Departing on select Sundays
Operates from November 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019
Journey through the spectacular kaleidoscope of South Africa as you take in the great highlights South Africa has to offer, such as the world-famous Kruger National Park, the rich cultural heritage and evocative beauty of Swaziland and Zululand, the vibrant coastal cities of Durban and Port Elizabeth, the splendor of the Garden Route and the Cape Winelands, finishing with a leisurely stay in Africa’s most beautiful city, Cape Town.
SundayOn 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.
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MondayDepart Johannesburg after breakfast and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. We’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometer long Blyde River Canyon and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. Continue to an area near Hazyview for your overnight stay.
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TuesdayEnjoy an early morning game drive in the Kruger National Park (in closed vehicle) with a 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).
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WednesdayThe day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and the visitor will soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel or you can join us on our Community visit to the Sizabantwana Children Care Centre for a tour and a brief look into the lives of the children that attend the center. This visit offers you the opportunity to understand more about the rural communities and their lifestyles and to interact with them in a secure and optimistic environment. Return to your hotel where open vehicle game drives are available (optional and for own account).
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ThursdayThis morning we travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colorful indigenous culture. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from 100% recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland. In the afternoon the opportunity exists for a complimentary (optional) excursion to a Swazi candle factory, where visitors can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles. Overnight in Swaziland.
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FridayAfter breakfast you will continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel to 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. Enjoy an afternoon game drive (with English speaking ranger) before continuing to your hotel in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. Overnight Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region.
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SaturdayAfter breakfast, travel to a traditional Zulu village to experience the local culture, dancing and a delicious ethnic lunch. The journey continues to Durban, passing traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. Overnight in Durban.
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SundayAfter breakfast, transfer to Durban airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. Port Elizabeth, known as the “friendly city”, has a wonderful climate and offers plenty to see and do (on own account). Overnight in Port Elizabeth.
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MondayHead westwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests. You will visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park and Storm's River Mouth on your way along the coast. You’ll arrive at your 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. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the town. Overnight in Knysna.
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TuesdayAfter a leisurely breakfast you’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbor lagoon.
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WednesdayTravel over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the center of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. You’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour, 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. Late afternoon you will travel to your hotel in time to check in and relax before dinner. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
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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, travel 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 (the school visit is subject to school being open), before continuing to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. Continue to Stellenbosch, the second oldest city in South Africa, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains with vineyards as a backdrop.
FridayAfter a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area, arguably the country’s most famous wine route. Then finally onto Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the city (unescorted).
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SaturdayA full day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy 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 colorful craft markets. There is also the Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island or alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.
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