Compare Spirit of Africa by Spirit Tours vs Cycling the Cape & Winelands by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Depart USA

You choose your route via Europe, or via JFK or Washington DC. We can assist you in making travel plans to Cape Town

Day 2: Arrive Capetown

Transfer to the Radison Hotel Waterfront is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking its own marina , the hotel has a distinctly maritime feel. Located  a short walk away from the Victoria & Alfred shopping complex on the harbour, this large and spacious hotel is convenient and  comfort able, offering you high quality accommodation and service. A large pool terrace contain s a rim - flow swimming pool that overlooks the sea, a great place to relax.

Day 3: Cape Town Robbin Island Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am . At 1:00pm we catch the Ferry to Robben Island, previously used by the Dutch to house;convicts and late as a leprosy colony. The real historical significance however lies in the use of Robben Island as a political prison by a previous "apartheid" government where the leaders of  the struggle against "apartheid" were incarcerated. A guided tour on Robben Island will provide special insight to the conditions under which the political; prisoners were held as well as interesting insight into the struggle against "apartheid". During the tour, the highlight will be a visit to the prison cell of the icon Nelson Mandela, later to become the first democratically elected president of South Africa.That evening we will have our welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Cape Point Tour

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at 9:00am. We will then take the Cape Point Tour. This is an awe - inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point. Magnificent beaches, breathtaking 3 views, historic and picturesque coastal villages are to be seen along the way. The Cape tour is one of the world’s most scenic areas and stretches from the city centerto Cape Point. We will travel along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives. We will travel thru Camps Bay and Haut Bay. Our last leg of the tour takes us along the Atlantic Seaboard stopping at a Llandudno look - out point. We will travel thru Silver mine Nature Reserve area to Cape Point and the  Good Hope Nature Reserve , which has magnificent  fynbos vegetation, birdlife, endemic antelope species, zebra, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks. Cape Point is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We will visit the African penguin colony located at the beautiful Boulders Beach . These quaint flightless birds are one of the main eco- tourism attractions in Cape Town. You can view the penguins from elevated boardwalks. Here we will have lunch. We will continue thru historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base.The tour ends at 4:00pmat your hotel

Day 5: Table Mountain

The morning begins with meditation and daily prayer followed by breakfast at  9:00am. After the group meeting we will have some free time to shop oneof Africa's most famous waterfront shopping & centres. We will be met in the hotel foyer at1:30pm by an Ilios Travel Representative to beginour tour of Table Mountain. We will take a 65 passenger cable car ride from Tafleberg Road to the top of TableMountain ,where we will enjoy spectacular views in all directions and a bird’s eye view of the city (weather permitting). Once on top you are free to follow paths tovarious look - outs, make use of the telescopes and enjoy a  light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. (Regardless of the weather at the base of the mountain, take a windbreaker as it can often be cool  on the mountain top. Wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes.) By the late 1870's, several of Cape Town's more prominent citizens hadsuggested the introduction of a railway line to the top of Table Mountain. Plans to implement a proposed rack railway got under way but the outbreak of the Anglo - BoerWar put a halt to these efforts. By 1912, with a strong desire to gain easyaccess to the t op of Table Mountain, the Cape Town City Council commissioned an engineer to investigate the various options for public transport to the top. Thenew cableway was officially opened on the 4th of October 1997, the anniversaryof the original launch, almost 70 years previously. To date the Cableway has transported more than 16 million passengers to thesummit. 800000 visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually. Even with so many visitors, queuing time is minimal due to the new upgraded system . 4 The cable car was imported from Switzerland and there are only 2 other in the world in Titlis in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland, and one in Palm Springs in  America.The cable car floor rotates giving everyone a 360 degree view on theway up. At its highest point Table Mountain is 1085m above sea level. The tourconcludes at approximately5:20pm when you will be dropped off at your hotel. That evening we will enjoy dinner on our own.

Day 6: Kirstenbosch Gardens 

The morning begins with stretching and yoga at 7:00 a.m. for those interested, followed by breakfast at 8:00 a.m. (included) and a group meeting for prayer and meditation at 9:00 am .You will be met in the hotel foyer at 9:30 am by an ILIOS Travel Representative to begin your tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden.The gardens are a celebration of South African flora - showcasing only indigenous South African plants.Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well - laid out pathways for easy walking. A great variety of birds inhabit the gardens and the sweeping views from the upper slopes are spectacular. Whether for a casual stroll, a more strenuous walk the gardens are a must - see when visiting Cape Town. We will spend 3 hours at the Gardens and lunchcan be purchased at the restaurant.That eve we will have a Cape town farewell dinner at the African Café.

Day 7: Ngala Game Reserve

This morning following breakfast we will leave the hotel by 8: 0 0am for our 10:00am flight to KRUGER MPUMALANGA INT APTNELSPRUIT KRUGER ZA SOUTH AFRICA AIR8663K SU CAPE TOWN TO NELSPRUIT DEPART AT   1000A arrive1235P We then will be transported on a  3h our drive thrusome of the most beautiful country in South Africato Ngala Private Game Lodge in Kruger National Park.This gracious, colonial - style safari lodge, set in Ngala's extraordinary African wilderness, is renowned for its superb accommodation . It provides an unbeatable family safari experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park. The 20 thatched cottages are shaded by Mopane trees and overlook the riverine below.All cottages feature air conditioning, intimate verandas and green slate in suite; baths and showers. After settling into your room we will venture into the bush for our first game drive. 5 Ngala reserve will provide Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Ngala Game Reserve

Situated within the world -famous Kruger National Park, a safari at Ngala Private Game Reserve is an unsurpassed wildlife experience offering exceptional game viewing, an abundance of birdlife, numerous spectacularly scenic attractions and cultural experiences.

A typical day at a Game Lodge:

5:30a m

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at the main lodge for tea, coffee and light,; snacks in anticipation of the early morning  game drive .

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with us into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic inhabitants. One can sense the excitement.  Who knows what to expect? A  herd of ever – cautious impala  huddled together, a leopard in the  branches of a knobthorn tree with  a  kill from the last hours of darkness,  a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush  vegetation or a pride of lion in the  shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for Africa and its  many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back to  the lodge. Overlooking the Africa n plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by  a delectable hot  breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with Rangers at the Lodge.(For no  additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a medley of culinary delights, inspired by African  flavours yet guided by western cooking tradition.

2:00pm

the group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool and the shadows are forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's  entertainment be gins. Return to the lodge for dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky, or a  gourmet meal by candlelight in  the dining room. A fusion of venison dishes, fresh fish from the South African coast, pastas, soups and  vegetables, dinner at Ngala is a sumptuous affair, where you will be enchanted  by the rhythm and harmony of a local choir. Retire to your suite for a restful night’s sleep in preparation for the next exciting day

Day 9: Ngala Private Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests congregate with the rangers at themain lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled gam e rangers and trackers  head out with  us  into the African bushveld to  discover the wonder of the African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in the branches of a  knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs you passion for Africa and its 7 many wonders

9:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a spectacular breakfast follows your  return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot breakfast

11:00am

Optional Bush walk can be arranged with  Rangers at the Lodge.(For no additional charge)

1:00pm  

Lunch  -- Ngala’s talented chefs prepare a  medley of culinary delights, inspired by African flavors yet guided by western cooking tradition .

2:00pm 

The group meets for an informal discussion and check in followed by free time for relaxation.

4:00pm

As the endless African day starts to cool  and the shadows are  forming across the plains, guests enjoy afternoon refreshments, which are served in the  main lodge before the evening game drive

4:30pm 

A vivid sunset sky forms the  backdrop of an unforgettable wildlife  experience. As darkness approaches, the animals become more active, rarely seen  nocturnal creatures emerge and incredible  interactions are the order of the day. 

8:00pm

One by one, the drivers return to  the lodge, the fires are lit and the night's entertainment begins. Return to the lodge for our farewell dinner around the fire in the Boma under a starlit sky

Day 10: Ngala Game Reserve

5:30am

After senses are awakened by the sounds of the bushveld, guests  congregate with the rangers at the main  lodge for tea, coffee and light  snacks in anticipation of the  early morning game drive.

6:30am

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon, highly skilled game rangers and trackers head out with  us  into the African bushveld to discover the wonder of the  African bush and a unique encounter with its majestic  inhabitants. One can sense the excitement. Who knows  8 what to expect? A herd of ever - cautious impala huddled together, a leopard in  the branches of a knobthorn tree with a kill from the last hours of darkness, a  herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of  an acacia. The sound of creatures awakening to a new day stirs your passion for  Africa and its many wonders

8:30am

The fresh aromas of Ngala's signature breakfast entice guests back  to  the lodge. Overlooking the African plains from the main deck, a  spectacular  breakfast follows your return from the morning game drive, with a buffet of  seasonal fruits, cereals, yogurt and fruit juice, followed by a delectable hot  breakfast

9:30am

We will check out of Ngala and be transported to a nearby airport HOEDSPRUIT.

About an hour from the game lodge.

Day 1 Start Cape Town; free day to explore

We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 2 Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Stellenbosch

This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we have a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon, we cycle over Hellshoogte (Hell's Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)

Day 3 Ride the Franschhoek Pass

In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague. Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo

Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way, the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa's landmass and littered with remains of ancient indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Ride through Langeberg Mountains to Bontebok National Park

After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here, the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberg Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812, many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently. Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House (or similar)

Day 6 Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa

A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches. Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)

Day 7 Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead

This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus, famous for the very close sightings of the southern right whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Free day to relax in Hermanus

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s, the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. It still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this, the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the best places in the world for whale watching. Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon's Bay

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route, there is a good chance our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon's Bay to Simonstown. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony

After breakfast, an 18mi (30km) transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach, we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Cycle to Cape Town via Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman's Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay, we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then onto Cape Town via Camp's Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront. Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 12 Optional morning visit to Robben Island; end Cape Town

The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.