"Cape in Bloom" itinerary

 

Our 7 night “Cape in Bloom” itinerary includes staying in 3 delightful Guest Houses (4-star comfort with a personal touch) which are ideally situated so that you can enjoy the best locations for the Late Winter and Spring flowering.  This itinerary is for 7 nights in the Cape, so you will need to allow 2 extra nights for overnight flights.  Prices are based on travel between 1st July and 30-November 2007.  In our opinion, the best time to enjoy this holiday is either September or October.

Because all our holidays are tailor-made we can always add to this itinerary – for example, you may wish to spend a couple of days at a Safari Lodge. 

There are so many ways to extend a holiday to South Africa, either with the help of internal flights or by enjoying more that the Cape has to offer.  Please do discuss this with us.

 

Day 1

Depart London.  Overnight flight to Cape Town.

 

Day 2

Morning arrival.  Pick up your rental car at Cape Town airport.  Make your way by car to Stellenbosch – this is only a drive of approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic) as we do not think it wise to have a long drive after an overnight flight.

Check into your hotel.  We have chosen the Allegria Gueshouse..  This Cape Winelands Guest House offers exceptional comfort and is set on the Stellenbosch Hills Wine Route.  It is stylishly decorated and the rooms have mountain and vineyard views.  There is a 20m pool in which to refresh yourself after a busy day exploring.  There are plenty of restaurants nearby.

2 nights based at Paarl on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

The Cape is famous for its wines, and we recommend that you visit the wineries to sample some of these for yourselves.  However, the beautiful houses and gardens which exemplify many of these traditional wineries are worth the visit in themselves. 

One of the most spectacular places to experience the flora of the area is at the Paarl Mountain Reserve and Wild Flower Garden – and you will have ample time to visit and enjoy this beautiful Reserve.

The area also offers many other activities such as horse riding, golf, hiking, fishing and birdwatching. 

 

Day 4

Depart Paarl after breakfast. 

Make your way by car, taking time to view the scenery along the way and stopping for lunch en-route, to the town of Darling.

Arrive at your delightful accommodation for the next part of your holiday – Darling Lodge.  The area around Darling has one of the richest selections of flora, and is also known for its Wildflower shows (dates vary – we will check if there is one during your stay). 

Within a short drive of the West Coast National Park, this is the perfect base for enjoying the stunning display of flowers during Late Winter and Spring.  Another spectacular location for flowers and flowering shrubs is the Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve – also situated close to Darling. 

If you have any time spare from enjoying the wonders of the area there is plenty else to do – including golf, horse riding (wine tasting on horseback is a firm favourite with Shellseekers’ clients!) and enjoying the sweeping white beaches close by.

3 nights at Darling Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.

    

 

Day 7

Make your way, again by car, back to Cape Town.  For this part of your holiday we have selected Beaumont House, one our favourite Guesthouses in Cape Town.  This is in one of the best areas of the city and the perfect base from which to explore Cape Town and the surrounds.  You have saved the highlight of your trip to the end – time to go to the summit of Table Mountain.  The cable car takes you to the top, offering stunning views all the way.  The vista from the summit is amazing – particularly when the slopes are carpeted with blooms. 

Beaumont is within easy reach of the Waterfront area of Cape Town which has excellent restaurants, galleries and shops.  Also nearby are some delightful beaches, including one which is home to the famous penguin colony. 

2 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

 

 

Day 9

Almost a full day in Cape Town, before making your way back to the airport and returning your car.  Overnight flight back to the UK. 

 

Day 10

Arrive London Heathrow.

 

Please contact us for the price of this holiday as South African hotels have not all released their prices for September 2009 onward.

 

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town are with South African Airways, Virgin or British Airways.  Prices vary and we will shop around for the best prices based on individual dates.  Flights are normally around £750 return per person.  Flights from Regional Airports can be with airlines such as KLM and may be better value.

This is a holiday for the independent traveller who enjoys exploring at leisure but knowing what to see and where they will be sleeping each night.  We are happy to provide you with a detailed routing and more information.  Please be assured that our personal service means that we are happy to do all we can to make your holiday worry free.

 

Accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking – we may need to substitute hotels of a similar standard. 

 

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On a ranch in South Africa Itinerary

 

Horizon Horseback Adventures is quite unique, in that it is a working cattle ranch in the Waterberg area of South Africa. 

A Horizon holiday is highly addictive – as shown by the many guests who return.  Somehow, one Horizon holiday is not enough!

The ranch only takes 8 guests at any one time, and activities vary from game rides, to cattle work, playing polocrosse to overnight riding safaris.  You can arrive any day.

The warm hospitality and exceptional riding are complimented by the beautiful surroundings.  Sipping a sundowner on the stoep, overlooking the lake where the horses are drinking is the perfect end to a wonderful day.

This holiday is suitable for riders of all abilities, and activities are arranged to suit each individual.  No need for confident riders and beginners to ride together – so everyone is happy.

Horizon also run Saddlebag Safaris – please ask us for details. These riding safaris are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the South African bush, getting close to game and experiencing the freedom of riding without fences.

We suggest at least 10-days at Horizon, otherwise you do not have enough time to do everything there on offer.  There are certain dates during the year where a programme is created specifically for children – this is ideal for families.  Once again, please ask for details.

 

Please call us on 01256 882634 to discuss details and prices.