15 Day South Africa Surprise Guided Tour
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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]
End of Services
Validity | Cost per adult sharing | Cost per single |
---|---|---|
01 Jan -30 April 2024 | ZAR 37 470 | ZAR 46 910 |
01 May -31 July 2024 | ZAR 34 500 | ZAR 43 330 |
01 Aug – 31 Dec 2024 | ZAR 38 460 | ZAR 48 370 |
Included:
14 breakfasts, 4 dinners, accommodation, porterage, transportation, sightseeing as specified and Kruger Park Conservation levy (conservation levies are subject to increase without prior notice and are at the discretion of the game park)
VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.
Please Note:
NOTE
Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 06h15 and ends at 22h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent, in order to make alternative transfer arrangements.
LANGUAGE
All departures are in English
DEPARTURE DATES – Select Sundays
Jan24 | Feb24 | Mar24 | Apr24 | May24 | Jun24 | |
English | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
Jul24 | Aug24 | Sep24 | Oct24 | Nov24 | Dec24 | |
English | 7 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 people travelling:
Rates valid 01/01/2021 – 31/12/2021:
DAY 2 – MONDAY – HAZYVIEW – SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER – R 550.00 per person
Experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star studded sky. (This experience is weather permitting & subject to availability at the time of booking)
DAY 3 – TUESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – R 1 150.00 per person
Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.
DAY 3 – TUESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE – R 550.00 per person
Enjoy an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment.
DAY 5 – THURSDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – R 900.00 per person
Enjoy an afternoon, 3-hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
DAY 6 – FRIDAY – ST LUCIA GAME VIEWING BOAT CRUISE – R 340.00 per person
Enjoy a game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia (depending on weather conditions), getting up close to the sights and sounds of hippos and crocodiles and marvelling at the plentiful birdlife.
DAY 8 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1 425.00 per person
Join a 4×4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR – R 590.00 per person excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket.
Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – KAAPSE STORIES DINNER THEATRE – R 830.00 per person
Enjoy an evening of song, theatre and delicious Cape food that serves as a perfect welcome to the mother city.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – R 1 400.00 per person
Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – R 1 150.00 per person
While South Africa’s fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country’s principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
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