Touareg Activities
South Africa
A continent touches the senses
Availability - Now fully booked for 2008
This Volkswagen driving experience is a special fusion of luxury and pure nature – two opposites which couldn't be further from each other. Experience the luxurious comfort of exclusive South African hospitality in select lodges and the chance to relax up close with this unspoilt landscape and admire animals which can only be found in a few places of this earth. The big five (elephants, rhinos, buffalos, lions and leopards) are as much of a part of the programme as a spectacular sunset with roaring white lions or young whales jumping metres above the water, swimming to the next bay ahead of their elders.
However, the wild things from Wolfsburg also have many a challenge to face up to and deliver a performance to match their animal kin: the Touaregs are just as at home among high sand dunes as on long paved highways through outstanding open countryside. But they really show you what they're made of when climbing steep, snaking mountain passes or driving through bizarre rock formations. Enjoy taking coastal routes or back roads through the Cape Winelands only to return to the hotel speeding along gravel tracks along a coastline where two oceans meet. South Africa is a country of contrasts – and one of the best challenges for an unforgettable adventure tour with the Volkswagen Touareg.
Overnight flight from Frankfurt to Cape Town.
Day 2.The capital of the "rainbow nation" will greet you with the soft light of Africa. Our professional off-road instructors will be waiting for you at the airport. Following a little replenishment at the hotel, we will drive to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The route back to Cape Town takes us via the spectacular Chapmans Peak Drive. After a sumptuous dinner, a stylish luxury hotel right in the heart of Cape Town will be your home for the first night.
Day 3.After a continental breakfast at your hotel, the first highlight of the day will be expeditions with the Touaregs among the dunes near the city of Atlantis. After a short briefing on the most important "laws" of driving through sand, it will be time to pluck up some courage and head off for the exhilarating world of the dunes, enjoying a wonderful view of Table Mountain. Around lunchtime, the Touareg convoy will continue to Grootbos via Hermanus. In the early evening, Lodge Grootbos will come into view. This comfortable five-star hotel is in a beautiful situation and will be your home for the night. If you are lucky, you may see whales playing in the bay as you go for an evening stroll along the beach with a sundowner in your hand.
Day 4.After rising and taking a walk by the ocean, should you wish, a generous breakfast will await you in the hotel with a view of the deep blue ocean. The day's events start with a walk along the Fynbos Trail and the stunning coastal scenery of Walker Bay. You will then return to the lodge for a tasty lunch before leaving for the big 5 wildlife reserve in Sanbona. On arrival, you will have the chance to freshen up briefly before embarking on a guided safari with the rangers. With a bit of luck, you will see lions or elephants up close as they pass right by the cars. To contrast with this, on your return you can enjoy a hot bath at your lodge as perfect preparation for a luxury dinner with African game specialities.
Day 5.The heart of Africa is here in the south – at least, it will certainly seem that way when you wake up to the morning sounds out in the wilderness. "The early lion catches the gazelle" – the best time to observe the wild animals is on an early morning drive at sunrise. And because lions aren't the only ones with a healthy appetite, a delicious brunch will be awaiting you on your return. After this wonderful experience, you will be in fine spirits and ready to drive over the Franschoek Pass to the world-famous winegrowing region around Paarl, where an excellent wine-tasting session and a stylish candlelit dinner bring an exciting day to a close.
Day 6.After a relaxed breakfast, you will set off on secondary roads which are only suitable for off-road vehicles. You will put your Touareg through its paces on the edges of the Karoo desert – this barren region takes its name from the word "kurú", which means "dry" in the language of the San, who used to hunt here. With enough rain in winter, the flat areas here are transformed by carpets of flowers. You will enjoy lunch at an excellent restaurant en route, before carrying on towards Bushmans Kloof on narrow gravel tracks and roads. Afternoon tea will be served on the terrace of the 5-star Relais & Châteaux Bushmans Kloof. Although it may seem tempting to stay here longer, you won't want to miss out on the safari through this unique reserve. In the atmospheric evening light, you will visit the famous rock paintings, see and hear the animals that live here and enjoy the fantastic scenery. At the end of the day, a gourmet dinner at the hotel will stun you with its South African and international cuisine.
Day 7.Today, you will return to Cape Town via the breathtaking scenery of the Cederberg mountains, a unique sandstone massif which is alive with masses of vivid flowers in spring. On arrival in Cape Town, you will be able to enjoy a relaxed tour of the city in an open-top double-decker. Lunch will be served in a cosy restaurant on the waterfront. During the last few hours in the South African sun, you will be able to take the opportunity of looking back over a wonderful week. In the afternoon, you will fly back to Germany or travel on under your own steam.
Day 8.When you land in Frankfurt the next morning, you will forever have a place in your heart for Africa.
- Return flight Germany – Cape Town (Economy Class), if required
- Five overnight stays in hotels along the way as described in the itinerary, including breakfast
- Six lunches as described in the itinerary, including non-alcoholic drinks
- Five evening meals as described in the itinerary, including non-alcoholic drinks
- Training in off-road driving
- Professional off-road instructors throughout the tour
- All admission fees and extras as described in the itinerary (wine tasting, safaris, sundowners)
- A Touareg for every two participants, including everything necessary for the trip (petrol, maps, etc.)
All additional costs for alcoholic drinks, the minibar or pay TV are to be settled by the guest at each hotel. Please contact us about prices for individual requests (e.g. Business Class supplement).
