singles travel group vacation to south africa with erik's adventures

- South Africa Singles Tour 10 days

Situated on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. It has a wealth of natural beauty, pristine wilderness, warm and friendly people, cosmopolitan cities and excellent infrastructure - making South Africa a favorite safari destination. South Africa is bordered to the north by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the north-east by Mozambique and Swaziland.

Itinerary for 10 days (September 2007)

Sep 21st (Fri) Depart USA

Sep 22nd (Sat)Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel to rest and unwind from your flight.

Cape Town has traditionally been the gateway between Europe and Southern Africa and this is still evident in its atmosphere, its playful character, its people and even its architecture. The 'Mother City' as it's known locally has no shortage of attractions. It's a magnetic, multi-cultural city with an array of diverse offerings within a small, accessible area, surrounded by spectacular topography. Spectacular beaches, mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity), hiking, water-sport, shopping centers, markets, theatres, museums, historical & cultural attractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries, night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance of activities to suite all, are prolific in this world-class destination.

Afternoon and Evening at leisure to explore Cape Town

Overnight stay at the Park Inn Greenmarket Square or similar.

Sep 23rd (Sun)Cape Town (B)
This morning proceed on a full day tour of Cape Peninsula. Travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve , visit Cape Point where two marine ecosystems and oceans are said to meet. Thereafter travel through the historic naval based town of Simon's Town and visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. Continue to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which was established as a centre for the preservation & study of the indigenous flora of Southern Africa. All year round one can enjoy glorious living displays of wild flowers & the magnificent collection of Cycads, silver trees & other shrubs, plants & trees.

Enjoy a 35 minute boat cruise to Duiker Island - this small island is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape Fur seals as well as a variety of seabirds including Cormorants and Gulls. The boat trip takes you within arm's reach of the seals that seem to know they're the centre of attention. Watch the seals dive and twist with amazing speed and agility. The trip back provides beautiful views of Hout Bay set at the foot of the steeply sloped Sentinel Mountain.

Return to your hotel via Chapmans Peak drive (Depending on the weather & road safety conditions). Evening at leisure in Cape Town.

Overnight stay at the Park Inn Greenmarket Square or similar.

Sep 24th (Mon)Cape Town / Hermanus (B)
This morning travel along the beautiful False Bay coastal route via Gordons Bay towards Hermanus. Hermanus is the world famous seaside resort where Southern Right whales gather yearly to produce their young. Awesome displays of courtship, lob tailing and spy hopping can be seen as close as a few feet from the shore.

Dinner is not served at the Whale Rock Lodge but you may opt to enjoy dinner at the Bientangs Cave restaurant situated in a cave on the waters edge. http://www.bientangscave.com/

Overnight stay at Whale Rock Lodge or similar - www.whalerock.co.za

Sep 25th (Tue)Hermanus / Oudtshoorn (B)
After breakfast depart for Oudtshoorn known as the Ostrich Capital of South Africa. Surrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range. Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kamanassie ranges around the town.

Arrive in Oudtshoorn and check in to your hotel.

This afternoon visit the Cango Ostrich Farm - providing the ultimate "ostrich experience" with thousands of ostriches to view from incubation stage to full grown adults.

Overnight stay at De Opstal or similar - http://www.deopstal.co.za/about/index.htm

Sep 26th (Wed)Oudtshoorn / Knysna (B)
This morning visit the Cango Caves - one of the world's great natural wonders sculptured by nature through the ages, mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colors, a subterranean wonderland.

Thereafter travel to Knysna, nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the 'Garden Route', South Africa. It is surrounded by a natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches, making it a real natural wonderland.

This afternoon visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique private Nature Reserve, encompasses the whole of the Western Head of Knysna and is one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites. It is home to two of the Garden Route's icons, namely the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker, one of Africa's smallest antelope species. Other wildlife found on the Reserve include Cape Mountain Tortoises, Blue Cranes (South Africa's national bird), rare Black African Oyster Catchers (listed in the endangered Red Data List), White breasted cormorant, Bushbuck and more!

Overnight stay at Knysna Hollow or similar - www.knysnahollow.co.za

Sep 27th (Thu)Knysna / Plettenberg (B)
After breakfast travel to Plettenberg Bay a place of tranquil, charm and hospitality. Originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay is characterized by sweeping, golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and sparkling, unpolluted rivers and sea. With its exceptional climate, and beautiful vistas of the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for visitors interested in exploring or just relaxing.

This afternoon visit Monkeyland situated east of Plettenberg Bay. This primate sanctuary is unique in that it not only provides protection and a home for the indigenous species of primate, but for species from several other continents.

All the monkeys at Monkeyland come from captive conditions, either rescued from laboratories, caged pets or zoo animals. After rehabilitation and a reintroduction period the primates are released into Monkeyland's magnificent Tsitsikamma-type forest thus spending the remainder of their lives as free-roaming primates.

Thereafter visit the Elephant Sanctuary, a brand new interactive elephant experience situated in the Garden Route, specialize in up close and personal educational tours. The focus is on interaction, so guests not only learn a lot about elephants, they also get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and even ride these magnificent animals.

Overnight stay at NH Plenttenberg Bay or similar - http://www.nh-hotels.co.za/

Sep 28th (Fri)Plettenberg / Kariega Game Reserve (B/L/D)
This morning embark on a cruise boat and view the Dolphins.

Thereafter depart for Kariega Game Reserve via Port Elizabeth airport. The game reserve is located in pristine surroundings, the tranquility and splendor in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The sanctuary to abundant game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species, including nesting Martial, Crowned and Fish Eagles, this 6000 hectare private game reserve is a must, for those seeking the retreat and the thrill of the great outdoors and an African Safari vacation of a lifetime.

Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, you cannot get closer to nature than in this wondrous African wilderness, in the heart of the 1820 Settler Country, with its rich historical heritage.

Arrival time at the reserve in time for lunch, after lunch you can relax and take in the magnificent views from your chalet or luxury suite.

At 4 pm you are met by an experienced Ranger in an open vehicle and you set out into the reserve for an evening safari. Kariega is home to abundant birdlife and game and you will enjoy wonderful sightings of Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, hippo, hyena, Giraffe, Zebra and numerous antelope species.

Sundowners are served in the tranquil surroundings of the African bushveld and you then return to the Lodge where you can unwind in front of warm log fires and enjoy sumptuous cuisine.

Overnight stay at Kariega Game Godge, which comprises of luxurious and spacious log chalets, all en-suite with their own viewing decks and some with private pools. Here you can enjoy complete privacy, spectacular views and intimate contact with nature.

http://www.kariega.co.za/accommodation_game_lodges_kariega.htm

Sep 29th (Sat)Kariega Game Reserve (B/L/D)
Awaken to the beauty of Africa and depart at 06:00 am for a game drive. Enjoy a late breakfast at approximately 09:00 am, upon your return to the Lodge.

Between breakfast and lunch you can simply relax or choose between hosts of additional activities:

* Game viewing on mountain bikes
* Canoeing safari on the Kariega River
* Numerous hiking trails, guided or unguided

After lunch you can enjoy a siesta and at 4:00 pm you once again depart on a game drive, followed by dinner in your Lodge or outdoor boma.

Overnight stay at Kariega Game Godge.

Sep 30th (Sun)Kariega Game Reserve / USA (B)
Breakfast and at leisure (check is at 10:00 am)
Transfer to Port Elizabeth airport for your onward flight to USA.

"End of Tour"

Land Cost includes:-
Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary or similar on sharing basis.
Transportation by luxury vehicle with an English speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch and D - dinner).
All meet and greet services.
All arrival and departure transfers.

Cost does not include:-
International air tickets with applicable taxes.
Visa fees.
Tips and gratitude's.
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
Personal medical and travel insura