SECRET ELEPHANTS FOREST EXPERIENCE

SECRET ELEPHANTS FOREST EXPERIENCE
WITH GARETH PATTERSON
Price from: R5,495 | $395 | €365
Based on 2 guests sharing for 2 nights

THE SECRET ELEPHANTS FOREST EXPERIENCE
Join Gareth Patterson, award-winning wildlife expert, and author of the acclaimed books, My Lion’s Heart and The
Secret Elephants, (which tells of Gareth’s rediscovery of the Knysna elephants) on a unique experience in the Knysna
forest, exploring the magical and mystical world of the most southerly elephants on Earth. This is not a search for the
Knysna elephants (who must be left in peace, and undisturbed), but an intimate insight into their world by a man who
spent over seven years studying these amazing and elusive beings. Gareth talks about his findings on the elephants
diet, range, numbers, and how they brought themselves back from the very brink, without the aid of humankind. The
forest experience a verbal and visual interpretation of Gareth’s book, The Secret Elephants (Penguin).
This is a very personalized forest experience, whereupon Gareth accompanies participants in their own vehicle.
Therefore, usually the number of participants is four, and a minimum of two.
Duration of the forest experience: the 45 km drive, incorporated at intervals with short strolls, takes approximately
three to four hours.
Secret Elephants Forest Experience video clip: www.vimeo.com/16663928
KNYSNA
The Garden Route includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, whose starting point is constantly
contested as towns such as Witsand, Stilbaai and Albertinia join the route that winds its way for some 200 km via
George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay and culminating in the Tstisikamma Forest - a
fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.
Mountains crowd close to a shoreline dotted with beaches and bays, and vividly coloured wild flowers delight the eye.
Between Heidelberg and Storms River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline featuring lakes, mountains, tall
indigenous forests, amber -coloured rivers and golden beaches. Meandering trails are followed by hikers, the forests
invite long, leisurely drives, and the lakes and rivers lend themselves to swimming boating and fishing. A wide range of
leisure options, spectacular scenery and a mild climate guarantee an unforgettable holiday experience when visiting
the Garden Route in South Africa.
The region provides a stirring study in contrasts. The delightful town of George, known as “The Gateway to the Garden
Route”, graces a coastal plateau in a fertile area of lush greenery at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. Oudtshoorn,
“Capital of the Klein Karoo”, is set in a semi-arid valley, providing the ideal habitat for ostriches which are farmed here
on a grand scale. The Garden Route stretches on the southern coast from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and
Storms River. It’s a nook of the country that offers inspiration to writers and artists whose presence gives the Garden
Route a trendy flavour. It is also a top priority of many a foreign visitor.
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Candlewood Lodge | Knysna
2 nights
Luxury accommodation in Knysna, Candlewood Lodge bed and breakfast in Knysna overlooks the famous Knysna
Lagoon with stunning views and luxurious accommodation.
The accommodation offered by Andreas and Ines Merz at Candlewood Lodge is 5 star rated by the Tourism Grading
Council of South Africa and the AA.
This luxurious Knysna bed and breakfast enjoys unsurpassed views straight through the heads and the Knysna lagoon
to the Indian Ocean. The accommodation comprises six superbly appointed double en suite rooms and one family
suite, a separate guest dining area and outdoor patio, large pool and spa. There are many activities to enjoy in Knysna
not least of which are the numerous golf courses, horse riding, sailing and gastronomic pleasantries abundant in the
town.
This stunning bed and breakfast is set on the hillside overlooking the azure blue Knysna lagoon known in South Africa
for its world famous Oysters, stunning scenery and eco-diverse surroundings. The B and B is just minutes from Knysna
town centre and four of the top golf courses on The Garden Route – Pezula, Simola, and Goose Valley – with the
infamous Fancourt being a short drive away.
Rate based on ground floor room.
Extra nights are available, please enquire.
EXTRA ACTIVITY included
Close Encounter Whale Watching: a 1 ½ to 2 hr whale watching excursion with Knysna’s only permit holder
(1 June to 30 Nov)
Or
Marine Eco-Tour (From 01 December to 30 May): a 1 ½ to 2 hr Marine eco-tour on the Knysna Estuary & and exploration
of our unique coastline (1 Dec to 30 may)
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Includes:
• Accommodation at Candlewood Lodge (bed & breakfast)
• Secret Elephants Forest Experience led by Gareth Patterson
• Whale watching excursion or Marine Eco-tour (depending on season). x1 per guest
Excludes:
• International airfare and travel to Candlewood Lodge
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Additional activities and excursions
• Meals and drinks not included
• Items of a personal nature and gratuities
General Terms and Conditions apply
For more information about Gareth Patterson, and his work for wildlife, please visit: www.garethpatterson.com
Captured In Africa would like to thank Gareth for the opportunity in offering this special experience for Captured In
Africa customers.
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