12-Day South African Safari and Garden Route

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After a good nights rest after the long flight, you'll transfer to the airport for a short flight to Port Elizabeth. You will be met on arrival by a local representative and transferred to the Shamwari Riverdene Safari Lodge. After check-in, freshen up and off you go on your first South African safari. Home to the Big Five, Shamwari is one of the premium reserves of the Eastern Cape where visits can gaze upon the abundant flora and fauna without disrupting the landscape.

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Today, interactive game drives will take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset. Survey the areas, witness the birds of prey or spot one of the Big 5 from the comfort and safety of your open game viewing vehicles. The rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable in their respective fields of expertise. Expect to take away new insights, an appreciation for Africa and an unforgettable experience. Sit back and enjoy the experience.

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In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve also offers professionally guided bush walks. The rangers share their intimate knowledge of the reserve and their own expert insights to make each natural encounter a special event. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the fauna and flora indigenous to the region. Your guide can also point out animal tracks, dung, birds and can educate you on the area and its rich history.

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After the final South African safari, you are transferred to the Port Elizabeth Airport where you will collect a rental car. From here, you'll make your way to the Tsitsikamma area and time permitting on the day, you'll visit the Tsitsikamma National Park. Your hotel is in Tsitsikamma so that you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty and activities in the area.

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The region, which sits on a 200-metre high plateau, stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east, is bordered by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains, and in the south, the Indian Ocean. The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park encompasses 650 square kilometres between Plettenberg Bay and Humansdorp, as well a Marine Protected Area covering 80 kilometres of coastline.

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Today, you'll travel from the Tsitsikamma to Plettenberg Bay and the little town of Knysna; you can stop in Plettenberg Bay and join a whale or dolphin watching boat experience. You'll then continue to Knysna to enjoy the afternoon relaxing in the Knysna Waterfront and an optional sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.

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Today, you'll drive the short distance to the town of George and drop off the rental car at the airport before boarding your flight to Cape Town. On arrival at the Cape Town Airport, you are met by a local representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in the city. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy however you wish.

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Today is a day of leisure to explore the city on your own. Alternatively, you can book one of the optional activities on offer, such as a private guided city tour or you could join the hop-on-hop-off bus. If you choose to do the city tour, you'll start the day by ascending Table Mountain by cablecar. After your visit to the Mountain, you'll head to the Company Gardens – the oldest part of Cape Town – for a walk through this historic part of the city.

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Today is another day at leisure for you to spend as you wish. As an option, you could consider discovering the Cape Peninsula on a private tour, where you'll have the chance to discover the reserves that surround Table Mountain and beyond, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and all of the other surrounding local communities. This is a stunningly scenic experience that allows you to see why Cape Town is so special.

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You are spoilt for choice while in the mother city! You may choose to roam around the V&A Waterfront today and catch up on some shopping, or you could spend the day enjoying the beautiful Winelands of the Cape on a cheese, chocolate and wine tour. If you choose to do this tour, you'll go from winery to farm to winery, sampling cheeses, wine and chocolates as you go - it will be a delightful experience!