Zipping Zebra specialises in tailor-made tours that truly put you behind the wheel. Whether you want the freedom of self-drives or the comfort of organised tours, we pride ourselves on customising tours to our client's personal wishes and budget. Do you want child-friendly accommodation for your children, romantic suites for you and your significant other or your own private villa perhaps? The wishes of every traveler are unique, pretty much like the stripes on a zebra’s back. That’s why we believe there is only one proper way to explore the region: yours!
To many “Die Hel” may sound as a very uninviting place but those who have visited it speak of a paradise on earth. To top that this tour takes you through the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, which is nicknamed “The Land of Psalm 23”. Whether you believe in a hereafter or not, this 12 day 4x4 breakaway is for anyone who believes in getting the most out of a life before death. From only ZAR 4,550 per person sharing/ ZAR600 single supplement (FWD rental not included).
DAY-TO-DAY
Day 1: Matjiesfontein Day 2: Prince Albert Day 3: “The Hell” Day 4: Oudtshoorn Day 5 & 6: Knysna Day 7: Patensie Day 8 & 9: Baviaanskloof Day 10: Die Vlug Day 11: Witsand Day 12: Malgas
ITINERARY Day 1: Cape Town – Matjiesfontein Take the N1 highway to the historical town of Matjiesfontein that offers a glimpse of South Africa’s past. The entire town has been declared a national monument, including your accommodation for the night, the Lord Milner Hotel. Don’t let the jolly resident ghosts keep you up at night…
Day 2: Prince Albert Make your way to South Africa’s most sought after little Little Karoo town of Prince Albert, situated at the foot of the impressive Swartberg mountains. Overnight in one of the 22 national monuments of the town. Day 3: “The Hell” Drive the untarred Swartberg Pass, considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world. The steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks, with breath-taking views at every turn, are a joy for every 4x4 enthusiast. Near the summit at almost 1600 meters above sea level you turn-off into the Gamkaskloof, a spectacular area also known as “The Hell”. Sleep in a restored cottage in the reserve and meet some of the remarkably friendly locals of The Hell. The origin of the name is unknown. Some say it derives from the Afrikaans word for “slope”, others say it was nicknamed The Hell by commandos in the Anglo-Boer war. Day 4: Oudtshoorn Today you will travel 50 km in “2 hours” out of “The Hell” to Oudtshoorn. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. You have the option to end this day with a dinner at Kobus se Gat (Kobus’ Hole) – an open air restaurant at the foot Swartberg Pass. You can also visit the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm or explore “Ostrich City”. Overnight in Oudtshoorn (B&B). Day 5: Oudtshoorn – Knysna Drive the scenic, tarred Outeniqua pass and the N2 highway to Knysna, where you will get a chance to prepare food and have dinner with a local “mama”. Learn about African recipes, culture the ambiance of a unique international blend of superb hospitality, cuisine and service. Experience life in a South African home and feel true hospitality. Overnight DBB. Day 6: Knysna Go on a dolphin cruise with fair-trade boat company Ocean Blue, visit the “castles” at the breath-takingly beautiful Noetzie conservancy or alternatively visit the Rastafarian Community on an educational tour. Overnight in or near Knysna (B&B)
Day 7: Patensie Cross the border with the Eastern Cape and take the scenic route to the hamlet of Patensie in the Gamtoos Valley. On this pleasant route you will have ample time and opportunity to make an optional Tree Top Canopy Tour, visit Birds of Eden and take one of the highest bungee jumps in the world off the Bloukrans bridge. Or just enjoy the ride that takes you through Hankey, a historical town that is home to the largest sundial in Africa and known as the final resting place Sarah ‘Saartjie’ Baartman, a Khoi-woman that was sadly displayed in the nineteenth century as a curiosity in European “freak shows”. Overnight in Patensie self-catering accommodation.
Day 8 & 9: Baviaanskloof Make your way into the Baviaanskloof which is part of a World Heritage Site. The 200 km long road leads you through the rugged beauty of the “Grootrivier” gorge on its winding path through this pristine conservancy. The Baviaanskloof is known as the “Land of Psalm 23” or in the words of Getaway magazine a place that is so special that once you have visited it, you will be left with a lifelong yearning to return. You get to choose your unique accommodation for the night: a cave, tree house, lodge or a cosy self-catering cottage for two.
Day 10: Prince Alfred’s Pass to “Die Vlug” Back into the Western Cape, take the scenic Prince Alfred’s Pass between Avontuur (Adventure) and Die Vlug (The Escape). The pass was built along an ancient elephant trail. Tonight you stay at a “green” tented camp that is independent from the national power grid and water supply.
Day 11: Witsand Today you travel to Witsand at the mouth of the Breede River and near the De Hoop Nature Reserve. In season this town is arguably the best place for whale watching. Spend the night at a self-catering accommodation in the “whale nursery of South Africa”.
Day 12: Malgas – Cape Town After breakfast take the romantic Malgas pont over the Breede River on your way back to the Mother City. The opportunities en route are seemingly endless: visit the southern tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas, do more whale watching in Hermanus (in season), visit Betty’s Bay with its beautiful botanical gardens and penguin colony or just enjoy the ride home. If you want to stay an extra night in any of these places or want to shorten the tour to suit your schedule, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Including: Meet and Greet at arrival, extended route descriptions, accommodation: 5 nights Bed and Breakfast (B&B), 6 nights Self-catering and 1 night local dinner Excluding: 4x4 hire, Entry fees for World Heritage Sites; luggage service/portage, insurance, optional excursions and extra meals.
All the places we stayed and visited were great. Your route description was brilliant. Thank you for making this an unforgettable trip. We will definitely recommend your services to others.
