South Africa Explored

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, guests will be met by a representative and transferred to their hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto, learning more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa, or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 guests will meet at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers. Distance travelled: 35 kilometers Overnight stay: Protea Hotel Wanderers

Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africas capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as Paradise Country. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, guests will travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, guests will travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. (Breakfast & Dinner) Distance travelled: 425 kilometers. Overnight stay: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

After an early morning breakfast, guests will drive along the spectacular Panorama Route, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourkes Luck Potholes and historic Gods Window, a breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. Guests will arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. (Breakfast & Dinner) Distance travelled: 320 kilometers. Overnight stay: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the worlds greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game species. The game safari includes an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. A portion of the trip price of this experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The afternoon is at leisure at the hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive (optional at additional charge). (Breakfast & Dinner) Distance travelled: 120 kilometers. Overnight stay: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

In the morning guests will travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch, introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. Guests will travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Distance travelled: 310 kilometers Overnight stay: Royal Swazi Sun

After breakfast guests will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game safari (optional and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region. (Breakfast) Distance travelled: 360 kilometers Overnight stay: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe

In the morning guests will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. This journey takes guests past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. Guests will arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure and unescorted to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). (Breakfast) Distance travelled: 275 kilometers Overnight stay: Protea Hotel Umhlanga

After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where guests will be met by a representative and once everyone has arrived, guests will head westwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline, and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests. Guests will arrive at their hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon, in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna. (Breakfast) Distance travelled: 360 kilometers. Overnight stay: Rex Hotel

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River Mouth (weather permitting) and the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. This expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional cuisine and local treats. Overnight in Knysna with dinner at Drydock Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Distance travelled: 300 kilometers Overnight stay: Rex Hotel

Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital and the centre of the world's Ostrich farming industry. Along the way, visit Dolphin Point, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, guests visit an Ostrich Farm for a fun filled interactive tour and light lunch that includes local specialities such as Ostrich Steak, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Guests will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn. (Breakfast & Lunch) Distance travelled: 210 kilometers. Overnight stay: Hlangana Lodge

There is an option (for additional charge and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). A portion of the monies paid by guests for this experience go towards the Buffelsdrift Foundation, that focuses on Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo region, habitat conservation and the local community. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the Little Karoo to Barrydale, where guests will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, to interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom, learning more about this rural community. A portion of the trip monies go towards the Barrydale Farm School Development Fund, that supports local education of underprivileged children in rural communities. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. Overnight in Cape Town (Breakfast) Distance travelled: 468 kilometers Overnight stay: Hotel President

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (own account) or join a Marine Big Five Safari (own account), where guests may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds on a 2-hour boat cruise with marine biologists on hand to explain more about these amazing animals that visit these shores. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. (Breakfast & Dinner) Distance travelled: 10 kilometers Overnight stay: Hotel President

Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where guests can enjoy an optional experience for an additional charge onboard the seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Guests will return to Cape Town by way of Simons Town, where guests can visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Overnight in Cape Town. (Breakfast) Distance travelled: 200 kilometers Overnight stay: Hotel President

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for an additional charge & time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion, or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later guests will be transferred to the airport, harbour, or railway station for their onward journey. (Breakfast) END OR TOUR