South African Surprise

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service 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.

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. Why not experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky (optional and for own account)? [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 500 kms

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 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. Consider joining an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling (optional and for own account). [Packed Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 200 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 and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland). [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 350 kms

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 320 kms

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). Sit down to an extensive dinner buffet at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

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. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.  [Breakfast & Dinner]

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. A delicious seafood buffet awaits you for dinner at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Distance travelled today: 520 kms

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 510 kms

After a leisurely 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

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 360 kms

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. [Breakfast]

Distance travelled today: 420 kms

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]

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]