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Merging the great blue beasts of the ocean with the wild wanderers of the bushveld, this overnight coastal route safari is a quick escape from Cape Town to see most of the Big 5 animals in the malaria-free Botlierskop private game reserve, situated just 4,5 hours from Cape Town.
Day one starts with a visit to the adorable African penguins at Betty's Bay, then spectacular seasonal (Jun-Oct) land-based whale watching along the Hermanus cliff paths or postcard views as you wind along with dramatic ocean scenes of Clarence drive. Immerse yourself in the comforts of your glamping tent accommodation, spotting free-roaming wildlife from your private wooden deck along the riverbed and end the night with an African inspired dinner under a twinkly starry sky.
Rise before the sun with a 4x4 game drive to catch the bush as it awakes and after breakfast, get even closer to nature with the choice of a horseback safari or an indulgent bush spa treatment before heading back to Cape Town.
What's Included
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Pickup from Cape Town (10km radius) and Stellenbosch centre. Drop off to the same location originally collected from.
Itinerary
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1
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town. Set out, expectant for the day ahead with the promise of many awe-inspiring moments to come. You’ll depart Cape Town and head along the spectacular Clarence Drive, winding along the coastal road and marvelling at the dramatic twists where the ocean meets the mountain slopes. The view changes with each turn, revealing more of the silhouettes ahead and exposing the vast expanse of False Bay as the ocean stretches out before you. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see glimpses of the Cape Peninsula across the bay, in all her glory.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
Just as you thought the sights couldn’t get any better, you’ll arrive at the clumsy colony of African penguins at Stony Point, where a hoard of waddling penguins is ready to win your heart over. Traverse the wooden boardwalks as you gaze upon the playful fellas and learn more about the history of this former whaling station and the conservation efforts made to keep the African penguin colony growing.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3
More coastal beauty awaits as you continue on to the little hamlet of Hermanus, known around the world for its unparalleled land-based whale watching. You’ll set off on a light hike amongst the indigenous fynbos to get to the perfect vantage points from which to watch frolicking whales leap forth right before your eyes. June to November is whale season in Hermanus, and the bay sees huge numbers of breeding southern-right and humpback whales pop-in to wave a fin at adoring on-lookers. While the thrill of spotting a breaching big blue is difficult to top, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the magnificent surrounding scenery and the intricate sights and smells of the unique fynbos lining the paths. When you’re all whale’d-out, head into the heart of the quaint streets of Hermanus for a hearty lunch at a local eatery. Travel via Cape Agulhas at the most Southern Point of Africa where two oceans meet.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
You’ll then head towards your luxurious base for the night, the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Hidden between Mossel Bay and George along the esteemed Garden Route, this 4200-hectare private reserve with sprawling views of the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean just oozes luxury. Home to four of the Big Five, Botlierskop offers a host of unrivalled wild game viewing options as well as some seriously drool-worthy accommodation options. Your hideaway takes the form of an opulent tented suite, taking glamping to a whole new level and offering all the creature comforts of luxury accommodations, while still bringing you back to basics and the beauty of nature. Dinner is included at the African inspired lodge where you’ll feast on wood-fired masterpieces with the sounds of the bush as your back-track and the heavenly scents of local cuisine fill the air.
8 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
Rise early to the sound of the bush awakening as the sun begins to dance its way over the mountainous reserve. Set our for a guided sunrise game drive with a trained ranger in a specially modified 4x4 safari vehicle. You can expect wild encounters with giraffes, honey badgers, Cape mountain zebra, vervet monkeys, hippos, waterbuck and the rare and endangered white rhinoceros. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Africa’s apex predators, the lions. Your 3 hour drive ensures you great odds to tick as many animals off your bucket-list as possible and is sure to leave you feeling more connected with nature, surrounded by the rustic and raw beauty of the African bush.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
6
After breakfast, you have the choice of embarking upon a one hour guided horseback safari experience or a spa treatment at Botlierskop’s luxury Bush Spa. The horseback safari is suitable for riders of all skill levels, and your accomplished guide will ensure that you have an unforgettable game-viewing experience. For those who would prefer to indulge in a little self-love, a truly African pampering experience awaits with a 30 minute back, neck and shoulders massage at the Bush spa, in the heart of the wildlife reserve.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
7
After lunch you'll have another opportunity to see wildlife on a second game viewing drive option. Dinner at the lodge restaurant ends another perfect safari day before heading off to bed in your luxury canvas tent suite.
3 minutes • Admission ticket included -
8
This concludes your dream safari and you’ll head back towards Cape Town along the lush N2. From your window seat, you’ll be able to watch as the landscapes change from indigenous aloe-lined roads to vast open rolling farmland and craggy rocky highlands. Sir Lowry’s pass offers your final wow-moment as you reach the crest to reveal the serendipitous views over False Bay extending towards Cape Town. You can also request some time changes to the itinerary after booking, to ensure you only travel to the highlights you prefer to see. Do contact us if you need changes to your trip as we can tailor-make a private tour itinerary exclusively for you. Rates are calculated on 2 people per room/tent sharing. If a single or uneven number of people are booked the package rate will add a single supplement fee and the extra person will overnight in a separate room/tent.
Admission ticket free
Cape Town - Hermanus - Botlierskop
Botlierskop - Cape Town
Botlierskop - Cape Town
Additional info
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Children between 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult
- Some optional activities on this tour require a moderate level of fitness
- The exact itinerary is subject to change and may, on occasions, run in reverse order
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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