Travelling Classroom – Safari in South Africa

Day 2: Oudtshoorn Day Trip
Little Karoo, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ranch

We begin the day with a drive over the picturesque Outeniqua mountain range into the semi desert region of the Klein Karoo and Oudtshoorn. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn is situated in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains, and offers the adventure enthusiast loads to choose from.

The Cango Caves will be the first stop and we’ll embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the cave system to view its caverns, and stalactite and stalagmite formations. If you enjoy spelunking/ exploring caves and don’t mind squeezing through some smaller gaps then you are also welcome to take the 1.5 hour adventure tour!

Next is an option to go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah or cage dive with crocodiles and view many rare and endangered animal species.

Day 3: Sedgefield – Jeffreys Bay
Monkey Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Kloofing, Bloukrans Bungee & Tsitsikamma National Park

This morning we drive through Knysna on our way to the Crags where there are a number of optional activities to choose from, including the Elephant Sanctuary where you learn about and interact with orphaned elephants, or the Monkey Sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam free in a large jungle area.

You then have the opportunity to explore the Tsitsikamma National Park with a hike across the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth. The National Park, declared in 1964, encompasses a marine reserve made up of 80km of coastline and offers magnificent scenery. About 30% of the park is covered in fynbos, scattered amongst the forest vegetation, boasting a wide variety of beautiful flowers, including proteas and heath and many species of sea birds can be seen.

In the afternoon we drive to the highest road bridge in Africa at Bloukrans Bridge. At a height of 216m this is also the site of the highest bungee jump in the world! For those wishing to take the leap, this is your opportunity! We then head to the famous surfing town of Jeffreys Bay where we stay at a backpackers’ hostel directly on the beach.

Day 4: Jeffreys Bay – Addo National Park – Sedgefield
Safari (Addo), Surfing, Shopping Time (Jeffreys Bay)

Up early this morning, we begin our Addo Park Safari along a network of winding roads, stopping regularly for photographs and information on the animals we encounter along the way. Proclaimed a National Park in 1931, this malaria free, 145 000 hectare park extends all the way down to the Indian Ocean and is home to the densest African Elephant population on earth, totalling over 500 elephants. On our game drive we’ll also disembark from our vehicle at the main lookout point for a spectacular view over the evergreen wilderness that is Addo.

We then take a relaxed drive back towards Sedgefield for the night. If there is time available we will visit the famous Knysna Heads for some absolutely amazing pictures where the ocean meets the inlet to the Knysna Lagoon.

Day 5: Sedgefield to Cape Town
Canoe and Hike

After breakfast, we begin a beautiful canoe trip along one of the many tranquil rivers in the area, followed by a short hike to a stunning waterfall.
We then visit an Aloe factory in Albertinia and enjoy a wonderful scenic drive via Swellendam and Sir Lowry’s Pass.

We arrive in Cape Town late Friday afternoon/early evening.