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 • Mpumulanga • Eswatini ( Swaziland )  • Zululand • Durban • Port Elizabeth • Knysna • Oudtshoorn • 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.

Overnight: Protea Hotel Wanderers  or similar – Bed and Breakfast
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.

Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar – Bed and 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 early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an afternoon game experience (optional and for own account).

Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel  or similar – Bed and 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).

Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel  or similar – Bed and 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]

Overnight: Royal Swazi Sun (standard room) or similar – 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.

Overnight: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe and Safaris (standard room) or similar – Bed and 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).

Overnight : Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar – Bed and 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.

Overnight: Rex Hotel  or similar – 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]

Overnight: Rex Hotel or similar -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.

Overnight:  Hlangana Lodge or similar – Breakfast & Lunch
Distance travelled today: 210 kms

Day 11 – Wednesday    Oudtshoorn – Franschhoek – 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: President Hotel  or similar – Bed & Breakfast  OR  Protea Hotel Franschhoek [ for those booked on the Franschhoek option ]
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: President Hotel  or similar – 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.

Overnight: President Hotel  or similar – Bed & 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]

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FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION  

If you’ve always dreamed of experiencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will have the opportunity to maximise your experience of picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality and fine wines, thereafter rejoining the tour with minimum disruption.

Day 11 – Wednesday         Oudtshoorn – Franschhoek

Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture.

Overnight in Franschhoek. [Breakfast]  

Day 12 – Thursday        Franschhoek – Cape Town

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out to the picturesque Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch, surrounded by awe inspiring scenery. With extraordinary wine estates and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your knowledgeable guide will create a memorable Winelands experience. Enjoy two wine tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll re-join the main tour. [Breakfast] 

It’s an adventure unlike any other – South Africa, vast land of unimaginable beauty and diversity of experiences, is set to take your breath away.   Come on this journey of exploration, where you’ll marvel at breathtaking vistas such as the Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, spend wild time in the company of lions and elephants in Kruger National Park, and walk – or even crawl – through the legendary Cango Caves with their iconic dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

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
• Hazyview / Mpumulanga
• Eswatini ( Swaziland )
• St Lucia
• Durban
• Drakensberg
• Eastern Cape Coast / Tsitsikamma
• Knysna
• Mossel Bay
• 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

Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar [ Bed and Breakfast ]

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 via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, 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 finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar [ Bed and Breakfast ]

Day 3: (Tue) Mpumulanga   / Kruger National  Park

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle.  Open vehicle safaris are available (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.

There is an option to enjoy an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling (optional and for own account) [Packed Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar [ Bed and Packed Breakfast ]  

Day 4 : ( Wed )   Mpumulanga – Eswatini ( Swaziland)

This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Eswatini (Swaziland). We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Eswatini (Swaziland) where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Eswatini culture.

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similar [ Bed and Breakfast ]  

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

This morning we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland) into Zululand.  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. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account). Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.

Distance travelled today: 350 kms

Accommodation: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar [ Bed and Breakfast ]

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

Guests have the option to take a morning boat cruise (optional and for own account) on Lake St Lucia, to experience Africa’s largest estuarine system, 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.

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge [ Bed and Breakfast ]  

Day 7: (Sat)      Durban – Drakensburg

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we 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 (optional and for own account).

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar [ Bed, Breakfast, Dinner ]  

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)

Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar [ Bed, Breakfast, Dinner ]

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 homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata.  We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.

Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar [ Bed, Breakfast,  Dinner ]  

Day 10 : (Tues)     Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma

We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes.  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.

Distance travelled today: 510 kms

Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar  [ Bed and Breakfast ]

Day 11: (Wed)    Tsitsikamma – Knysna

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the 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 mid-afternoon for check in at our hotel.

Distance travelled today: 92 kms

Accommodation:Premier Hotel The Moorings or similar[ Bed , Breakfast & Dinner ]  

Day 12: (Thurs)      Knysna – Oudtshoorn  – Mossel Bay

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. Walk around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay.

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

Accommodation: Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar [ Bed and Breakfast ]  

Day 13: (Fri)        Mossel Bay – Cape Town

Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon

Distance travelled today: 420 kms

Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town Gardens or similar  [ Bed and Breakfast ]  

Day 14: (Sat)          Cape Town ( Unescourted )

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (optional and for 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. Overnight in Cape Town

Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town Gardens or similar  [ Bed and 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

Accommodation: Sun Square Hotel  [ Bed and Breakfast ]  

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]

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