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South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa - Trip code SGR Discovery
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443Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Tick the Garden Route off your bucket list on South Africa's most famous road trip. Get a view of Table Mountain from vibrant Cape Town, taste world-renowned wines in the Stellenbosch region and spot herds of elephants (as well as penguin colonies), as we travel via cities, beaches, deserts, and forests.

Why we love this trip
  • Stellenbosch - Taste world-famous wines as we explore the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands.
  • National Parks - Stay overnight at the coastal Tsitsikamma National Park and spot herds of Elephants on a safari in Addo Elephant National Park.
  • Hermanus - Visit the whale-watching capital of the world to catch a glimpse of the migrating mammals during the season.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 11

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Minibus

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    Accommodation

    1 nights comfortable cabins

    2 nights comfortable guesthouse

    7 nights comfortable hotel

    1 nights comfortable lodge

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

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    Wildlife rating

    Expect chance encounters!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Cape Town

Our tour starts today in Cape Town, South Africa's Mother City, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range. This vibrant city has a lot to offer but due to its ocean-side location visits to some of the highlights, including Robben Island and Table Mountain, can be weather-dependent. If you'd like to explore the city in depth before travelling down the Garden Route, we recommend adding a pre-tour stay for some extra time in Cape Town.

For those arriving in time, either your tour leader or a representative will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm to welcome the group and give you some local advice, including where to eat nearby. Due to different arrival times throughout the evening, the full welcome meeting with your tour leader often takes place on the morning of Day 2, after breakfast.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which is around a 40-minute drive from our hotel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to grab a bite to eat in the relaxed Bo Kaap area alongside Capetonians or explore the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the sunshine.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Explore Cape Peninsula National Park

Our full-day trip to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive along the coast towards the Cape of Good Hope, allegedly named due to the optimism once felt by arriving colonial sailors having successfully navigated the Cape and discovering a sea route to the Easter.

We'll stop at a variety of overlook points, including the iconic Camps Bay, a dramatic golden-sand beach with a backdrop of the iconic Twelve Apostles mountains.

We'll continue our coastal drive into Cape Peninsula National Park, exploring Cape Point and the lighthouse before driving along to the small fishing village of Simon's Town for lunch.

We'll then make our way back to Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Free day in Cape Town; evening in Stellenbosch

This morning is free for you to explore Cape Town more at your own pace, and there are plenty of options for you to pick from.

If you want to visit Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, this morning is the best time to go. Please note, you'll need to book in advance (please see the optional activities section of visit www.robben-island.org.za). There are three departures per day, and the 9am departure is the best option to fit with our itinerary.

Alternatively, the morning is also the best time to hike up Table Mountain. The favourable morning weather and temperatures make it a more enjoyable experience and you'll get breathtaking views over the Apostles, the Atlantic and the city below. The walk up to the viewpoint takes between three to four hours. There is also the option to take the aerial cable car to the top, which runs frequently to and from the summit, where a network of trails criss-crosses the plateau and provides a variety of vantage points.

While it's possible to visit Robben Island and take the cable car to Table Mountain in the same day, you won't have time to visit Robben Island and hike up Table Mountain. If you'd like to do both, you can book a pre-trip stay to give yourself more time. Please also note that both of these activities are weather-dependent and windy weather may change things. Table Mountain's cableway is closed for two weeks at the end of July for maintenance.

Another option is to take a trip to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, which claims to be the most beautiful garden in Africa and is devoted to the conservation of the Cape's indigenous species. Your Tour Leader will be able to give further local advice and recommendations on how to spend your time in Cape Town.

Late this afternoon, we'll leave Cape Town and head to the scenic winelands of Stellenbosch where you can relax with a local Chenin Blanc.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Free morning in Stellenbosch and winetasting at a local vineyard

There are no set plans for this morning, so you are free to explore Stellenbosch at your leisure. Consider visiting the University Botanical Gardens to learn about native plants, going curio shopping, or browsing the various galleries scattered throughout the town.

Stellenbosch is world-famous for its wine, and there's no better way to experience this than by visiting one of the many vineyards in the area, which is exactly what we will do in the afternoon. Depending on the season, your Tour Leader will select a suitable vineyard where we can sample several local wines while immersing ourselves in the unique South African wine culture.

Many of the estates feature spectacular gardens and farmland, providing opportunities for lunch and a leisurely stroll. There is also the option to take a guided tour of Stellenbosch Town, a great way to learn about the diverse cultures that have contributed to making Stellenbosch what it is today. As one of the oldest colonial settlements, this charming town boasts wide, oak-lined streets and beautiful whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture. You'll find many cafes, bars, and delis for lunch, most of which pride themselves on using local produce.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Travel to Hermanus via Stony Point's African Penguin Colony

This morning we make our way down to Hermanus, on the coast. A 90-minute drive takes us to the Betty's Bay area where we'll have an included visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve. This reserve sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, undiscovered feel, offering excellent penguin viewing without the crowds. The path can be followed over the craggy outcrops to see the resident seabirds up close without disturbing them.

We then continue to our accommodation in central Hermanus. This afternoon is free to explore the coastal town. From June to November, Hermanus offers some of the world's best shore-based whale watching, with good opportunities to spot southern right, Bryde's and humpback whales. Although there is a good chance of seeing the whales from the water's edge in town, you may prefer to follow the coastal path to a better vantage point or join a boat trip excursion for a closer view. At other times of the year, you might like to spend the day exploring the galleries and museums in Hermanus, which are easy to discover on foot, or enjoying the coastal views from the 8km walking path that runs right along the cliff edge.

This evening will be at your leisure, with a variety of excellent restaurants and wine bars to discover.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Visit Cape Agulhas. Spend the night in Barrydale

A 90-minute drive takes us to the southernmost point of the African continent this morning, where we see the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meeting in a crash of waves. Now marked by a stone plaque, the 'Cape of Needles' was once the site of various shipwrecks and a grave point of danger for European travellers. We'll have a little free time to explore the magnificent monument.

This afternoon, we continue towards Barrydale on the renowned Route 62 (one of the longest wine routes in the world). The Tradouw Pass (which means Women's Pass in the old Khoi language) is a 16 kilometre/10 mile-long drive, offering some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in this region of South Africa.

Barrydale is a scenic little place with the air of a Wild West frontier town about it. We'll stop here to break up our long drive to Oudtshoorn. If you have any time this evening or tomorrow morning, a walk around the backstreets reveals a couple of small art shops and some beautiful scenery. We have an included dinner tonight - local restaurants here have a big lunch trade but close around 5pm, so we'll enjoy some local food at our small hotel.

The total drive time today from Hermanus is approximately five hours

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Continue to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, ostrich capital of the world; visit the Cango Caves

After a late start in Barrydale, we continue our journey for around two hours to Oudtshoorn, driving past open farmland and winelands. This seemingly empty plain is in fact home to vast numbers of ostrich, and we'll likely spot them in the farms that run alongside Route 62 as we drive.

Oudtshoorn is the principal town in the Klein Karoo, which grew in the early 1900s thanks to its rich trade in ostrich feathers. We may have time to have a quick explore of the shops and the small curio museum before driving onto the huge limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. These caves are an underground network of extraordinary structures, millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and mighty rock columns. Allegedly, a local European farmer first discovered the caves late in the 18th century; however, there is research that proves the caves have been used by man as far back as the early Stone Age.

After a visit to the caves, we drive on to our countryside lodgings for the evening

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Guesthouse

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Take a beach walk with a guide from the Strandloper Project; admire the views at the Knysna Heads

Today we make our way back down to the coast and the start of the Garden Route proper, driving south through the town of George towards the ocean. At the small town of Sedgefield we'll stop at Swartvlei Beach where we'll have about an hour's walk along the wild and scenic coast with a guide from the Strandloper Project. This small project began in 2018 when a group of locals decided to organise a reef clean up to tackle the threats posed to the reef and native marine wildlife, from discarded fishing tackle. The project has expanded onto the land, and the volunteers now use microplastic collection data from the beach to lobby regional councils about their plastic waste. The walk on the beach is spectacular, and we'll learn not just about the project but also about the surrounding environment.

After our visit here we continue our drive to Knysna Heads Viewpoint, where two limestone cliffs emerge from the Indian Ocean, side by side, protecting a lagoon that runs inland from the turbulent sea.

We'll end the day in Plettenberg Bay, on the Indian Ocean. Today's total drive time is approximately three hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay

Today we take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site, where our Tour Leader will lead a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderately graded, and good stability and fitness are both essential. Rewards for tackling the rocky terrain, sand dunes and occasional steep steps are great - sweeping coastal views, beautiful golden sands, and the possibility to spot dolphins and seals playing in the waters below. From July to December there's also the chance to spot the southern right whales that come into the calmer and warmer waters to calve and nurse their young. For those who don't want to undertake the 5.5km loop with the Tour Leader, there is a shorter 2km loop, or you could simply enjoy the fantastic views from the clifftops.

After working up an appetite, we'll stop for a well-deserved lunch in Plettenberg Bay. Seafood is a favourite on the menu here - hake, meaty prawns or calamari washed down with a crisp white wine. Afterwards, the afternoon is free with the option to relax on the beach, shop for souvenirs or join a whale-watching excursion (in season).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Walk, kayak or discover the tree canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park

The wild coast of Tsitsikamma National Park awaits today, around a 45-minute drive away. Another hotspot for seasonal whale watching, the national park covers both land and sea, protecting important forest and marine areas, and offering stunning coastal views. We'll be staying in the Storms River region. Timings today may vary depending on a number of factors, but there is the opportunity here to take a short but steeply-stepped walk to a series of three suspension bridges that overlook the mouth of Storms River as it reaches the sea. You may also like to try your hand at zip wiring (a short drive out of the national park), or an adventurous river kayaking trip up the Storms River (this involves a walk of approximately 20 minutes carrying your paddle, jacket and helmet - it's a stunning river paddle but not a leisurely activity!)

Tonight we'll be staying in simply furnished chalets set either amongst the forest, or on the clifftop.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Cabins

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Experience a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park

We'll leave the Tsitsikamma area this morning for another of South Africa's national parks. It's a long drive of approximately three hours plus stops. Home to more than 600 elephants as well as lions, hyenas and Cape buffalos, Addo Elephant National Park is our last national park of the trip. On arrival, we'll swap into one of the park's safari trucks - perfect for the terrain and for capturing great wildlife shots - for a two-hour game drive with a park guide. Warthogs are abundant here, along with various species of antelope, zebra and of course elephant.

After our game drive, we'll make our way to our accommodation, which is located 20 minutes outside Addo Elephant National Park. Often our hosts here at the small, family-run property will treat us to a proper South African braai this evening, a fitting end to your Garden Route journey.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Guesthouse

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12 - Trip ends at Addo Elephant Park

Our trip ends after breakfast at our accommodation near Addo Elephant National Park.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Addo at any time. Check-out from our accommodation is at 10am. If you'd like a transfer today, you'll need to depart from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), which is a one-hour drive from Addo.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

South Africa

Climate

Mild throughout the year and can thus be visited year round. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters with rainfall. Summer runs from November to March, with temperatures averaging 22oC to 34oC. The months of April and October are generally warm and sunny. Winter is also a good time to visit as towns and sites are not so crowded and the countryside is more verdant, but it can be cold. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

3 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Afrikaans, English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Cape Town options:
Cape Town - Robben Island (3.5 hour tour) R600.00
Cape Town - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens R220.00
Cape Town - Table Mountain cable car from R420.00 return /R220.00 one way
Cape Peninsula - Seal Island boat trip R140.00

Hermanus - Seasonal Whale watching boat trip R900-R1100 depending on passengers.
Plettenberg Bay - Seasonal Whale watching boat trip R850.00 (June to November)

Tsitsikamma NP - Canopy trail R895.00 Kayaking R750.00

If you would like to book an excursion to Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated please use this link: http://www.robben-island.org.za It is very important that you book the ferry for day 3 of the tour. If there are spaces it is possible to book this excursion locally, but this is subject to availability.

All prices are per person in South African Rand and subject to change.


Clothing

Clothing should generally be lightweight for the day but remember to also take some warm clothing for the evenings especially between May - November.
All year round long trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket are recommended. Take swimwear and quick-dry towel.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes (or well broken in walking boots if planning to hike), trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling in.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Take a soft bag, holdall or suitcase. Please note porters may not be available at some accommodation and you will need to be able to carry your luggage to and from your room.
Also take a daypack for items needed during any walks or sightseeing.
Due to limited space in the luggage trailer please only travel with one main piece of luggage and one daypack/ day bag per person.

Equipment

Take a torch, sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are essential for bird watching. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary. It might also be helpful to pack a power pack in order for you to keep phones and tablets powered during your tour.
While tap water in South Africa's urban area is drinkable, some people may take a few days to acclimatise and thus may experience traveller's tummy. Therefore we recommend for you to travel with a reusable filtered water bottle such as the ones featured at Water-to-Go: https://www.watertogo.eu/explore


Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £30.00-35.00 per person for group tipping. If you have a separate driver the tip for them will also be included within this amount.

South Africa

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00
Dinner price
£15.00
Beer price
£2.00
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Rand.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take your money in a combination of cash and an ATM card. Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged at the airport.
Where To Exchange
Most towns or cities, your tour leader will advise you. If your trip is wildlife based and visits rural regions we strongly recommend to exchange money at the airport upon arrival for your trip.
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn on debit cards from ATM's in most South African towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
In large shops and restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Minibus

Accommodation notes

Accommodation on this trip ranges from small, family-run guesthouses to national park-owned chalets. They are individual and quirky in style, set in great locations, often with nice gardens or grounds and have en-suite facilities. The properties we use give a real flavour of traditional South African hospitality and we love supporting these smaller local businesses.
Some of the properties don't have A/C, but have floor or ceiling fans. At the De Poort Country Lodge, in the event of a larger group we may be split between the lodge and their sister property next door, which shares the same gardens and swimming pool.

Load shedding is the term used to describe short-term electricity outages, used as a last resort to balance the demand and supply of electricity across South Africa. Power outages typically last between two to four hours per day and can occur at any time, little notice is given to hotels and guesthouses. Whilst some of the properties we use have their own generators, most do not. Please be prepared for electricity outages during your stay in South Africa, and come along with a portable power bank.

Food and drink

South Africa is a nation of meat and fish lovers, but they also do a range of delicious and hearty salads. Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for but should expect options to be limited. Breakfasts are plentiful and varied. Gluten free and dairy free customers can also be catered for but should not expect substitutes to be available (eg GF bread or dairy free milk) in all locations, and instead should prepare simply to avoid these foods for the duration of the trip

South Africa

Food and drink

Dietary requirements: Most restaurants and hotels in South Africa do not have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices. There is usually a choice of salads and one main vegetarian and/or vegan main dish on the menus, but choice will be limited especially in more remote locations. If you have specific dietary requirements we do recommend for you to bring some food with you.

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens.
New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland.

All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry.

There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

South Africa

Vaccinations

Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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