Great Safari and Cape Escape

8 days from ZAR 13,195 per person Open Currency Converter

Your holiday begins in the Madikwe Reserve which has become known as one of South Africa's best safari destinations and, being that it is malaria free, it’s also incredibly popular with families.

After your 3 night stay at Tau Lodge you will enjoy a luxury tour of South Africa’s illustrious Mother City of Cape Town- voted the World’s Best Destination for 2011- the “Mother City” boasts a vast melting pot of cultures, experiences and breathtaking sights. Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and holds in her welcoming hands five of the country’s top attractions such as Table Mountain.

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Itinerary
Dates and prices
Practical information
Photos

Itinerary

Day 1 - Johannesburg to Madikwe Reserve - Tau Game Lodge

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, an Albatros representative will meet and assist you with collecting your hired car (Group B – Toyota Yaris or similar). You will then make your way to your lodge in the Madikwe reserve.

On arrival at Tau Game Lodge, you will be welcomed by your ranger who will present to you a brief orientation session. You will stay in only the best luxury thatch chalet’s which are spread out in U-formation on either side of the lodge, offering exceptional views of animals approaching the water from the opposite bank. The accommodation itself ensures privacy and each chalet boasts a viewing deck, en suite bathroom, open-air shower, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.

You will be shown to your chalet where you are encouraged to relax and unwind before your afternoon open vehicle game drive which will last approximately 2-3 hours. A stop will be made, along the way, to indulge in a few drinks as the sun sets. Upon return to the lodge you will enjoy dinner under the stars around a log fire (weather permitting).

Included meals:

Dinner at lodge

Lodging:

Tau Game Lodge – Standard Chalet (4 Star)

Day 2 - Tau Game Lodge - Game experiences

Awake to the sounds of the African bush, this morning you will embark on an early morning game drive where you are sure to experience an exquisite African sunrise in the wild. This reserve is home to the Big 5, as well as a huge variety of other game such as various antelope (buck species), giraffe, hyena, hippo, cheetah, wild dog, baboons, monkeys and much more. There is also an abundance of bird life to be enjoyed.

Return to your lodge in the late morning to enjoy a hearty brunch after which you are encouraged take an optional guided walking safari, where you will learn a lot more about tracking animals, their spoor, the vegetation and ecology of the area. This is a chance to get closer to nature - a wildlife experience very different to the game drives. Alternatively you may decide to relax in your charming chalet and settle into a good book or treat yourself to a session at the spa.

Later in the afternoon you will embark on your second evening game drive through the reserve. Once nightfall approaches your ranger will use a powerful spotlight to seek out the nocturnal animals. The chance of spotting leopard is higher at night, and you may even be lucky enough to witness a lion hunt. A delectable dinner awaits you upon your return to the lodge.

Included meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodging:

Tau Game Lodge – Standard Chalet (4 Star)

Day 3 - Tau Game Lodge - Game experiences

You arise to another splendid full day at this rustic but enchanting lodge, holding in your hands the opportunity to spot the animals that may have eluded you before. There will be another early morning game drive, another opportunity for a game walk and a final evening game drive offered. Make the most of your time in the relaxed surroundings of the lodge and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. In the evening you will enjoy a farewell feast followed by a relaxed star gazing around the camp fire.

Included meals:

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Lodging:

Tau Game Lodge – Standard Chalet (4 Star)

Day 4 - Tau Game Lodge - O.R. Tambo International - Cape Town

You will enjoy a final early morning game drive, followed by breakfast. After check-out you are required to make your way to the O.R. Tambo Airport where you will drop off your hired car before you connect with your onward flight to Cape Town (Excluded).

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of your day and evening may be enjoyed at leisure. We suggest that you visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment. The ideal place to enjoy a decadent dinner before heading back to relax in your luxury hotel suite.

Note: You can choose between 3 levels of accommodation – the 3-star Ritz Hotel close to the Sea Point Promenade and famous for its revolving restaurant offering fantastic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, or the 4-star The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites, situated right at the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Town’s Platinum Mile, or the fantastic 5-star Cape Royale Hotel located a stone throw away from the Cape Town Stadium and a mere 05 minute drive from famous V&A Waterfront.

Included meals:

Breakfast at lodge

Lodging:

Choice between Cape Ritz Hotel (3-star) OR The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites (4-star) OR Cape Royale Hotel (5-star)

Day 5 - Cape Town - Half Day City Orientation Tour

Today you will be collected at your hotel and depart on a half day City Orientation Tour. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is rich in historical and cultural heritage and natural beauty. Some of the highlight stops on this tour will be the Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope and the lively Greenmarket Square – where you can purchase arts and crafts from all over Africa. You will also take a trip through the colourful Bo Kaap area, known as the home of the “Cape Malays”.

Weather permitting, you could choose the option of an afternoon trip up Cape Town’s landmark, Table Mountain, for sunset or possibly take the tour to Robben Island. After the tour you will be returned to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Included meals:

Breakfast at hotel

Lodging:

Choice between Cape Ritz Hotel (3-star) OR The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites (4-star) OR Cape Royale Hotel (5-star)

Day 6 - Cape Peninsula - Cape Peninsula Tour

After breakfast you will head out for a full day excursion to enjoy the magnificent scenery and wildlife along the Cape Peninsula. This tour includes an optional boat trip to Duiker Island - home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals, and later you will enjoy lunch in the cosy Naval village of Simon's Town. We will visit Boulders Beach to see one of South Africa's two land-based African Penguin colonies and then continue along the False Bay coastline to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Have your photos taken at the most south western tip of the African continent and enjoy an invigorating walk, or leisurely funicular trip, up to the Cape Point lighthouses to admire the dramatic cliffs and amazing views.

The day ends at the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Dinner tonight will be at leisure.

Included meals:

Breakfast at hotel, lunch in Simons Town

Lodging:

Choice between Cape Ritz Hotel (3-star) OR The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites (4-star) OR Cape Royale Hotel (5-star)

Day 7 - Cape Town - Full day tour of the Winelands

After breakfast you will be taken on a full day Wine Tour in the Cape Winelands including a visit to the charming town of oaks, Stellenbosch. After tasting some of the world’s most excellent wines, and taking in an introduction to the South African winemaking tradition, we continue to the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, Franschhoek. After another round of wine tasting, there will be time to take a stroll in this beautiful and cosy little town.

The whole day is dedicated to showing you our favourite secret spots and wine cellars – a day to tantalize all your taste buds in some of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes!

Included meals:

Breakfast at hotel, lunch in the Cape Winelands

Lodging:

Choice between Cape Ritz Hotel (3-star) OR The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites (4-star) OR Cape Royale Hotel (5-star)

Day 8 - Cape Town - Onward travel

Today you have time for a last minute shopping excursion or optional tour, depending on your departure time. Later transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your onward travel.

Included meals:

Breakfast at hotel

Dates and prices
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Included in the price:

Meet & greet, transport as mentioned
Car Rental Group B – Toyota Yaris or similar from Day 1 – Day 4
3 nights at Tau Game Lodge (4-Star ) including conservation and tourism levy
4 Nights at your choice of Hotel in Cape Town (3* Ritz / 4* Bantry Bay or 5* Cape Royal Hotel)
Dinner on Day 1-3
Breakfast Day 2-8
Lunch Day 2-3 and 6-7
Game Drives & Game Walks at Tau Game Lodge
Half day sightseeing tour of Cape Town City (4.5 hrs)
Full day tour sightseeing tour of the Cape Peninsula incl. lunch (9 hrs)
Full day tour of the Winelands incl. lunch and tastings (9 hrs)
Return Cape Town International Airport transfers

Car Rental Includes:

Unlimited kilometres
Airport surcharges when rented from an Airport
Tourism Levy
Super Cover Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – terms and conditions apply
Super Cover Theft Loss Waiver (TLW) – Terms and conditions apply
PAI – Personal Accident Insurance (Benefits available on request)

Excluded from the price:

Air tickets
Drinks
Gratuities to driver’s, guides or rangers
Visas, travel insurance
Any additional transport
Meals not specified
Visas
Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price

Practical information

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA:

Capitals: Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town

Time Difference: GMT +2 hours

International Dialling Code: +27

Main languages: English is most widely spoken across South Africa, but there are also 10 other official languages.

Electricity: 220-230V, 15 amps AC 50Hz. Round 3 pin type outlets. If you bring any electrical devices, including camera battery chargers, you may need to purchase adapters, which are widely available at electrical stores and airports. Travellers from North America will need to purchase a foreign travel voltage converter, which are available from electrical stores.

Climate/Best time to visit: Generally speaking, South Africa has a warm and sunny climate for most of the year but being such a large country there are several distinct regional climates. In the southwest the climate is often described as being Mediterranean, in the interior it is temperate and in the northeast it is sub tropical. Near the border with Namibia is the only part of the country that can be said to have a desert climate.

Summertime temperatures can be as high as 35C and can get down to freezing during the winter. Altitude affects the temperature more so than latitude in South Africa and snowfall is not uncommon in mountainous areas, so come prepared.

Malaria. The chances of contracting malaria in South Africa are negligible as the disease is more or less under control, with only a few pockets where it can still be contracted. These include parts of KwaZulu Natal, the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and Zululand. Bear in mind that Kruger National Park lies within one of these zones. Take sensible precautions in these areas by wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent and taking malaria tablets.

Clothing. To get the best from your holiday it is advisable to bring loose fitting cotton clothing. Long shorts are fine for men, although long trousers are considered the norm in most towns and villages. For women, knee length skirts or shorts are advised as Namibians generally dress conservatively.

Make sure you pack something warm, such as a fleece, for the chillier evenings or rides back to camp in open-sided vehicles. Desert areas can get very cold at night, so consider this when packing and bring a long-sleeved jacket or jumper. There are numerous stores in cities and larger towns sell excellent safari clothing.

Also, make sure you bring a hat to keep the sun off you as sun stroke is always a risk in southern Africa.

Duty free: Each traveller is allowed to bring 400 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits into the country without paying tax.

Tipping: Leaving a small gratuity for service staff is commonplace in South Africa. As a general guideline, porters should receive R5 per item, waiters 10-15 percent of the bill and taxi drivers 10 percent of the fare. On safari it is also customary to tip the guide around 10USD per day if they have done a good job.

Visa and entry requirements: Travellers from most countries do not require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend to stay for 90 days or less. To meet the entry requirements you must however possess a valid passport, sufficient funds for your stay and an onward ticket.

Luggage allowances: On flights into and out of southern Africa the usual luggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) of checked in baggage. On buses between long distance destinations on your safari holiday some drivers will not accept more than two suitcases per passenger, but there are no hard and fast rules and many will accept more. Be aware that if you are taking a flight on a light aircraft the rules are much stricter and you will probably only be allowed to bring 15kg maximum of ‘soft’ luggage i.e. no suitcases.

Remember to pack:

- The right clothing

- Sun block and lip salve

- Insect repellent

- Camera, with any extra memory cards, lenses etc.

- Simple medical kit with any medication

- A cheap waterproof watch

- A good guidebook to the country

Please enquire about renting binoculars if you are not planning to bring your own.

Cancellation policy

If you have to cancel your tour the following general cancellation terms apply regarding refunds. These may vary slightly depending upon the type of tour and number of rooms booked, so please contact us for further details which relate to a specific tour:

More than 60 days before arrival: no fee unless special conditions apply

60-30 days before arrival: 50% of the rooms may be cancelled at no charge; the rest will be charged 20%.

29-15 days before arrival: 10% of the rooms may be cancelled at 20% charge. The rest will be charged 100%.

14-0 days before arrival: no refund given.

Extending your trip. If you want to recharge on a beach for a few days at the end of your safari holiday you can book a beach extension. Just ask us for details

Tour Information

Arrival: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town
Departure: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town or OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

Departures: Daily departures