DAY
1: JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the stylish suburb of
Sandton. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the magnificent suburban
shopping malls or take an optional tour of Soweto or Johannesburg City.
Hotel: Protea Hotel Wanderers
DAY
2: JOHANNESBURG – PRETORIA – MPUMALANGA
This morning we head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation
tour, before continuing to Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the
lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. We travel via the historic towns of Witbank,
Dullstroom and Lydenburg, passing over the famous Long Tom Pass onto the small
town of Sabie. This afternoon explore living history in the form of Pilgrim’s Rest, the old
mining village where gold was first discovered. (BB D) Hotel: The Royal Hotel (MF)
DAY
3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (2)
This morning gasp at the glory that is God’s Window, a boundless view of forested
mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the
natural wonders of Africa. We explore the quaint village of Graskop before arriving mid
afternoon at our overnight hotel. (BB D) Hotel: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
(2 nights)
DAY
4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo,
rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour
the magic of this enormous wilderness. (BB)
DAY
5: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection
Territory now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before
visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable
figures and functional art out of molten glass. We continue through the capital city,
Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and
carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. (BB L D) Hotel: Lugogo Sun
DAY
6: SWAZILAND – ST LUCIA
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and
colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless
vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home
to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species. (BB) Hotel: Protea Hotel Umfolozi (F)
DAY
7: ST LUCIA – DURBAN
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush
KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own
version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. Check into your hotel and enjoy
the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (BB) Hotel: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge (F)
DAY
8: DURBAN – PORT ELIZABETH – KNYSNA (2)
A morning at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your mid morning flight to
Port Elizabeth. There you will be met by a new guide who will, upon everyone arriving,
take you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching Knysna,
perhaps South Africa’s most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden
Route. (BB D) Hotel: Knysna Hollow Hotel (2 nights)
DAY
9: KNYSNA
Today we cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance
to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond.
After lunch the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this enchanting town. (BB L)
DAY
10: KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN
This morning we enjoy wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route
to Oudtshoorn, the centre of South Africa’s ostrich industry. After lunch, we learn more
about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head
underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most
incredible natural wonders. (BB L) Hotel: Oudtshoorn Inn
DAY
11: OUDTSHOORN – CAPE TOWN (4)
Enjoy the ever-changing vistas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we
will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the
southern right whales which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we
will return to Cape Town along ‘Route 62’, South Africa’s version of America’s ‘Route 66’. (BB) Hotel: Protea Hotel President (4 nights)
DAY
12: CAPE TOWN (CAPE PENINSULA)
A full day touring of the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic seaboard.
We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can take an optional cruise to
Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the
Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders
Beach. We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon’s Town on our way back to
Cape Town. (BB)
DAY
13: CAPE TOWN (WINELANDS)
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and
Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. A visit to
the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a
historical perspective. (BB)
DAY
14: CAPE TOWN
A day at leisure to enjoy this diverse and vibrant city. Perhaps ascend Table Mountain by
cable car for spectacular views of the city. (BB)
DAY
15: DEPART CAPE TOWN
There is a complimentary transfer this evening to Cape Town International Airport for
your flight home. (BB)
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