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Cape Town, Karoo, Eastern Cape Safari

With handpicked accommodation, this 10-night trip combines the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town with the lesser explored and unspoiled Karoo and Eastern Cape.

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Your adventure starts here

Days

1-4

Days 1-4

Mother city’s natural wonder

Cape Town, South Africa

Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. For the well-heeled, the finest in opera, ballet, drama and music can be appreciated in style. A short boat cruise to Robben Island, you can experience a sense of hopelessness inside the prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years hard labour. A cable car trip up Table Mountain provides panoramic views over the city. Other attractions include the Cultural History Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Experience the very best of Cape Town with our Cape Peninsula Explore, Arts in the City and Cape Town Eats Walking Tour.

3 Nights

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

  • Nestled between Table Mountain & the city centre
  • 16 rooms & suites with calm contemporary interiors & top-tier comforts
  • 19th century Georgian & Victorian Building & a national monument
  • A charming historic & inviting retreat, with affordable luxury accommodation
  • Classic luxury & comfortable spaces
Transfers
Transfers

Cape Town Airport to City Hotels: Private Transfer

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Days

5

Days 5

Step back in time

Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

Birthplace of many of the country’s big names, Mandela, Hani, Biko and Sisulu, the Eastern Cape reaches from a coastal region of pristine beaches and forests, to the arid desert landscape of the Karoo. Such varied scenery means you could be watching whales off a craggy coastline, bouncing along through a grassland reserve, and exploring the lunar landscapes of the desert’s all in a matter of days. Sweeping views of barren plains stretch as far as the eye can see, and ancient rock formations jut dramatically from the earth, reaching for the heavens. Aloes and brightly coloured Xhosa houses dot the topography, a splash of colour in the stark countryside.

Step back in time when you visit the towns time forgot – Graaff-Reinet, Cradock, Nieu Bethesda. Immerse yourself in the pioneering history of farms, forts, steepled churches and the South African artists and writers who have left their mark indelibly carved into this land. The University town of Grahamstown hosts the annual Arts Festival and the Observatory Museum bursts with fascinating Victorian-era memorabilia.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

Experience the solitude and splendour of the hauntingly beautiful “Cathedral of the Mountains”.  With 120m high columns of rock set against the timeless backdrop of the vast plains of the Camdeboo, the Valley of Desolation is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature that have taken place over 100’s of million years.

1 Night

Drostdy Hotel

  • Fascinating Karoo hotel in heritage Graaff-Reinet town
  • 48 attractive rooms with contemporary comforts
  • Unique 1800 property with whitewashed walls
  • Warmly hospitable & reminiscent of a bygone era
  • Karoo art & décor, pretty & full of character
  • Retains its history & blends modern touches
Transfers
Transfers

City Hotels to Cape Town Airport: Private Transfer

Flights
Flights

Flight from Cape Town Airport to Port Elizabeth Airport (excluded)

Self-drive
Self-drive

Car hire Group M

3b
Days

6-7

Days 6-7

On Safari

Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

This historic region is surrounded by the majesty of the Karoo and the
breath-taking Camdeboo National Park. Scenery is dramatic with sweeping grassy plains, impressive ancient rock formations and a lunar landscape.

A typical day on safari here may incorporate early morning and late
afternoon open vehicle game drives in search of the animals which
inhabit this richly diverse region. If an option, a guided bush walk
offers an immersive wildlife experience where you can pick up some
tracking skills and learn about smaller animals and plants. Spend some
time relaxing in a shady spot around midday, before setting out on your
afternoon exploration. Ideally evenings are spent stargazing as the
night skies here are superb.

2 Nights

Samara Private Game Reserve

Samara Karoo Lodge
• Dramatic landscape in Samara reserve, near the town of Graaff-Reinet
• 4 Lodge, 3 Karoo & 2 Sibella luxury suites all beautifully appointed
• Child-friendly, colonial lodge with exquisite scenery: rivers, plains & mountains
• Warm authentic Cape feel: natural woods, fireplaces & antiques throughout
• Cheetahs: conservation & cheetah tracking on foot
• Conservation, planting & community involvement (animals, people & environment)

Self-drive
Self-drive

Self Drive from Graaff Reinet to Samara

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Days

8-11

Days 8-11

One of the largest private reserves in the Eastern Cape

Kwandwe Game Reserve, South Africa

The Eastern Cape has its fair share of game reserves, private and national, and one of the main draws is that they are malaria free. One of the largest private reserves in the Eastern Cape, Kwandwe boasts a well-earned conservation and community success story. This game-rich big 5 reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with sightings of fish eagles, and home to the endangered Blue Crane. Head out for an early morning game drive, in open vehicles, stopping for a refreshing coffee break and a chance to listen to the sounds of the bush and admire the landscape. After some down-time and a siesta back at camp, set off again in the late afternoon when the bush comes alive. Sundowners as night falls, then spotlights come out in search of a new range of creatures. Kwandwe offers great nocturnal viewing and a chance to see aardwolf, aardvark and porcupine.

Scintilla’s special experience
Scintilla’s special experience

For those needing to expend some energy, a guided walking safari is an ideal way to learn about smaller animals and plants.

3 Nights

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

  • Perched on the banks of the Great Fish River
  • 9 spacious suites with folding glass doors & uninterrupted bushveld views
  • Contemporary classic décor, neutral tones, thatched roofs & private plunge pools
  • Elegant, subtle charm with expansive decks & peaceful outlooks
Car Hire Return
Car Hire Return

Today you’ll make your way to the car hire depot at Port Elizabeth Airport to return your vehicle

Transfers
Transfers

Port Elizabeth to Kwandwe Great Fish River: Road Transfer

Transfers
Transfers

Kwandwe Great Fish River to Port Elizabeth: Road Transfer (8h00 to 16h00)

KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Journey of Giraffe (1)
KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Guests on a walk see the real magnitude of an elephant
Kwandwe - Eastern Cape - South Africa
KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Child high-fives a guide
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Your Adventure Ends

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  • VIP Meet and greet on arrival
  • 10 Nights accommodation with selected meals
  • Private road transfer on arrival with shared road transfers between Port Elizabeth and Kwandwe
  • 10 Days car hire
From $4,229 per person

Trip Summary

Days 1-4
Mother city’s natural wonder

Cape Town, South Africa

Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance.

Days 5-7
Step back in time

Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

Immerse yourself in the pioneering history of farms, forts, steepled churches and the South African artists and writers who have left their mark indelibly carved into this land.

Days 8-11
One of the largest private reserves in the Eastern Cape

Kwandwe Game Reserve, South Africa

This game-rich big 5 reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with sightings of fish eagles, and home to the endangered Blue Crane.

Cuan

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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