Itinerary Expand all Depart London.Depart London. Day 1 Start Port Elizabeth; transfer to Sundays River Valley.The group flight generally arrives early afternoon. Land only passengers can meet the rest of the group at the airport; upon arrival we will transfer about 1hr to the the Sundays River Valley and the lovely Avoca Guest Farm. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax amidst this bucolic setting.Avoca Guest Farm or similar Day 2 Game drives in Addo N.P.This morning we head to Addo Elephant National Park. The third largest national park in South Africa, Addo is home to some 550 elephants (up from a mere 16 when the park was initially set up) as well as Black rhino, leopards, lions, buffalos, hyenas, zebras, various antelopes and dung-beetles.We will enjoy game drives (in our own vehicle) in the park and have the option of a 2nd game drive as well (at extra cost).Avoca Guest Farm or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive to Storms River; explore Tsitsikamma.Today we start heading west to the official start of the Garden Route at Storms River and Tsitsikamma National Park. Stretching along the coast, the park gets its name from a local word meaning ‘place of abundant water.’ The park is made up of rocky coastlines, fairy-tale forests, waterfalls and rivers. We have the opportunity to hike in the forest and along suspension bridges. The area is also a great place for bird-enthusiasts with a variety of sea, forest and fynbos (scrubland) species present.Storms River Mouth Rest Camp or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Free day to relax, walk or explore the region.We spend the day at Tsitsikamma where a number of hikes are available as well as other activities (though some may be dependent on the weather conditions such as canoeing).Storms River Mouth Rest Camp or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Morning visit Knysna Heads; afternoon to Oudtshoorn.We start our day with a visit to the Knysna Heads, two tall sandstone cliffs which form a channel through which the turbulent Indian Ocean enters the calmer Knysna Lagoon. We have a bit more time to relax in town before leaving for Oudtshoorn after lunch.As we head inland and over a pass the landscape changes drastically and we enter the Little Karoo, a much dryer and hotter region. Oudtshoorn itself became famous thanks to the trade in Ostrich feathers and is still, today, the ostrich capital of the world.Our Guest House is situated out of town in the tranquil rural Karoo village of De Rust.House Martin Guest Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Visit Cango Caves and Meiringspoort Waterfall.Today we spend all day in and around Oudtshoorn. We start by visiting the Cango Caves, an extensive complex of caverns with stalactites and stalagmites. We then enjoy lunch at Buffelsdrift where will overlook a waterhole that occasionally is visited by elephants, giraffe and springbok. In the afternoon we visit the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall and enjoy a short walk in the area. (the order in which we do these activities may be reversed).House Martin Guest Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 To Hermanus via Mossel Bay.Returning towards the coast we make a stop at Mossel Bay and the Dias museum complex celebrating the influence of early Portuguese sailors on S. Africa and the location of the Post Office Tree (an old milkwood tree which was used to leave messages for passing ships since 1500). We then continue to Hermanus, famed as the whale capital of the world.Windsor Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Free day; whale watching in season.Today is a free day to relax and enjoy Hermanus. From late August to November Southern Right whales are easily spotted from shore as they frolic in Walker Bay. A whale crier sounds his kelp horn when he spots whales off the coast. Those who want can also do a boat-based whale watching trip. There are also a number of other activities available from hikes to river cruises and lagoon-kayaking which are available year-round.Windsor Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 To wine region; afternoon wine tour and on to Cape Town.Our next destination is South Africa’s famed wine region. The wine industry, which dates back to the 17th Century and was heavily influenced by French Huguenots, produces some of the best wines in the world. We will have the opportunity to taste some of these wines before continuing to Cape Town, the Mother City.Sweetest Guest House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Days 10-11 Two days exploring Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and Simonstown penguins.We spend the next two days in and around Cape Town, Africa's most exciting city. Our activities in Cape Town will, to some extent, be dictated by the weather as visits to the top of Table Mountain, which has its own micro-climate, are determined by cloud cover and wind. Because of this, often, temperamental weather, it is best not to pre-book the cable car but to just buy tickets on the spot (not included) Those who are staying longer in Cape Town post-tour may opt to visit Table Mountain later if the weather looks as though it may be better then. There is also the option of visiting Robben Island on one of the days, however we recommend you pre-book Robben Island with us before the trip (but pay the tour leader locally). On one of the days we head down the Cape Peninsula. We follow the Atlantic Seaboard past the areas of Camps Bay, Llandudno and Hout Bay to the Cape Point via Chapman's Peak drive, if it is open. The highlight of the day is our visit to the famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 7680 hectares. The reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich. Rugged cliffs, unspoilt beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora are the main features of the reserve. We will go on a walk through the reserve for approximately two hours. We first take a walk to the old lighthouse for the panoramic views, before following the pathway to the new lighthouse which offer spectacular cliff views. We then follow the downhill path to the Cape of Good Hope. Once we leave the park we stop at the former Royal Navy base at Simonstown and take time to visit the resident penguin colony at Boulders Beach.Sweetest Guest House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 End Cape Town.Our final day of the trip we have the option of doing a township tour, strolling along the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront or exploring various other parts of Cape Town. Those on group flights will be transferred to the airport this afternoon for their flight home, those on a land-only basis the tour officially ends today. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London.Arrive London
South AfricaBritish passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued.Please note that new regulations from the 1 June 2015 mean that any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents.If a child under 18 is only travelling with a single parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than 3 months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
South AfricaThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements.Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of Malaria.Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotels & Guesthouses 11 nights hotels and guest houses. Most properties are privately owned, clean, comfortable establishments, all with en suite rooms or private bathrooms. The properties are clean, comfortable establishments, all with en suite rooms. They are also located in areas selected for their charm whether it is amidst orchards, by the crashing sea, in the quaint village of De Rust or right in the centre of Cape Town (please note that in Cape Town the group might be accommodated in different Sweetest Guest House properties). Wifi is available most nights but is not always very reliable. Single supplement available.
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Reviewed March 2020 Chris AlgarTotally fabulous We had a full tour with 16 people but our amazing guide Petro Pretorius ensured that everyone had a great experience. I won't repeat everything written in the other reviews - it's all true! You haven't lived till you experience a roadblock of a dazzle of zebra (yes, that's the collective term for them) or meet one of the big five lumbering around a corner in front of your vehicle, eat a 5-star braai meal (bbq but much more) cooked by your hosts in De Rust, gape at the astonishing stalactites in the Kango Caves, gaze from the top of Table Mountain or listen to an ex-prisoner describing life on Robben Island. In a relatively short tour you experience so many different types of scenery, flora and fauna and culture but in manageable chunks. Petro shares her passion for South Africa with you and gives you a full and honest account of the challenges faced by this wonderful but struggling country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Listening to an ex-prisoner on Robben Island. He worked in the kitchens but also studied for a degree while in prison and later became a diplomat. Now retired, he guides trips around the prison. 'This work helps me to heal'. We could ask him any questions we wanted and he answered them all.What did you think of your group leader? Petro was truly outstanding. Can't say more.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Stay on for a few days afterwards if you can - there is SO much to do and see in Cape Town.
Reviewed February 2020 Brendan O'HareAn outstanding trip We were a big group of 15. Everyone got on well. Our leader, Petro Pretorius, was exceptional. Her knowledge was encyclopaedic and she was warm, open & resourceful. At all times we felt safe & confident in her care. She really went the extra mile for us. The food & wine was outstanding and also ridiculously cheap. Our itinerary was well thought out & enjoyable. Accommodation was always clean & well appointed. Accommodation hosts & local people were unfailingly friendly & helpfulWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hard to choose between Robben Island, Table Mountain, the wildlife or the township visit. The incredible seafood & wine was up there tooWhat did you think of your group leader? Petro really was a gem. We were so fortunateDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Use mosquito spray at nightIs there anything else you would like to add? An outstanding trip that exceeded our expectations
Reviewed February 2020 Louise StrawGarden Route - to Cape Town This was my first time as a solo traveler and I had some reservations. I can honestly say that i had a fantastic time. The whole group were so friendly - we had couples and singles - and everyone was incredibly friendly and inclusive. Our guide, Jan, was excellent and went over and above in ensuring the whole group had a wonderful trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment as there were so many different events. The lion looking into my eyes (maybe not quite but it seemed to be), the elephants close by the Land Rover - the fantastic views from Knysna Head - Robben Island - the amazing food - and the friendly people.What did you think of your group leader? I can not praise Jan enough. From first to last he went over and above. What more can i say!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go for it! Enjoy!Is there anything else you would like to add? This was my first time as both a solo traveler and with Exodus however i would recommend this trip and i will certainly be looking to use the company in the future. many members of my group had used the company on a number of occasions - one member was at no 21! The only disappointment was the first accommodation which is in need of an up grade. The itinerary should make more about the culinary experiences along the way - the food was fantastic and i now need to go on a diet! Well done to Exodus and huge thanks to Jan!
Reviewed December 2019 D Bamazing A truly stunning tour of an amazing country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is impossible to select one moment, as the tour is varied from wildlife to scenery. However being so close to lions and elephants , then the dramatic coastline of Titsikamma slightly nudge ahead for me.What did you think of your group leader? Petros, simply the best guide ever! Not only is she the guide, she drives the bus as well, her extensive knowledge of her homeland enhanced the trip. She even coped with the unexpected load shedding of power. I felt completely safe in her hands.... mega thanks.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just go! Be prepared to put on a few pounds, the food is excellent.Is there anything else you would like to add? Just very pleased that I did this trip. Lovely group of fellow travellers with an experienced guide. Thank you everyone.
Reviewed November 2019 Anita ReddyExcellent trip Fantastic trip; really well organised and lots to do and see. Sadly poor weather stopped us from getting to Robben Island but other than that trip couldn’t be improved!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? - seeing lions feeding at Schotia - penguins at Boulders beach - climbing to the top of Table MountainWhat did you think of your group leader? Jan was fantastic. Very energetic, positive, tried really hard to keep the whole group happy! Not just a leader and driver but also became a friendDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Do the optional game drive to Schotia - a highlight of the whole trip for me!Is there anything else you would like to add? I think Schotia should be included in the itinerary as it’s such a key part of the trip. Also, accommodation was mostly excellent but in Cape Town it definitely wasn’t- double check where you’re staying!
Reviewed October 2019 Ian SquireCape Town and Garden Route Great time with good company. Our guide Petro was excellent; great knowledge, well organised, safe driver etc. but she became a friend rather than just the guide/trip leader. Great selection of accommodation. Great scenery, wild life and food.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing approx 100 elephants in Addo N.P.What did you think of your group leader? FantasticDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Take cloths for all weathers. Extend your trip and spend a few more days in Cape town / the Cape PeninsulaIs there anything else you would like to add? Extending the trip by one more day would give more time to fit in Table mountain and Cape point. We did both on one day (as weather was good for the mountain) which was a bit rushed and did not give us time for the walk down to the new lighthouse and would have liked more time to walk to the beach a Simonstown rather than just the board walk.
Reviewed October 2019 Sheila Oliver A wonderful trip We have just returned from a lovely holiday. There was so much variety - safaris, whale watching, vineyards, penguins, wonderful natural coastal scenery, desert, mountains, history and so much more. The places we stayed were all lovely and different. Our guide, Petro, worked so hard to make sure the whole group enjoyed the holiday. She organised meals for us, told us when we needed to stock up on shopping and gave us good advice on extra excursions and got us up table mountain on the only day we could see it!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It is very difficult to pick out one thing - the safari day on the first day was amazing - especially the optional second one which the whole group went on. Perhaps this should be included in the trip as it was so much better in the safari vehicles than the mini bus.The whale watching was excellent too. In a completely different way so was the township tour and showed something of the country which I don’t think we would have seen otherwise. Then there was all the amazing scenery .....What did you think of your group leader? Petro was excellent. She was responsible for everything for 14 of us - driving the bus, explaining everything, making sure we got where we needed to be, making sure we had somewhere to eat in some really lovely and interesting places. She was very cheerful and always helpful and never complained.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to be flexible. There is such variety that plans may have to change. Temperatures are also very varied - more jumpers, long sleeved tops and a cosy jacket would have been useful. Although they are optional some of the best experiences were the optional excursions- the extra safari, whale watching, Robben Island, Table mountain, would have all been a shame to miss. Some extra time in Cape Town after the tour was very worthwhile as there is so much to see there.Is there anything else you would like to add? Just thank you for organising such a good trip.
Reviewed October 2019 Joyce Tinsley Garden Route tour The usual well-planned and well-organised Exodus trip. A varied and interesting tour in a beautiful country with amazing flora, fauna and spectacular scenery. The only disappointment for me was that in the trip notes, it stated it would be possible to visit a township on the morning before returning to the UK. The trip leader insisted this was not possible. The visit was arranged on the previous afternoon but by then I had already planned to do something else. This was a minor hiccup as I know from my many previous Exodus trips that a degree of flexibility is to be expected.Perhaps this needs amending in the notes to avoid misunderstandings.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Gosh - too many to be able to choose just one but I suppose I did feel there seemed to be a genuine desire from both black and white individuals to make their system work.What did you think of your group leader? Petro our group leader was amazing. Hard working, competent and knowledgeable about her wonderful country. Unfailingly cheerful and nothing too much trouble. Just a point, but I think her South African travel agency could have a hands free PA system in the vehicle. Quite alarming to see Petro trying to manoeuvre the minibus around hair-raising bends and mountain roads with one hand while trying to give us as much information as possible.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go with an open mind and enjoy this wonderful trip. Reply from Exodus Reply from ExodusWe would like to thank Joyce for her review and are very pleased to read she had such an enjoyable time in South Africa, with so many inspirational moments. We were concerned to read that she felt the tour leader should have been using a hands-free microphone at times; our local manager has now provided the tour leader with one of these. John Penge – Product Manager
Reviewed September 2019 Julie WoodGarden Route I would wholeheartedly echo what Bev Scammel says so eloquently below. This was a fantastic trip with great guides, wonderful scenery, wildlife and we travelled with a lovely group of people. This was our first Exodus trip and I am certain it won't be our last.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Watching a Right whale breaching 22 times during our sunrise whale watching trip.What did you think of your group leader? Justin and Jan were great, so knowledgable and enthusiastic about their country. Justin looked after us so well, ensuring that we had the best wildlife experiences and amazing food. We really appreciated him sharing the political, economic and social aspects of living in SA today. It was the icing on the cake.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Cards are accepted everywhere but consider taking some cash to cover tipping and some trips.Is there anything else you would like to add? Trip was wonderful, fell in love with Africa and can't wait to visit again.
Reviewed September 2019 Bev ScammellA truly amazing trip with an outstanding guide We choose this trip due to the variety of activities and differing locations and we were not disappointed. Safaris, wild and rugged coast lines, desert, mountains, varied flora and fauna plus an amazing city to finish with. It has something for everyone. It was a well paced trip which packed in a lot without exhausting yourself. Addo elephant park was brilliant and the additional safari to Schotia was a fantastic extra, well worth taking up. We had a bit of a wild, wet, windy time at Tsitsikamma but this did not detract from its immense beauty nor stop us from taking up the opportunity to walk through the forest and spot baboons. Cango caves, ostriches, Mosel bay, wine tasting and De Rust were delightful and Hermanus was certainly a highlight with breaching whales at sunrise. As for Cape Town....quite outstanding and we can’t believe how much we managed to see in a mere couple of days; Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch gardens, Cape of Good Hope, penguins colony, SimonsTown, Robben island and a township tour plus the waterfront. Totally amazing.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We found the whole trip quite inspirational and have fallen in love with South Africa; its people, culture, plants and animals. If we are only allowed one inspirational moment then seeing whales at sunrise is probably it. However, watching a grumpy buffalo eyeball a young elephant, walking through a forest and coming face to face with a group of noisy male baboons, enjoying the tremendous views whilst walking along the Cape of Good Hope, visiting out first ever warm caves whilst listening to the South African national anthem being sung in the most enchanting manner....etc etc etc! There were a wealth of inspirational moments.What did you think of your group leader? He was truly amazing. So much so, that we have just submitted an entry for the 2019 Guide of the Year for him. Justin was exceptional; he has a vast knowledge of his country, its politics, history and culture plus the flora and fauna and is a superb ambassador for South Africa. He was incredibly organised, knew everyone (which meant we as a group were well looked after) was amusing, friendly and very considerate of the needs of everyone. We felt extremely safe in his care and trusted his judgement and advice implicitly, whether it was where to go or what to eat and drink. We also loved his phrases......’cool beans’ ‘Woolworths is just fancy pants Marks and Spencers!’ and some of these will find their way back to England.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take loads of photos to remind you of everything you have done, take binoculars to see views and creatures in more detail, take advantage of all of the trips and opportunities available to you. Layer your clothing.....we went in September and experienced rain, wind and sun and blazing heat all in the same morning. There is an opportunity to have your clothes laundered mid way through the journey so you don’t need to take your entire wardrobe.Is there anything else you would like to add? We were part of a varied group; ages ranging from 18 to 70 made up of families, couples and singles.......and we had a fabulous time. Sincere thanks to you all plus Justin, Jan the trainee and all the other people we met along the route for making the holiday a truly remarkable experience. If you are thinking of going, just do it!
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