EcoVentures Travel
Safaris and nature tours for discriminating individuals

Coastal Tour South Africa
9 - Day Overland Safari
Cape Town to Durban
From $1245, Maximum 16 participants

Itinerary

DEPARTURES: From Cape Town every Thursday.
7 NIGHTS CABIN, 2 NIGHTS INNS
COST: From $1075. As U.S. dollar exchange rates fluctuate, please contact us to confirm current price.

From the Cold Atlantic currents, storm battered rocks, and pristine white beaches around Cape Town, we will move northward to the crystal clear, warm Indian Ocean and unspoiled sandy beaches of Durban. On this tour we endeavour to explore the area thoroughly and to enjoy the many nature reserves and activities encountered en-route. The tour is designed for active participants who wish to make the most of the time available; we cover vast distance, but also include walks and other activities. Bungalows and Inns are used, some basic but always comfortable, all are chosen for their location. A certain amount of fitness and flexibility will be required; more suitable for those looking for adventure

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN - DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE  

Departing from the Cape Town Inn at 08h30, we follow the rugged coastline through the numerous fishing villages to Hermanus - well known for offering the finest land based whale watching (May - December). Our next stop is the southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, where the warm Indian and cold Atlantic oceans meet. This afternoon we will spend time game watching in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, acclaimed for its unique fauna, flora and spectacular scenery. We overnight in comfortable bungalows, clients may be expected to share - more than 2 per bungalow. (D)

DAY 2: OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA

An early start, we leave the coast and cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains to enter the dry Karoo Interior. We follow the "famed and funky Route 62" toward Oudtshoorn where we visit the Cango Caves; one of the world's great wonders. We will also visit a commercial Ostrich farm to learn more about these huge flightless birds. Late this afternoon we traverse the Outeniqua Pass and then travel through the Lake District en-route to our Log Cabins hidden in the heart of the Knysna forest. Our home for the next two nights will be the Knysna Inn. (BLD)

DAY 3: GARDEN ROUTE  

This day will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie. We will visit sun-kissed beaches, and will enjoy a boat trip on a boat around the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting). Tonight we dine at a restaurant in the vibrant woodcutter town of Knysna. (Lunch and dinner are own expense). (B)

DAY 4: PORT ELIZABETH - ADDO  

Today we will travel to the Tsitsikamma Costal National Park where we will walk part of the acclaimed "Otter Trail". Continuing along the coast, we will pass through Port Elizabeth en-route to our camp near Addo Elephant Reserve where we stay in comfortable cabins. (BLD)

DAY 5: ADDO ELEPHANT PARK 

This day will be spent exploring the Park.  Renowned for its herds of African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, Dung Beetle's, and other interesting species. this Park is one of Africa's conservation success stories. We return to our cabins for the night.  (BLD)

DAY 6: EAST LONDON  

Back to the coast today, we wind through the frontier area settled by the 1820 settlers. We will pass through numerous costal towns before making for East London where we check into the East London Inn, a cosy inn situated near the beachfront. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided township tour and will enjoy a drink in a local shebeen. We return to The Inn and then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner own expense. (BL)

DAY 7 - 8: WILD COAST  

Today we travel into an area once designated as a Tribal Homeland during the apartheid ear (Transkei). Nelson Mandela was born here, and our route takes us past both is birthplace and the holiday house that he had build to replicate his prison house. This afternoon we arrive at the remote West Coast Inn where we will spend two nights. This inn is part of a community project, and is hidden in a natural cove offering excellent swimming opportunity. A full day is spent here with time on the beach and enjoying the surf. To stretch our legs we will conduct a hike along the Wild Coast. (BLD)

DAY 9: DURBAN  

A reasonably long drive today, but well rested, we pass through the scenic hill's of the Eastern Cape, dotted with rural villages where women work in the fields and men tend their cows as they have for centuries. Our journey then takes us past the many resorts of the Kwazulu - Natal South Coast before we enter Durban - South Africa's holiday city and home to Africa's busiest harbour. Our stop tonight is just north of Durban at the Dolphin Coast Inn , situated literally on the beach, this is the perfect place to unwind after the many days of traveling. Tonight we enjoy a "braai" on the patio before falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves. (BLD)

DAY 10: TOUR ENDS 

The tour ends this morning after breakfast.  (B)

Clients wishing to stay on at the Dolphin Coast Inn may book extra nights in order to enjoy this superb stretch of unspoiled beach before flying out of Durban. Clients wishing to travel to Johannesburg may join the guide today at a cost of R300-00 (payable directly to the guide). We intend to be back in Johannesburg by 18h00 but cannot always guarantee this.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable.
• Clients should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Our price includes transport from Cape Town to Umdloti (or Johannesburg + R300-00), food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, accommodation, permits and park entry fees, group equipment, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, boat trip and professional guide.
• The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras.

For more information on the above INNS click here

DEPARTURES
This tour departs from Cape Town every Thursday.