West Coast Wonderscape

Cape Town to Upington

Day 01
Depart Cape Town and travel north on the scenic coastal route. Passing the historic, beehive shaped lime kilns, continue to Yzerfontein. View the distant Dassen Island, which is the largest of 34 submarine mountains whose summits protrude the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the West Coast National Park to the town of Langebaan. This wetland is biologically the richest stretch of water in South Africa. Drive around Saldanha Bay, which is the world's finest natural harbour to the port town of Saldanha where a superb seafood lunch can be enjoyed (not included). Travel via Vredenburg to the small town of Velddrif. After crossing the Berg River, visit the tiny fishing village of Laaiplek where we experience local culture typical of West Coast residents. Drive through the beautiful stretches of fynbos in the Sandveld and continue to the town of Citrusdal for dinner and overnight at a lodge located at the 'Gateway to the Cederberg'.
Cederberg Lodge or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 02
After breakfast, we leave the fertile Citrusdal Valley for a chance to explore the Cederberg, informally referred to as the 'rock garden of the Gods'. Admire fascinating and bizarre rock formations, which have been artfully fashioned by erosion over the years. After driving through the Niewoudts Pass, arrive at one of the region's many caves at Stadsaal, which showcases mysterious San (Bushman) art. Travel to the town of Clanwilliam passing the Clanwilliam Dam reputed to support more indigenous fish species than any other south of the Zambezi River. After lunch in Clanwilliam (not included) visit the 'velskoen' shoe factory and 'Die Kunshuis' art gallery before becoming acquainted with the area's famous Rooibos tea plantations. The area produces over 3 000 tons of tea per year which is exported by popular demand all over the world. Drive to Vredendal via the small town of Klawer where a visit to the local wine estate and can be enjoyed. Arrive in the late afternoon at a luxury lodge located on a working wine farm and enjoy warm personalised hospitality.
Melkbooms Drift Lodge or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 03
After a delicious farm breakfast, overlooking the river and vineyards enjoy a fascinating vineyard tour and wine tasting. With fertile soil, an abundant water supply and the cool Atlantic air, Vredendal is fast becoming recognised for its exceptional wines, which are proving to be winners in both local and overseas markets. The 160 farm members in the area produce over 60 000 tons of grapes per annum, rendering it South Africa's largest. Travel to Vanrhynsdorp where we have an opportunity to visit the town's succulent nursery, reputed to be the world's largest. Our journey continues through the towns of Bitterfontein and Garies, both of which are famous for their unique geology. Bitterfontein produces and exports the world's only supply of green granite and Garies produces Kaolin, which is an essential element used in the production of paper, fine porcelain and various other applications. Afternoon arrival at a luxury lodge in the town of Springbok renowned for its typical Namaqualand hospitality. Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
Mountain View Guest House or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 04
After breakfast in the dining room with magnificent views of the mountains, our journey over 'Bushmanland' to the Orange River Valley begins. After a short comfort stop in the rural village of Pofadder, arrive at the Augrabies Falls National Park in the early afternoon. Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56 metre Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called it 'Aukoerebis', or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18 kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Enjoy a fascinating game drive in the national park, which provides sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, Gemsbok and the endangered Black Rhino.
Augrabies Rest Camp - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 05
After breakfast, travel to Upington where guests have an option to terminate their tour or continue into Namibia.

AT A GLANCE

Accommodation
- 'Explorer Class' hotels and lodges

Flights
- No flights

Driver / Guide
- Services of SA Tourism registered driver/guides throughout the tour
- Wildlife viewing with an experienced local guide/ranger and tracker

Main Attractions
- Drive through the West Coast National Park
- Saldanha Bay, the world s finest natural harbour
- The Cederberg Mountains
- Mysterious and ancient San (Bushman) art
- Clanwilliam, famous Rooibos tea plantations
- The world s largest succulent nursery at Vanrhynsdorp
- Vredendal, one of the world s largest grape producing areas
- Namaqualand hospitality
- Enjoy a fascinating game drive in the Augrabies Falls National Park and view the majestic Augrabies Falls