Cape to Kalahari Tour
12 Days, 11 Nights
Talana Tours devised this tour to show visitors to South Africa the areas less
traveled. The reason for this was twofold. Firstly for those who have visited before it
gives them a reason to come back. Secondly for the visitor who is looking to experience
the magic that is South Africa, but who is prepared to venture off the much-used Cape
Town-Garden Route and Kruger Park itinerary. This experience offers an opportunity to
indulge and interact with South Africans and the environment in a natural and unspoiled
way. The Tour which lasts 12 Days Starts in Cape Town and then makes its way up the West
Coast and on into the Northern Cape and Back to Cape Town.
So what makes the tour so different?
Could it be the West Coast? An area with its
particular landscape, a distinctive and unusual region with its own attractions, people
and lifestyles. Until recently this region was largely without water, this has kept the
long white beaches unspoiled and undeveloped. The land itself has certain unique features,
Fynbos, consisting of a huge variety of different plants. The floral splendor of the
Namaqualand, which is transformed in the spring, is a sight to behold as the veld is
covered with an incomparable floral mosaic of many colors. Its own culinary style, here
the seafood has no equal, its wines are distinctive, its fruit are all magnets, which
draws people in the know to this region. Mission stations, which reflect its own unique
history, spectacular mountain passes. Small fishing villages in remote areas which
constitute the lifeblood for many people of the area. This nutrient rich coastline has an
abundance of sea life rivaled by very few places on earth, migrating whales visit this
area from June to December. A birdwatchers paradise, this region is unique it presents the
visitor with an unequaled diversity of activities and natural beauty.
The Northern Cape is renowned for its Kalahari scenery and being
home to the ‘first people’ the San-Bushmen, it is undoubtedly South
Africa’s most unusual tourist destination. Completely different from other areas of
South Africa, it is a destination of surprises.
Who would expect a desert to boast two of the countries biggest
rivers. It is home to one of the biggest concentration of Vineyards in the Country, the
sixth highest waterfall in the country. The KGALAGADI TRANFRONTIER PARK,
at 3.7 million hectares is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, crossing
the Countries of South Africa and Botswana. Home to countless species of antelope as well
as the famous Black maned Lion, the largest concentration of raptors in South Africa and
its famous red sand dunes the parks distinctiveness and character will endure in the
memory for ever. In addition we visit the impressive Fish River Canyon in Namibia - the
second largest canyon in the world. With endless vistas and wide-open spaces this area is
rich in history and is sure to leave an impression that will bring you back!
Day 1 - Welcome to the
Mother City
Overnight: Cape Town
Meals: None
 On arrival you will be transferred
to your guesthouse where you will have time to freshen up before we embark on an
orientation tour of the Mother City. The tour itself takes in the classic sites and
buildings of Cape Town since its establishment in 1652, which in South African terms is a
long time. The tour includes The Castle of Good Hope, the Parliament Buildings, Company
Gardens, the Anglican church made famous by Bishop Tutu as well as the Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront. Back to the Hotel it’s a short walk for an early Dinner at the
nearby V&A Waterfront
Day 2
- Wine Mountains and More!
Overnight: Darling
Meals: Dinner
After an early breakfast we make our way Paarl.
At the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite
domes from which it takes its name this town is an important agricultural and commercial
center-yet it retains an atmosphere of quite tranquility. We visit the Language monument
(only one in the world) from here we learn about the towns history whilst enjoying a
spectacular view of the town. We move on through the town’s main street with its many
preserved Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, the town enjoys a rich
architectural heritage.
Next Stop is nearby Wellington steeped in 300 years of history and
tradition. We visit the SAD (South African Dried Fruit Industry) which was founded here in
1890. These local delights are exported all over the world and we visit the shop to try
out some of the products.
We continue on the through the Bainskloof Pass, a spectacular Scenic
drive that is worth seeing for its dramatic view sights. We arrive in Tulbagh set in an
exquisite mountain setting this lovely historical town is a star attraction. We visit
Church Street, which has the greatest concentration of national monuments in the country,
but where nearly completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1969. All were saved, however,
by an exceptional restoration project. We stop for lunch at Paddagang (frog’s way)
this establishment has served as a wine house and source of country cuisine since 1821.
For those who are not interested in walking through the town’s historical center, the
restaurant has a winetasting area where one can sample wines from the area! After lunch we
carry on through mountain passes and wheat fields to the small town of Riebeek Kasteel,
surrounded by vineyards and olive groves is a hospitable mix of Potters, artists and
farmers. We stop at the little Vineyard of Kloovenburg for some Olive tasting, one has the
option to try their wines and maybe buy some of the olive by products. After our tasting
we arrive at the Town of Darling where we overnight. This town is a seasonal kaleidoscope
of beauty with much to see and do. We check into our accommodation, time is available to
walk through the town. Supper at the guesthouse, where we'll sample local cuisine
blended with wine from the area.
Day 3 - The Mountains of the Cederberg
Overnight: Clanwilliam
Meals: Dinner
 Lots to see and do so we
will leave early. Driving through the wheat growing areas of Mooreesburg we arrive at
Citrusdal, where we stop for Tea/Coffee. This bustling town is the gateway to the
Cederberg. It nestles between fragrant citrus orchards and Majestic Mountains. The Citrus
industry is the lifeblood of the town and is hive of activity during the winter months as
the harvest is gathered and packed. We continue onto Clanwilliam set in the heart of the
Cederberg Mountains, this town is also well know for its Rooibos tea and is one of the
oldest towns in the country. On arrival in the town we go over the Pakhuis Pass and into
the Cederberg wilderness area. We stop at the Englishmen’s grave before we continue
through the valley to the mission station town of Wuppertal, all the while we witness the
unique rock formations of this Area. On arrival in the town founded by the Moravian Church
we visit the old church and visit the shoe factory, which has its origins in the early
beginnings of the town. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Lekkerbekkie tearoom before we make
our way back. Destination The Sevilla rock art trail, here we will overnight in a rustic
environment surrounded by the majestic Cederberg range. Here one has the opportunity to go
on a 3km-hiking trail where we have the opportunity to witness 9 San rock art paintings.
Supper is enjoyed at our accommodation.
Day 4
- The Strandveld and Coast
Overnight: Clanwilliam
Meals: Dinner
An early rise we make our way back over the Pakhuis pass, through
the Clanwilliam and onto the Elandsberg Eco-Tourism project. This 2-Hour Guided tour on
the Farm Groenkol is part of the Big Five Rooibos Company, magnificent views of the
Cederberg range are obtained from just about every spot on the farm, with the Atlantic
ocean being visible on clear days. This tour for small groups provides and informed
experience of the Fynbos, rock formations and the cultivation and processing of the
Rooibos Tea, for which this area is famous. Next stop is Lamberts Bay, this seaside
village is in the heart of Crayfish country, but its big attraction is Bird Island, where
one can view gannets, cormorants and penguins and seals in their natural state, the island
attracts ornithologists from all over the world. After some tea and coffee in the center
we move on through the Strandveld and adjacent coastline to the Town of Doringbaai. Lunch
will be taken here, a small and cosy restaurant where we get the chance to sample some of
the seafood, which has become synonymous with the area. After lunch we take a stroll down
to the Crayfish Factory for a short but informative tour of the process involved from
catching to getting the product ready for the export market. An option for a short walk
along the coastline is available, your transport will await you further down the road. We
overnight in Vredendal our accommodation overlooks the Olifants river and the vineyards
here one can unwind and take a refreshing drink at the pool. Supper at the Guest House
 Day 5 - Hello Northern
Cape And Namibia
Overnight: Holiday flats Ai-Ais
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We depart north through the Namaqualand via Garies, Kammieskroon and
Springbok to Vioolsdrift Border post where we cross the Orange River into Namibia on our
way to Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort. Relax in warm pools and spa.
 Day 6 - Fish River
Canyon and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Overnight: Chalets at Molopo Lodge
Meals:Breakfast and Dinner
We visit the second largest canyon in the world Fish
River Canyon, before driving to Molopo Kalahari Lodge in S.A via the Naute dam,
Keetmanshoop, Aroab and Rietfontein Border Post. Molopo Lodge is situated 60 km South of
Twee Rivieren Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
 Day 7 - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Overnight: Chalets in one of the camps or Molopo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We depart from Molopo Lodge to the largest camp in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Twee Rivieren. From where we go on our first game drive in this 37 000
square km park. Game such as, gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, and red hartebeest are
seen very often. The Park is well known for good sightings of lion and cheetah and is a
bird watcher’s paradise with more than 20 larger raptor species.
Day 8-
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Overnight: Chalets at Molopo
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We enjoy a full day of game drive in the Park
before we depart for the Molopo Lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 9
- Augrabies Falls National Park
Overnight: Chalets at Augrabies
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We depart to Augrabies Falls National Park via Upington. We visit
Tierberg Nature Reserve in Keimoes, the Quiver Tree Forest on the Kakamas gravel road, The
Persian Water Wheels and we stop for wine tasting at the second largest cooperative wine
cellars in the world the Orange River Wine Cellar. After arriving at Augrabies we visit
the falls, which become the six largest in the world when the Orange River is in flood.
Late afternoon game- and sightseeing drive and / or hike.
Day
10 - The Great Karoo
Overnight: Calvinia
Meals:Breakfast and Dinner
Morning game- and sightseeing drive and / or hike in the Augrabies
Park. After a hearty Brunch we depart through the Bushmanland and Karoo to Calvinia, where
we will overnight. The drive takes us along long roads with endless horizons, here large
farms dominate though one does not see the homesteads which are mainly hidden away behind
hills are along distance tracks. We arrive in the small town of Calvina famous for its
lamb, we have a chance to try some as we enjoy a traditional braai on the Hantam Huis
complex, which is a set of beautifully restored houses dating back to the 19th
Century
Day 11
- West Coast Splendor!
Overnight: Paternoster
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
We continue our southerly route and onto the Town of Van Rhynsdorp,
with its distinctive Victorian Character, this town is one of the major areas for tourists
during the flower season. One of its main attractions, which are a year round one, is the
Kokerboom Succulent Nursery, which highlights plants of the area. We make our way. We stop
in Citrusdal for Lunch and then move onto the Town of Veldrif, this fishing village on the
Berg River is well known for its ‘Bokkom’ (dried fish), here we get the chance
to sample this west coast delicacy. We continue onto the Rocherpan Marine and Nature
Reserve, this reserve consists of a wetland, and provides sanctuary for many coastal
birds, lying adjacent to the wetland is the Atlantic Ocean. We have the chance to visit
one of the bird hides and enjoy time on the uninhabited beach, which provides a great site
to view whales during the season. Drinks will be provided at the picnic site. After our
sojourn on the beach we continue to make our way down the West Coast to Paternoster, our
accommodation is on the beach with fantastic views. We enjoy our farewell supper on the
beach, a fitting place to spend our last evening together!
Day 12
- Lagoon Lighthouse and Fossils!
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, which has to be seen to be believed, we move onto
the Cape Columbine Nature reserve. We have a guided tour of the Local Lighthouse with the
resident lighthouse keeper, this tour is interesting and informative, with fantastic views
from the top of the lighthouse. Next stop the West Coast Fossil Park, this park offers a
fascinating glimpse into our distant past.
The Fossils date back to between 2and 10 Million years, here one can
learn how life has changed in the area through time. The fossils on view are varied and
plentiful due to mining activity in the area which has created this opportunity that would
have otherwise been impossible. Just around the corner is the secluded harbor of Saldanha
Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast
National Park. Thousands of seabird’s roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden
beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home
to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. The park surrounds
the Langebaan Lagoon, which is a world Ramsar site (site’s deemed to be of global
significance to wetland bird species). We have lunch in the Park at the Geelbek
educational center and we have a chance to take a swim in the Lagoon. Its on to Cape Town,
our tour is nearly at an end, but we do have one more stop at Bloubergstrand for a photo
opportunity of the City of Cape Town from across the bay. We transfer those who are flying
out to the airport, and drop the others off at their accommodation in Cape Town. End of
Tour.
Price
Rate is ZAR 13500.00 based on 4 pax
Single Supplement R 3250.00
20% deposit when the reservation is confirmed
80% balance 30 days prior to commencement of tour
Included:
Air conditioned transport and driver/guide
All entrance fees
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Refreshments in vehicle
Activities as per itinerary
14 % VAT
Excluded:
Any activities not mentioned in itinerary
Optional night drive and guided walk
Lunches |
