Low Carbon Footprint Tour
Welcome to South Africa!
This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto Township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands. Due to its rich and turbulent history, there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
Destination: South Africa
| COST | ZAR 32 250.00 |
| INCLUDED | Accommodation and boards as per itinerary 12 Nights accommodation with meals as stipulated Return shuttle between OR Tambo International Airport and Hazyview Ticket for 1 hour guided Safari Ostrich Tour Ticket for 1 hour Cango Caves Heritage Tour |
| NOT INCLUDED | Flights Travel insurance Car rental Optional and recommended Excursions Expenses of a personal nature Visa fees (where applicable) Airport taxes Souvenirs All entrance fees All meals unless included in the room rate |
Day 1
Hazyview
South African Airways and Lufthansa are two of a number of airlines that offer carbon offsets. Carbon offsetting is a way to reduce your carbon footprint by supporting a carbon-reduction effort elsewhere. The money is invested in projects like renewable energy wind farms and hydro-farms in developing nations.
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and wait for your shuttle to Kruger National Park.
Considering that transportation is a major contributor to the build-up of harmful ozone-depleting emissions in the atmosphere, making careful, eco-conscious decisions about how to get around while holidaying in South Africa goes a long way to greening your vacation. One sure way to reduce your carbon footprint, and thus reduce your contribution to global warming, is to make use of public transport alternatives, rather than hiring a car (every extra vehicle on the roads simply adds to the pollutants in the air). What follows is a selection of sensible travel alternatives for visitors eager to step lightly on our precious earth.
Arrive at your beautiful lodge situated just outside Hazyview, the gateway to Kruger National Park.
Hazyview is a small farming town and is renowned for its banana industry. It is known as the gateway to the Kruger National Park and is ideally situated to explore the Panorama Route.
Golfers find many beautiful golf courses in the area.
Travel distance: 385.0 km
Day 2 & 3
Hazyview
The Kruger National Park was founded in 1898 by Paul Kruger to protect the unique fauna and flora. It encompasses an area of almost 2 million hectares and shares borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The ideal season to observe the game is our winter (May to September) since the climate is moderate and the landscape is dry and bleak. With the first rains in November, nature revitalizes. Simultaneously, summer is the time when most of the young animals are born. The Kruger National Park is widely renowned for its astonishing variety of wildlife. Besides the “Big 5” (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo) visitors may also encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs and multiple bird species.
Join the Bush walks instead of the open safari vehicle game drives to keep your carbon footprint in check!
Day 4
Hazyview to St Francis Bay
Your airport shuttle will arrive early afternoon at OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth.
Collect your Hybrid rental car and drive 100 km to your accommodation in St. Francis Bay.
The Portuguese arrived at this idyllic bay in 1575 and named it after the patron saint of sailors. The quaint buildings with white-washed walls and thatch roofs contribute to the charm of this village that has maintained a fishing industry until today. The lighthouse is open to visitors. It was built in 1878 to protect ships from a dangerous riff along the coastline. The beautiful beaches invite guests to swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll.
Travel distance: 150 km
Day 5
St Francis Bay
St Francis Bay is well known for its beautiful beaches and its annual surf competitions.
Why not take a wind or kite surfing lesson yourself?
But that’s not all! The amazing men-made channels offer ample opportunity to canoe, stand-up paddleboarding, and sunset boat trips.
The nearby golf courses are world-class and challenging, plenty of restaurants and bars will serve culinary delights – A prime holiday destination just waiting for you to be discovered!
Day 6
St Francis Bay to Garden Route
Leaving Surfer’s Paradise behind, continue towards Tsitsikamma forest. This peculiar name comes from the Khoi language and means „the place of much water“. Some giant yellowwood trees grow in this indigenous forest. They are over 800 years old and stand more than 35 meters high. The forest is a world heritage site.
On this part of the journey, the mountains almost look like diving into the sea. Many spectacular bridges have been erected to stand high above the deep valleys dug by rivers. The Bloukrans Bridge has a clear span of the arch of 272 meters and hosts bungee jumpers diving more than 200 meters down.
The journey takes you to Plettenberg Bay, also called a millionaire’s paradise. The moderate, mild climate, the three spacious and safe beaches, the lagoon, and a river mouth have made it a popular holiday destination.
In the old days, elephants also roamed in this area. Unconfirmed rumors state, some forest elephants have survived in the forests between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
Stop at Knysna’s Waterfront to stretch your legs, taste oysters, and admire the beauty of this quaint coastal town known as the “Pearl of the Garden Route”. Shortly after, you arrive at your accommodation in the forest between Knysna and Sedgefield.
Travel distance: 205.9 km
Day 7
Garden Route
Discover nearby beaches, pack a picnic, and walk along the river or in the forest.
Driving over the magical Outeniqua Pass, you will find Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
Visit an Ostrich farm and famous Cango Caves, as well as Rust en Vrede Waterfall.
Included: One hour Safari Ostrich Farm Tour and one hour Cango Cave’s Standard Tour
Day 8
Garden Route to De Hoop Nature Reserve
Leaving your forest paradise behind, you’ll drive along the Garden Route.
Recommended stops en-route are:
- The Post Office Tree in Mossel Bay
- The world’s biggest Aloe Ferox plant in Albertinia
- Wildebraam Berry Farm in Swellendam
Arrive for check-in at De Hoop Nature Reserve in the afternoon and enjoy a meal at the restaurant before settling for the night.
Travel distance: 323 km
Day 9
De Hoop Nature Reserve
It is once again all about nature:
Enjoy hiking & cycling between the rich fynbos vegetation, swimming and snorkeling in one of the many rock pools in the reserve, the best land-based whale-watching in season and so much more.
Day 10
De Hoop Nature Reserve to Stellenbosch
Drive past the world’s longest wine route R 62 towards Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town.
Stellenbosch is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and well-kept towns in the country. Many original Cape Dutch buildings are situated in Dorp Street and its neighboring streets in the vibrant old town. The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a museum complex of historical houses and furnished with period furniture depicts the lifestyle of the inhabitants of this town from the 16th to the 18th century. Stellenbosch is surrounded by countless wineries and is the hub of the wine industry in the Western Cape.
Stop in beautiful Robertson for lunch, visit picturesque wine farms in the area, and take a stroll through Stellenbosch’s historical center before arriving at Spier wine farm, your home for the next 3 days.
Travel distance: 216 km
Day 11 & 12
Stellenbosch
For the next 2 days, you can look forward to wine tastings, wine pairings, excellent food, long walks, and picnics under shady trees along the river.
There are Art exhibitions, proud craftsmanship, and lots of interesting things to do on the farm…
or you opt for a visit to Franschhoek, the French side of the Western Cape’s Winelands and Paarl with its Taal Monument and Fairview Cheese- and Winefarm …
Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City is only 30 km away, you can easily spend a day discovering the city on foot and finish with the famous V&A Waterfront.
Day 13
Departure
Spend your last day at leisure before it is time to make your way to Cape Town International Airport, where you drop off your Hybrid and check in for your flight back home.
Travel distance: 29 km
We look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa!
Tour Location
HAZYVIEW | ST FRANCIS BAY | GARDEN ROUTE | DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE | STELLENBOSCH
Umbhaba Eco Lodge****
Umbhaba Lodge lies on a hillside overlooking the Sabie Valley, on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. This luxurious four star lodge is picture-perfect for leisure breakaways, weddings and executive conferences. Lodge facilities include an a la carte restaurant, the safari-style Burn Out Bar and a quiet lounge. A crystal-clear rock pool amid sprawling lawns is a glorious invitation in the heat of a Lowveld day Activities at Umbhaba Lodge include day and night safaris, helicopter excursions, hot air ballooning, fishing, hiking and horse riding. Enjoy a leisurely drive or slight detour through the artistic towns of Dullstroom or White River before relaxing into the peaceful surrounds of Umbhaba Lodge, in Hazyview. The tranquility at Umbhaba, along with the seclusion of the bushveld, is the ideal departure point for excursions in to the Kruger National Park, the majestic Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes. The Kruger National Airport is minutes away.
Oyster Bay Lodge****
Oyster Bay Lodge is a four star graded luxury lodge situated on 235 hectares of unspoiled natural coastal reserve. This exceptionally scenic landscape features magnificent dunes, woods, river deltas, beaches, wetlands, lagoons and is home to free roaming horses and an extensive range of bird life. Accommodation consists of 4 Luxury ‘Cape Dutch’ Chalets and 10 comfortable Guest Rooms with a variety of optional services and an exciting array of activities and adventures on the property and the surrounding area. Facilities include, among others, an excellent on-site restaurant, an inviting swimming pool, and a private beachfront which makes Oyster Bay lodge a little paradise in the Eastern Cape.
Teniqua Treetops***
We are a 3 Star, Self-catering forest lodge, situated in 36 hectares of forest in the Garden Route, 16 km’s from the N2. We are off the beaten track and partially off the grid. The closest town, shop and restaurant is 20 minutes away, so be sure to stock up with groceries on your way.
Each suite is a combination of tent canvas, wood and glass nestled within the indigenous Forest.
We’re best suited to nature lovers, those wanting something a little unique, quirky and adventurous; especially when the winds pick up and the odd thunderstorm hits.
Three of the eight suites have Ecosan compost toilets, meaning that you flush with leaves and not water. It’s all part of the adventure.
Please be aware that you are going to be in the bush. This is not a manicured environment; it is part of the forest. We won’t, don’t, can’t fumigate the forest … so if you are someone who doesn’t have phobias about flora or fauna; trees, plants, birds, wild animals, insects, spiders, snakes, butterflies, moths, tame animals …… Teniqua Treetops is the holiday destination for you.
De Hoop Collection
Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as De Hoop – sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. Activities are diverse and guests choose between various day walks through the rich fynbos plains or along the deserted coastline, or mountain biking along the many gravel roads or scenic game drives. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to pass a rewarding day. Day visitors welcome, and restaurant open daily.
Spier Hotel****
Village-style buildings, lush green lawns and spacious rooms situated next to the calming Eerste River are the defining characteristics of the 4 star Spier Hotel. Our 153 rooms are clustered around six courtyards, with each courtyard boasting its own swimming pool. The design is reminiscent of the Bo-Kaap or Mediterranean villages where pedestrians have right of way. Rolling lawns, gardens and walkways connect the rooms with the reception area, lounge, bar, terrace and restaurant. The décor features a sophisticated, vibrant style with strong colours, patterns and textures, and a collection of art that explores contemporary South African culture. The hotel is a pioneer in responsible tourism and was one of the first in South Africa to be awarded the Fair Trade in Tourism SA accreditation in 2004. In 2015, Spier was voted 18th Condé Nast Traveler 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards list of the top 25 hotels in Africa. In 2011, Condé Nast Traveler World Saver Award recognised the estate as the top international destination “Doing it All”. The hotel rooms are spacious with a focus on simplicity, quality and comfort. Every room includes original artwork, making each individual. You can choose between Signature Rooms, Signature Garden Terrace Rooms, Signature Riverfacing Rooms and Suites. Located upstairs in our village-style buildings, our Signature Rooms are light, airy and sun-filled. The rooms are simply and tastefully appointed, and feature large comfortable beds and original artworks from the Spier Collection. The en suite bathrooms incorporate a generous-size bath and a separate shower. In keeping with our sustainability ethos, mini bars are energy efficient and showerheads water wise. Signature Garden Rooms have direct access to the pool and lush garden, as well as a shaded outdoor patio where you can unwind with a glass of our award-winning wine. The rooms are decorated in a calm neutral colour palette with warm wooden furniture and splashes of vibrant colour. They feature king-size comfortable beds and original artworks from the Spier Collection. The en suite bathrooms have separate showers and large baths. Located upstairs, the Signature Riverside rooms are light, airy and sun-filled, with views of the Eerste river below and the Helderberg mountains in the distance. Rooms are decorated with original artworks from the Spier Collection. Signature Riverside Terrace rooms offer direct access to the lush gardens outside, with views of the Eerste River and Helderberg mountains. Their private patios are ideal for enjoying a glass of our award-winning wine in the tranquility of nature. There are five suites, all individually designed and decorated. The two upstairs suites have stunning views of the Helderberg Mountains and Eerste River. The ground floor suites both open onto the gardens with a private area featuring comfortable daybeds inviting an afternoon doze with a book and glass of wine. All the suites feature top quality linen in the bedrooms and comfortable sofas in the lounge areas, with original artworks by contemporary South African artists. The Spier Hotel is situated on the historic Spier wine farm in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, just 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities including a travel desk, information centre and boardroom, and e-mail and Internet services are available. The Spier spa offers a variety of holistic treatments and a full range of spa therapies. There are shuttle services both on and off the estate and 24-hour room service is available. www.spier.co.za
