4 Barnard St, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700

Call Craig: +27 82 091 7983 | Email: craig@southernafricantours.com

Call Bianca: +27 74 957 0355 | Email: bianca@southernafricantours.com

OVERVIEW

This spectacular itinerary includes South Africa’s prime attractions & “off beat” places! From hectic Johannesburg to the stunning cosmopolitan cities of Cape Town & Durban. Discover the treasures of 3 Southern African countries. Explore 4 unique wildlife reserves, tall mountains, deep canyons, two oceans, Big 5, ancient forests, UNESCO sites, historical places & a rich cultural heritage. We can offer you our discounted rates on optional activities! (vehicle & flights are included in the price).

South Africa 
StartJohannesburg (Day 1)
Day 1Soweto (Johannesburg)
Day 2Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route)
Day 3-4Kruger NP
Swaziland 
Day 5Ezulwini Valley (Highlight)
South Africa 
Day 6St. Lucia (iSimangaliso WP)
Day 7Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
Day 8iSimangaliso WP
Day 9Umhlanga (Town)
Day 10uKhahlamba Drakensberg (Mountain Range)
Day 11Sani Pass (Drakensberg Mountains)
Day 12Cape Town (City)
Day 13Winelands (Highlight)
Day 14Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula)
Day 15Cape Town (City)
EndCape Town (Day 16)

 

Activities & Transportation

  • Activities: game drivesevening/night game driveswalking safaris (with an armed guide) & boat trip
  • Game drives: open-sided 4×4 vehicle & self-drive
  • Getting around: self-drive & air transfer
  • Clients collect and return their self-drive vehicle at the airport
south africa map

Day 1

Get to Know Soweto Tour

On arrival at OR Tambo international we meet you, go through your itinerary in detail, hand over comprehensive maps, literature, vouchers and other necessary information. Proceed to your car hire and make your way to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you shall be collected to start the Soweto tour.

Soweto orientation tour (optional)
Your guide takes you around the heritage hub of Soweto, driving past landmarks and monuments that represent Soweto’s role in the struggle for freedom in the turbulent apartheid era. The Soweto tour covers the homes of Nelson Mandela & Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners who lived on the same street; Freedom Square, Regina Mundi Church and Hector Peterson Museum.

Visit a community care center that we support and spend time walking around the informal settlement. It’s an opportunity to meet the people who live in the community.

We stop for lunch & drinks (included) at a popular restaurant at the base of the iconic Soweto Towers.

Main Destination:
Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Signature Lux Hotel Sandton

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Soweto
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Blyde River Canyon – Panorama Route

Depart Johannesburg for the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga. The canyon is the 3rd largest and largest green canyon (vegetated) on earth.

Follow the scenic Panorama Route and admire God’s Window, Three Rondawels, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and a number of incredible waterfalls along the way. Pilgrim’s Rest is an authentic historical village dating from the first South African gold rush and now a National Monument.
Time permitting, a swim in the beautiful MacMac pools to cool off.

Check in to your hotel, time to relax and enjoy dinner.

Main Destination:
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Mogodi Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located in or near Graskop
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 3

Kruger National Park + sunset safari

You arrive in the late morning at the famous Kruger National Park and begin your safari into this bush veld wonderland. Enjoy a light lunch from a view point on the banks of the mighty Sabie River. Continue your game drive and around 3 pm check in at Lower Sabie resort.

At 4:30 pm you begin your exciting late afternoon/sunset game drive with a professional game ranger. The professional game ranger will enthrall you with stories of the African bush and point out the Big 5 and other rare and endangered species (included).

Please note these 3 safari activities can only be operated by the parks board, therefore making it a special experience.

Main Destination:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Best Time to VisitMay to September (Dry season)
High SeasonDecember to January and July to August
Best WeatherApr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)

Wildlife in Kruger NP

Accommodation:

Lowe Sabie Rest Camp

  • Mid-range chalet located inside Kruger NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

Day 4

Kruger National Park + nocturnal safari

After breakfast and perhaps a nap you drive into the African Savannah and wildlife in all its splendor, or/and relax in camp beside the pool or on the banks of the Sabie River.

The Kruger Park is home to almost a thousand bird species, amongst them many birds of prey. Much wildlife can be seen whilst driving along the banks of the Sabie river including predators like lion, leopard and even the endangered wild dog/painted wolf.

Tonight you participate on a night game drive (included) which is guided by an experienced game ranger with unsurpassed knowledge of the African bush.
Nocturnal game drives are where you shall encounter those elusive nocturnal animals who are mostly seen after dark. Including African cats both big and small.

Main Destination:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Accommodation:

Lower Sabie Rest Camp

  • Mid-range bungalow located inside Southern Kruger
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

Day 5

Kruger National Park + safari walk & Kingdom of Swaziland

Early morning safari walk with armed rangers (included). You experience the Kruger on foot, rangers will show you all sorts of amazing things, such as plants, insects, reptiles, tracks, Big 5 & provide superb information on them. You encounter large & small mammals on your walk and get close enough to experience these ultimate encounters.

Depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland (passport required). The landscapes are very similar to those of Switzerland. You visit Ngwenya Glass Factory and the worlds oldest mine. Time dependent visit a great example of San (Bushman) rock art created by indigenous people that once roamed Southern Africa alone. Or visit Swaziland’s oldest game reserve where you get to walk amongst fauna (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary). Near Mbabane, admire the Royal Palace & Kings Mausoleum from the vehicle. Overnight in Ezulwini Valley, the Kingdom’s tourist area. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the valley bears this name certainly has its share of hedonistic delights.

Main Destination:
Ezulwini Valley (Highlight, Swaziland)
Accommodation:

Mantenga Lodge

  • Mid-range lodge located in or near Ezulwini Valley
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

Day 6

Lake St Lucia & river boat safari

After breakfast you visit the Swaziland candle factory and “House of fire”. Before departing for St Lucia situated along the tropical coast of Zulu land. On route you visit a typical Swazi village and orphanage run by a lady who has no NGO or governmental aid but some how has given hope to many orphan children. An authentic experience that will leave you with fond memories of her courage. Please note she might be away that day, will will then find an alternative.
Upon arrival you take a 3 hour cruise on the St. Lucia wetlands (included), home to a multitude of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and a World Heritage Site. It is in this complex ecosystem where bush meets beach, mangrove and sand forests are home to a stupendous diversity of wildlife and flora. You have the opportunity to encounter hippos, crocodiles, eagles and maybe even the elusive leopard.
Upmarket B&B in the heart of St Lucia wetland park.

Main Destination:
St Lucia (iSimangaliso WP, South Africa)
Accommodation:

St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

  • Mid-range guest house located just outside iSimangaliso WP
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 7

Hluhluze Umfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Hluhluze-iMfolozi is one of South Africa’s best-known, most evocative parks. World renowned for having saved the white rhino from extinction. It is the 2nd oldest national park in the world, home to the Big Five and situated in the heart of Zululand.

You can spend the day exploring this 98000 hectares of wilderness accompanied by a professional ranger in an open sided safari vehicle (optional), or self – drive safari on your own.

Later in the afternoon return to St Lucia village. Time to soak up the last sun rays on the beautiful sub – tropical beaches, or walk through indigenous forests which surround the famous estuary.

Main Destination:
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
Best Time to VisitMay to September (Dry season)
High SeasonOctober to March (The park can get busy)
Best WeatherApr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)

Wildlife in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR

Accommodation:

St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

  • Mid-range guest house located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 8

ISimangaliso Wetland Park – Bush & Beach bonanza

This morning you enter iSimangaliso Wetland Park (the worlds most diverse park) where you can visit the eastern shores, exploring the incredible diversity with the opportunity to snorkel the world’s southern most coral reefs, home to hundreds of fish species. This is also the place where one can dive with the dolphins at Cape Vidal.

Or if the conditions are appropriate we can head north to Sodwana Bay where you have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, snorkel among the richest coral reefs on earth or if you have your PADI qualification, scuba dive.

The coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only remaining nesting site in Africa where Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles still lay their eggs. In the summer season you can partake in a night safari to visit these endangered marine animals (optional, but at our discounted price).

Main Destination:
Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)
Accommodation:

St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

  • Mid-range guest house located just outside iSimangaliso WP
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 9

Durban city tour > Umhlanga Rocks – relax & enjoy

This morning depart for Durban, on arrival, tour the historical city, waterfront and ocean promenade (We can organize a guided tour of Durban and surrounds if you prefer). Home to the largest concentration of people of Indian descent outside of India, Durban also boasts an unmistakably Asian feel, with the marketplaces and streets of the Indian area replete with the sights, sounds and scents of the subcontinent.

Umhlanga Rocks is a 10 minute drive from Durban city, where you shall be staying the night. It is an upmarket seaside resort on the warm sub tropical east coast of South Africa. Together Umhlanga and Umdloti form the Sugar Coast, formerly sugar cane plantations. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Be part of the Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence, and partake on an exciting morning Boat Tour, where you get to see the staff from Operations Department actually servicing the shark safety gear off Durban’s Golden Mile beaches.

2 hr 51 min (244 km) via N2.

Main Destination:
Umhlanga (Town, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Durban Umhlanga Ridge

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Umhlanga
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 10

Drakensberg via Mandela Capture site & Midlands

This morning you depart for the Drakensberg mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can stop in Howick, the peaceful capital of the Natal Midlands, where the Umgeni River plunges 95 m forming a spectacular waterfall.
Then the Mandela Capture Site, where the late Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 before the famous Rivonia trial when he was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island. A monument commemorates this event that changed the course of history.
You then head to the Drakensberg a World Heritage site known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba meaning “Barrier of Spears”, the Drakensberg forms a majestic semi-circular border between KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the inland mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Dinner will be waiting for you when you get back to the Mountain Retreat.

2 hr 35 min (208,7 km) via N3 and R617.

Main Destination:
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (Mountain Range, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Karmichael Guest Farm

  • Mid-range guest house located in or near uKhahlamba Drakensberg
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 11

Drakensberg via Sani Pass (Southern Africa’s highest) into Lesotho (day trip)

Many offered and optional activities are available in this region. Which may vary depending on where you are situated or would like to be situated in the Drakensberg.
You can opt for an optional 4×4 excursion (highly recommended) and visit Lesotho for the day, via the Sani Pass, the highest in Africa, or similar if situated in the Northern Drakensberg.
Or
You can choose to go on a guided hike to the famous cave paintings left by the Bushmen of about 4000 years
Or
Trek to the Tugela Falls, the worlds highest. Note: This is only possible if you opt to stay in the Northern Berg.
Or
You visit the Golden Gate National Park, with it’s unique sandstone rock formations and wild life, browse around the pretty town of Clarence, with it’s many little restaurants. Note: This is only possible if you opt to stay in the Northern Berg.
Or
Visit the historic battle fields of the 18th century where the English, Afrikaans and Zulu armies, engaged in bloody battles.

Main Destination:
Sani Pass (Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Karmichael Guest Farm

  • Mid-range guest house located in or near Sani Pass
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 12

Flight from Durban to Cape Town

Depart for Durban (King Shaka international airport), for your flight to Cape Town (leave your vehicle at the airport). Departure approximately 13:30

I will meet you on your arrival at Cape Town international airport, time to chat, make sure you having a great time and hand over maps and literature of the region.

We have included 2 hotels in 2 different places whilst in Cape Town. This is to offer you variety, Cape Town has so much to see that this experience should enhance your experience. Please if this doesn’t suit you it is not a problem.

2 hr 35 min (208,9 km) via R617 and N3.

Main Destination:
Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape Town
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 13

Winelands, Stellenbosch and/or Whale Coast (seasonal June to November)

Drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot & Khoisan people.
Today, Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans.
You visit a museum, historical shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franschoek. A visit to the Huguenot Museum.
At an exceptional boutique wine farm taste local vintage including a pinotage which is South Africa’s own unique cultivar. Near Paarl stop in front of Mandela’s statue, it’s at the entrance to the prison from which he was liberated in 1990.
Paarl means “Pearl”, in Dutch, and refers to the imposing granite mountains surrounding the town. The Taal monument, dedicated to the Afrikaans language, the world’s only monument to a language

Please note it is possible to combine a half day Winelands with the Whale route tour.

Main Destination:
Winelands (Highlight, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape Town
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 14

Cape of Good Hope, Boat cruise, Penguins, Chapmans Peak & Groot Constantia

This Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional floral diversity. You follow the west coast via Clifton with a stop at Maiden’s Cove to enjoy a magnificent view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay then to Hout Bay, a charming little town where you enjoy a boat cruise (included) to Duiker Island, home to the worlds largest fur seal colony.
The scenic Chapman’s Peak Pass offers breathtaking scenery.
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is where the cold Atlantic waters meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This famous landmark was named by the early Portuguese mariners.
Journeying down to the False Bay coast. You then visit the well known Boulders beach, home to Africa’s largest land based jackass penguin colony.
You finish your day with a visit to Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch manor house and wine farm built by the first Governor of the Cape.

Main Destination:
Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape Town
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 15

Table Mountain, Robben Island, Township Tour, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

This morning ascend Table Mountain via cable car (optional), the views over the city, Table Bay & Robben Island are stupendous. Table Mountain is a 7th Wonder of the world & UNESCO heritage site. Visit the inner city & places like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Cape Castle, Malay quarter & Green market Square. Explore the world’s botanical garden situated inside a world heritage site, the garden has more endemic plant species than any other in the world.

Experience Cape Towns oldest township with an excellent local guide.

In the late afternoon head up the west coast, enjoy an amazing “post card” sunset view of Table Mountain, Robben Island & Table Bay.

We are happy to offer you our discounted rates on activities like, helicopter flips, shark cage diving, ballooning, whale cruise, surfing lesson, seal snorkeling, paragliding, hiking..

This evening participate in a drumming lesson, followed by an African dinner of many dishes from across the continent, accompanied by dance & theatre.

Main Destination:
Cape Town (City, South Africa)
Accommodation:

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

  • Mid-range hotel located in or near Cape Town
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 16

Optional Activities and Departure

Depending on your departure time, various activities are available to you at great rates!

Or take a historical half day tour to Robben Island, which has been used as prison and a place where people were isolated, banished and exiled to for nearly 400 years. Or visit the Zeitz museum of Contemporary African art, and make time to see the Two Oceans Aquarian!

Depart for Cape Town international airport, drop off your vehicle off and proceed to check in.

Main Destination:
Cape Town International Airport (Airport/Airstrip, South Africa)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

I’m happy to say that our private guided safaris offer unbeatable value. We are owner/guides, which means you shall experience Africa with a dedicated and enthusiastic team.  Call Craig +27 (0)820917983