This tour departs weekly on a Sunday Covering 5 of South Africa’s Provinces and Two Countries

Minimum of 2 guests  / Maximum 18 guests

A Fully Escorted Tour

Route:

Johannesburg • Cape Town

This tour departs on a Sunday, ending on a Saturday

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 19h00 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.

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 early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an afternoon game experience (optional and for own account).

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).

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.

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

Day 7 – Saturday    Zululand – Durban – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Tsitsikamma

The day begins with an early breakfast before departing for Durban, travelling past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive at Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we head westwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline, and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area.

Distance travelled today: 430 kms

Day 8 – Sunday    Tsitsikamma – Knysna

After breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Afterwards we’ll continue our travels to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon, in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads, before sitting down for dinner at Drydock Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region.

Distance travelled today: 100 kms

Day 9 – Monday     Knysna – Oudtshoorn

Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the “ostrich capital” and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Along the way, visit ‘Dolphin Point’, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, we’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a fun filled interactive tour and light lunch that includes local specialities such as Ostrich Steak, 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.

Distance travelled today: 210 kms

Day 10 – Tuesday    Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

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). A portion of the monies paid by guests for this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity goes towards the Buffelsdrift Foundation, that focusses on Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo region, habitat conservation and the local community. 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, to interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom, learning more about this rural community. A portion of the trip monies go towards our Barrydale Farm School Development Fund, that supports local education of underprivileged children in rural communities.  (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue via the Tradouw’s pass to Swellendam and then further to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering the best land-based whale watching (August-November) in the world. Overnight in Hermanus

Distance travelled today: 365 kms

Day 11 – Wednesday    Hermanus – Cape Town

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the spectacularly scenic coastal road and then onwards to Stellenbosch, set in the beautiful Cape Winelands. You’ll have some free time to explore the town’s oak-shaded streets, cafés, boutiques, and art galleries before travelling to Cape Town for overnight.

Distance travelled today: 160 kms

Day 12 – Thursday      Cape Town ( Unescorted )

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens (own account) or join us for a Marine Big Five Safari (own account), where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds on a 2-hour boat cruise with marine biologists on hand to explain more about these amazing animals that visit our shores.  Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafés, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town.

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) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Overnight in Cape Town

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.

End of Services

Accommodation included (In order):

4* Southern Sun Sandton or similar x 1 night

3* Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar x 3 nights

4* The Royal Villas or similar x 1 night

3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night

3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar x 1 night

4* Rex Hotel or similar x 1 night

4* Hlangana Lodge or similar x 1 night

4* Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel or similar x 1 night

4* President Hotel or similar x 3 nights

An expedition of surprise, our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast dream, and a photographer’s canvas.

Why?

• Unbeatable Value for Money!
• No Internal flights required
• An iconic highlights tour

A large part of the itinerary is unprescribed, allowing guests to make their own decisions about optional tours and excursions

Route

• Johannesburg

• Mpumalanga 

• eSwatini (Swaziland) 

• St Lucia and surrounds 

• Durban 

• Drakensberg

• Eastern Cape Coast 

• Tsitsikamma 

• Knysna 

• Oudtshoorn 

• Cape Town

This Tour departs on a Sunday [ Note – On Set Departure Dates ]

Min 2 Guests  / Maximum of 40 guests

A Fully Escorted Tour

Day 1: (Sun)  Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2: (Mon) Johannesburg – Mpumulanga

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Day 3: (Tue) Mpumulanga  

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax. [Packed Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 4 : ( Wed )   Mpumulanga – 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 and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 5 : (Thurs )    Eswatini ( Swaziland ) – St Lucia & Surrouds

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 375 kms

Day 6 : ( Fri )   St Lucia & Surrounds – Durban

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Day 7: (Sat)      Durban – Drakensburg

After breakfast, head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Day 8 : ( Sun )    Drakensburg

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. There is an option to join a 4×4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account)

Day 9 :  ( Mon )    Drakensburg  – Eastern Cape Coast

This morning, we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Day 10 : (Tues)     Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma

We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 510 kms

Day 11: (Wed)    Tsitsikamma – Knysna

After breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 92 kms

Day 12: (Thurs)      Knysna – Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 180 kms

Day 13: (Fri)     Oudtshoorn – Cape Town

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town.  On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 420 kms

Day 14: (Sat)          Cape Town ( Unescourted )

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). 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. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]

Optional excursions available [ at an additional cost ]  

• Cape Point Tour Full Day :  Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony, Simonstown, Kalk Bay and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
• Winelands Tour Full Day   :  From Cape Town make your way out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines the area is renowned for its food and is steeped in history such as the Taal monument, various museums and the contribution of the French Huguenots. There are also many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between

Day 15: (Sun)                 Cape Town

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [Breakfast]

End of Services

Accommodation included:

4* Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar x 1 night

4* Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar x 2 nights

3* Piggs Peak Hotel or similar x 1 night

3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night

4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar x 1 night

3* Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar x 2 nights

4* Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar x 1 night

3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar x 1 night

4* The Rex Hotel or similar x 1 night

3* Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar x 1 night

3* SunSquare Cape Town Gardens or similar x 2 nights