2018 DATES AND ITINERARY
The last couple of years have been such incredible times of encounter within and around. We had such a sweet time of fellowship savoring the Mirror message, forming lasting friendships, and making beautiful memories. All adventurers have expressed gratitude and joy for the great impact the safari has had on their lives.
Safari 2018
OCT 27 - 09 NOV, 2018
Start: Saturday, October 27, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport
End: Friday, November 9, Cape Town International Airport
[Extension End: November 12, George Airport (from here you can fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg)]
Some guests prefer to arrive a day earlier to catch their breath and adjust their clocks! We will make arrangements to collect you from your hotel or meet you at the airport for our flight from there.
Days 1-2: Blyde River Canyon (October 27-28)
We all meet each other at the Johannesburg International Airport (Oliver Tambo) and after the meet and greet we all fly to Hoedspruit Airport - not even an hour’s flight.
From there we drive to the Blyde River Canyon. The 20-km long canyon is one of South Africa’s most prized scenic riches. It also boasts of being the world’s largest green canyon. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It is here that Francois & Lydia had their honeymoon and where they first heard the Eagle Story. You will be staying at a beautiful resort nestled along the canyon, enjoying walks along paths to various lookouts. The Mirror conversation will continue here with times of rich fellowship and sharing, in between resting and exploring.
Days 3-08: African Safari (October 29 - 3 November)
From the Blyde River Canyon, we will be traveling (1½ hour drive ) to the magnificent Mpumalanga Lowveld. This is certainly our most favorite place to encounter wildlife. It is home to the famous Kruger National Park as well as many private game lodges like. To experience the African Bush on Safari is really a ‘top of the bucket-list’ event. You will be spoiled with the most memorable early morning and late afternoon game drives on 4x4 vehicles for amazing up-close encounters with the best of the bush. Here you will find an animal kingdom second to none, from the Big Five (buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and elephant) and other animals, fantastic birds, insects and unforgettable sunsets!
Between the early morning and late afternoon game drives there are relaxing times in the camp around the pool or just sitting in the Lapa (with its view on the drinking hole).
We will be spending 6 nights in the Timbavati Game Reserve (possibly 3 of the nights in Manyeleti Game Reserve, depending on group size), both bordering the Kruger National Park with no fences in-between.
Day 9-11: Cape Town (November 4 - 6)
From Hoedspruit, we will be flying all the way to Cape Town (a 2-hour-20-minute flight). In Cape Town we will again stay together as a group in a luxury home – to keep the fellowship contained and having our own space is really special.
Cape Town is the fairest of all Capes and is aptly called our Mother City. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a rich history and has so much to offer - it was rated as the number one tourist destination in 2017! (There is currently a drought in Cape Town, but since the safari is after the rainy season we trust this will no longer be a problem). You will love Cape Town, nestled in the arms of Table Mountain (one of the seven natural wonders of the world). Cape Town is famous for its harbour and its natural setting in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Table Mountain National Park packs more floral species into its almost 29 000 ha than New Zealand or the British Isles!
We will be visiting beautiful scenic places, which might include the famous Simon van der Stell’s old homestead and other wine farms for wine tasting as well as the spectacular Kirstenbosch Gardens. This is decided on the day, weather permitting and also according to group consensus. Yes, we will make sure you will have time to do some shopping at the famous V&A Waterfront boasting many local and international stores. We will also likely visit Cape Point and go up Table Mountain.
Day 12&13: Hermanus (November 7 - 8)
On day 11 we will take a leisurely drive from Cape Town to Hermanus, all along the beautiful coastline via Kogelbay and Pringle Bay. We might have time to stop at Betty’s Bay to visit the penguin colony en route, (if we have not visited them at Simonstown). From there we will head to Hermanus. In Hermanus, we will all be staying as a group in a luxury home with mountain and sea views.
Hermanus is a most picturesque town, nestled in between magnificent mountains and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The Southern Right whales visit our shores every year from July to December and Hermanus is world renowned as the ‘best land-based whale-watching in the world!’ Weather permitting, you will be able to do some boat-based whale watching, or just watch them from the beautiful cliff path - they come really close! For the adventure-seeker we can also arrange for shark cage diving in Gansbaai, a fishing village not far from Hermanus, world-famous for great white shark viewing.
Some of South Africa’s best wines are produced in the Hermanus region - you can come and taste and see for yourself! There are lovely little shops and super restaurants as well.
Hermanus also offers magnificent nature - it is a spectacular Fynbos paradise. Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where we will go for guided walks, has more indigenous plants per square meter than any other place on the planet! Proteas, pincushions, and ericas are scattered all along the mountainside - this one of our most favourite places!
Day 14 (November 09)
We will make sure that you all get to the airport on time for your safe trip home!
Those doing the extension will drive with us from Hermanus to the next destination.
EXTENSION:
ROUTE 62 & OUDTSHOORN (Klein Karoo)
(This extension is limited to 8 pax.)
Route 62 and Oudtshoorn (09 November – 12 November)
The 3-night extension will include:
We will drive from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn on the very famous Route 62, renowned for magnificent mountain passes, beautiful vegetation and a variety of landscapes. From here we will take you to the famous Cango Caves as well as the Swartberg Pass. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy what Oudtshoorn has to offer, including ostrich and meerkat walks, wildlife sanctuaries etc.
Our time here will again be saturated with delightful Mirror Talks.
Please email us if you are interested in more information on the extension.
End of Extension: 12 November
We will transport you to the airport in George where you can catch one of several daily flights to either Cape Town or Johannesburg international airports, and from there, ‘Home Sweet Home’. (Please be sure to book your flight from your international airport home, for later in the day).
