The Conscious Traveler Collection
Travel brings us up close to some of our planet’s most stunning natural wonders and connects us with cultures around the globe. It also has the power to change places and the lives of the people who live there – for better or worse. This doesn't mean you need to forfeit comfort for an eco-friendly option. There are plenty of eco accommodation and hotel options throughout the country that offer both green principles and luxurious comfort.
As more and more travelers are becoming aware of how important it is to adopt eco friendly principles in South Africa so too are establishments. By adopting various "green values", "sustainable or responsible tourism" or going completely green, these establishments are making a difference in South Africa. Out & About Travel offers the responsible tourist an array of green accommodation to choose from to suit any budget.
Cape, Garden Route & Eastern Cape
3 Days / 12 Nights
Cape Town * Stellenbosch * De Kelders
Oudtshoorn * Stormsriver
Amakhala Game Reserve
Transfers
Day 1: Cape Town International Aiport (CPT) - Vinyard Hotel
Days 3 - 11: Accommodation to Accommodation
Day 13: Amakhala Safari Lodge - Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
1. Cape Town
Day 1 - 3
Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.
Accommodation: The Vineyard Hotel
2 Night Stay
Half-Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Alternative Accommodation: Atrim Villa
2. Stellenbosch
Day 3 - 5
Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.
Accommodation: Oudewerf Hotel
2 Night Stay
Half-Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
3. De Kelders
Day 5 - 7
De Kelders is a small town in Walker Bay, about two hours drive from Cape Town. Protected coves and inlets provide the ideal conditions for Southern Right Whales to mate and give birth, and, every year between July and November, these giant creatures can be spotted in the waters. A collection of caves offer much to explore; at Klipgat, some of the oldest human remains and stone artefacts have been found; while Drup Kelders presents a freshwater pool cave perfect for swimming and decorated by striking stalagmites and stalactites. The tranquil cove at Standford’s Bay is another perfect place to swim, surrounded by 150-year-old fig trees. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, angling, quad biking, and horse riding in the area, and the exquisite natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Make sure to visit one of the local restaurants, too, which serve up wonderful fresh seafood.
Accommodation: Whalesong Lodge
2 Night Stay
Half-Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
4. Oudtshoorn
Day 7 - 9
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
Accommodation: De Zeekoe Guest Farm & Reserve
2 Night Stay
Half-Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
5. Stormsriver
Day 9 - 11
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
2 Night Stay
Half-Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
6. Amakhala Game Reserve
Day 11 - 13
Located between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown and just east of Addo Elephant Park, the Amakhala Game Reserve is the perfect place to enjoy Big Five Safaris. Featuring spectacular topography created by the Bushman’s River, the reserve is home to a huge array of animal species - besides the big five, visitors can also spot cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, plenty of antelope species, and many other smaller interesting animals. Amakhala is also inhabited by prolific birdlife (the majestic African Fish Eagle is a particular highlight), and idyllic boat cruises provide a delightful way to see this. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fantastic game drives, guided walks, and horse trails. Just outside the park, there are plenty of attractions to discover, including the Amakhala Craft Centre, and the Bushman Sands Golf Course and Health Spa.
Accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge
2 Night Stay
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Activities
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
Frik Orban
Mobile: +27(0) 72 954 3776
E-mail: frik@oatravel.co.za / dianne@oatravel.co.za
Web: www.oatravel.co.za
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