Garden Route & Meerkats - Family holiday

Upon arrival in the morning at Cape Town International Airport, you'll be met by your local English speaking guide and transferred to Stellenbosch in the wine estate. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, famous for its wines, historical buildings, oak-lined streets. The settlement was established in 1679 and you can see some fine examples of historic Cape Dutch architecture, carefully restored. One such example is the church or ‘Moederkerk’ at the edge of town.

En-route you will visit the Cheetah Outreach Project in Somerset West. This project is aimed at providing a voice to the free ranging cheetah through education and awareness in urban and rural communities. Take a stroll through the Cheetah centre and come face to face with these majestic cats. Meet Phoenix, Chobe Hemmingway, Joseph, Enigma and Charlie - the Cheetah Outreach Project's friendly feline ambassadors. Learn more about their lives, their habits and the dangers that face them. Upon meeting these graceful African cats, it is easy to understand why they have been doted on by kings and noblemen across the globe for centuries.

Thereafter, you will visit the town of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, and famous for its wines, historical buildings, oak-lined streets and university. The settlement was established in 1679. The town contains many fine examples of historic Cape Dutch architecture, all of which have been carefully restored.

We check in a beautiful vineyard resort and visit the Eagle Encounters Project. Eagle Encounters was founded in 2001, the land, generously donated by Spier, provides the perfect location for the Eagle Encounters’ rehabilitation, release, conservation, education and  eco-tourism programmes.

Eagle Encounters receives birds that have been injured, poisoned, abused and hand-reared. Their first priority, in every case, is to rehabilitate and release as soon as possible. Only hand-reared birds are retained for education purposes. Interaction bridges the gap between passive awareness and an active will to conserve.

Thoses interesting in wine will have the opportunity to enjoy fine award-winning wines at the wine tasting courtyard (additional charge). 

Spier Hotel (AAAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (L)

You will stay in a wine farm with sweeping views of the Helderberg mountain range, besides the calming waters of the Eerste River. The decor features a sophisticated, vibrant style with strong colours, patterns and textures that echo nature’s designs, and a collection of art that explores contemporary South African culture.

Today you'll take part in a Meerkat walk. You'll start early in the morning at sunrise when they are more active, accompanied by your local guide and walk with the meerkats on the plain of African outback as pink sunlight lift or falls over their small silhouettes while your guide 'll introduce you to these eccentric personalities. An unforgettable experience (subject to weather conditions). You will then have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area at leisure. Visit the famous Cango cave with more than 80 caverns extended in 5km, or to a traditional ostrich farm and treat yourself to ostrich BBQ for lunch. (both optional, additional charge). The rest of the day is free in the farm to take part of the daily life,learn about a working African farm,visit and feed the animals. (B)

Today is spend at your leisure to enjoy the many activities Knysna has to offer. From canoeing or visiting the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the lagoon by boat, or discovering the different varieties of primates on the monkey island, or even joining a day trip to the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park, pick your favourite there is enough to entertain all the family! (B)

You'll continue on the scenic garden route to Hermanus, the coast that is the nursery of southern right whale. Between June and November each year courting, mating and calving whales can be viewed from the rocky cliffs. After checking into your hotel, you'll get a lovely orientation walk through the town and along the rugged and coastline. Why not treat yourself to some shopping in the craft market, or try out some of the delicious seafood while enjoying the views out on the pier. Alternatively, go for a swim in the natural pool or follow the whale walk along the coast where there are spectacular views. If you feel even more active you can do some sea-kayaking or a boat cruise to get close to the whales or watch the sunset (seasonal and both optional, additional charge)

Harbour House Hotel (AAAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)

Taking its cue from the soothing ocean surrounds, this hotel is all about understated luxury and relaxation, with a natural flow towards the magnificent pool area overlooking the bay.

A full day tour is awaiting for you to experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula while on a full day tour exploring the Cape of Good Hope and the Penguin Colony, and along the way you will most likely encounter wild baboon. You'll drive along the very scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline and through the seaside suburb of Camps Bay. You'll then continue on to the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, carved out of the rock along the coastline to the fishing village of Hout Bay. Here you'll have the option to get a boat ride for a close view to the Cape Fur Seal Colony (additional cost). You'll then continue to the Cape Peninsula National Park. Take a brisk walk to the view point of the lighthouse. From here you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Cape Hang lip, almost 80km out to sea and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. After lunch, we return to Cape Town via the coastal road along the False Bay. At Boulder's beach in Simonstown we visit a colony of African penguins. (BL)