Travel for Exploration & Conservation
Our Travel for Exploration and Conservation tour is a self-drive adventure through South Africa that makes your travel matter!
Along the way you will visit game reserves and enjoy excursions that are committed to the conservation and preservation of our planet’s natural wonders. Sustainable travel is fast becoming the only way to travel and by booking with us you combine the best of both worlds, contributing and exploring.
Tour Notes:
- This quotation is based on a minimum of 2 guests sharing
- Rates are RACK & commissionable to international tour operators
- Rates and services are strictly subject to availability at the time of booking
- Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended
Tour Includes
- Silver service meet and greet
- 9 days Bidvest Group B car hire including insurances
- 3 nights at Three Boutique Hotel in a Luxury Room on a bed and breakfast basis
- Shark-cage diving excursion in Gaansbaai including return transfers
- 2 nights at Gondwana Kwena Lodge in a Kwena Lodge Room on a full board plus 2 activities basis
- 1 night Robberg Beach Lodge in a Luxury Room on a bed and breakfast basis
- 2 hour close encounter whale tour with Ocean Blue Safaris (excursion only available 01 June 2020 until 15 December 2020)
- 2 nights at Hillsnek Safari Camp in a Safari Tent/Family Tent on a fully inclusive basis (Hillsnek Safari Camp will be closed 01 June 2020 until 30 June 2020)
Tour Excludes
- All other airfares, air reservations and airport taxes
- All other accommodation
- All other meals
- All other transport
- All other sightseeing
- Gratuities for meals, tourist guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls and laundry
- Any other services not mentioned
Day One
Cape Town
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by a representative and given all of your travel documents as well as be assisted with collecting your rental vehicle. You will then drive to the Three Boutique Hotel.
The Three Boutique Hotel is housed in a beautifully restored National Monument Building. It has molded the best elements of the old and the new and is now boutique luxury in the heart of Oranjezicht. This leafy suburb is a few minutes from Table Mountain and Signal Hill and the attractions that make Cape Town such an attractive city. The hotel has a two-tone tiled swimming pool, a large shaded seating area and a roof deck for the sun worshippers. There is also a bar and a dining area. This is a boutique hotel that sets a high standard in service and attention to detail.
Day Two
Cape Town
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Gaansbaai for a day spent shark cage diving and be transferred back to your hotel when you are done.
Come face to face with one of nature’s apex predators, the Great White Shark. This once in a lifetime experience is designed for both divers and non-divers. You will meet at the Dive Lodge in Kleinbaai and have a safety briefing on current sightings, indemnities, wet suits and equipment and then board the catamaran. Every dive is different and Great Whites are nomadic creatures. With estimated numbers at less than 5000, seeing them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable and fortunate moment. Conservation is key on these excursions and there is a strong emphasis on being educated about Great Whites and the efforts being made to ensure their future survival. After approximately three hours, you will return to shore for some comfort food and a chance to regroup on the day’s excitement.
Day Three
Cape Town
After breakfast, you will have the day at your leisure.
Day Four and Day Five
Mossel Bay
After breakfast, you will continue on your road trip to the beginning of the Garden Route in Mossel Bay. You will spend two nights at Gondwana Game Reserve at Gondwana Kwena Lodge.
Gondwana Game Reserve is a wilderness reserve. The reserve holds the title of being the only Fynbos reserve in the world and is malaria-free. Gondwana Kwena Lodge forms part of the accommodation offering at the reserve and is a luxury safari adventure. The lodge facilities include a large infinity swimming pool, a chic open-plan lounge and bar and is well renowned for its dining. You can expect bush breakfasts, romantic picnics, evening barbeques and relaxing sundowners.
Gondwana Game Reserve is home to the Gondwana Conservation Foundation and they focus on the preservation of endangered wildlife as well as endangered vegetation. Gondwana Game Reserve is the home of Fynbos, the most critically endangered vegetation type. They also run programs for education and community upliftment.
Day Six
Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast your road trip continues to Plettenberg Bay for a nights’ stay at the Robberg Beach Lodge.
The Robberg Beach Lodge is a luxury beach lodge in Plettenberg Bay, a coastal paradise along the Garden Route. Sky, beaches, lagoons, ocean and the beauty of unspoilt nature inspire here. The Robberg is an understated and exclusive retreat from the bustling modern world and is right on the Blue Flag beach, Robberg. This beach lodge has two swimming pools when the ocean doesn’t beckon, two lounges and two honesty bars for enjoying the simple pleasure of relaxation. The Robberg has a rooftop viewing deck that is a popular place for soaking in the pristine views and savouring breathtaking sunsets. Robberberg Beach Lodge is also within a close distance to Plettenberg Bay’s restaurants, galleries, coffee shops and bars.
Day Seven and Day Eight
Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast your road trip continues to Plettenberg Bay for a nights’ stay at the Robberg Beach Lodge.
The Robberg Beach Lodge is a luxury beach lodge in Plettenberg Bay, a coastal paradise along the Garden Route. Sky, beaches, lagoons, ocean and the beauty of unspoilt nature inspire here. The Robberg is an understated and exclusive retreat from the bustling modern world and is right on the Blue Flag beach, Robberg. This beach lodge has two swimming pools when the ocean doesn’t beckon, two lounges and two honesty bars for enjoying the simple pleasure of relaxation. The Robberg has a rooftop viewing deck that is a popular place for soaking in the pristine views and savouring breathtaking sunsets. Robberberg Beach Lodge is also within a close distance to Plettenberg Bay’s restaurants, galleries, coffee shops and bars.
Excursions on Day Seven
Whale Watching Eco-Boat Trip - Only available from 01 June until 15 December - Yearly
The whale watching eco-boat trip is one of great ocean excitement. This adventure starts at Central Beach and the boat is launched and heads past the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms beach to Arch Rock. Along the way it’s not uncommon to encounter the likes of Bottlenose and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins. From Arch Rock, the boat heads into the middle of the bay and this is where, in season, Southern Right and Humpback whales frolic. This boat trip also affords the opportunity to see the growing Cape Fur Seal colony and the Beacon Island Hotel, which was the site of an original whaling station and then makes its way back to Central Beach.
Dolphin and Marine Tour – Only available 16 December until 31 May - Yearly
The Dolphin and Marine Tour is an exploration of the ocean and its wild inhabitants. This ocean safari will start with a pre-briefing and then once you are on board, it’s a launch in the big blue. On this particular trip, the boat goes in search of Bottlenose dolphins and the rare Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins. There have even been sightings of some shark species.
