South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  The travel style for this tour is 'Classic'.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The physical rating is 3. The journey is not physically demanding; however, travelling can involve long drives and poor road conditions at times. Most clients feel the diversity of the African landscape, cultures, and wildlife are well worth the experience.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travellers.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation is in hotels for 10 nights. These offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and Wi-Fi. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?

  The CEO's role is to make your travels hassle-free, provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited.

• What are the arrangements for solo travellers?

  Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, and there is no single supplement cost. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange?

  The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Local currency can be obtained by changing foreign currency (USD, GBP, EUR are widely accepted, but USD notes older than 2006 are not) or using ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but are not widely accepted elsewhere, and a 5-10% fee may apply. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is recommended. Always carry an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• What are the tipping guidelines on this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program and serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service. Guidelines (per person): CEO: $5-8 USD per day; Local guides: $2-3 USD per day; Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD per day; Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of the bill.

• How do we travel between destinations on the tour?

  Transportation is primarily by private, comfortable, and safe air-conditioned vehicles, and also includes walking. This allows the group to travel with ease, offering opportunities to stop and view sites or wander around.

• What health information should I be aware of before traveling?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or a local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers are advisable. A Yellow Fever certificate is compulsory if you are travelling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication (prophylaxis) combined with insect repellent is recommended.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is strongly recommended.

• What are the main highlights or activities included in this tour?

  Highlights include a safari drive in Addo Elephant National Park, a CEO-led hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, a visit to the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma, a walk in Robberg Nature Reserve on the Gap Circuit, visiting the iconic Knysna Heads, a scenic drive with stops in Mossel Bay and Barrydale, an included outdoor lunch and wine tasting at a Barrydale vineyard, a walk up Signal Hill, and a cable car ride to Table Mountain in Cape Town.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include: in Tsitsikamma, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, seasonal whale watching, or whitewater tubing; in Knysna, an oyster tour; in Franschhoek, a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or a winery visit. In Cape Town, optional activities include Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes, Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour, Cape Point Explorer Day Tour, and West Coast Explorer Day Tour.

• Is it possible to do laundry during the trip?

  Yes, you can ask your CEO to arrange laundry services where available.

• What safety and security considerations should I keep in mind?

  Always look after your personal items, avoid leaving valuables visible in a car or hotel room, and lock your hotel room door. Do not carry large amounts of cash or display flashy jewellery. Keep your passport and important documents locked up in your room/safe. Always carry enough bottled water. When viewing wildlife, do so from the safety of your vehicle. In cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis. Participate in water-based activities only when accompanied by a guide, and swimming is always at your own risk.

• Are drones allowed on this tour?

  No, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• Are there any specific rules regarding behavior on the trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated and can lead to expulsion. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to the tour's philosophy and is not acceptable. The CEO has the right to expel any group member violating these rules.