Wander Across South Africa – Final Details

Wander Across South Africa

August 28th – September 9th, 2024

Important Details

Tourist Visas

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries are allowed to enter South Africa without a visa for stays of less than 90 days. As a result, no preparations are needed and you do not need to obtain a tourist visa for this trip. Upon arrival in the country, the immigration officer will simply stamp your passport and you’ll be allowed to enter.

Airport Arrival

Please follow the below instructions upon arrival at the Cape Town International Airport (CPT):

• After exiting the plane, walk through the terminal building to the immigration inspection
• Once through immigration, walk straight ahead into the luggage area. Collect your luggage from the correct carousel and then pass through the customs inspection
• After you exit the baggage/customs area, you’ll enter the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will be waiting for you here with a sign that says that says “Wandering Earl Tours.”

If you are unable to find your driver, you can call your tour leader, Derek, at +1 (912) 289-5602, or our local contact, Lerise, at +27 74-525-9887.

Please note: When arriving into South Africa, you are sometimes required to fill out a landing card or tell the immigration officer where you will be staying in Cape Town. Here are the details:

Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens (10 Mill St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa)

Arrival / Departure Airport

Please note that the arrival airport for this tour is the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and the departure airport is the King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. Please make sure that you are flying into Cape Town and departing from Durban.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.

Tour Leader

Your tour leader for this trip will be none other than Derek Baron, the founder of Wandering Earl Tours. His journey in the world of travel began in 1999, and since then, he has led many successful tours across the globe. His extensive knowledge and experience will ensure you’re in the best hands for this adventure. He will introduce himself and share more details when we create the group WhatsApp chat.

**Our tour leader will be there to ensure the trip runs smoothly and our local guides are there to share the wonders of their country!

Local currency

The local currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 18.60 ZAR.

In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $25 – $30 USD per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc…) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, but it’s always wise to carry some cash, especially when traveling around the countryside. While most urban merchants readily accept card payments, smaller vendors and rural shops may only take cash.

As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which are located all around the country. However, check with your bank at home as many banks charge high foreign transaction fees every time you withdraw money overseas. If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD, Euros or GBP to exchange at money exchange offices in the cities.

Tipping

Tipping in South Africa is common and expected. Here’s a general guideline:

• Restaurants – 10% – 15% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
• Hotel staff – 20 – 30 ZAR if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
• Our drivers – We recommend that each person gives a $40 USD tip that we will split among the drivers that we will use during the tour
• Our guides – We recommend that each person gives a $100 USD tip that we will split among the guides that we will use during the tour
• Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative

*Tips for waitstaff at included meals are already included.

Staying Connected

South Africa has generally strong internet and all of our accommodations will have WiFi. However, please note that in safari areas, connectivity might be weaker and is generally restricted to shared spaces such as the lobby or restaurant, not in individual rooms. While connectivity may occasionally be poor, you will generally be able to access the internet and complete necessary online activities, though it might take longer than usual due to the potentially spotty connection.

The easiest way to stay connected during the tour will be to purchase an E-SIM before the trip, as this will allow you to stay connected from the moment you land at the airport.

We can also set up local SIM cards upon arrival for those who wish. Just make sure you have a GSM-enabled unlocked phone in order to use a foreign SIM card.

Another option is to activate your home network’s ‘international plan’ which will allow you to continue using your phone as you would at home, with access to a data connection, for a fee that usually ranges from $5 – $10 per day.

Packing / Luggage Restrictions

Packing lightly will make it easier to load up the vans when needed and also easier for the internal flights that we’ll be taking. There may be times when you’ll need to walk with your luggage for a short amount of time.

*Important: For all of the internal flights, the maximum weight for checked luggage is capped at 20kg (44 lbs). Please note that the maximum dimensions for checked-in luggage is 43″ long x 75″ width x 90″ high. For your carry-on, make sure that it’s no heavier than 7kg (15 lbs), and that it measures no more than 22″ long x 14″ width x 9″ high. You can also bring along an extra personal item that fits under the seat.

Itinerary

August 28th: Cape Town / Arrival day

• Meet our representative upon arrival at the airport
• Transfer to the hotel
• Group orientation to discuss the upcoming itinerary
• Welcome dinner

➜ Accommodation: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens
➜ Included meals: Dinner

August 29th: Cape Town

• Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula
• Stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy the stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range
• Drive along Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes
• Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve to explore the rugged coastline and diverse wildlife
• Group lunch at a local restaurant
• Visit the African Penguins at Boulders Beach to see these charming birds up close in their natural habitat
• Stop in Simon’s Town to explore its rich naval history and charming streets
• Enjoy a picturesque drive past Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, admiring the coastal scenery and colorful beach huts

➜ Accommodation: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

August 30th: Cape Town

• Morning tour of the vibrant neighborhood of Bo Kaap with a local, learning about its rich history and colorful houses
• Cooking class and lunch at the home of a local, where you’ll prepare and taste traditional Cape Malay dishes
• Head to V&A Waterfront for some free time, with options such as exploring the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, participating in a craft beer tasting, or relaxing at the large Waterfront Mall

➜ Accommodation: Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

August 31st: Cape Town ➜ Franschhoek

• Morning drive to Franschhoek, known as the land of wine in South Africa
• Stop at Signal Hill for panoramic views of the city and of Table Mountain
• Enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, followed by a picnic lunch on the estate lawns
• Check into our hotel for some free time to relax
• Continue to the Babylonstoren Gardens for an exploration of the grounds and another exquisite wine tasting
• Free time to explore the quaint town of Franschhoek

➜ Accommodation: Mont d’Or Franschhoek
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

September 1st: Franschhoek ➜ Knysna

• Morning 6.5-hour drive to Knysna, known for its beautiful lagoon and stunning coastal scenery, with multiple stops to stretch your legs
• Lunch at a local BBQ restaurant along the way
• Free afternoon at leisure, with options such as relaxing at a local café, enjoying a drink at a nearby pub, or taking a leisurely walk around the town

➜ Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

September 2nd: Knysna

• Full-day tour around the Tsitsikamma National Park, known for its lush forests, dramatic coastline, and diverse wildlife
• Start with a guided visit of Monkey Land, known for its free-roaming primates
• Continue to the Storm River Mouth and walk along the suspension bridge for stunning views of the river and ocean
• Well-deserved group lunch at a nearby restaurant
• Light hike around the National Park to appreciate its natural beauty and varied landscapes
• Return to our hotel for a relaxed evening

➜ Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

September 3rd: Knysna

• Morning light hike at the Robberg Nature Reserve, where we’ll see stunning coastal views, diverse birdlife, and possibly seals along the shore
• Visit the Knysna Heads, where we’ll enjoy some viewpoints of the ocean, lagoon and different landscapes
• Picnic lunch at the hotel lawns
• Evening catamaran cruise, passing through the Knysna Heads and enjoying a BBQ dinner on board while taking in the scenic views

➜ Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

September 4th: Knysna ➜ St Lucia

• Early-morning drive to George Airport
• Fly to Durban with a layover in Johannesburg
• Optional group lunch at Johannesburg Airport
• 3-hour drive to our beautiful lodge located in St. Lucia
• Group dinner at a nearby restaurant, preparing ourselves for a day of adventures ahead

➜ Accommodation: Lidiko Lodge
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

September 5th: St. Lucia ➜ iSimangaliso Wetland Park ➜ St. Lucia

• Early-morning drive to iSimangaliso Wetland Park for our first safari game drive, where we’ll see some diverse wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and various bird species
• Group lunch at a local restaurant
• Shared hippo and croc boat cruise along the waters of St. Lucia Estuary
• Free evening at leisure to enjoy the amenities of our lodge, such as the relaxing pool, the private small library, or the bar
• Group dinner

➜ Accommodation: Lidiko Lodge
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

September 6th: St. Lucia ➜ Sungulwane Game Reserve

• Morning tour of a Duma Zulu Cultural Village, with engaging demonstrations of traditional Zulu dances and with plenty of opportunities to interact with village residents, learning about their customs and way of life
• Continue to our hotel located inside the Bayala Private Game Reserve
• Group lunch at the lodge
• After checking in, we’ll head out for an afternoon game drive at the Zuka Private Game Reserve
• Group dinner at our lodge

➜ Accommodation: Bayala Private Safari Game Lodge
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

September 7th: Sungulwane Game Reserve

• Full day on safari at the Zuka Private Game Reserve and its surroundings, where we’ll (hopefully) spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) as well as other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
• Optional group lunch at our lodge
• Group dinner at our lodge

➜ Accommodation: Bayala Private Safari Game Lodge
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

September 8th: Sungulwane Game Reserve

• Second full day on safari at the Zuka Private Game Reserve and its surroundings, for another chance of spotting the Big Five and other wildlife
• Optional group lunch at our lodge
• Farewell group dinner at our lodge

➜ Accommodation: Bayala Private Safari Game Lodge
➜ Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

September 9th: Sungulwane Game Reserve ➜ King Shaka Intl. Airport ➜ Durban / Departure Day

• Morning 3-hour drive towards the King Shaka International Airport in Durban for those who have departing flights
• Continue to the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch hotel for those who have booked post-trip accommodations

➜ Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch (for those who booked post-trip accommodations)
➜ Included meals: Breakfast

What’s Included?

• Small group (maximum 12 participants)
• Wandering Earl Tours group leader
• Accommodation (12 nights – 3*.5/4* safari eco-lodges, tented lodges and hotels)
• Breakfast every day, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
• Transportation in Tanzania (4×4 jeep for safaris, vans and internal flights)
• Local English-speaking guides throughout the trip
• All mentioned activities and entrance fees
• Gratuities at hotels/included meals
• All airport transfers

What’s Not Included?

• Flights to/from Cape Town and Durban
• Passport/visa fees
• Meals and activities not mentioned
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Gratuities

That’s all for now! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to send us an email at team@wanderingearl.com.