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The
Whale Trail Tour
8 Day (ref:4007)
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| DAY
1 – 3
On arrival at Cape Town International you collect your
1400cc vehicle from our airport depot and depart immediately
for the Magical Mother City – Cape Town. The impressive
presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary
Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly
above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along
a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula, which
is famed for its unique floral kingdom, bountiful rivers,
vleis and dams and magnificent countryside. The surrounding
area extends far into the wine lands. Cape Town is a
city of culture, built on a history that reflects in
the architecture, cuisine, music and dance. It is the
country's oldest and arguably most attractive city and
is the destination of choice for many travelers, both
internationally and domestically. Discover the delights
of Cape Town - cable car and hiking trails up Table
Mountain - boat trips around the harbour and to Robben
Island - 50km north to the wine route - the Cape Peninsular
nature reserve - the Castle and famous Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens - Parliament and the Company Gardens
- a wealth of museums and places of cultural interest
- fabulous beaches and not to be missed the vibrant
Waterfront with its many boat trips, restaurants and
shops where you can enjoy some 'Retail Therapy'. Your
4* hotel is situated in the hub of Cape Town; this distinguished
hotel is ideally positioned, making tourist attractions
easily accessible. The Hotel offers spacious and luxurious
rooms with grand views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill,
Cape Town Harbour and the City, each with a subtle combination
of modern sophistication and old-fashioned warmth. Board
basis is Bed and Breakfast. |
Selftours
offers two complimentary tickets for a boat trip out
to Seal Island. |
DAY
3 – 5
Hermanus is one of the Cape's most popular holiday destinations,
and is probably the best land based whale-watching destination
from the high cliffs along the South African coastline.
It plays host, in particular, to the giant Southern
Right Whales, which come close inshore during the winter
months to calf and mate. It is eminently worthwhile
strolling around the village itself. In Whale season,
you will probably see and hear what is believed to be
the world's only official 'whale crier', a herald with
placard and kelp horn who tells all within earshot of
the arrival and location of the whales. Twenty or more
whales have been observed at one time. Also of interest
is the Old Harbour once the lively centre of the fishing
industry. The Old Harbour though, is still there, maintained
as a kind of open air museum full of veteran working
boats lovingly restored to their original, sturdy condition,
and haven to an endearing collection of resident cape
fur seals. The stylish new museum gives a history of
the whales and is linked by underwater Hydrophones in
the Bay where you can hear the eerie call of the whales.
Here you can experience sophisticated relaxation in
the seaside town of Hermanus with its excellent climate.
All rooms have been redecorated, which are now spacious
and stylishly appointed, with all luxuries. Board
basis is Bed and Breakfast. |
DAY
5 - 6
You depart from Hermanus after breakfast on day 5 and
travel the short distance to Witsand, another of the
prime whale watching destinations. You travel the scenic
route via Malgas on a gravel road, where you will cross
the Breede River on the country's last hand-pulled pontoon
ferry and get the feel of timeless Africa. As Witsand
is only a 3 hour drive from Cape Town and 2 hours from
George half way between Cape Town and Knysna, it is
a welcome stop on your Garden Route tour. Your guest
house is situated on the Whale coast and is surrounded
by two natural phenomena - The Breede River Estuary
and the Ocean. Endless, white sandy beaches are available
for that long stroll and the San Sebastian Bay, which
your guest house overlooks, is the home of the Southern
Right Whales who can be viewed either from the beach,
or from your balcony. Witsand is a wonderful, unspoilt
seaside resort which offers the following attractions:
Safe bathing, Windsurfing, Rock and Surf Angling, Deep
Sea Fishing, Fly Fishing, Snorkel Diving, Spear Fishing,
Whale Watching, Kite surfing and Water skiing. Board
basis is Bed & Breakfast. |
DAY
6 - 8
‘Plett’, as it is fondly known, is a beach lover’s paradise.
Fairly wind-free, it has long stretches of soft sand
– perfect for sunset strolls – which give way gently
to azure seas that host catamarans and body-surfers,
boogie-boarders and further out, whales and dolphins.
Disc-shaped, pure white pansy shells, found only in
a very few places along the southern Cape coast, dot
the sandy shores. More than 37 species of whales and
dolphins have been recorded off the coast of Plettenburg
Bay. Because the Robberg Peninsula shelters the bay,
it is possible to see these marine mammals in fairly
calm waters by boat. There are many activities on offer
in Plettenberg Bay such as the ‘Nyati Distillery’, this
rustic distillery, turns out a unique range of ‘mampoer',
a powerful type of schnapps that was originally made
of local fruit but is now based on a much wider range
of fruit (notably on peaches). How about a sightseeing
flight over the Plettenburg Bay area in a motorised
glider? Now this is an experience to be savoured! The
Keurbooms River makes its way through the soaring gorges
and the beautiful Keurbooms River Nature Reserve just
north of Plettenberg Bay. Your hotel nestles on the
banks of the Keurbooms River Lagoon. Surrounded by the
natural beauty of the Garden Route, where bottle-nose
dolphins play in the bay and the Tsitsikamma forest
beckons. Board basis is Bed and Breakfast. |
DAY
7 – ‘CLOSE ENCOUNTER’ tour
Today you board “Fatboy” the only licensed
boat that is permitted within 50m of the whales.
Situated in Plettenberg Bay one of SA’s most
diverse bays. The sheltered, warm waters attract
a multitude of marine species from the endangered
African Oystercatcher to juvenile hammerhead
sharks and thousands of Common dolphins, which
come into the bay to feed. Local skippers
and tour guides provide a personalized service
and give insight into the wide spectrum of
marine life and geology of the area. The tour
begins with a unique dry launch into the surf
zone and ends with a ride straight back onto
the beach. We are fortunate to have Humpback
Whales between April and January and Southern
Right Whales between July and November. Bryde’s
whales are seen along our coastline ALL year
round, so there is always a chance of getting
‘up close and personal’ with the whales.
DAY
8
Today you travel back down the Garden Route
to Cape Town International, drop your vehicle
at our airport depot and bid a fond farewell
to the Mother City.
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What
is included in your package
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Up market en suite accommodation
including full English breakfast.
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Car hire with unlimited free
mileage and maximum comprehensive insurance.
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A complimentary boat trip out
to Dyer Island to see the Seal’s.
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A Close Encounter Boat trip to
see the Whales.
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Selftours South African Road
map Atlas covering your tour area.
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Our in-house "Things to
do and View" in the areas you will be travelling
with phone numbers and, where possible, entrance
fees if applicable.
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Various brochures to introduce
you to activities in your tour area.
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Your car is collected from the
airport and on departure returned to the airport.
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Cape Town Table Mountain tour cable car trip and tour of Cape
Point |
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