15 Day South Africa Surprise Guided Tour
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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
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Johannesburg
-
Mpumalanga
-
eSwatini (Swaziland)
-
St Lucia and surrounds
-
Durban
-
Drakensberg
-
Eastern Cape Coast
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Tsitsikamma
-
Knysna
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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
| Validity | Cost per adult sharing | Cost per single |
|---|---|---|
| 01 May -31 July 2025 | ZAR 37 605 | ZAR 46 815 |
| 01 Aug – 30 Sep 2025 | ZAR 40 360 | ZAR 50 870 |
| 01 Oct – 31 Dec 2025 | ZAR 41 920 | ZAR 52 940 |
INCLUDES
- 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners including gratuities
- 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
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.
NOTE
Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 05h15 and ends at 23h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent, to make alternative transfer arrangements.
LANGUAGE
All departures are in English
DEPARTURE DATES – Select Sundays
| Jan24 | Feb24 | Mar24 | Apr24 | May24 | Jun24 | |
| English | 4 | 1 |
| Jul24 | Aug24 | Sep24 | Oct24 | Nov24 | Dec24 | |
| English | 6 | 3;31 | 5 |
RACK RATES valid 01/05/25-31/07/25
R 37 605.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 46 815.00 per single person
RACK RATES valid 01/08/25-30/09/25
R 40 360.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 50 870.00 per single person
RACK RATES valid 01/10/25-31/12/25
R 41 920.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 52 940.00 per single person
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 adults travelling:
Rack Rates valid 01/01/25 – 31/12/25:
DAY 3 – TUESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1 470.00 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 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI including a presentation of the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit– R 1 695.00 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. The game safari includes a presentation of the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do.
DAY 6 – FRIDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – MORNING OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1 115.00 per person
Enjoy a morning, 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 8 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1 850.00 per person
Join a 4×4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport & visa requirements apply) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa. The onus is on the guest to check applicable Visa conditions e.g., if multiple or single-entry visas are needed.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING – R 1 265.00 per person
Join a full filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS – R 1 230.00 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 explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world.
DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE PENINSULA & CONSTANTIA WINELANDS – R 2 095.00 per person
Your local guide will show you where to snap the best photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain (cable way ticket for own account), followed by Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach, one of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colourful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the vineyards.
** DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity – MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE – R 4 235.00 per person
Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. A portion of the monies paid by guests for this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research programmes to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island.
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