Ultimate South Africa Whale-Watching Special Departure
Ultimate South Africa Whale-Watching Special Departure
774 Views
18 Days
From
$5565
$5287
Ultimate South Africa Whale-Watching Special Departure
18 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Dundee, Greater Kruger
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LUSAW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Physical rating:
Low, Classic Touring
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5565
$5287 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$278
Tour Overview
Discover the very best of South Africa on this all-encompassing tour. Beginning in Cape Town, take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy a tour of the Cape Peninsula which includes a visit to Cape Point and Boulders Beach. Next, you'll head to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape winelands, before heading to Hermanus for an incredible whale-watching experience. Continuing to Knysna, a town at the heart of the famous Garden Route. From Port Elizabeth we'll go on to discover the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields on a tour. Kruger National Park is our next destination, where we'll head out in search of the Big Five, before a drive along the scenic Panorama Route completes this incredible adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 Uk - Cape Town
Today you will fly to Cape Town.
Day 2 Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
On arrival in Cape Town, we'll transfer you to your hotel, with your sightseeing starting en route. Located on the shores of the Atlantic, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town occupies a spectacular setting and you'll take in fabulous views as we approach it. You'll see many of the city's highlights including Table Mountain - on some days the top of the mountain is shrouded by clouds, a natural phenomenon known as the tablecloth - a beautiful sight. And if the weather is favourable, you'll have a chance to go up on the cable car. Join your fellow guests for a welcome drink this evening.
Day 3 Cape Peninsula
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Meals Included: B
There’s a great day ahead as we set off to explore the Cape Peninsula to take in some absolutely breath-taking views including the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and a drive along one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak (weather permitting), we’ll explore Cape Point, stop at Boulders Beach, famous for its penguin colony, and travel into Simon’s Town before completing our travels with a visit to the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Day 4 Cape Town - At Leisure
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Meals Included: B
The choice is yours today, you can explore independently, or perhaps come on an optional excursion to Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township. En route, you’ll visit Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter and drive through District Six.
Day 5 Cape Town - Western Cape Winelands
Location: Stellenbosch
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch
Meals Included: B
Today we're going to discover the winelands of the Western Cape. A scenic drive takes us through lush farmland and vineyards, where our first stop will be in the town of Franschhoek. Here we will enjoy a tasting at a winery nestled against the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains. Next, we'll visit the Spice Route Destination in Paarl, where you will discover an array of artisans selling everything from chocolate and wine to cured meats and homeware. Finally we'll tour the charming, historic town of Stellenbosch. We'll wander along Dorp Street admiring fine examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and take in fantastic views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.
Day 6 Stellenbosch - Hermanus
Location: Hermanus
Accommodation Name: Windsor Hotel
Meals Included: B
Hermanus, your destination today is known as one of the best places for land based whale watching in the world. At this time of year, southern right whales stay in the bay close to the shore and can be seen from the network of cliff paths. For the chance to witness these mesmerising creatures in their own habitat, we'll head out on a whale-watching cruise if weather conditions allow. This afternoon is free for you to explore the town at your own pace and we have arranged an overnight stay here.
Day 7 Hermanus - Oudtshoorn
Location: Oudtshoorn
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate
Meals Included: B
Your next base is Oudtshoorn, and during our drive here we'll stop at Swellendam, one of the oldest towns in South Africa. A tour will introduce its stunning architecture and you'll also have time to visit its fascinating museum. Back on the road, take in lovely views of ravines, gorges, cliffs and lush vegetation as we journey through the Huisrivier pass, set between two valleys.
Day 8 Oudtshoorn - Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Meals Included: B
Oudtshoorn is the 'ostrich capital of the world', and home to the world's largest population of these unique flightless birds. Before we make our way to Knysna, our base for two nights, we'll visit the Safari Ostrich Farm to see some of these fascinating creatures up close. You're also going to see the Cango Caves today. Located in a limestone ridge alongside the stunning Swatberg Mountains, this magnificent system of underground caverns is more than 20 million years old.
Day 9 Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Meals Included: B, L
The quaint town of Knysna lies at the heart of the Garden Route and is surrounded by ancient forests. It's a delightful place with plenty of craft shops, boutiques and cafés. After a leisurely start today, we will visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve with a cruise across Knysna Lagoon, a walk through the forest past the ancient sea caves, and a buffet lunch.
Day 10 Knysna - Port Elizabeth
Location: Port Elizabeth
Accommodation Name: Garden Court Kings Beach
Meals Included: B, D
Your journey to Port Elizabeth, or Gqeberha as it is now known, via Plettenberg Bay includes a stop at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you can walk across the 77-metre-long suspension bridge which hovers above the tumultuous water flowing into the Indian Ocean. Later, we will take in some highlights of Gqeberha en-route to our hotel for this evening.
Day 11 Port Elizabeth - Battlefields
Location: Dundee
Accommodation Name: Battlefields Country Lodge
Meals Included: B, D
On arrival in Johannesburg you'll discover a very different territory to that previously experienced, as we head into the heart of the Zulu kingdom, the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields. The area is our base for two nights.
Day 12 Battlefields
Location: Dundee
Accommodation Name: Battlefields Country Lodge
Meals Included: B, L, D
On today's guided tour you'll retrace history as you stand at the very spot where the 1879 Battle of Isandlwana and subsequent conflict at Rorke's Drift took place. A Local Guide will bring to life the events of the day when 20,000 Zulu warriors, armed with traditional weapons, confronted the firepower of the British army.
Day 13 Greater Kruger
Location: Greater Kruger
Accommodation Name: Ndhula Lodge
Meals Included: B, D
Your journey today takes you to the Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa, 40 mins from the Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest game reserve. Your accommodation over the next few nights is spectacular and special. The luxury safari tents at Ndhula & Muluwa Lodge are ideally situated and built on wooden decks and enjoy a breath taking natural setting. An inviting open-air reception area adjoins a large, thatched-roof dining room where you can enjoy South African and international cuisine with beautiful views over the valley. Todays journey is long but packed full of rewards as you travel through a variety of landscapes and take in spectacular views.
Day 14 Kruger National Park
Location: Greater Kruger
Accommodation Name: Ndhula Lodge
Meals Included: B, D
Kruger National Park is home to the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Today we'll take in the sights on a full-day game drive, which also includes a breakfast picnic. You'll travel in an open safari vehicle with an expert guide who will talk to other drivers and track down the best wildlife sightings - it's a wonderful way to experience the African wilderness. We will return later this afternoon and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Day 15 Greater Kruger - At Leisure
Location: Greater Kruger
Accommodation Name: Ndhula Lodge
Meals Included: B, D
You could relax and enjoy the facilities at the lodge, or head out on an optional game drive and continue your search for wildlife.
Day 16 Greater Kruger - Panorama Route
Location: Greater Kruger
Accommodation Name: Ndhula Lodge
Meals Included: B, D
Start your day with a drive along the breathtaking Panorama Route, which winds its way through some of South Africa's most beautiful scenery. The rainforest at God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, are some of the highlights. We're also going to take an unforgettable journey on the Graskop Gorge Lift, which travels 51 metres down the face of the gorge and into the forest below. Here, a trail of wooden walkways and suspension bridges carves its way through the forest and interactive exhibits tell us more about the flora and fauna.
Tonight, if the weather is on our side, get to know one of South African's oldest traditions for dinner - the Boma. The lodge proudly features this amazing outdoor dinner facility in the traditional South African shape – round and protective like a traditional African village with a centralised fire place for ambiance and winter warmth and a chef's station that prepares those famous African barbecue meals.
Day 17 Johannesburg - Uk
Meals Included: B
Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Day 18 Uk
You'll arrive in the UK today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 & 4 star hotels -
Return flights from London
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15 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
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24 meals: 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
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Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage
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Travelsphere Holiday Director
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Travelsphere Holiday Director
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24 meals: 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
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Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation and porterage
What's Not Included
Accommodation
- ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn on the Square
- Overlooking Green Market Square in Cape Town, Inn on the Square Cape Town is a contemporary hotel in one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings. Inn on the Square Cape Town’s in-house restaurant, DISH, offers quality South African cuisine. Here they offer a selection of local and imported wines that can be enjoyed either in the restaurant, Cobble & Stone Pub or on the terrace. All rooms include air-conditioning, hairdryers, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee-making facilities.
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch
- Located in-between two international golf courses with the best of the Winelands. The hotels facilities include a restaurant, bar, heated pool, lounge and health centre. Private room facilities are included.
- Windsor Hotel
- The 3-star Windsor Hotel in Hermanus is located close to plenty of restaurants and shops. The area is also great for whale watching.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and Wi-Fi. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV and a safe.
- Protea Hotel Riempe by Marriott Oudtshoorn
- Standard rooms come with free WiFi, satellite TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. All have en suite bathrooms. Amenities include a restaurant and cocktail bar, a garden with an outdoor pool.
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
- The 4-star Protea Hotel Knysna Quays is set on the Knysna Quays waterfront, within easy reach of the city's main attractions.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge and outdoor pool (typically open May-Sept). Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer, telephone, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and Wi-Fi.
- Marine Protea Hotel - Port Elizabeth
- The 4-star Protea Hotel Marine is ideally located in the heart of Port Elizabeth.
Hotel facilities include a restuarant, bar, gym and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning and complimentary wi-fi.
- Battlefields Country Lodge
- The 3-star Battlefields Country Lodge is situated in the heart of the well known historic Battlefields in KwaZulu Natal near Dundee.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a bar. Bedrooms have private facilities and air-conditioning.
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate
- Protea Hotel Kruger Gate is a lodge-style hotel in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, located 12 minutes walk away from the Paul Kruger Gate. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include outdoor pool with a bar and a spa.
Optional Excursions
- Cape Town Township Tour
- Afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel
- Game drives at Kruger National Park
Excursions Included
- Cape Town tour and Table Mountain
- Cape Peninsula, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and Botanical Gardens
- Winelands cellar tour and tasting
- The Drostdy Museum in Swellendam
- The Cango Caves and an ostrich farm
- Drive along the Garden Route
- Featherbed Nature Reserve
- Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park
- Discover charming Port Elizabeth
- The Zulu battlefields
- Game drive in Kruger National Park
- Drive along the scenic Panorama Route
- A 'braai' dinner under the stars
- Chimp Eden, a chimpanzee sanctuary
Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Requirements do change, and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure so that you have the correct documentation and are adequately vaccinated. Information on health is available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Min age is 18 years.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Monday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Friday - Monday
Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.