On foot with martin meyer

Itinerary outline

Start

Accommodation

Destination

Basis

Duration

Day 1 - 4

Cape Heritage Hotel

Cape Town

B&B

4 Nights

Day 5 - 7

Ugebezi Explorer Camp

Blue Canyon Reserve

FI

3 Nights

Day 8 – 10

Rock Fig Safari Lodge

Timbavati Game Reserve

FI

3 Nights

Spend 10 Days exploring the best of Southern Africa on foot with one of the best walking guides in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 1
Cape Heritage Hotel – Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and a top international destination. Large numbers of tourists flock to Cape Town to enjoy this unique city with its fascinating history, interesting culture, natural beauty, award winning wines and laidback lifestyle. Whether you are a serious tourist or just want to lie on the beach and enjoy life, Cape Town will satisfy your needs.

Arriving into Cape Town, you are met by a local representative of Martin Meyer Safaris who will escort you through customs procedures and assist you onto your waiting transfer. You have a short transfer by road into the heart of this vibrant cosmopolitan city where you will check into your home for the next four nights, the Historical Cape Heritage Hotel.

Tonight there is a group dinner at one of the local restaurants for you to meet Martin Meyer and your travelling companions cost of the meal is not included in the package price.

Overnight: Cape Heritage Hotel     

Historic graciousness meets contemporary chic at the Cape Heritage Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in the historic heart of Cape Town. Situated in the Mother City's quietly fashionable Heritage Square, this intimate boutique hotel offers direct access to the city's vibrant street life, business precinct, shopping and fine dining.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 2
Cape Heritage Hotel & Cape Town City Tour

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before we set off on an Urban Safari through the streets of Cape Town.  Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and the most cosmopolitan by far. We start off with a stroll through the Bo-Kaap, known for its brightly coloured houses and beautiful cobbled streets. The Bo-Kaap was exclusively for coloured Muslims during the colonial and Apartheid times, and today this group still makes up the majority of residents. We will stop to visit the Capes oldest spice emporium, and sample some local delicacies while interacting with the local store owners.

We continue our adventure into the modern and ultra hip suburb of Woodstock – an area which has transformed dramatically since its establishment in the early 1800’s. Originally a collection of small thatched fishing and farm cottages –  Woodstock fell into rapid decline during the mid 20th century, with old farms being sub-divided for low cost housing, which resulted in many areas becoming run-down and  derelict with a booming drug trade and massive crime increase. Today however, Woodstock has been through a massive transformation with a successful urban renewal project that included the clever revamping of old buildings, like the Old Castle Brewery as well as the redevelopment of the Old Biscuit Mill – (which was the site of one of the old nineteenth century windmills) Today Woodstock is one of the most fashionable suburbs to live in, with a hub of great local restaurants, art galleries  and small businesses.

We stop for a bite to eat at the Old Biscuit Mill, a vibrant warm-hearted little village in the heart of Woodstock, where talented people come together to share, collaborate and show off the heart-felt passion. The Mill is home to day and night markets, a range of workshops and designer stores, delicious farm stalls, decadent restaurants and a community of like minded individuals

After lunch, we head out on a “Big 5” Urban walk, visiting the various sites in and around Woodstock that are home to the works of some of Cape Towns most Talented Graffiti artists.

In the late afternoon, we make our way to the Iconic Table Mountain. We will ascend this iconic landmark via the aerial cableway. Set over 1000m above sea level, this natural wonder allows you 360 degree views over the Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Peninsula. We spend our time exploring the various viewpoints while Martin explains the significance of the various areas of the City and points out Iconic landmarks. We will have time for a traditional sundowner drink as we watch the sun set over the Atlantic, before making our way back down to the City.

Your evening is spent at Leisure.

Day 3
Cape Heritage Hotel – Cape Peninsula Tour

After Breakfast we make our way along arguably one of the most picturesque routes in Africa. We pass through the coastal suburbs of Camps Bay, Llandudno and Hout Bay. In Hout Bay we stop to visit a local market and spend some time interacting with the local artisans, here you will find authentic, hand made products, from bespoke jewellery to upcycled trash turned into great works of art.

Leaving Hout Bay we continue our Journey over Chapmans Peak Drive, named after John Chapman a lowly ship’s pilot. Chapmans Peak is a modern day engineering marvel! Initially constructed during the First World War, this 9km route with its 114 curves and bends, skirts Chapmans Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breath-taking views in both directions.

Arriving at the Cape of Good Hope we get out of the vehicle and explore this beautiful section of the Table Mountain National Park on foot – along its amazing coastline you will get up close to the beautiful Fynbos.

Translated this means fine bush – and Fynbos makes up approximately 80% of the flora in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Of the worlds six floral kingdoms, this is the smallest and richest per unit of area. Fynbos is currently under massive pressure from encroaching human developments. This biome also provides food and shelter to a host of smaller mammals, birds and insects that rely solely on Fynbos to survive.

We also have the possibility of encountering some of the wildlife that calls this unique piece of the Peninsula home, which can include ostrich, various antelope, baboons and the Cape Mountain Zebra.

The Cape of Good Hope is not the southern tip of Africa, despite lying at the south-west corner of the Cape Peninsula; the true southern most tip of Africa is found at Cape Agulhas, approximately 150 kilometers southest of Cape Point. That said and done, the Cape of Good Hope is still one of the two world-renowned landmarks within the Table Mountain National park, and a familiar attraction that draws thousands of visitors to Cape Town each year. 

We take a stroll up to the old lighthouse, the hike is short but steep along a well hewn path. The walk is approximately 2km and offers some of the most beautiful mountain and ocean views in the world. The Old Cape Point Lighthouse was put to rest in peace when the Portuguese liner, the Lusitania, crashed under its guidance to rest in many pieces on the ocean floor. Thus the Old Cape Point Lighthouse was replaced with the new, improved and ocean fresh beacon of light imaginatively named the New Cape Point Lighthouse. The more adventurous can also walk down the steep steps to the New Lighthouse, taking you away from the crowds.  

We leave the lighthouses behind us as our day progresses towards naval town of Simons Town – where we will stop for a bite to eat at one of the vibrant restaurants. Quaint buildings line the historial mile, dotted with great antique shops, artisnal ice cream parlours and wonderful restaurants overlooking the ocean. We will walk through this quaint seaside town, with the option to view calving southern right whales in the bay between June and November. 

After lunch we visit the comical penguins of Boulders Beach. The ancient granite boulders from which the beach gets its name, protect this spectacular beach from the wind and large waves – making it a wonderful swimming spot. The white soft sands and warm(ish) waters are not the only draw card, the local inhabitants – African penguins in their thousands are a sight to behold. African Penguins used to be known as jackass penguins because of their distinctive braying sounds, and they are the only penguins found on the continent. Commercial fishing, marine pollution and habitat destructioin have taken their toll on this colony. In 1910 it was estimated that there were approximately one-and-a-half million African Penguins; a century later, the aquatic bird was classified as an endagered species. By 1982 there were only two breeding pairs remaining, and it is only through concentrated conservation efforts that the colony at Boulders as increased to approximately 3000 birds in recent years.

The late afternoon sees us taking a leisurely drive back to the city where the evening is spent at Leisure.

Day 4
Cape Heritage Hotel – Cape Winelands Tour

This morning we leave the city behind and head out into the picturesque Cape Winelands Region. Our first stop is to one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Region. The big garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm; inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, which supplied sailing ships of the Dutch East India Company with fresh vegetables and fruit during the days when the Cape was a halfway station between Europe and Asia. There are also ties back to the mythological hanging gardens of Babylon, which were thought to have been created by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BC. for his wife who longed for the mountains and valleys of her youth.

We head out on a guided garden walk with one of the head gardeners, and you are encouraged to taste, touch, smell and immerse yourself in the beautiful gardens and incredible Mountainous backdrops.

The garden comprises 15 clusters spanning vegetable areas, stone and pome fruits, nuts, citrus, berries, bees, herbs, ducks and chickens, a prickly pear maze, and more.

Gravity feeds water from a stream by rills into the garden, flowing through ponds planted with edible lotus, nymphaea lilies and waterblommetjies. Every one of the more than 300 varieties of plants in the garden is edible or has medicinal value. They are also grown as organically as possible and in a biologically sustainable manner. The fruit and vegetables from the garden are harvested all year round for use in two farm-to-fork restaurants. Along the edge of the garden, a natural stream flows from the Simonsberg Mountain to the Berg River, creating a space for indigenous wild olives to flourish. In their shade a collection of some 7000 clivia lilies explode in a spectacular display every spring.

After the garden walk, at a respectable time to start tasting wine, we head over to the ultra-modern tasting room on the farm, where you will experience a guided tasting of the estates finest wines.

We enjoy a tour of this state of the art cellar, led by the Cellar Master and winemaker themselves, followed by a tasting of the estates signature wines.

We leave Babylonstoren with a heavy heart, and continue our journey onwards to the magnificent Delaire Graff estate – Nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch you will find not only a world class winery, an award winning restaurant, impressive gardens and one of the most beautiful sculpture walks but the home of Graff Diamonds.

We spend some time exploring the art in landscape sculpture works of Dylan Lewis, Deborah Bell and Anton Smit before heading over to the winery for a tasting.

The combination of Maritime and mountain is a very unique terroir and here in Stellenbosch it creates the award-winning Delaire Graff wines. A cooling Atlantic Sea Breeze washes over the steeply sloping vineyards giving them a rich intensity of fruit. Delaire Graff wines rank among the most prestigious in the Southern Hemisphere.

Lunch is served at the Delaire Graff restaurant – enjoy fine food while overlooking the spectacular Mountain range of Stellenbosch.. The restaurant is committed to local and beautiful food, so the menu changes along with the seasons.

In the late afternoon, we head out to the last stop of the day, the KWV House of fire – here we will enjoy a private tour that takes us back more than 100 years in history. Founded in 1918 by Dr Charles WH Kohler KWV not only produces some of the worlds top brandies and wines, but also a number of internationally recognized spirits.

We return to the city, where the rest of the evening is spent at Leisure.

Day 5

Ugebezi Explorer Camp

After breakfast and check out procedures, you are transferred by road to Cape Town International Airport – here you will board your direct scheduled commercial flight into Hoedspruit to start your unique safari experience. After collecting luggage you are transferred by road to the Blue Canyon Reserve.

Lunch is served in Camp, and you have some time to relax and unwind before embarking on your first afternoon game drive. The Drive lasts approximately 3 hours, and under the guidance of your local ranger, you go in search of the famed Big 5 of Africa. We will stop in the heart of the bushveld just before sunset for a traditional “Sundowner Stop” a way the locals celebrate another day in Africa by toasting the sunset.

Your return to camp is after dark, and en-route you will search for the nocturnal animals that are starting to rise after a peaceful days slumber under the African Sun. You are welcomed warmly in camp and have some time to relax and freshen up before a magnificent meal is served under the African Skies, while your rangers regale you with fireside stories of the Africa of old.

Retire to your tent for a peaceful nights slumber while the sounds of the African bushveld lull you into a deep sleep.

Overnight: UGEBEZI EXPLORER CAMP

Set in the heart of Big 5 country, Ugebezi Explorer Camp is a walking safari camp that is experience driven. 4 Comfortable safari tents, hosting 2people, each with its own shower and flush toilet. The lounge tent with its leather couches and bar area will be perfect to relax one the heat of the day, between your safari activities. All meals are catered for by the in-house chef over the open fire. In the boma area you will be able to share stories around the campfire and reflect on the days activities. All safari activities will be done with your private Safari guide.

Day 6
Ugebezi Explorer Camp

Rise with the Sun! Tea and Coffee is served in the main mess tent, before you embark on your morning walk. Spend 3 hours walking through the bushveld with Martin, a master tracker within his own right. We focus not only on the Big 5 – but all of the wonderful plants, birds and insects that together play a vital role in maintaining a healthy eco-system.

The intimate nature of walking safaris, takes us back to a primal connection we have all shared with Africa – here the aim is to fall back into rhythym with this connection and be in tune with your senses and the area around you.

We return to camp in the late morning for a delicious breakfast cooked over open flames, after which you will visit the local Anti-Poaching unit. Martin has been integral in the establishment of this Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), and along with the Nkombe Rhino Foundation they have created a sustainable and successful model to combat the war against poaching. These dedicated and professionally trained men, are presently risking their lives on a daily basis and fighting for the future of a sustainable wildlife heritage.

Spend some time with the APU and the amazing men that dedicate their lives to this worthy cause. The core vision of Nkombe Rhino is to consistently support this team on the ground, who face dangerous situations each day as the poaching pandemic escalates. Rhinos are being killed at an unprecedented rate for their horns. In South Africa alone, the figures of rhino deaths due to poaching incursions are sickening, and at this rate the world population of rhinos could be wiped out by 2025.

A picnic lunch is served alongside members of the APU before you return to camp for some time at leisure to relax and enjoy the bushveld before your evening game drive.

Dinner is served upon return to the lodge.

Day 7
Ugebezi Explorer Camp

Enjoy another full day at this wonderful camp with morning Bushwalks and evening game drives.

All meals are served in camp.

Day 8
Rockfig Safari Lodge

After your morning bush walk, return to camp for breakfast and check out procedures. We bid this wonderful little camp farewell and continue onwards with our journey. We transfer by road into the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve. Founded in 1956 with the aim to reclaim the land for the benefit of not only the wildlife, but the surrounding communities.

Timbavati’s best-known residents are undoubtedly its white lion – the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene that causes leucism, a partial loss of pigmentation of the skin (as opposed to albinism, an absence of colour-giving melanin that affects the skin, feathers, hair and eyes of animals).

A recent uptick in white-lion births has reminded many old Kruger hands of the origin of the name Timbavati: it derives from a Shangaan expression meaning ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens’. It could be said that the lions have come home: the varied, undulating landscapes, seasonal rivers and low density of lodges make Timbavati the safari equivalent of heaven on earth.

Lunch is served in camp, overlooking the waterhole. Keep an eye out for the playful elephants that often come to slake their thirst here in the heat of the midday African Sun.

You have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. High tea is served at the lodge before you embark on your exciting evening game drive.

Spend 3 hours exploring this unique region in search of the famed white lions of the Timbavati.

Return to the lodge after dark, for drinks by the fire before enjoying a delicious dinner. Your evening is spent at leisure, unwinding around the camp fire or indulging in a decadent bubble bath overlooking the bushveld.

Day 9 

Rockfig Safari Lodge

Enjoy a full day at this beautiful lodge, with morning and evening game drives. All meals are served at the lodge.

The 3,500ha area around RockFig is shared with just one other lodge, while the total traversing area of some 12,500ha underlines that this is true ‘free range’ conservation – the antithesis of a zoo. Sightings of predators are a noted feature of Timbavati game drives, from wild dog to descendants of the original RockFig leopard.

Day 10
Rockfig Safari Lodge

Enjoy a full day at this beautiful lodge, with morning and evening game drives. All meals are served at the lodge.

As if the density of wildlife weren’t enough, the game-viewing experience is further amplified by the ecologically sensitive approach taken by RockFig, with off-road driving limited to Big Five and other special sightings (because, yes, Timbavati is home to the Big Five!). Much of the tracking is done on foot for a more authentic experience.

Day 11
Departure

Enjoy your last morning game drive in the magical Timbavati before returning to the lodge for breakfast and check out procedures.

At a time advised by camp management, you will be transferred by road to the Hoedspruit airport for your scheduled commercial flight to Johannesburg, Here you are met by a local representative who will assist you with customs and immigration procedures for your connecting homeward flight.

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