Tour Information
A land as diverse as it is beautiful, you really will feel you've experienced a 'world in one country' on this incredible tour, incorporating the very best that South Africa has to offer.
Day 1: London - Johannesburg
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Johannesburg
On arrival, transfer to Protea Hotel Wanderers for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga
Leave Johannesburg’s distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to Mpumalanga. 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 Pilgrim’s Rest. Overnight: The Royal Hotel. (B/D)
Day 4: Kruger
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 then onto the quaint village of Graskop. Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow. (B/D)
Day 5: Kruger
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. Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow. (B)
Day 6: Swaziland
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny kingdom of Swaziland. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before visiting the Swaziland National Museum. We continue to the capital city of Mbabane, famous for its vibrant markets. Overnight: Lugogo Sun. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Zululand
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax works in every shape and colour imaginable. Then it's off to Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid-afternoon in the Umfolozi area.
Overnight: Protea Hotel Umfolozi River Hotel. (B)
Day 8: Durban
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban via the lush KwaZulu Natal coastline en route to Durban. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure or you may opt to join us on an optional afternoon Durban city tour. Overnight: Protea Hotel Umhlanga. (B)
Day 9: Garden Route
A morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your mid-morning flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival, you will be met by a new guide who, upon everyone arriving, will guide 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. Next 2 nights at the Knysna Hollow. (B/D)
Day 10: Garden Route
Cruise 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. (B/L)
Day 11: Garden Route
This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named because it is the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After lunch which features Ostrich Steak on the menu, we then take a tour of a farm and learn about these creatures. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's natural wonders. Overnight: The Queens Hotel. (B/L)
Day 12: Cape Town
Cameras at the ready for a day of magnificent vistas. You'll travel via Hermanus during the whale season (Jul-Nov only). Enjoy the ever changing passing canvas en route to Cape Town. Next 3 nights at Protea Hotel President. (B)
Day 13: Cape Town
Tour the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula today via the Atlantic Seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off at Boulders Beach to see the penguins! (B)
Day 14: Winelands
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a historical perspective. (B)
Day 15: Cape Town - London
Fly back to London Heathrow, with Virgin Atlantic or South African Airways.
Alternatively, you may wish to extend your holiday on the beautiful beaches of Mauritius.
Features
Mauritius Extension
After an action-packed week, why not head to the beautiful island of Mauritius and the 4V Jalsa Beach on a Half Board basis for 7 nights, the perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
Call for full details and options.
Highlights
- Pretoria and The Diamond Mines
- Kruger and the 'Big Five'
- Swaziland
- St Lucia Wetlands
- The Garden Route
- Whale Watching
- The Winelands
- Cape Town
Notes
- Tour departs weekly on a Sat from the UK.
- Tour in air-conditioned micro/minibuses (max 18 people).
- Visa conditions apply for Swaziland.
- Professional tour guides.
- Passengers should arrive in Port Elizabeth no later than 1.45pm.
- Kruger Park conservation levy included.
- We reserve the right to substitute accommodation with that of a similar standard.
Tour dates
2011:
05, 12, 19, 26 Nov
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Dec
2012:
07, 14, 21, 28 Jan
04, 11, 18, 25 Feb
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mar
07, 14, 21, 27 Apr