The coastal explorer departs from Cape Town every Thursday.

SAFARI COST from €725

8 NIGHTS CABIN 1 NIGHT INN

Cold Atlantic currents, storm battered rocks, and pristine white beaches around Cape Town, we will move northward through to the crystal clear, warm Indian Ocean and unspoiled sandy beaches of Durban.

On the coastal explorer we endeavor to explore the area thoroughly and to enjoy the many nature reserves and activities encountered en-route. The tour is designed for active participants who wish to make the most of the time available; we cover vast distance, but also include walks and other activities. Bungalows, Inns and Hotels are used, some basic but always comfortable, all are chosen for their location.

A certain amount of fitness and flexibility will be required; more suitable for those looking for adventure

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN - DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE  D

Departing from the CAPE TOWN INN at 08h30, we follow the rugged coastline through the numerous fishing villages to Hermanus - well known for offering the finest land based whale watching (in season).

Our next stop is the southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the warm Indian and cold Atlantic oceans meet. This afternoon we will spend time game watching in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, acclaimed for its unique fauna, flora and spectacular scenery. We overnight in comfortable bungalows.

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DAY 2: OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA   B L D

An early start, we leave the coast and cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains to enter the dry Karoo Interior. We follow the "famed and funky Route 62" toward Oudtshoorn where we visit the Cango Caves; one of the world's great wonders. We will also visit a commercial Ostrich farm to learn more about these huge flightless birds.

Late this afternoon we traverse the Outeniqua Pass and then travel through the Lake District en-route to our Log Cabins hidden in the heart of the Knysna forest. Our home for the next three nights will be the KNYSNA INN.

DAY 3-4: GARDEN ROUTE   B L D

These days will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie; we will travel the “Old Passes Road” to the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park where we will walk part of the acclaimed “Otter Trail”.

Those with suicidal instincts may try the world's highest bungi jump at 216 meters or clients may opt for a sea kayak trip (own expense). We will visit sun-kissed beaches, and will enjoy a boat trip on the the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting).

One night we dine at a restaurant in the vibrant woodcutter town of Knysna. (Own expense).

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DAY 5: PORT ELIZABETH - ZUURBERG  B D

Continuing along the coast, our next stop is Port Elizabeth. Here we will spend sometime at the beachfront enjoying the sea and the friendly atmosphere of the city.

Lunch will be at a beachfront café. (Own expense). Late in the afternoon we drive a short distance inland to our camp in the Zuurberg Mountains overlooking Addo Elephant Reserve.

DAY 6: ADDO ELEPHANT PARK  B L D

This morning we will conduct an early walk within the thick bush of the Zuurberg portion of Addo. After a lunch back at camp, the afternoon will be spent game driving in the Addo Elephant Park. Renowned for its herds of African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, Dung Beetles, and other interesting species, this Park is one of Africa's conservation success stories. We return to our camp for the night.  

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DAY 8: WILD COAST  B L D

Today we travel into an area once designated as a Tribal Homeland during the apartheid era (Transkei). Nelson Mandela was born here, and our route takes us past both his birthplace and the holiday house that he had built to replicate his prison house. This afternoon we arrive at our remote, secluded resort where we spend time on the beach and enjoy the surf.

To stretch our legs we will conduct a short walk along the Wild Coast. Accommodation tonight is part of a rural community project and is rustic, clients may be expected to share - more than 2 per bungalow.

DAY 9: DURBAN  B L D

A reasonably long drive today, we pass through the scenic hills of the Eastern Cape, dotted with rural villages where women work in the fields and men tend their cows as they have for centuries. Our journey then takes us past the many resorts of the Kwazulu - Natal South Coast before we enter Durban, South Africa's holiday city and home to Africa's largest harbour.

Our stop tonight is just north of Durban at the DOLPHIN COAST INN. Situated literally on the beach, this is the perfect place to unwind after the many days of traveling. Tonight we enjoy a "braai" on the patio before falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves.

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DAY 10: TOUR ENDS B

The tour ends this morning after breakfast. 

Clients wishing to stay on at the DOLPHIN COAST INN may book extra

nights in order to enjoy this superb stretch of unspoiled beach before flying out of Durban. Clients wishing to travel to Johannesburg may join the guide today at a cost of R300-00 (payable directly to the guide). We intend to be back in Johannesburg by 18h00 but cannot always guarantee this.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack and walking shoes are advisable.
• Clients should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Our price includes transport from Cape Town to Umdloti (or Johannesburg + R300-00), food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, accommodation, permits and park entry fees, group equipment, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, boat trip and a professional guide.
• The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras.

DEPARTURES

The coastal explorer departs from Cape Town every Thursday.