Travelling Classroom
Garden Route and Eastern Cape
Lessons: | 20 lessons = 15 hours |
|---|---|
| Lesson times: | 45 minutes |
| Lesson schedule: | Mornings |
| Class size max: | 10 students |
| Course length: | 10 days |
| Start dates: | 16 Jan, 05 Mar, 09 Apr, 06 Aug 2012 |
| Levels: | Pre Intermediate (A2) + |
| Notes: | Included: course materials, dormitory accommodation for 12 nights in quality backpacker lodges, bedding, breakfast, dinner & activities as stated on the itinerary, plus your English teacher always at hand. Not included: Lunch, laundry and drinks. It is the responsibility of the client to make sure that he/she has the necessary visas and medication for any overland safari. |
Day 1: Cape Town to Cape Agulhas via Stellenbosch and Hermanus.
Departing LAL Cape Town at 08:00 our exciting journey begins as we drive into the heart of the Cape Winelands and the second oldest town in SA, Stellenbosch, with its many fine examples of Cape-Dutch architecture around the town. We go on a walking tour of the “old” town before stopping at a wine estate to sample some of their wines. We then drive over a few mountain passes to join the Whale Route, stopping at the vibrant coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its world-class land-based whale viewing in whale season (June – November).
We then make our way to the most southern tip on the African continent, Cape Agulhas – the official “meeting point” of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. After visiting the point you have the option of a ski boat cruise to search for dolphins and whales, followed by one 45-minute English lesson.
Included in price:
- Wine tasting
- Dinner
- Accommodation in Agulhas
Optional extras:
- Ski boat cruise
Day 2: Agulhas to Wilderness via Mossel Bay.
After three lessons, we make our way slightly inland along the N2 before joining the coast again at Mossel Bay where we visit the Dias Museum complex. We then carry on to the village of Wilderness - situated on a long golden beach and lagoon. In the afternoon we canoe up the Touws River and hike through the jungle to a waterfall before heading to our accommodation just above the beach. Before relaxing too much, we’ll have another 45-minute lesson.
Included in price:
- Entrance to museum complex
- Canoeing tour
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Accommodation in Wilderness
No optional extras.
Day 3: Wilderness to Storms River via Knysna.
After two lessons, we take a drive up the coast to Knysna, where we’ll take a walk to the entrance of the lagoon to explore the scenery surrounding the famous Knysna Heads. Next stop is at the Crags Orphaned Elephant Sanctuary for a truly wonderful close encounter – you could have the opportunity to walk, feed and ride an African elephant while receiving instruction from a knowledgeable African guide.
In the afternoon we drive to the highest road bridge in Africa at Bloukrans Bridge. With a freefall of over 216m this is also the site of the highest bungy jump in the world! For those wishing to take the leap, this is your opportunity!! And describe the jump afterwards during your lesson.
Included in price:
- Elephant sanctuary
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Accommodation in Storms River
Optional extras:
- Bloukrans Bungy
Day 4: Storms River to Addo via J-bay.
After classes and a visit to the Tsitsikamma Falls zip-line, we continue up the coast into the Eastern Cape and head for Jeffrey’s Bay. We’ll view the waves at “Supertubes”, renowned the world over as one of the best surfing waves on the planet, before exploring the town and visiting the ever-popular surf-wear factory shops - Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy, Quicksilver and more…
From Jeffrey’s Bay we make our way inland towards Addo Elephant National Park, where we’ll go on a night game drive - when the bush really comes alive.
Proclaimed a National Park in 1931, this malaria free, 145 000 ha park, extends all the way down to the Indian Ocean and is home to the densest African Elephant population, totalling over 500 elephant, on earth. Addo is also famous as the only park in Africa with the Big 7 i.e. elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, the southern right whale and the great white shark.
Included in price:
- Zip-lining
- Entrance to Addo NP
- Night Game Drive
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Accommodation in Addo NP
No optional extras
Day 5: Addo to Grahamstown
After classes we go on another game drive. After the drive we’ll take lunch at the park restaurant before a leisurely trip to Grahamstown, the heart of frontier country, which dates back to the original 1820 British settlers and has a fascinating and turbulent history. Frontier Country is the historic heartland of the Eastern Cape and embodies the spirit of the many and varied cultures which met here and made their mark - Khoi, Xhosa, Boer and British. In the afternoon there is a guided walking tour of the town, followed by another lesson.
Included in price:
- Morning game drive
- Walking tour of Grahamstown
- Breakfast
- Dinner
No optional extras
Day 6: Grahamstown to Cintsa
After class we go on a guided historical tour of the Grahamstown area to learn about the numerous conflicts for which the Frontier Country is so famous. We then head to the tiny seaside village of Cintsa in the area known as The Wild Coast; this sub-tropical paradise offers outdoor activities such as surfing, sunset beach horse rides and hiking.
Included in price:
- Historical tour
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional extras:
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Sunset horse rides
Day 7: Cintsa to Hogsback
After two lessons we leave the coastline and head for the village of Hogsback which, situated in the Amatola mountains and surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests, has a dramatic natural beauty. In the afternoon we go hiking in the lush mountain forests, stopping at a few waterfalls along the way.
Included in price:
- Hiking tour
- Breakfast
- Dinner
No optional extras
Day 8: Hogsback to Nieu-Bethesda
After two lessons, we wind our way out of the lush Amatola Mountains and into the semi arid Great Karoo (place of thirst) where vegetation is sparsely scattered. In the afternoon we visit the fourth oldest town in SA, Graaff-Reinet, which has a very rich cultural history and is known as the heart of the Great Karoo. We also visit the tiny artistic village of Nieu-Bethesda, home to the famous Owl House. This is your chance to see what our stars really look like - the night sky in Nieu-Bethesda is truly breath-taking.
Included in price:
- Entrance to The Owl House
- Breakfast
- Dinner
No optional extras
Day 9: Nieu-Bethesda to Prince Albert.
No formal lessons this morning - we have a long drive through the wide open plains of the Karoo, with stops at a few of the villages along the way to discover how the local people live in these dry areas. We overnight in the town of Prince Albert in the Swartberg Mountains. One lesson this evening.
Included in price:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
No optional extras
Day 10: Prince Albert to Cape Town via Oudtshoorn
Today we cycle down the winding Swartberg pass on mountain bikes and take an adventure tour through the Cango Caves, through huge caverns with amazing drip stone formations as well as tiny tunnels through which you have to squeeze. We visit a working Ostrich Ranch to learn about these large birds and if you are under 75kg you may even ride one. We make our way back to Cape Town along the scenic Route 62. Our journey comes to an end this evening in the Mother City.
Included in price:
- Mountain biking
- Caving
- Ostrich Ranch tour
- Breakfast
No optional extras
Additional Information
Food and Drink
Breakfast
Breakfast is served each morning and consists of a varying combination of continental and cooked. Tea, coffee and fruit juice are always available.
Lunch
Take-away lunches are the norm. These are for your own account.
Dinner
Your evening meals are tastefully prepared by your tour leader and by the various accommodation establishments. Vegetarian options are available.
Please note: You will be expected to purchase all of your own refreshments on tour, these are readily available at reasonable prices. Please be aware of dehydration during the summer months and drink plenty of water - the tap water is very good on the Cape to Addo Route. You will probably not be accustomed to African conditions and this can affect you severely if ignored.
Accommodation and Facilities
We have a long standing relationship with some of SA’s top backpacker lodges. Known for their flair, all our stops provide unique, clean and professional hospitality with excellent shower / bath ablution facilities with a pool, a bar and internet facilities. All bedding is provided.
Our advertised price includes spacious and comfortable dorm accommodation.
Our Vehicles
We use new, air-conditioned vehicles equipped with headrests and safety belts for a safe, comfortable ride with music.
There is ample space inside the vehicle to store your personal belongings and a luggage section for your backpack.
Your Tour Leader
Your tour leader is there to make sure that you have an unforgettable trip. Our belief is that in Africa; experience is everything. All tours run by Cape to Addo Safaris are led and driven by experienced guides. All in all, good African guides are distinguished by their ability to make you feel safe no matter what environment you’re in; they’re also characterized by their passion and love for their subject... Africa!
If there is anything that is upsetting you whilst on tour, you need to approach your tour leader to give him a fair opportunity to rectify the problem. Dealing with any problems that may arise whilst on tour will prevent them from developing into something more problematic. Your tour leader cannot help you if you remain quiet.
Your English
Your English teacher is an experienced instructor who has a passion for English and our country. During the trip you will receive a total of 20 lessons. It may be that you will have more lessons on some days than on others; this will depend on the daily travel situation and factors like the weather. There will be some days when no lessons will take place. Outside the formal lesson scenario, your teacher will be available for conversation, to answer your questions and help you with the tasks you have to complete. We want you to see something of our beautiful country and have fun while you are working on your English.
Be Flexible
Your tour leader is trained not only to run an informative, fun and adventurous tour, but also to take control when things don’t run smoothly. Please remember that this is Africa after all and that the itinerary stated has to be flexible and will depend on local conditions. Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable and by the very nature of travelling here, there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a taste for adventure. Problems with road conditions, bad weather and tire changes can delay and change the schedule of the tour. Please be prepared and pack a sense of humour. In the event of any incidence regarding local conditions that may affect safety, security, and the well being of the tour participants, the decision of the tour leader will be final.
What to Bring Along
We request that you pay particular attention to the following guidelines. We suggest your luggage is restricted to 15 kilograms (so you can comfortably carry it) and we recommend that you utilize inexpensive luggage. Don’t forget to allow for your English material; you will need a file/folder, your book(s), pens, paper and a great attitude! One day pack per person to carry money, travel documents, water and camera equipment is a must to bring along, as well as a waist pouch or money belt.
Clothing and personal effects (please take the minimum)
Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Bring along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, “wash & wear” clothes. There will be opportunities to wash clothing along the way. The list below is a guideline to what you should include when packing for a Cape to Addo tour.
- Casual trousers
- Shorts
- Shirts/T-shirts (any combination)
- Fleece/pullover for the cool evenings
- Wind-breaker/waterproof jacket
- Pair of walking/running shoes
- Sandals/reef shoes
- Underwear and socks
- Swimming costume
- Sun hat
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Tissues or disposable moist tissues
- Bath soap
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Shampoo & hair conditioner
- Deodorant
- Comb/hair brush
- Razor & blades
- Suntan lotion/sun block
- Lip balm
Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Most countries are members of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Please do NOT purchase products made from ivory and skins. The ultimate objective of eco-tourism is for clients to have a pleasant and enriching experience of nature, and at the same time, cause the least possible disturbance to ecosystems. Your tour leader has strict environmental policies to adhere to, which we endeavour to instil in all of our passengers. Respect for local people, fellow travellers and the places we visit are expected. Consider the environment at all times and be considerate in your approach to your holiday.
Please Note
LAL reserves the right to change the itinerary and/or the daily allotment of lessons in accordance with local seasonal and weather conditions, or any other local conditions which could impact on the trip, ensuring at all times that we meet the set number of 20 x 45-minute lessons per trip.
LAL reserves the right to cancel any trip in the unlikely event of not achieving the required minimum number of student passengers.
