Day 1: Cape Town
Arrive and overnight in Cape Town. Day at leisure.
Day 2: Cape Town
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and set out to the picturesque Winelands, where century old vineyards are surrounded by awe inspiring mountain scenery. We have left today's itinerary open. With extraordinary wine estates from Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your highly knowledgeable tour guide will discuss the many possibilities and tailor-make a memorable Winelands experience for the whole group. (B)
Day 3: Cape Town
This morning ascend one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature - majestic Table Mountain (weather permitting), for unrivalled views of Cape Town. Next drive along Millionaires Paradise to Camps Bay, heading towards the charming working harbour at Hout Bay. Wind along legendary Chapman's Peak Drive (if open) hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views. After lunch (for own account) visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. (B)
Day 4: Cape Town — Hermanus
Depart Cape Town for a stunning coastal drive to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. Seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stoney Point. In the "Hemel en Aarde" region, one of South Africa's newest wine routes, indulge in some wine tasting at a boutique winery before arriving in Hermanus. (B)
Day 5: Hermanus — Oudtshoorn
This morning explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and gasp at the outstanding views of Walker Bay. During the months of July-November, the possibility of whale sightings could add further enhancement to your explorations. Depart late morning stopping for a late lunch (for own account) in the pretty village of Barrydale on the scenic "Route 62", then onward to Oudtshoorn. (B)
Day 6: Oudtshoorn — Knysna
Today you will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive Cango Caves, filled with wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Thereafter enjoy a guided tour at an ostrich farm, which will give you insight into why Oudtshoorn is known as the "feather capital of the world". Travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa. (B)
Day 7: Knysna
This morning cruise the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you will learn more about the fascinating history, fauna and flora of the area. Return for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore the charming village of Knysna. (B/L)
Day 8: Knysna — Tsitsikamma
Depart Knysna after breakfast and travel to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari (weather permitting). During the summer months you may encounter bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment. During the winter months you may see southern right and humpback whales. Arrive late afternoon at the picturesque village of Storms River. (B)
Day 9: Tsitsikamma — Durban’s Umhlanga (via Port Elizabeth)
This morning immerse yourselves in the splendour and tranquillity of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean (weather permitting). Continue your journey to Port Elizabeth airport for your onward flight to Durban. On arrival in Durban you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the evening, on the tropical North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. (B)
Day 10: Durban — Zululand
After breakfast head north to the tiny village of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa's wilderness treasures. A cruise on the St Lucia Estuary (weather dependant) affords wonderful photographic opportunities as you may encounter large pods of hippos, the occasional Nile crocodile and prolific birdlife. Continue to a private game reserve where you can experience the unique richness that this peaceful region has to offer. Enjoy an afternoon game-drive within the heart of 'Big Five' territory. After winding down with sundowners, marvel at the spectacular sunsets and continue your search for elusive nocturnal creatures. (B/D)
Day 11: Zululand — eSwatini
This morning will be an early start with tea/ coffee and rusks, after which you set out on an early morning safari in search of the 'Big Five', After breakfast set your sights north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland), a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Arrive in the afternoon at your luxury lodge set in a beautiful, secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains. (B)
Day 12: eSwatini — Mpumalanga
After breakfast visit a chief's village to gain an insight into the fascinating traditional Eswatini culture and the residents invite us to participate in the cultural practices. Afterwards, cross the border back into South Africa for an afternoon arrival in the lush Sabie River Valley. (B/D)
Day 13: Mpumalanga
Today traverse the glorious Panorama Route taking in the spectacular God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels at Blyde River Canyon. Your safari adventure continues at Kapama Private Game Reserve described as an African Eden. The reserve is a wilderness paradise. After checking in, depart on an open vehicle safari accompanied by a ranger and tracker. Go in search of a diverse range of animal and bird species and hope to encounter the 'Big Five', lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. (B/D)
Day 14: Kapama Private Game Reserve
The day starts with an early morning safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Return to the lodge for a few hours of relaxation. In the afternoon gather for high tea, before heading out for the afternoon safari. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Kapama Private Game Reserve — Hoedspruit
Enjoy a final early morning open vehicle safari, before returning to the lodge for brunch. Upon checking out, you will be transferred to nearby Hoedspruit's Eastgate Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg. (B)
Board Basis - this tour is based on mixed board basis.
Hotels and locations are subject to change based on availability, final hotel list will be confirmed before departure.
