South Africa

South AfricaSouth AfricaSouth Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush Winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Read more

We are sorry, there are no reviews yet for this tour.

Package Highlights

Johannesburg, South Africa's biggest city and capital of Gauteng province, began as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. Its sprawling Soweto township was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Mpumalanga (Zulu name for "the place where the sun rises") is a province in eastern South Africa, bordering the nations of Swaziland and Mozambique.

Swaziland, a small, landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, is known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. Marking its northeastern border with Mozambique and stretching down to South Africa, the Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for Mlawula Nature Reserve’s many hiking trails. Nearby Hlane Royal National Park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants.

Zululand is one of the 11 district municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal province. The seat of Zululand is Ulundi. The majority of its 803,575 people speak IsiZulu.

Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure & unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax at your hotel. At 19:00 we will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.

Distance travelled today: 35 kms

Day 2: Monday Johannesburg - Mpumalanga

Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 425 kms

Day 3: Tuesday - Mpumalanga

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.

We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Day 4: Wednesday - Mpumalanga

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari (with English speaking game ranger) through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional & for own account). [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 120 kms

Day 5: Thursday - Mpumalanga Eswatini (Swaziland)

This morning we travel to Eswatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Eswatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in Eswatini (Swaziland). [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 310 kms

Day 6: Friday - Eswatini (Swaziland) - Zululand

After breakfast we will continue south through Eswatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino.

Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

Day 7: Saturday - Zululand Durban (Umhlanga)

This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 275 kms

Day 8: Sunday - Durban (Umhlanga) - Knysna

After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where we will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). We’ll arrive at our hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

Day 9: Monday Knysna

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where we can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Distance travelled today: 15 kms

Day 10: Tuesday - Knysna - Oudtshoorn

Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the “ostrich capital” and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. We’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account).

Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Distance travelled today: 210 kms

Day 11: Wednesday - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue straight through to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. (The tour will travel via Franschhoek, if there are guests booked on the Franschhoek option)

Overnight in Cape Town [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 468 kms

Day 12: Thursday - Cape Town (Unescorted)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively, relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 10 kms

Day 13: Friday - Cape Town

Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 14: Saturday - Cape Town

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account & time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbour or railway station for your onward journey. [Breakfast]

Hotels Offered

AccommodationStar Nights/Staying Time
Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar4*1 Night
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar4*3 nights
Royal Swazi Sun or similar3*1 Night
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar3*1 Night
Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar4*1 Night
Rex Hotel or similar4*2 Nights
Hlangana Lodge or similar4*1 Night
President Hotel or similar4*3 Nights

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusion:

  • 13 Breakfasts
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Dinners
  • Accommodation
  • Porterage
  • Transportation
  • Sightseeing as specified

Package Exclusion:

FLIGHT: DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - PORT ELIZABETH (DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8

**Please book flights to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09:00. Tour departs from Port Elizabeth between 10:00-10:30 on Day 8.

Notes

Visa Requirements:

This tour travels through Eswatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through Eswatini (Swaziland).

**There is an opportunity to maximize your experience of the Cape Winelands, with an optional overnight stay (at a supplementary cost) in the picturesque village of Franschhoek on Day 11, rejoining the main tour on Day 12.

Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 25 guests

Selected departure dates