OVERVIEW

Day 1

Johannesburg City – Soweto- Sandton & Apartheid museum

This afternoon you visit Soweto on a guided tour, departing from your accommodation with an experienced local township guide. You then visit Soweto township and Freedom Square (tour included) A walking tour and drive will take us to and past various points of interest. Home of Mandela, Winnie Mandela and the FNB stadium. Home to the late former president, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Then it’s the Apartheid Museum which illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see. Time permitting and depending on the tour option the tour takes you to Lilliesleaf, which was the farm used secretly by African National Congress activists in the 1960s and the location where many prominent African National Congress leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial. Nowadays Liliesleaf Farm is a Museum and heritage site, attracting many visitors annually. Nelson Mandela was captured here which lead to the famous Rivonia trial.

Main Destination:

• Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa)
• Accommodation:
• 50 on Shepard Luxury guest house located in or near Johannesburg

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 2

Blyde River Canyon & the Panorama Route

You depart for the beautiful Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga. You follow the scenic Panorama Route and admire God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the various Canyon waterfalls. 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. Accommodation is near the edge of the canyon.

Main Destination:

• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Panorama Route, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Graskop Hotel
• Mid-range hotel located in or near Graskop

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  

• Drinks not included

Day 3

Kruger National Park Safaris

This morning you finish the tour of the ”Panorama route” before departing for the famous Kruger Park. The Kruger is renowned for being the richest animal kingdom on the planet. Thereafter a glorious 4×4 sunset safari with a professional ranger pursuing the Big 5 and other rare and endangered species. Accommodation in National Park chalets.

Main Destination:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• May to September (Dry season)
• High Season

• December to January and July to August
• Best Weather
• Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)
• Wildlife in Kruger NP
• ElephantCommon
• GiraffeCommon
• BuffaloCommon
• ZebraAbundant
• WildebeestCommon
• HippoCommon
• Show more

Accommodation:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Mid-range bungalow located inside Southern Kruger

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 4

Kruger National Park Safaris

Early morning safari walk. You get to experience the Kruger on foot, the rangers will show you all sorts of amazing things such as plants, insects, tracks, and offer superb information on all of them. You encounter large and small mammals on your walk and get close enough to them to experience these ultimate encounters. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast. For the rest of the day you will witness the African Savannah and wildlife in all its splendor with your private guide. Later enjoy dinner overlooking the Sabie river. If accommodation is outside the Kruger Park, a full day 4×4 safari will replace the 2 x 3 hour game drives. “Look deep deep into nature & you shall truly understand” Albert Einstein.

Main Destination:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Mid-range bungalow located inside Southern Kruger

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  

• Drinks not included

Day 5

Kingdom of Swaziland & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

This morning you leave early and enjoy your last safari before leaving the park. Breakfast on route. You then depart for the Kingdom of Swaziland (passport required). The landscapes are very similar to those of Switzerland. You can visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and the oldest mine in the world. Time dependent you can visit a fantastic example of San (Bushman) rock art created by indigenous people that once roamed Southern Africa alone. Or you can visit Swaziland’s oldest game reserve (you would then need to prioritize your activities). At Mbabane, capital of Swaziland, you will admire the Royal Palace, Parliament, and the Kings Mausoleum all from your vehicle. You overnight in the Ezulwini Valley which is the Kingdom’s main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the valley that bears this name certainly has its share of hedonistic delights.

Main Destination:

• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)
• Best Time to Visit
• May to September (Dry season)
• High Season
• Dec to Jan and Jul to Aug (It never gets very busy)
• Best Weather
• June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
• Wildlife in Mlilwane WS
• ZebraCommon
• WildebeestCommon
• HippoCommon
• LeopardVery Rare
• White RhinoNone
• Black RhinoNone

Accommodation:

• Mantenga Lodge
• Mid-range lodge located just outside Mlilwane WS

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 6

Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

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. En 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 us with fond memories of her courage. Lunch on the way. Upon arrival you take a cruise (included) on the St. Lucia wetlands, 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. 4 star B&B in the heart of the St Lucia wetland park area.

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 7

Hluhluze / Umfolozi National Park

Early morning start for St Lucia for Hluhluze / Umfolozi Park, the 2nd oldest national park in the world and home to the “B5″ and also renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction. You will spend the day exploring this vast reserve accompanied by a professional ranger in a 4×4 (included, full day with lunch). Later in the afternoon you return to St Lucia village. Time to soak up the last sun rays on the beautiful beaches which surround the famous estuary.

Main Destination:

• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• May to September (Dry season)
• High Season
• October to March (The park can get busy)
• Best Weather
• Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)
• Wildlife in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
• ElephantCommon
• GiraffeCommon
• White RhinoCommon
• BuffaloCommon
• ZebraCommon
• WildebeestCommon

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 to Cape Vidal

This morning you head into iSimangaliso Wetland Park (the worlds most diverse) where you visit the western and 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 you can head north to Sodwana Bay where you have the opportunity (optional) 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 Leather back turtles still lay their eggs. In the summer season you can partake in a night safari to visit these endangered marine animals.

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 to Cape St Francis Eastern Cape

This morning after a hearty breakfast you head South along the KZN coastline to Durban “King Shaka” airport. Time permitting you can do a historical tour of the Durban, known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species.

On arrival in Port Elizabeth you collect your at the airport and continue on our journey to the Eastern Cape’s holiday village of Cape St Francis known for it’s beautiful beaches, lagoons and a as a surfers paradise.

Main Destination:

• Eastern Cape (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Cape St Francis Resort
• Mid-range hotel located in or near St Francis

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 10

Cape St Francis the Sunshine Coast and/or Addo Elephant National Park

Today you can relax on the beautiful beaches a mere hundred meters from your accommodation. Take a drive to Jeffrey’s Bay and hire a board. This coastline is famous for producing some of if not the worlds best surf breaks. Browse the factory surf shops for your pair of baggies, a bikini or a wetsuit perhaps!

And/or visit Addo Elephant National Park. It is a diverse Big 5 wildlife national park situated close to Port Elizabeth and one of the country’s 20 national parks. It currently ranks third in size after the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Drive time, under 2 hours.

Main Destination:

• Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• January to December (All year)
• High Season
• October to March (The park gets crowded)
• Best Weather
• Sep to Apr (Warmer nights and mornings)
• Wildlife in Addo Elephant NP
• ElephantAbundant
• ZebraCommon
• LionOccasional
• BuffaloOccasional
• HyenaOccasional
• Black RhinoRare

Accommodation:

• Cape St Francis Resort
• Mid-range hotel located in or near St Francis

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 11

The Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna

This morning you leave for the Tsitsikamma National Park (optional) where you walk in the indigenous forests and cross the mouth of the Storms river via a suspension bridge. Beautiful scenery of the dramatic coastline.
You then visit the “Big tree” one of South Africa’s biggest and oldest Yellow woods. An indigenous and our national tree.

A short drive brings you to the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, a luxurious resort village. You view the famous Bloukrans bridge where bungee jumping is the highest in the world. Various activities and experiences are available alone the way. Like monkey land and a huge ”free flight” Bird sanctuary Experience a walk or ride with Elephants with panoramic views of the Outeniqua mountains and Knysna forest. You arrive in Knysna, where you enjoy a sunset cruise on the iconic lagoon. A walk around the Waterfront perhaps.

Main Destination:

• Knysna (Garden Route, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Cuningham’s Island Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Knysna

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  

• Drinks not included

Day 12

Great Karoo, Cango Caves & an Ostrich Ranch

Before leaving on your journey you admire the view of the “Heads” which is formed by two cliffs creating a narrow passage at the entrance of the lagoon. You pass through the ancient indigenous forests which was and possibly still is, home to the last of the forest elephants.

Thereafter you take the road over the famous “Outeniqua Pass” which leads down into the semi arid region of the Karoo. This afternoon you visit the Cango caves (optional) where an knowledgeable and accredited Caves guide will take us on a tour of the caves, a series of underground tunnels and galleries with impressive limestone formations.

You arrive at your guesthouse and enjoy a well deserved break whilst watching a Karoo sunset. Then time to study the solar system, it’s well known that the Karoo offers the best star gazing in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world!

Main Destination:

• Oudtshoorn (Garden Route, South Africa)

Accommodation:

• De Denne
• Luxury guest house located in or near Oudtshoorn

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 13

Route 62 & the Breede River Valley

This morning you visit and tour one of the world’s oldest and biggest working ostrich farms and view the famous “feather palaces” (optional) You continue on a most memorable journey, Route 62, passing quaint villages, farms and mountain passes. A charming small town founded in 1851 that has maintained old-world charm with fascinating Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations and healing hot mineral springs.

You continue to Cape Town via the Cape’s famous wine lands in the Breede River Valley. Robertson, heart of Route 62 wine route, has more than 50 registered wine cellars. Brilliant mauve jacarandas trees shade the streets. The first French Huguenots settled here in 1666 and developed the wine making tradition still present today. You carry on through the mountainous Hex river valley passing through Africa’s longest tunnel. Finally on our last stretch to Cape Town arriving late in the Afternoon.

Main Destination:

• Route 62 (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Esperanza Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 14

Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula), Seal Island boat cruise, Whales, Penguins and more

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 cruise to Duiker Island, home to the worlds largest fur seal colony. The 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, visiting the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. After lunch you visit the well known Boulders beach, home to Africa’s largest land based penguin colony. You then finish your day with a visit to Groot Constantia (time permitting), 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:

• Esperanza Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape of Good Hope

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 15

Winelands, historical Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

You drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot and Khoisan peoples. Today, Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans. You can visit a museum, historical shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franschoek.
Then a visit to the Huguenot Museum.

At an exceptional boutique wine farm you taste local vintage including a Pinotage which is South Africa’s own unique cultivar. At Paarl you stop in front of Mandela’s statue 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, is the world’s only monument to a language.

Main Destination:

• Stellenbosch (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Chartfield Guest House
• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 16

Cape Town, West coast, Kirstenbosch and surrounds

Today, you can visit Cape Town, its historical places and parks like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle of the Cape, South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Green market Square. Before noon, you take the opportunity to visit the noon gun in action on the slopes of Signal hill, the worlds oldest canon, still in action.

After lunch, you visit the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site, this garden has more endemic plant species than any other in the world. In the late afternoon (time permitting) you head along the west coast towards Blouberg where you can enjoy a “postcard” view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay.

Main Destination:

• Cape Town (South Africa)

Accommodation:
Chartfield Guest House

• Mid-range guest house located in or near Cape Town

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Day 17

Optional Activities and Departure

Transfer to the airport for your air transport home. Depending on your departure time, various activities can be arranged at our special rates! Like Robben Island, Table mountain, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or even the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Main Destination:

• Cape Town International Airport (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• No accommodation (End of tour)

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included