South Africa -
Safari to South Africa
Cape Town, The Garden
Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Daily
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive at Cape Town Welkom! Upon
exiting customs, you will be met by an Adventures by Disney representative
who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with
your luggage and takes you to the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel. Southern
Sun Waterfront Hotel Unwind from your journey as your Adventure Guide
checks you into this spacious, sophisticated, full-service hotel. Your
Adventure Guide can make suggestions for exploring Cape Town on your own. On
Your Own in Cape Town This afternoon explore Cape Town, the Mother City of
Africa that rests beneath the majestic Table Mountain on the edge of sandy
white beaches and shimmering azure waves. Roam the picturesque Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront as its pathways wind past the city's vibrant cafés and
historic sites.
Meal Included: None
Day Two
Breakfast and Orientation Say "Goeie môre!" to greet your fellow
adventurers in Afrikaans during an exclusive breakfast and then enjoy an
entertaining orientation at the hotel with your Adventure Guides. Table
Mountain Aerial Cableway and Nature Walk* Weather permitting, ride a motor
coach to the lower station of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and take an
exciting ride to the towering mountain top. Breathtaking views swell beneath
and beyond your cable car as you sail skyward to the upper station. Once you
regain your footing, enjoy a privately guided nature walk along a series of
paved walkways through the Fynbos, one of the world's largest floral kingdoms.
Catch fantastic views of Cape Town and Table Bay below. Lunch and Shopping
at Greenmarket Square After descending the great mountain, board a motor
coach to Greenmarket Square, an extremely popular flea market nestled in the
business district of Cape Town. Satisfy your appetite at The Famous Butchers
Grill, where you can choose one of the restaurant's famous meat dishes or a
tasty vegetarian plate from a set menu. After lunch, wander the cobblestone
grounds as you discover vivid hand-painted fabrics, intriguing wood carvings
and other crafts from all over Africa, including Malawi, Zimbabwe and Kenya. A
host of jugglers, drummers and buskers enliven the square with their
mesmerizing spectacles and contagious rhythms. City Walking Tour or Visit to
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Pick your own late afternoon activity.
Take a guided walking tour of the Greenmarket Square and the surrounding
historical sites, return to the hotel on a shuttle, or visit the striking
architecture of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Welcome Dinner at
Castle of Good Hope Meet your fellow adventurers and ask "Wat is u
naam?" as you enjoy a three-course meal from a set menu in this
elegant 17th-century castle famous for its collection of historic artworks and
military museum. Evening Entertainment Greet the Cape Town Minstrels at
the Castle entrance as they entertain you with traditional songs and dance.
After dinner, follow the drummers and dancers outside as their rhythms and
movements weave a joyous spell over the crowd. *If weather precludes access to
Table Mountain, Guests visit the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical
Gardens instead.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three
Cape Point Catch
dramatic glimpses of the Twelve Apostles Mountains and other stunning coastal
views on the scenic drive to Cape Point. Then sail up the slope of Cape Point
in a Flying Dutchman funicular, an environmentally friendly train. In your wake
view the magnificent, rugged Cape Point promontory and the aquamarine waters
glistening beyond. When you reach the top, join your fellow adventurers for a
short, privately guided hike that offers an excellent vantage point for
seasonal whale watching. Take your pick of either a ride down in the funicular
or an easy stroll back. Cape of Good Hope Next, board a motor coach to
the Cape of Hope for a brief photo stop. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary
scenery that greeted the 15th-century Portuguese explorers, Bernal Dias and
Vasco da Gama. Lunch at the Seaforth Restaurant Savor fresh seafood and
other options from a set menu at this restaurant with a spectacular view of the
seaside. The restaurant is located in the picturesque Simon's Town, a village
brimming with history and wildlife. Boulders Beach African Penguins After
lunch, take a short walk to the beachfront of Simonstown whose most famous
residents are the enormously charming African penguins! Spend a few moments
delighting in the antics of these adorable birds as they wade and waddle on the
white sand beach surrounded by granite boulders and the blue waters of the
Indian Ocean. Dinner at GOLD Restaurant Return to Cape Town for an
exquisite dinner at the opulent GOLD Restaurant. Before dining, get in the
groove with an interactive drumming class! Then explore the gleaming Gold of
Africa Museum and discover over 1000 years of legend, history and artistry
wrapped in the mystical wisdom of African proverbs. After the museum, revel in
the lively flavors of modern African cuisine eaten with traditional Cape Malay
flat breads. Courses are served in a special sequence chosen by the chef. After
dinner, celebrate the energy of Africa as the masks and music of the Malian
puppeteers draw you into the story of humankind's connectedness with the spirit
world.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Interactive Cooking Class in Historic Stellenbosch After breakfast at the hotel with your
fellow adventurers, board a motor coach for a 90-minute drive to Stellenbosch,
the heart and soul of Cape Dutch wine country, for a hands-on cooking class at
the Institute of Culinary Arts. Learn to prepare Koeksuster, an
Afrikaans pastry akin to deep-fried fritters dipped in orange-scented syrup.
Devour your fresh creations as you sip Rooibos tea _ a famous Afrikaans
combination! Bike or Ride to Spier Winery Choose your mode of locomotion
as you make your way past verdant vineyards to the award-winning Spier Winery. Lunch
at Moyo Set among Bedouin tents and garden gazebos, this unusual restaurant
is the perfect setting to sate your "nomadic" appetite with a hearty
buffet of pan-African cuisine. Experience Moyo to the fullest as you have your
face painted and marvel at the vibrant voices of Third World Bunfight as they
push African art to its limits. Wine Tasting Adventurers have their
choice of activities in the afternoon. Enjoy a wine tasting at Spier's
formidable facilities while Junior Adventurers learn about the ancient art of
falconry at the Eagle Encounter. Dinner On Your Own Take your pick of
casual and fine dining establishments. Be sure to ask your Adventure Guide for
dining recommendations, as Cape Town offers an amazing range of restaurants
that appeal to all kinds of tastes.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Five
Depart Cape Town Rise and shine with an early breakfast at the hotel before you
say totsiens to Cape Town and start the 3-hour motor coach ride up the
gorgeous Garden Route to Hermanus. Whale Watching in Hermanus The coach
will stop for a half-hour walk along the cliffs in Hermanus, the world's best
land-based whale watching spot. From July to November, listen for the sound of
the Whale Crier's kelp horn as he directs you towards the latest whale
whereabouts. Pizza Lunch at Roosje van De Kaap In a quaint, immaculately
maintained Georgian house, enjoy some of this charming restaurant's salads and
gourmet, wood-fired pizzas. Then resume your travels and arrive in the late
afternoon at the tranquil seaside town of George in beautiful Western Cape
Province. Check in at Protea King George Hotel Relax at the hotel
reception with beverage refreshments and salty snacks as your Adventure Guides
check you in to this sophisticated hotel located next to the fairway of the
George golf course with striking views of the Outeniqua Mountain Range. Junior
Adventurer's Dinner and Disney Movie Adults enjoy a relaxing dinner at the
hotel or they may join the Junior Adventurers at their exclusive dining experience,
followed by a viewing of a Disney movie.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Six
Breakfast and Depart for Oudtshoorn After breakfast at the hotel, board the
motor coach for an hour as you head over the Outeniqua Mountains for the Safari
Ostrich Farm near Oudtshoorn. Safari Ostrich Farm Originally built to
supply the insatiable demand for the ostrich feathers that adorned Victorian
ladies' hats, this show farm features these amazing birds at every stage of
growth. Visit the Manor House, a gorgeous, historic sandstone house built from
the wealth of the booming Victorian business. Next, check out the breeding camp
where you can see birds of various ages, test the strength of an ostrich egg by
standing on it, and then interact with two grown ostriches. Afterwards, see the
breeding museum and savor a delectable lunch from a set menu. Curious what
ostrich tastes like? Try a healthy, flavorful ostrich steak! Mossel Bay Ride
the motor coach for one hour to stunning Mossel Bay. The former capital of
South Africa, this coastal village is surrounded by the sapphire waters of the
Indian Ocean. Visit the Dias Museum and its gardens of refreshing flora. Before
returning to the hotel, consider the option of first touring the Outeniqua
Railway Museum that houses a brilliant collection of 13 antique steam
locomotives. Dinner at The Kingfisher Seafood Restaurant Gather with
your fellow Adventurers for a delicious taste of the sea at this restaurant.
Select from a limited menu of seafood delights, including vegetarian and meat
dishes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Seven
Breakfast and Depart for Knysna Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your
Adventure Guides check you out of your lodgings, and embark on an excursion
along the renowned scenic Garden Route to the extraordinary region of Knysna. Stroll
the Garden of Eden Wander in awe of this ancient forest where great dense
plumes of emerald leaves, and towering trees sheathed with moss conjure images
of ancient paradise. In this privately guided tour, learn about the history of
the indigenous forest and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve this natural
haven. Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Lunch at Bramon Wine Estate Lemurs,
gibbons, capuchins and more! Experience the thrill of Monkeyland, the world's
first primate sanctuary where myriad species roam free in a natural,
high-canopy forest. Take a guided walking safari through this whimsical habitat
as the monkeys chatter, forage and carry on with their daily routines all
around you. Then venture next door to the Birds of Eden sanctuary where a large
collection of bird species flies free under the netted dome. Delight in the
bustle of colorful wings and listen to the bright bird calls echoing through
the rich foliage on a privately guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy a Mediterranean
lunch at the exquisite Bramon Wine Estate overlooking the vineyards and an
elephant sanctuary. Arrive in Knysna Board the motor coach with your
fellow adventurers for an hour ride to Knysna, a lush coastal town nestled between
the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains. Sit back as Adventure Guides
check you into the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, a waterfront hotel overlooking
the cobalt blue currents lapping at its pier. Enjoy the afternoon on your own
as you either sip a drink at the poolside or stroll the famous quays. Dinner
at 34Ú South After a 5-minute walk from the hotel, Adventurers arrive at
the hip 34Ú South Restaurant, named after Knysna's latitude from the equator.
Choose from a set menu of South African meat and vegetarian dishes, including
seafood caught right at the doorstep!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Eight
Featherbed Nature Reserve Eat breakfast at the hotel before a short walk to the pier
to board a ferry that takes you across the Knysna Lagoon to the spectacular
Featherbed Nature Reserve. Marvel at the scenery as you travel to the mountain
top in a 4-wheel-drive "Unimog"_an offroad vehicle commonly used in
jungles. Admire the aquamarine Gateway to the Indian Ocean below as you breathe
in the salty sea breezes. Guests have a choice of a gentle hike back down the
mountain or a ride back in the Unimog. Lunch at Featherbed Food Forest
Restaurant Indulge in a buffet lunch of delicious South African dishes out
on the restaurant deck under the generous shade of the Milkwood trees. Afternoon
and Dinner On Your Own in Knysna Quays Soak up the sun on the short ferry
ride back to the Knysna Quays, where on your own you can explore the unique
waterfront shops, admire the artwork at the local galleries or relax in one of
the many cafés. The night is also yours to indulge in the Knysna cuisine and
entertainment. Try a meal of the famous fresh oysters and locally brewed beer
for the true Knysna experience!
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Nine
Fly to Kapama Time to depart the seaside beauty of Knysna for safari country.
Lunch is served on the plane as you fly from George to Johannesburg. From
there, fly to Hoedspruit before you ride 20 minutes in safari 4x4 vehicles to
the Kapama River Lodge near Kruger National Park. Check Into Kapama River
Lodge Take a brief tour of the property as your Adventure Guides check you
into this lodge. A light lunch is available from the buffet in the Siyatla
Lounge, where massive leadwood tree trunks and an open-beamed thatched roof
complete the warm African interior. Evening Game Drive and Dinner Pile
into a safari vehicle with a ranger and tracker for an exclusive bush safari
after sunset in Big Five Country, home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and
buffalo. With a spotlight, the tracker scans the horizon for the luminous glint
of nocturnal eyes. Return to the lodge for "sundowner" refreshments
as you watch the sun set. For dinner, be whisked away to a sumptuous bush
buffet, where you can savor exotic dishes or more familiar fare served with
fresh African vegetables like sweet potatoes baked in the skin, spiced zulu
cabbage and steamed gem squash.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Ten
Morning Game Drive* Rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. for tea, coffee and
"rusks" (traditional African biscuits) before an exclusive safari at
first light, when the big cats are returning from a night of hunting. Witness
the regal stride of an adult lion or an elephant herd foraging in the wilds.
When you return to the lodge for breakfast, watch for troops of
"talkative" vervet monkeys and striped nyala antelope who live around
the lodge. Bead Workshop and Archery Take your pick of activities for
the morning_or do both! Learn traditional and modern beading techniques from a
local weaver who deftly demonstrates her expert skills in the craft. Next, nock
an arrow and aim true as you study the ancient art of archery in the lodge's
dry riverbed with a local expert. Afterwards, return to the lodge for another
delicious bush buffet lunch. Snakes and Insects Presentation Join a
leading reptile expert for a fascinating and informative 1-hour presentation
with live critters from his Khamai Reptile Park. Prepare to have your
preconceptions of reptiles and other crawling creatures blown away! Buffet
Dinner and Bush Pizzas Adults dine at their leisure around the crackling
fire as they enjoy the buffet in the cozy Rhino Boma dining room. Meanwhile
Junior Adventurers join the Adventure Guides and chef to make their own wood-fired
"Bush Pizzas." Kids Night in the "Snake Pit" Junior
Adventurers enjoy a special treat as they "coil up" in the Snake Pit
Lounge with popcorn and watch a Disney movie. Adults can slither in and join
them or enjoy a quiet evening to themselves at the lodge. * Game drives minimum
age is 6 (with ages 6-12 at discretion of driver).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Eleven
Morning Game Drive and Time On Your Own Rise at 5:30 a.m. to join another
exclusive safari as your skilled ranger and tracker seek more thrilling Big
Five game, as well as giraffes, baboons and an abundance of bird life. After
breakfast back at the lodge, the rest of the morning is yours. Bush Walk and
Talk Pile into the safari vehicles with the Junior Adventurers and head to
the local "dam" (Afrikaans for "watering hole") for a
series of hands-on demonstrations taught by the rangers. Learn how to make
ropes, set snares and find edible plants. With the Poo Patrol, discover how to
identify various types of animal dung, an important skill in the tracker's
trade. Classes end with a short hike for ages 8 and up around the perimeter of
the dam as the ranger discusses the indigenous plant and animal life. Evening
Safari Venture out to the bush on an evening game drive with your tracker
and ranger to catch sight of both beasts and birds. Raise a final glass to the
glorious Drakensberg Mountains as they darken in the wake of the setting sun. Farewell
Dinner Gather with your fellow adventurers for an African farewell feesfiring
as you enjoy an outdoor BBQ_known in Afrikaans as a braai. Choose
the choicest meats and side dishes from a superb mixed grill buffet as Nyani
performers big and small delight you with traditional dancing, drumming and
singing that will capture your heart.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Twelve
Optional
Game Drive* and Breakfast If you wish, meet at 5:30 a.m. for your last chance to meet
the majestic morning game on safari before meeting up for a last breakfast in
South Africa with your newfound friends. Lunch and Transfer to Airport After
a light buffet lunch, board pre-arranged transportation to the airport. Fly
from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg and say "Vaarwel" until you
return again! * Game drives minimum age is 6 (with ages 6-12 at discretion of
driver).
Meals
included: Breakfast and Lunch