Garden Route And Meercats - Family Holiday

Day 1
Those on the group flights will depart today for your overnight flight to Cape Town.

Day 2
Those on the group flights will be met at Cape Town Airport upon arrival this morning and transferred to Stellenbosch in the wine estate. Those not on the group flights may also join the transfer from the airport.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, famous for its wines, historical buildings, oak-lined streets. The settlement was established in 1679 and you can see some fine examples of historic Cape Dutch architecture, carefully restored. One such example is the church or 'Moederkerk' at the edge of town.
We check in to a beautiful vineyard resort and visit its Cheetah Outreach Project which care for these endangered wildcats by introducing captive-born, hand-raised cheetahs not suitable for re-release as ambassadors, to increase awareness and educate people in South Africa. There you will also meet some brave Turkish Anatolian Shepherd dogs, some meerkats, lack-back jackals, caracals and others small predators.
Those interested in wine will have the opportunity to enjoy fine award-winning wines at the wine tasting courtyard (additional charge).

Day 3
Today we drive inland through the Klein Karoo Valley, between Outenique and Swartberg Mountains, to Oudtshoorn, well-known as the ostrich capital of the world - a great opportunity for you to try ostrich eggs, meat, or purchase beautiful items made of delicate ostrich leather and feather. In the evening you'll enjoy a lecture and dvd on meerkats to prepare for tomorrow's tour. Here we will stay in a gorgeous guest farm and reserve on 2000 hectares of private land. In the surrounding area you will meet cattle and sheep among the alfalfa and stay in cosy chalets on the riverside.

Day 4
Today you'll take part in a meerkat walk. You'll start at sunrise when they are more active, accompanied by your local guide, and walk with the meerkats on the plain of African outback as pink sunlight lift or falls over their small silhouettes while your guide introduces you to these eccentric personalities. An unforgettable experience (subject to weather conditions). You will then have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at leisure. Visit the famous Cango Cave with more than 80 caverns extendeding for 5km, or to a traditional ostrich farm and treat yourself to an ostrich BBQ for lunch. (both optional, additional charge). The rest of the day is free on the farm to take part in the daily life, learn about a working African farm, and feed the animals.

Day 5
After breakfast, we travel further to Knysna Heads, the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline, home to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Through a deep and treacherous channel the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. Our next stop is the Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy another educational and fun programme as an experienced guide will introduce you to these gentle giants. Start by learning about their behaviour, backgrounds and character and the conservation issues they are facing. At the end of your visit you'll get a chance to meet them.

Day 6
Today is spent at your leisure enjoying the many activities Knysna has to offer. From canoeing or visiting the Featherbed Nature Reserve by boat, or discovering the different varieties of primates on the monkey island, or even joining a day trip to the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park - there's plenty to see and do here.

Day 7
We are now on the Garden Route and will enjoy our scenic short drive to Wilderness, a small sea-side town nestled between woodlands and a sheer endless white Indian Ocean beach. Wilderness is surrounded by forests, river valleys and lakes and is an ideal starting point for long walks on the park, beach, or just relax.

Day 8
We'll continue on the scenic Garden Route to Hermanus, the coast that is the nursery of southern right whale. Between June and November each year courting, mating and calving whales can be viewed from the rocky cliffs. After checking into your hotel, you'll get a lovely orientation walk through the town and along the rugged coastline. Why not treat yourself to some shopping in the craft market, or try out some of the delicious seafood while enjoying the views out on the pier. Alternatively, go for a swim in the natural pool or follow the whale walk along the coast where there are spectacular views. If you feel even more active you can do some sea-kayaking or a boat cruise to get close to the whales or watch the sunset (seasonal and both optional, additional charge)

Day 9
In the morning you'll leave Hermanus and travel to the 'Mother City' where you'll discover the other side of Cape Town on a half day township tour. This will be a unique opportunity to meet and learn about the everyday life of the Cape Town locals. Visit the vibrant Gugulethu Township in the heart of the Cape Flats, home of the Xhosa community. You'll visit the local library, community centre, art and craft markets on your visit here, and can be sure of a warm welcome. The main highlight is the chance for your family to have their face painted in traditional Xhosa style and then to try your own hand at it! Afterwards you'll enjoy a hands-on cooking session. This takes place in a local family's home in the township, before sitting back, chatting, and tasting your creations with your hosts. You'll then travel to the bubbling Cape Town centre with the rest of the day free to take in the essence of this magical city. In the evening you will receive a talk on the baboon of the Cape Peninsula in preparation for your day trip tomorrow.

Day 10
A full day-tour is awaiting for you to experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula - explore the Cape of Good Hope and the Penguin Colony, and along the way maybe encounter wild baboon. You'll drive along the scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline and through the seaside suburb of Camps Bay. You'll then continue on to the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, carved out of the rock along the coastline to the fishing village of Hout Bay. Here We'll have the option to take a boat ride for a close view of the Cape Fur Seal Colony (additional cost). You'll then continue to the Cape Peninsula National Park. Take a brisk walk to the lighthouse, from were you can enjoy panoramic views of the Cape Hang lip, almost 80km out to sea, and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. After lunch, we return to Cape Town via the coastal road along the False Bay. At Boulder's beach in Simonstown we visit a colony of African penguins.

Day 11
For those not on the group flights, the tour will end after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Day 12
The group flight usually arrives into London in the morning.