South Africa Odyssey

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 and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto, learning more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa, 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

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 425 kms

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 breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. Consider joining (for own account) a Shangaan Cultural Dinner experience, for an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the 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 species. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive (optional and for own account). Why not experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky (for own account)? [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 120 kms

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

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

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). [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 275 kms

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. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

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 a sumptuous lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Distance travelled today: 15 kms

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 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 arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Lunch]

Distance travelled today: 210 kms

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. Overnight in Cape Town [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 468 kms

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafés 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 Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 10 kms

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 kms

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]

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]