With the soaring Table Mountain behind us we travel along the N2 highway towards Hermanus, choosing from the mountainous route over Sir Lowrys Pass through Elgin or the coastal route along Clarens Drive overlooking False Bay with its panoramic views of Cape Point.
The coastal town of Hermanus is renowned for its whale watching, a place where Southern Right whales return annually during the winter and early spring months (July to November). Spend time walking the cliff paths viewing whales, maybe joining a boat based whale watching trip in Walker Bay (own account and your guide can arrange) and there is also the Hemel-en-Aarde valley behind the town for some great wine tasting and picturesque lunch venues.
We continue on our Journey towards the Southern tip, arriving on the Indian Ocean side, in the coastal town of Arniston
Check into your accommodation and enjoy a possible traditional Cape dinner in the small neighboring fishing village of Kassiesbaai.
The combination of shallow, clear, warm water and numerous fantastic vantage points makes Arniston one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world. You may very well see a Southern Right Whale and her calf bask and frolic in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mozambique current mere metres from the coastline.
We visit the rugged, windswept beauty of the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. A place where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cool Atlantic, the Cape of Storms has caused many an ancient mariners to brave its waters and wreck their ships in the name of exploration and adventure.
We travel through Swellendam and the Tradauw Pass onto Route 62 where you will notice the scenery starts to change dramatically. It’s often said that South Africa has one of the most varied landscapes of any country, and there’s nowhere better to see this than on the drive from the coast to the semi-arid desert like Klein Karoo. Enjoy a comfort stop in the small artists town of Barrydale at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains that rise out of the plains surrounding them.
Back onto Route 62 we head towards the heart of the Klein Karoo. In a secluded valley, which was once a lake, we’ll discover Calitzdorp, South Africa’s port wine capital where we will enjoy lunch (own account). Port can be a bit of an acquired taste due to its strength and sweetness, but that’s a journey we are happy to help you start on. In the late afternoon you can embark on an ostrich farm tour (optional and own account) to learn about the world’s biggest bird species. They may have eyes larger than their brains, but they are nevertheless, very impressive (and taste wonderful). Relax and enjoy the friendly Klein Karoo hospitality, with dinner included at your country lodge.
Enjoy a morning stroll to the Waenhuiskrans, the other name for the town and that of a cave only accessible on the low tide which according to local legend is large enough to store an ox wagon.
A little further along the white sandy beach is the point where you can view ancient fish traps used by the bushmen for hundreds of years.
Enjoy a country breakfast at the hotel, before we make our way to a 20 million year old natural treasure at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, the Cango Caves. Descend the 200 steps of Jacob’s Ladder into the Great Hall and continue into King Solomon’s Mine. Leaving this subterranean wonderland, we head back towards Oudtshoorn, which boasts the highest number of sunny days compared to any other place in South Africa.
Depart the Klein Karoo and travel over the scenic Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay for a visit to the Diaz Museum. We then follow the coastline through the lake district of Wilderness, surrounded by mountains, ocean, lakes and lagoons, Wilderness makes for a tranquil and splendid destination. Enjoy the stunning and unspoilt scenery at Dolphin Point and Map of Africa look out points (weather permitting).
We arrive into our base for next 2 nights overlooking the Knysna lagoon, dinner tonight (included) will be enjoyed at the famous JJ's restaurant in Knysna Waterfront over looking the lagoon.
If you wish and for your own account, we can arrange an early morning wake up to go meet the cute Meerkats of the Karoo (weather permitting), just as they awake and come out of their burrows. Spend a few hours observing these cute animals as they go about their daily routine from up close in the comfort of your chair with a blanket, coffee and knowledgeable host. You can then return to your lodge for breakfast before proceeding with your day.
PLEASE NOTE: due to the high demand and limited availability, should you be interested in this optional activity, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary bookings.
Today we explore Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. "Plett" as the locals call this popular holiday town, is known as the playground for the rich and famous and offers many optional activities from which to choose.
> Ocean Safari to view dolphins and whales in Plettenberg Bay.
> Sea kayaking trip
> Hog Hollow Horse Trails
> Enjoy a nature cruise up the Keurbooms River
> Hike the Robberg Peninsula
> Featherbed Eco Experience
> Knysna Heads for great views
> Enjoy a 10km beach walk from Brenton on Sea to Buffalo Bay.
Dinner (own account) can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants and bars on Thesen Island, with fantastic views over the lagoon.
After breakfast, we make our way along the Tsitsikamma region reaching Storms River Mouth, stroll along the boardwalk through the indigenous forest to the suspension bridge, enjoying the lush scenery along the way.
From here we continue up the coastline, passing Port Elizabeth and reaching Kariega Private Game Reserve. Once checked in to your room around 2:00 pm, freshen up, enjoy some lunch and prepare for your 3-hour evening game drive starting at 3:00 pm in the winter and around 4:00 pm in the summer months.
Home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as many species of mammals, reptiles and birds, prepare for an amazing experience. Using all their senses & experience, your Ranger will seek out the animals and stop for anything of interest, possibly the spoor of hunting lions or a herd of African elephants. Sunset time is enjoyed on a vantage point with some sundowners and snacks, before we change into night mode and using flashlights, search for the secretive nocturnal creatures of the bush like a sleek genet or unforgettable view of a leopard. Upon returning to the Lodge, a blazing fire and yummy dinner await, along with your first night’s sleep in the African bush.
Kariega’s landscape and topography is arguably the most beautiful of all the Eastern Cape game reserves, resulting in stunning views and vistas. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) also adds enormous beauty and value. Kariega Game Lodge also enjoys extremely high game carrying capacities which results in their game viewing and birding experience being exceptional. The amazing story of rhino poaching survivor, Thandi, and the birth in January of her first calf, Thembi, has captivated the world and has been an inspiration to many.
Today, Kariega Game Lodge is an internationally renowned Big 5 private game reserve set in 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushmans river, just 10 minutes from Kenton-on-Sea and 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
Enjoy an early 3 hour morning game drive with your experienced game ranger, pursuing the animals not yet ticked off your list.
After your game activity, you will return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out around 10:00 am for your private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport or a nearby hotel.
We always recommend spending an extra night at your Kariega Safari lodge, which will include two extra game drives increasing the chances of more and better sightings
Kariega Game Drives
Kariega Private Game Reserve
