2 Day Wildlife + Safari - Join Small Group - 2day Safari Tour | Hotspots2c
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Wildlife + Safari

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Duration of tour
2 days
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Transfer Type

Van
Departs when minimum requirements met
 

Overview

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Go wild in the Western Cape on an overnight trip with safari from Cape Town! Travel off the beaten track to immerse yourself in the African bush. The Western Cape offers the perfect backdrop for a wildlife encounter with guided ±2 hour 4x4 safari drive and ±1 hour bush drive in two prestigious private game reserves... as well as a chance to observe orphaned elephants in nature. You’ll also visit the ostrich capital of the world, Oudsthoorn and get a chance to try local delicacies for a taste of authentic local culture.

Learn more about the diversity of the African bush and her wildlife as your knowledgeable ranger shares nature’s secrets and teaches you about the region's fauna and flora. Set out on an open-topped 4x4 vehicle to search for buffalo, lion, rhino, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and more as you get closer to nature in this tranquil reserve. Another wildlife encounter takes you to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge for a shorter bush drive, and you can also choose an optional (with extra cost) Elephant Obervation in nature to you learn more about three charismatic orphaned elephants. End off your experience with a drive through the rugged Klein Karoo plains of South Africa’s famed Route 62.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
End

Cape Town / Stellenbosch
 
 

Why You'll Love It

  • Get close to nature as you learn more about indigenous plant species, insects, birds and wildlife on a Buffelsdrift 4x4 bush drive.

  • Observe orphaned African elephants at Buffelsdrift as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

  • Roadtrip along Route 62's semi-desert country plains with quirky pitstops along the way.

  • Spot some of Africa's Big Five on a 4x4 safari at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve.

Itinerary guideline

This itinerary guideline may need to run in reverse or a different order based on season or availability of accommodation or activities.
Day 1
Garden Route Region > Oudtshoorn > Karoo Region

Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town or Stellenbosch ( usually between +/- 6 and 8am, subject to the pickup route, traffic and your pickup address).

Your journey today will begin as you leave the silhouette of Table Mountain behind and trade it for the scenery of the Klein Karoo on the way to visit private game reserves near Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route region. The private game reserves are approximately 450 km (about 5-hour journey) from Cape Town will include extra rest stops along the way. On arrival, spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in a malaria-free private game reservemidway between Mossel Bay and George. Among the dense coastal renosterveldt landscape and Cape fynbos, search for giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife; including antelope species, birdlife and insects.

For an immersive bush experience, you may have time to hop off the safari vehicle (if weather allows and it is safe to do so) for an closer encounter with nature, focussing on smaller wildlife, birds or insects while the game ranger shares knowledge about the endemic plants of the area.

End off your day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. You’ll spend the evening here at leisure. Ask your guide to book an optional bbq "braai" dinner at the backpackers (subject to availability) to sample ostrich meat ("sosaties") and homemade bread ("pot brood"), or explore the region's other dining options to sample a variety of local dishes. The guide can help pre-book your dining preference with top local restaurants in Oudtshoorn.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
± 6hr
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Due to the differing locations of accommodation options - travelers will be transferred to their respective lodgings at the end of the tour day, potentially resulting in the group being separated based on their booked stay package's accommodation.

Day 2

A morning bush drive in an open-aired 4x4 at Buffelsdrift, a private game reserve on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, starts your day off with some fauna and flora. With the wind in your hair and a private ranger at the wheel, you’ll learn about the arid landscape and the wildlife that call it home. You could spot buffalo, giraffe, rhino, kudu, porcupine, caracals, meerkats, aardvark and the experience feels even more intimate in the open-air jeep. Rangers use their local knowledge to ensure you get the best out of the bush; so don’t be surprised if they jump out of the jeep and point out a tortoise or a lizard for the ultimate show and tell.

Those seeking a closer encounter with Mother Nature can join qualified elephant guides on an optional Elephant Observation optional activity in a natural setting. See  rescued elephants as they roam freely in their natural habitat next to a nearby waterhole. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to a private game reserve, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures and ask the guide as many questions as you like about elephant conservation or other interesting ellie facts.

End off the day with a drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world! Along this famous country road, you'll capture the beauty of high mountains, twisting passes, rugged Karoo plains, vineyards and orchards. The approximate 450 km (about 6 hour) journey is broken up with additional lunch and rest stops. You'll also stop at one of the many farm stalls along the way before arriving in Cape Town by late evening. 

 

End with a drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation between late afternoon and early evening (+/- 7 to 9pm), subject to traffic and your drop-off address.

Included

Shared Small Group or Private Closed Group

Only a small group allowed per vehicle or tour guide for scheduled tours.

Private tours offer exclusive transfers to tour highlights, and rates for private tours are subject to your preferred group size.

Local Guide

Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

Pickup + Drop-off

There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

Accommodation

1 night accommodation according to your stay package selected.

Breakfast

1x Breakfast is included

2Cchange donation

A part of your trip fees will help fund the 2Cchange projects we support. Read more about these projects online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/change 

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
  • Buffelsdrift 4x4 Bush Drive
  • Route 62

Excluded

✕ Optionals

Optional activities are not included but also not compulsory. It can be booked with the tour guide and paid directly to the activity provider on tour.

  • Elephant Observation in Nature ± R700 

± Rates for optional activities are only an indication and subject to change by season or third party suppliers.

Safari activities are shared with a group, unless a private safari activity add-on is requested at extra cost.

✕ Drinks and some meals

Refer to the included section above to see the meals listed as included for this tour. Time is allocated daily to buy and enjoy additional excluded meals + drinks on route.  

Read more about your tour's meal options at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#meals

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

This tour is scheduled to depart on available dates as listed on the availability calender, if minimums required are booked to confirm a departure. Refer to the tour's booking terms should the tour need to be cancelled for any reason.

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Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 10% deposit to reserve. Full payment 14 days prior.
*Buy Refund Protector policy for full refund

10% deposit or part payment is allowed up to 14 days before the departure date. Full payment is required to confirm a booking if made lass than 14 days before.

Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
14+ days notice: 100% refund
13 to 8 days notice: 50%*
7 days or less notice: 0%*
 

Full payment is due at least 14 days before the tour departure.

If there’s no other option than to cancel or change your booking, fees may be involved depending on how far ahead of the departure date you cancel.

  • 14+ days notice before departure = free cancellation 100% refund 
  • 13 to 8 days notice before departure = 50% refund*
  • Up to 7 days notice prior, no shows or early checkout = no refund*  

*Exception:  Buy the 10% non-refundable Refund Protector on the day of initial deposit to be eligible for a 100% refund up to 2+ day cancellation notice.

 

Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms  

Travel insurance is not included in tour fees, invest in good travel insurance to cover you if you need to cancel or change a tour date due to any reason.  

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total value of the booking. Booking changes; including date changes within 7 days of the booking date is seen as a cancellation and standard cancellation terms will apply. 

Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to the customer.

Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



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How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Can children (8+ years) join group tours?
– Children of 8+ years of age are allowed to join scheduled GROUP tour packages if travelling with a parent or adult.

– Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult or legal gaurdian and be booked in private rooms. Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to book in backpacker dorm rooms. 

- Children under 18 years of age are not allowed partake in some optional activities without the legal consent of their legal guardian or parent.  - Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to consume alcohol.  

– Families with small children or infants under 8 years of age can be booked on an exclusive ‘family-friendly’ tour package with exclusive transport.

- Children 8 years and older will be charged adult rates.

- There are no set age limits on scheduled group tour packages, the itiraries are designed to offer flexibility to all young-at-heart travellers. Some optional activities may however have specific fitness level requirements.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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