Go on safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The area boasts scenic countryside, a temperate climate, rich wildlife – and no malaria!
The 10,000-hectare Kariega Game Reserve is a private game reserve, where you share the amazing animal and nature experiences with just few other guests. As the area is private, it is also possible to drive off-road and go for a bush walk – all of which contributes to an exclusive safari experience.
If you wish to take your family on safari, Kariega is also the perfect place. Some of the game guides are specially trained in dealing with children and know how to convey the safari experiences to them. There are play spaces, morning activities for the kids and the opportunity for them to get their own “Junior Ranger” certificate.
We have included game drives every day. That’s why you’re on safari after all. In addition to the “Big Five”, the game reserve is home to hippos, hyenas, eland antelopes, giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, jackals, zebras, etc., and you may see secretary birds, kingfishers, herons, storks, African fish eagles and many more besides. We’ve also included a couple of other local experiences, ensuring that you get the most out of your South African adventure.
We’ve also made the safari “all inclusive”, so all food and drinks are included.
After completing the safari part of the tour, you head to Cape Town, which offers wonderful city experiences and the opportunity to choose what you wish to see and do.
Today you will depart by plane from your chosen airport to Port Elizabeth with connecting flight(s) along the way.
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport by the driver, who will drive you to Kariega Game Reserve. The drive is approx. 120 km and takes around 1½ hours.
Kariega Game Reserve is a private, family-owned game reserve of approx. 10,000 hectares, an area of a similar size to Jersey. The wildlife reserve was established roughly 20 years ago in a very scenic area with plateaus, valleys and two rivers. The reserve has bushland and open grasslands, which are wet meadows and dry hill slopes. All-in-all, wonderful conditions for animals. And there are many of them, most notably “The Big 5”: Lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes. Not to mention many of the other exciting and exotic animals such as the beautiful impala, the waterbuck, known for the white ring around its hind quarter; the largest antelope – the eland – weighing almost 1 tonne; the kudu with its impressive twisted horns; the timid jackal; and others we are perhaps more familiar with such as zebras, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs and baboons. Naturally, there are also many exciting birds.
On your arrival, you will be checked in to a luxury chalet at the 4-star “Main Lodge”. Having checked in, the rest of the day is at your disposal.
The morning is yours to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, you will be going on a walking safari, a totally different experience of the nature and animals. Here, it is no longer the big animals that are in focus, but the smaller animals, plants, sounds and smells. You might spot the chameleon or the tireless dung beetles rolling elephant dung in which to lay their eggs. The guide also teaches you how to tell the difference between animal tracks. A walking safari gives you a much better understanding of your surroundings. Please note that children must be aged 16+ to join this walking safari. For families with younger children, there is a child-friendly bush walk every morning – also with your own ranger.
All meals during the day are served in the restaurant at Main Lodge.
Remember to read our practical information on clothing requirements for a bushwalk.
On one of the days at Kariega you visit a local township. Kariega has supported a group of young entrepreneurs who wanted to give guided tours of their local area, and thanks to The Kariega Foundation, this has become possible. The tour takes a good three hours, and on the way you will visit a local home and a “sangoma” – a traditional healer. Lunch is served at a small local restaurant. It is a really exciting tour and an excellent opportunity to learn more about South Africa and the local culture.
Apart from lunch, all meals during the day are served in the restaurant at Main Lodge.
The day starts with a morning safari, which today is combined with a boat ride on the Kariega River. A safari from the water is a really special experience. Enjoy the undisturbed tranquility of nature as you look out for the profusion of birds in the area, and the animals grazing near the banks of the river. It’s a completely different type of safari, taking you right up close to the wildlife.
All meals during the day are served in the restaurant at Main Lodge.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport in Port Elizabeth, from which you will fly to Cape Town. You will be met by our local guide and driven to your hotel. You spend 4 nights in Cape Town.
The rest of the day is at your disposal.
The days In Cape Town are at your disposal.
Cape Town is a wonderful city! With its scenic location at the foot of the famous Table Mountain, you can spend several days just walking around and seeing the city, enjoying the waterfront, the many historical sights and buildings, as well as museums and good restaurants. You may visit the District Six Museum, which tells about the forced displacement of people that took place during apartheid. If you are interested in modern art, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art is an absolute must. We also recommend that you set aside plenty of time to experience the entire area around Waterfront. Here, you can find cafés, restaurants, shops and a sea of activities and attractions.
And we also highly recommend venturing a little outside the city. A guided day trip to the Cape of Good Hope is a wonderful experience. Along the way, you will make a stop at Boulders Beach, where you can see the sweet little penguins. The view from Chapman’s Peak Drive also takes most people’s breath away.
The wine country around Cape Town is world famous. On a day trip, you will visit Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek – and it goes without saying that you will get to taste the golden drops.
Don’t forget Robben Island either, where Nelson Mandela was in prison. Former prisoners show you around the island and it is definitely worth a visit.
Last, but not least, you must treat yourself to a view of the city from the top of Table Mountain – Cape Town’s landmark. You can both take the cable car up here, and, if you need to get your legs moving a bit, we highly recommend a hike to the top, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Below is a selection of optional tours. We recommend that you reserve the tours from home, so that you are ensured a place. Some of the tours are very popular and may sell out.
You will be picked up from the hotel in plenty of time before departure and driven to the airport, where your journey home starts.
You will land at your chosen airport after an exciting and eventful holiday.
From £759 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £759
Single room supplement from £309
Exquisite wine, good food, history and gorgeous nature – all this can be expected from a visit to South Africa’s Winelands.
The lovely Winelands sit just a half-hour drive away from Cape Town. Here, there are soft hills with lush slopes, broken up here and there by crumbling cliffs, small, pleasant villages with charming Cape Dutch houses – as well as vineyards and wineries.
The valleys surrounding Cape Town are ideal for growing wine grapes. The mountains provide both water and shelter from the wind, the soil is well-drained and the climate is approximately like the Mediterranean.
The town of Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by the governor of the Cape colony, making it the second-oldest European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town.
In 1690, the Huguenots brought the first grape vines to the field, founding its wine production history.
On this extension to the Winelands, you spend two nights at the 5-star Erinvale Hotel & Spa, and you will of course receive a guided full-day excursion to Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
From £1229 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £1169
Single room supplement from £529
The tropical island of Mauritius is one of the most exclusive and fascinating islands in the Indian Ocean. With its delightful climate and friendly population, this little slice of paradise is the perfect setting for an exotic holiday. The island is typically associated with relaxation and romance, but it is also ideal for everyone who loves gastronomic treats, water sports and beautiful countryside. Mauritius is ringed with beautiful beaches lined with swaying palm trees, crystal clear water and brightly coloured coral reefs. The landscape features lush forests, fields of sugar cane, tall mountains, roaring waterfalls and dramatic stretches of coast dotted with small lagoons. The capital, Port Louis, is home to a variety of fine shops and fascinating museums.
The days on Mauritius are yours to do with as you wish.
The stay includes half board.
From £789 pp including flights
Children under 12 years from £359
Single room supplement from £519
Victoria Falls is considered one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls. The waterfall is not only one of the most dramatic and impressive natural wonders around, it is also set within a fabulous location surrounded by the tropical landscape of Africa.
The days at Victoria Falls are at your own leisure.
The stay includes breakfast.
Children under 12 years from £2449
Single room supplement from £999
Catriona is passionate about helping other people fulfill their travel dreams, as she knows how much travel has only improved her life for the better!
NB! The order of events is not necessarily the same as described here. The guides take into account the wind, weather, wildlife, etc., when planning the days.