following your tour, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in the Winelands.

Accommodation:

Grande Provence Estate is located on the main road in Franschhoek. La Provençale offers 2 air conditioned en suite bedrooms with showers only. The lounge leads directly onto a magnificent outdoor terrace, perfect for al fresco living on warm African evenings and close to the private swimming pool available for use by La Provençale guests. The Owner's Cottage has 4 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and 1 deluxe suite. Facilities include a swimming pool and spa pools with loggia. The charming Huguenot-founded village of Franschhoek is a five-minute drive away with small museums, specialty shops, postal and banking facilities.

Inclusions:

Your 2 night stay includes:

•A complimentary bottle of award-winning Grande Provence wine

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities: A complimentary wine tasting, cellar tour and guided walk through The Gallery and The Sculpture Garden.

Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

January 6 Classic Cape Winelands Tour Meet your guide for your full day tour, in the lobby of your hotel. Your day in the winelands can be custom designed for you. With hundreds of impressive farms and estates to choose from, you are spoilt for choice and may need guidance in where best to do your tasting. At your request, we can arrange wine maker meetings and tastings at unusual wine estates according to your wine preferences. There are few places on earth that can rival the Cape Winelands. With its unique combination of culture, history and people it is often called the “Gastronomic Capital of South Africa.” The Cape Winelands allows you to feast on the beautiful landscape with your eyes and nourish your soul with award-winning cuisine and wines that can rival some of the best in the world. Your day begins with a drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek. This lovely town plays host to some of South Africa’s most famed eateries and is surrounded by some of the region’s top wine estates. Some interesting places to indulge are the artisanal chocolatier’s boutique, art galleries, décor boutiques. Franschhoek is a great place to see examples of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture. You proceed to the Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Wine Estate planted on the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountains. The property can be visited by appointment only, allowing for an exclusive and unique wine experience. The Anthonij Rupert Tasting room is located on the farm’s historic and recently refurbished Manor House. Enjoy your private wine tasting at leisure in this stunning home, furnished throughout in the mid-nineteenth century Cape Dutch style. Next you’ll be swept off to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the stunning wine estates in the area. After recharging with lunch you’ll head to Boschendal Estate, one of the region’s best examples of original Cape Dutch estate living. Continue with a scenic drive through historic Stellenbosch en-route to Jordan Winery, listed as one of the Best Vineyard Experiences in 2017. Situated on a hillside behind the Winery Chateau. Enjoy one of chef Todd Knoll’s inspirational deserts paired with a wine tasting or a delicious cappuccino in this oasis overlooking 112 acres of grapevines, 18 acres of olive trees and a one-acre garden. * Please note that the cost of your lunch is NOT included in this tour. HIGHLIGHTS: - Drive to the quaint town of Franschhoek to meander the shops and eateries (purchases and meals not included in the cost of the wine tour). - Lunch at one of the stunning vineyards in the area. We will reserve a table for lunch at either Delaire Graff or Jordan Wine Estates. (Lunch reservations require advance booking and is based on availability. Lunch not included with the cost of the wine tour.) - Award winning estate - Anthonij Rupert superior wine tasting (requires advance booking) - Wine Tasting and Cellar tours Jordan Estate

Day 8 - 10: South Africa: Southern Kalahari Game Reserve - Tswalu Kalahari Motse, Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tswalu Kalahari Motse

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel, for your transfer to Cape Town Airport.

Cape Town - Tswalu, Shared Charter Flight

Today you will be met at the local airstrip and transferred by road to your accommodation.

Accommodation:

Tswalu Kalahari is nestled at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains and facing westward across the grasslands of the Kalahari, Motse is a spectacular space, with elevated decks and elegant lounges. There are 8 spacious and secluded “legae” (suites) each with en suite bathroom, including both indoor and outdoor showers, a large dressing and study area, an open fire and private sun deck overlooking the waterhole.

Inclusions:

Your 3 night stay includes:

•Local beverages (house wine, beer and soft drinks)

• Laundry - Please allow 24 hours for your laundry to be returned to you

• WiFi - Signal strength can be intermittent Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, guide and tracker (with a minimum 3-night stay), guided bush safari walks, horseback safaris, Junior Ranger program for children. Note: activities are shared unless otherwise stated.

Day 10: Tswalu Kalahari Malori Sleepout

Sleep under the stars on the Malori sleep-out deck. This adventure offers you an unparalleled experience of sleeping safely in the wilderness.

Day 11:

Time permitting; enjoy a final game viewing activity. You are then transferred to the local airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, after you have collected your bags, you take a short 10-minute ride to the Johannesburg International Airport where you will be met and assisted to your onward international flight home. International flights should depart no earlier than 6pm.