Group Size: 8-14 participants

km = kilometer & am = altitude meter

Day 1              Welcome to Cape Town

Your German-speaking tour guide welcomes you at the airport. After a short drive to the hotel your South African adventure already starts. First stop: Table Mountain. The cable car takes you up the 1087m high landmark of the city which a few years ago was voted one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Walk across the plateau and enjoy the panoramic views over Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Should the weather not allow going up the mountain, you take a guided tour of the city. During a welcome dinner you get to know the other participants. Your accommodation for the next two nights is Rosedene Guest House. (D)

Rosedene Guest House

Distance by bus 20 km, duration 0.5 h

Day 2              Cape of Good Hope

In the morning you take a guided tour through the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden with its tremendous botanical variety. After a briefing by your tour guide, you cycle on your e-bike in the Cape of Good Hope National Park, through unspoiled countryside to the wind-protected Atlantic coast, where you enjoy a picnic. You can always cool down in the sea, don’t forget your swimming gear. You continue by bike to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of the country and out of the park again to the beautiful beach of Scarborough, a perfect place for some snacks. (B,L)

Rosedene Guest House

Distance by bike 42 km, 560 am, tar

Distance by bus 90 km, duration 2 h

Day 3              City and township tour

During a city tour you visit District 6 and the Castle of Good Hope. From here you walk to the old town hall, stroll through Greenmarket Square and the Malay Quarter. After taking in so many impressions the Company’s Garden is an oasis of peace. After a short transfer you cycle along the quiet and tree-lined suburb of Pinelands to the township of Langa. An additional local guide introduces you to the life of the people in more detail. Your tour bus takes you to your next accommodation in Stellenbosch. At L’Avenir Country Lodge where you stay for 2 nights, you finish the day with a wine tasting in the beautiful countryside. (B,L)

L’Avenir Country Lodge

Distance by bike 10 km, 30 am, tar

Distance by bus 40 km, duration 0.5 h

Day 4              Cycling in the wine region of Stellenbosch

Today you start cycling from your accommodation past seemingly endless vineyards towards Stellenbosch. Looking at the beautiful landscape and the beautiful weather, it soon becomes obvious why South African wines are so delicious. Arriving in Stellenbosch, you see the many Victorian houses. Explore the cozy village by bike and on foot and stop for lunch. Afterwards you cycle to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Capensis. In the afternoon experience a wine tasting at a local winery. You spend your night again at the L’Avenir vineyard. (B,L)

L’Avenir Country Lodge

Distance by bike 28 km, 350 am, tar

Distance by bus 15 km, duration 0.25 h

Day 5              Flight to Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport KMIA)

Short transfer to Cape Town Airport. Direct flight from Cape Town to the famous Kruger National Park. After arrival transfer to the beautifully situated Hippo Hollow Country Estate in the tropical lowlands. Fertile bushland alternates with farmland producing bananas, macadamia, mango and oranges. Depending on your arrival time, in the afternoon you are free to relax at the pool. (B)

Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Distance by bus 60 km, duration 1 h

Day 6              Safari in the Kruger National Park

After a small snack in the early morning, when the animals are most active you take an open safari vehicle to one of Africa’s most famous national parks. The park covers half the size of Switzerland and is home to large numbers of mammals, birds and insects due to its great variety of landscapes. You have two days to explore the park. You take breakfast and lunch in the park. In the late afternoon you return to your lodge where you can relax at the pool. (B)

Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Duration of the safari incl. breaks 9 h

Day 7              More Safaris in the Kruger National Park

Another morning safari takes you into a different part of the park. The afternoon is at your disposal. A special excursion is a bush safari with rehabilitated elephants. (optional) (B)

Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Duration of the safari incl. breaks7 h

Day 8              Cycling along the Blyde River Canyon

A transfer takes you to the small town of Graskop and on to the Gods Window viewpoint. Weather permitting you can see as far as Mozambique from here. Back on the bike you first cycle to the Lisbon Waterfall and then on to the Bourkes Luck whirlpools. These fascinating formations were created by the wild waters at the confluence of the rivers Joy and Sorrow. After a picnic and a short transfer, you enjoy the impressive 3 Rondavels Viewpoint into South Africa’s largest canyon before cycling down into the lowlands. A transfer takes you back to the lodge. (B,L)

Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Distance by bike 66 km, 720 am, tar

Distance by bus 150 km, duration 3 h

Day 9              Cycling through the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

A beautiful drive takes you through the lowlands to the border of the Kingdom of Swaziland/eSwatini. This small country is landlocked by South Africa and Mozambique. You continue through the green hills and mountains to the capital Mbabane, where you can visit the local food market. Below Mbabane waits the beautiful Ezulweni Valley, home to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the oldest reserve in the country. You enjoy a safari by bike, a unique experience, yet absolutely safe, as there are no big cats or mammals present. You are accommodated in the traditionally built Beehive Huts. Should they not be available, you stay in one of the 4* hotels in the valley. (B,L)

Mlilwane Game Reserve

Distance by bike 15 km, 200 am, gravel road

Distance by bus 275 km, duration 4.5 h

Day 10 Cycling through the uSuthu forest

A transfer takes you to the uSuthu forest in the mountains above the capital. From here you enjoy a beautiful descent into the midlands on your bike. You are passing many self-supporting Swazi farms along the way. You can buy fresh pineapple, bananas, papaya and nuts at the local stalls along the road. Your final destination today is the Swazi Art and Craft Centre. Among other items the beautiful Swazi candles are produced there. You can watch the artists while they work on them. (B,L)

Mlilwane Game Reserve

Distance by bike 36 km, 350 am, tar

Distance by bus 60 km, duration 1.25 h

Day 11 Safari in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Passing villages and sugar cane fields you get back into South Africa into beautiful Zululand. In our own vehicle you go on a safari through the iMfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park, world famous for its successful species protection program for white and black rhinos. In addition to the Big 5 lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo, you can also find the beautiful lowland Nyala, an antelope species native to this area. For the next two nights you stay at the beautiful Umlilo Lodge 4* in the seaside resort St. Lucia, located directly next to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park. (B,L)

Umlilo Lodge

Distance by bus 370 km, duration including safari 7 h

Day 12 Day on the beach

In the morning you join a boat trip on the St. Lucia Lagoon. The mixed sea and sweet water are home to crocodiles and hippos, as well as the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and many other bird species. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, a hike in the rainforest or a visit to the township by bike – with a very dedicated teacher couple – are your options. (B,D)

Umlilo Lodge

Distance by bike 16 km, 90 am, tar/gravel road

Distance by bus 10 km, duration 0.25 h

Day 13 Goodbye, South Africa!

In the morning you shuttle to the airport in Durban. Departure via Johannesburg. (B)

Distance by bus 220 km, duration 3 h

Accommodation subject to availability

Passport required

No vaccinations required

Malaria prophylaxis recommended. e.g. Malarone