Our aim is to provide you with a completely accurate and up to the minute quotation. We do not fill our website full of out dated rates, but continuously negotiate and obtain the best possible prices and deals available right now. To facilitate that accuracy it is essential that we communicate with you via email or telephonically and obtain vital information i.e. numbers; dates and any other necessary specifics. We therefore respectfully request that you complete the info form at the bottom of this page. We will reply to you immediately and should you wish to leave your Tel no and a time suitable for you to talk, – we will then contact you.

KNYSNA

Knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa.

Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The western head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa. Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The Western Head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the region.

Many claim that he was the first illegitimate son of King George III of England. The fact is that he was responsible for opening up Knysna to the rest of the world by developing the port and harbor through the Knysna Heads. The estuary is a biologically rich and fascinating body of water, with salt marches and deep water channels that are home to the famous Knysna Sea Horse, the Pansy Shell and over 200 species of fish. Hikers and mountain bikers have long acknowledged that Knysna offers some of the very best tracks in South Africa, which vary from light and easy to strenuous and technically demanding. Knysna has awesome beaches at Brenton, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay and Noetzie. The warm Indian Ocean currents make for pleasant sea temperatures for two thirds of the year. Between Brenton and Buffalo Bay beaches lie three kilometers of uninterrupted white sand in a crecent shape, which offers safe bathing with life guards.

Knysna Heads

Have a look at some of our accommodation choices below

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are a  solely owned South African tour operator, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates which we pass onto you. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” mark-ups.

Turning Tides

Amanzi

Thesen Island

Augusta Bay

The Turbine Boutique Hotel - Knysna

PLETTENBERG BAY

You will certainly never forget your first site of this incredibly beautiful bay.The backdrop of Plettenberg bay is a series of majestic mountains that stretch from north to south with the town situated amongst a canopy of green forests and fynbos, that is separated from the Indian Ocean by endless white sandy beaches.The bay itself has an unusual mix of marine life as this is where both the warm and the cold waters of the Indian Ocean currents meet and blend,resulting in an area unparalleled for its biodiversity.There are many elevated view points that offer excellent land based whale watching,while regular boat based whale tours and marine safaris provide great opportunity to experience these mammals at close hand.Plettenberg bay is dominated by a large peninsula called Robberg (seal mountain).The Robberg marine and nature reserve, offers sweeping views of the entire bay,excellent bird watching and a archaeological site (NelsonBay cave) with stone age tools and artifacts stretching back 120 thousand years.The greater Plettenberg bay area offers vast expanses of unspoiled indigenous forests, lagoons, pristine sand dunes and delicate wetland reserves- most of which are easily accessible by foot, on horseback or by bicycle..

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please CLICK HERE

If you wish to book Accommodation or discuss your itinerary then contact us NOW

Our aim is to provide you with a completely accurate and up to the minute quotation. We do not fill our website full of out dated rates, but continuously negotiate and obtain the best possible prices and deals available right now. To facilitate that accuracy it is essential that we communicate with you via email or telephonically and obtain vital information i.e. numbers; dates and any other necessary specifics. We therefore respectfully request that you complete the info form at the bottom of this page. We will reply to you immediately and should you wish to leave your Tel no and a time suitable for you to talk, – we will then contact you.

Cape Town Winelands

The town of Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by the Governor in the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, and he named the town after himself. Stellenbosch means the forest of van der Stel. The town itself is positioned on the banks of the Eerste River “First River”, named first river as it was the first river he reached and followed when he went on an expedition from Cape Town and inland towards the first major mountain ranges to explore the territory what is now known as Stellenbosch. The town grew incredibly quickly and is the second oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town), it became an independent local municipality in 1682.The Dutch were obviously extremely skilled in hydraulic engineering and they set up systems of canals to obtain water from the Eerste River and from Thibault Street through the town along van Reinbeck Street to Mill Street where a mill was built. Many visitors to Stellenbosch always comment on the oak trees and gardens which gives the town a Dutch/German look about it.Grapes were planted soon after the first Dutch and German settlers arrived in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch and soon it became the centre of the South African wine industry.

The three valleys of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek form the Cape Winelands or wine triangle and are the main wine growing regions in South Africa. The country produces about 1000 000 litres of wine per year with Stellenbosch seen as the primary location for viticulture and viticulture research. The Cape Wine Region has a Mediterranean style of climate with most of the summer being hot and dry followed by a short cool and wet winter. Stellenbosch is situated at the base of the Cape Fold mountain range, which provides the perfect type of soil conditions that include sandy type soils to decomposed granite that is perfect for high quality viticulture. Grapes grown in this area are mainly used for wine production, as opposed to table grapes.  The Cape Wine region producers most of the European Noble Varietals as well as the famous South African Pinotage which is a cross between Hermitage and Pinot Nior.

The Franschhoek valley was originally known as Olifantshoek (Elephant’s Corner), because of the numerous herds of elephants that moved through the area during the summer and before the arrival of the European settlers. Many of these settlers were given their farms in this area, later called Franschhoek, – Afrikaans word for “French corner”. Many of the early settlers named their farms after the areas in France from where they came. Chamonix La Motte, La Dauphine , Cabriere, Provence, Dieu Donne and La Cotte were some of the first established farms and still retain their original farm houses today and have now grown into world renowned wineries. The French heritage is represented today by the Huguenot Monument and the museum that is situated at the end of the Franchhoek town’s main road. The museum follows the full story of the history of the first settlers and the original Huguenot farms having their own story to tell. The Cape Dutch architecture of Franschhoek remains unspoilt, and special restrictions have been placed on renovations and new construction in order to preserve the history and spirit of the original settlers to this valley.

Once a sleepy country retreat, the village began experiencing a boom since the 1990s, and property prices have sharply increased. The ideal summer weather, snowy peaks in winter and proximity to Cape Town have turned Franschhoek into one of South Africa’s most sought after tourist destinations. Franschhoek is noted for having some of the best restaurants in the South Africa and this fact, together with the wine culture, and natural and architectural beauty has made Franschhoek into the food and wine capital of country.

Cape Winelands

Paarl Valley

THE GARDEN ROUTE

The Garden Route region stretches along a 350 km section of South Africa’s southern cape coast line.The area includes the well known and holiday destinations of Knysna, Plettenberg bay, Oudtshoorn, George and the Wilderness.This extremely fertile and lush area is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the indigenous forests and mountain ranges to the west.South Africa is for the most part hot and dry, so it is not surprising that this specialized oasis of fauna and flora is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both local and international tourists.With it’s abundant water ways,magnificent lakes and rivers,this region provides unlimited recreational opportunities ( hiking,biking,fishing,golf etc ) and an exceptionally well organized tourism infrastructure.The N2 motorway guides you to the Garden Route’s  many lookout points high above the ocean or lakes and estuaries dotted along the coast.Vast areas have been set aside as protected conservation biommes and serve as sanctuary to the many sea creatures and waterbirds that thrive in these sensitive estuarine systems.The Garden Route is renowned for the splendid accommodation available for you to choose from, whether it be a simple log cabin on the lakeside or a luxury guest house on the shores of the Knysna estuary.This holiday region is more than just about visual treats but also offers superb culinary delights with the emphasis obviously on the fresh local seafood.The picturesque town of Knysna is renowned for their oysters, commercially farmed in the 18-square km tidal estuary.The area also has an abundance of fruit and vegetables which are grown in the adjacent Langkloof valley as well as local cheeses and the Knysna brewed beer .

Have a look at some of our Knysna Accommodation Selections.

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are a solely owned South African tour operator, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates which we pass onto you. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” mark-ups.

If you wish to book Accommodation or discuss your itinerary then  contact us NOW

Our aim is to provide you with a completely accurate and up to the minute quotation. We do not fill our website full of out dated rates, but continuously negotiate and obtain the best possible prices and deals available right now. To facilitate that accuracy it is essential that we communicate with you via email or telephonically and obtain vital information i.e. numbers; dates and any other necessary specifics. We therefore respectfully request that you complete the info form at the bottom of this page. We will reply to you immediately and should you wish to leave your Tel no and a time suitable for you to talk, – we will then contact you.

Cape Town

Colorful Past & Cosmo Present

Cape Town, situated at the Southern most tip of the African continent, is a magical place, the perfect holiday destination and filled with majestic, natural beauty.Today Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city, first discovered by Bartolomeu Diaz a Portuguese explorer in 1487 whilst searching for a sea route to India. Diaz named it The Cape of Storms and returned to Portugal triumphant at having rounded the African continent and the Portuguese rulers subsequently changed the name to The Cape of Good Hope.In 1652, a Dutch man, Jan van Riebeeck working for the Dutch East India Company, founded a post at Table Bay. The first establishment under Van Riebeeck was aimed at supplying fresh water and fruit to crews, but in 1657, it was realized that the gardens were not sufficient so The Company began to assign land to Independent Dutch Settlers.The Settlers were to set about growing wheat for the Company’s use and in order to do so; they imported slaves from Ceylon, The Dutch East Indies (Malaysia and Indonesia), Madagascar and Mozambique. By 1717 the slave population had grown to such a degree that they outnumbered the free population.By 1679, settlers from Germany and France arrived and so began the growth of a more eclectic population of settlers. In 1688 one hundred and sixty four Belgian and French “Huguenots” arrived at The Cape and brought with them extensive wine making experience and so began the foundations of our wine industry.At this stage, the German settlers outnumbered the Dutch settlers; however Dutch was spoken until gradually a variation of the Dutch language known as Afrikaans developed. The mingling of these settlers resulted in what was known as the Afrikaner or Boer.Cape Town is today home to the descendants of these first settlers, and together with a diverse population of immigrants from other countries, Xhosa’s, Zulu’s and many other indigenous tribes, forms a vibrant and eclectic mix of people. The cultural differences are tangible, and the democracy embraced by all is evident in the colorful mix of people who peacefully share this beautiful city which lies at the foot of Table Mountain.Each group of people bring not only their unique cultural history to the mix, they bring their tastes and flavors too which has resulted in a plethora of restaurants offering everything from traditional French Nouvelle Cuisine to the hot and spicy dishes of “Cape Malay” cuisine, expert chef’s have created “fusion” menu’s to combine these rich and varied flavors of our past and in so doing have made a place for them in our present.Cultural and religious differences are celebrated wherever you venture on the Cape Peninsula, whether passing through the narrow cobbled streets and colorful houses of the Cape Malay Quarter in the “The Bo-Kaap” or visiting the awe inspiring St’ Georges Cathedral in the City Centre, you will always be warmly welcomed and friendly smiles will greet you wherever you go.

Cape Town

Cape Town is home to many open air markets, which offer a wide selection of  merchandise from traditional African paintings and wood carvings to a varied selection of traditional foods from Pizza’s and Bratwurst’s to Cape Malay curries and Samoosa’s  to organic jams and home brewed beers, and as usual all cultures are well represented.The modern Waterfront development in the heart of Cape Town, and South Africa’s most visited destination, is vibrant and varied too, here the visitor is treated to the modern conveniences of a sophisticated shopping mall with all the international brands such as Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Burberry being represented alongside those of the local designers Marion and Lindie and the popular Nicci Boutiques. Home wares are well represented too with a selection of retail shops stocking everything from Carol Boyes silver and pewter ware to hand painted table linen and fine bone china. Outside in the open air amphitheatre, you will experience a program of music which varies between string quartets and traditional Zulu drums and dancing to the loud street rappers with their own unique blend of rap and Kwaito.Then there’s the extensive selection of restaurants, some on the quaysides, others situated in the malls overlooking Table Mountain and or Table Bay, here you will find a menu to suit every taste, and again each culture is well represented! Wine bars serving hundreds of wines by the glass offer wine lists and experienced sommeliers to assist you every step of the way, and Whisky lovers are not left out, The Bascule Bar has an impressive selection of over 400 Whiskies that could keep your palate happy for weeks!

Around every corner, whether in the wine lands or the city streets, Cape Town will enthrall you with her beauty, her people are warm and welcoming and her cultural diversity is celebrated tangibly, but don’t take my word for it, come, taste, smell, meet, greet, see, experience and celebrate with us!!

Have a look further on our Cape Town Travel-Day Tours and Cape Town Hotels & Accommodation  from which to choose. Remember that you will benefit from all our Special Preferential Rates should you book your Tour/Safari/Accommodation through us.

 

Holidaying On South Africa’s Beautiful

Garden Route

When God made the world, he started with the continent of Africa he left the region rather dry and sandy! By the time he reached the South, he had perfected his craft and the result was the magnificence of South Africa and particularly the Garden Route. Recent excavations indicate that mankind itself may have originated in Southern Africa and there are numerous archeological sites along the Garden Route ,proving that man once lived, hunted and fished along these Indian Ocean coastlines as far back as 60 000 years. Nowadays the national road journeys east to west along the coast, offering spectacular views of the virgin beaches, dramatic mountain rangers, nature reserves and endless wilderness. Technically the Garden Route starts in the historical town of Mossel Bay where the balmy weather and beaches attract many visitors each year. The Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias set ashore here on the 3rd of Feb 1488, using the area to hunt and to replenish their stores of fresh water. From Mossel Bay the next stop along the route is the town of George which is considered by many to be the capital of the region. George is the largest town in the area and is nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua mountains which stretch up 1600 meters above the town. The George surrounds have a plethora awesome golf courses including the world famous Fancourt where the presidents cup is held.Probably the most popular town on the Garden Route is Knysna. Situated on the second largest estuary in South Africa. Knysna is protected from the onshore winds by two enormous sandstone cliffs through which the estuary flows into the Indian Ocean. International tourists love Knysna’s diversity of activities, particularly golf, hiking, fishing and mountain biking.To finish off your holiday on a high note, why not spend a couple of days on a magical safari. About hours drive north of Port Elizabeth is a host of luxury safari lodges from which to choose. The Big Five roam here in abundance and tourists can get back to nature in comfort without flying north to the Kruger area and waiting time on airplanes.The vast majority of international tourists who visit the southern part of South Africa will start their holiday in Cape Town. Here they are able to experience the history and diverse culture of this country’s oldest city, established in1652. A number of days are usually spent here visiting Cape Point (the mythical meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans) or visiting the Cape Wine Region to taste the local produce. From Cape Town tourists travel east up the Garden Route and then finally on to Safari. Port Elizabeth has a domestic airport that connects with Cape Town or Johannesburg for your international flight home.

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are a solely owned South African tour operator, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates which we pass onto you. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” mark-ups.

Knysna

If you wish to make a booking or discuss your itinerary then contact us NOW

The Garden Route region stretches along a 350 km section of South Africa’s southern cape coast line.The area includes the well known and holiday destinations of Knysna, Plettenberg bay, Oudtshoorn, George and the Wilderness.This extremely fertile and lush area is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the indigenous forests and mountain ranges to the west.South Africa is for the most part hot and dry, so it is not surprising that this specialized oasis of fauna and flora is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both local and international tourists.With it’s abundant water ways,magnificent lakes and rivers,this region provides unlimited recreational opportunities ( hiking,biking,fishing,golf etc ) and an exceptionally well organized tourism infrastructure.The N2 motorway guides you to the Garden Route’s  many lookout points high above the ocean or lakes and estuaries dotted along the coast.Vast areas have been set aside as protected conservation biommes and serve as sanctuary to the many sea creatures and waterbirds that thrive in these sensitive estuarine systems.The Garden Route is renowned for the splendid accommodation available for you to choose from, whether it be a simple log cabin on the lakeside or a luxury guest house on the shores of the Knysna estuary.This holiday region is more than just about visual treats but also offers superb culinary delights with the emphasis obviously on the fresh local seafood.The picturesque town of Knysna is renowned for their oysters, commercially farmed in the 18-square km tidal estuary.The area also has an abundance of fruit and vegetables which are grown in the adjacent Langkloof valley as well as local cheeses and the Knysna brewed beer .

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are a solely owned South African tour operator, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates which we pass onto you. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” mark-ups.

Storms River Beach

Knysna Estuary

Buffalo Bay Beach

If you wish to book Accommodation or discuss your itinerary then  contact us NOW

Knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa.

Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The western head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the knysna was once the home of whalers and woodcutters,situated on the banks of an enormous estuary and flanked by indigenous forests, it is now a spectacular South African holiday destination for those who want to kick back and relax on the beaches or play some of the best golf in South Africa. Knysna is named after the river which comes down from the mountains and then opens into the Knysna tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the Indian Ocean through the narrow gap between two huge rocky sandstone bluffs known as the “Knysna Heads”. The Western Head being a nature reserve (Featherbed), one of the more popular tourist attractions and accessible by ferry. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of the region.

Many claim that he was the first illegitimate son of King George III of England. The fact is that he was responsible for opening up Knysna to the rest of the world by developing the port and harbor through the Knysna Heads. The estuary is a biologically rich and fascinating body of water, with salt marches and deep water channels that are home to the famous Knysna Sea Horse, the Pansy Shell and over 200 species of fish. Hikers and mountain bikers have long acknowledged that Knysna offers some of the very best tracks in South Africa, which vary from light and easy to strenuous and technically demanding. Knysna has awesome beaches at Brenton, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay and Noetzie. The warm Indian Ocean currents make for pleasant sea temperatures for two thirds of the year. Between Brenton and Buffalo Bay beaches lie three kilometers of uninterrupted white sand in a crecent shape, which offers safe bathing with life guards.

Knysna Heads

Knysna Heads

Knysna Heads

Knysna Estuary

Have a look at some of our accommodation choices below

One important factor to consider when making use of our services is that because we are a  solely owned South African tour operator, we are able to purchase all of our accommodation at reduced rates which we pass onto you. These reduced rates are included in all of our fully inclusive itineraries, thus excluding “middleman” mark-ups.

Leisure Isle Lodge - (Leasure Island) Knysna

If you wish to book Accommodation or discuss your itinerary then contact us NOW

You will certainly never forget your first site of this incredibly beautiful bay.The backdrop of Plettenberg bay is a series of majestic mountains that stretch from north to south with the town situated amongst a canopy of green forests and fynbos, that is separated from the Indian Ocean by endless white sandy beaches.The bay itself has an unusual mix of marine life as this is where both the warm and the cold waters of the Indian Ocean currents meet and blend,resulting in an area unparalleled for its biodiversity.There are many elevated view points that offer excellent land based whale watching,while regular boat based whale tours and marine safaris provide great opportunity to experience these mammals at close hand.Plettenberg bay is dominated by a large peninsula called Robberg (seal mountain).The Robberg marine and nature reserve, offers sweeping views of the entire bay,excellent bird watching and a archaeological site (NelsonBay cave) with stone age tools and artifacts stretching back 120 thousand years.The greater Plettenberg bay area offers vast expanses of unspoiled indigenous forests, lagoons, pristine sand dunes and delicate wetland reserves- most of which are easily accessible by foot, on horseback or by bicycle..

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please CLICK HERE

Robberg peninsula

Plrttenberg Bay Beach

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please CLICK HERE

The town of Oudtshoorn is situated in the valley between the mountain ranges of the Outeniqua and the Swartberg within the Klein Karoo region of South Africa.This town is probably one of the most diverse in terms of its extraordinary mixture of nature and heritage as well as the fact that it has the worlds biggest population of commercially farmed ostriches.There are over 400 Ostrich farms that surround the area, many of which provide educational guided tours and also the opportunity to ride the largest
flightless bird in the world.Another interesting place to visit is the Oudtshoorn wildlife ranch which is home to more than 50 species of animals and reptiles.The ranch is internationally recognized for their conservation work and is the oldest and largest cheetah contact center world wide.The cango caves are situated 30km west of Oudtshoorn and it is here that you may experience the underground wonders of the Klein Karoo.Oer millions of years the flow of water through limestone have created some incredible calcite formations, carved drip stone caves and stalagmite towers..

Cango Caves

Ostrich close up

Should you wish to discuss and plan your own Garden Route itinerary then please CLICK HERE