FASCINATING SOUTH AFRICA

Itinerary

Day 1 | Pretoria

Driving distance approx. 50 km; driving time approx. 1 h

After arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be welcomed by your transfer driver who will take you to Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. You will have some time to freshen up and relax before you go on a city tour through Pretoria with your guide. Visiting the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum, you get your first glimpse of South Africa’s complex history. In the evening, dinner at a first-class restaurant is waiting for you and your fellow travellers (at own cost). You spend the night at Brooks Cottage.

Day 2 | Pretoria – Drakensberg

Driving distance approx. 500 km; driving time approx. 6-7 h

After breakfast and a briefing about your upcoming tour, you hit the road. Heading south, you make your way through the Free State to Clarens. This quaint little town which is home to great artists is the perfect stop for your lunch break (at own cost). In the early afternoon, you continue to the nearby Golden Gate National Park. As you enter the park, you will get your first taste of South Africa’s diverse mountain ranges. The cliff formations you will see here are one of a kind! Your destination of today is the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge near the Royal Natal National Park. Enjoy the serenity and the splendid panoramic views! After a delicious dinner at the lodge, you can round off the day by mingling around the fireplace or retreat to the privacy of your cosy room. You will stay at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3 | Drakensberg

Today is dedicated to activities in the great outdoors. Choose from a wide range of things to do: On various hiking trails, you can explore the beautiful surroundings. Admire ancient rock paintings of the San, observe a colony of rare Cape vultures or take in the striking views over the Drakensberg Mountains, the Sterkfontein Dam and Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains from the highest point. You can also go for a horse ride (optional), there are plenty of opportunities for beginners as well as for advanced riders. Feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair as you enjoy the enchanting mountain scenery. You will spend a second night at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4 | Drakensberg – St. Lucia

Driving distance approx. 510 km; driving time approx. 6-7 hours

You begin the day with a scrumptious breakfast in a wonderful atmosphere. Once your bags are packed, you are taken back to your tour vehicle along an adventurous 4×4 track. You then continue through the green rolling hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and via Pietermaritzburg towards the coast. Passing by the multi-cultural port city of Durban, you finally reach the coastal town of St. Lucia. Depending on your arrival time, you can go on a walk in the afternoon. Stretch your legs after the long drive, window-shopping in the little town right by the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, take a walk on the beach or just relax. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant in town (own expense). You will stay at Forest Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Driving distance approx. 120 km; driving time approx. 2 h + game drives

Today is set aside to explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its fauna and flora on game drives. Rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, nyalas and kudus are commonly seen here. If you are in luck, you might get a glimpse of a leopard. During whale season, you will even have a small chance to spot southern right whales as the Indian Ocean is visible from different viewpoints in the park. After some memorable wildlife encounters, Cape Vidal will be reached. Seize the opportunity and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean. What an unusual way to end a game drive!  In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary awaits. Get ready to observe crocodiles, hippos and different species of water birds. You spend another night at the Forest Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6 | St. Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – Pongola Game Reserve

Driving distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3 h + game drives

The morning starts early as you head to one of South Africa’s most beautiful parks: the magnificent Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Look out for rhinos during your game drive and learn from your guide about the park’s successful rhino conservation project as well as the animals’ behaviour and social structures. You will also have the chance to observe the remaining four of the Big Five and many more in their natural habitat. At Hilltop Camp, you take a break not only for lunch (at own cost), but also to soak up the splendid views of the reserve. In the afternoon, you can enjoy more exciting wildlife sightings before finally leaving. You continue north to the Pongola Game Reserve which is one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves. Take in the stunning views of the bushveld, Lake Jozani and the striking Lebombo Mountains in the far distance and marvel at a spectacular sunset while enjoying a cold drink. Round off the day by a delicious dinner. Overnight at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7 | Pongola Game Reserve – Mbabane, Swaziland

Driving distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 4-5 h

In the early morning, you will go on a bush walk or alternatively on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Reconnect with nature and take in every sight, sound and smell while looking out for wildlife. Your journey then continues to the small country of Swaziland. En route to your home for the next two nights, you visit the Mantenga Cultural Village. This authentic living museum will give you deep insight into the traditional Swazi culture. At the end of the day, you finally reach the Foresters Arms Country Hotel close to Mbabane.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8 | Mbabane and surroundings, Swaziland

Today’s happenings and explorations in Swaziland will be up to you and your fellow travellers. Your guide will give you various options over dinner the evening before and eventually, it’s for you to decide. Expect to be amazed by beautiful landscapes, kind people and a rich culture. If the weather permits, you are welcome to discover the environment of the lodge or the Milwane Wildlife Reserve on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike (optional). Explore the bustling markets, get involved with local people and uncover Swazi arts and beautiful crafts. See the handmade and highly decorative Swazi Candles take shape at a candle factory or admire the magic art of glassblowing at a glass manufacturer. You will spend another night at the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9 | Mbabane, Swaziland – Kruger National Park

Driving distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 4 h + game drives

Following breakfast, it’s time to leave Swaziland behind and make your way to South Africa’s biggest wildlife sanctuary. The Kruger National Park is without any doubt a piece of paradise full of uncountable opportunities for memorable wildlife experiences. Enjoy an exciting afternoon game drive in the beautiful and scenic southern part of the park. Apart from giraffes, hippos, different species of antelopes, various kinds of birds and many reptiles, you might come across the Big Five. Your home for tonight is the Skukuza Rest Camp.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10 | Kruger National Park

Distance depending on choice of route

The entire day is dedicated to game viewing in the Kruger National Park. In the morning, you will set off on an extensive game drive in an open safari vehicle in search of impressive wildlife encounters. You will explore different corners of the reserve and get more than just a quick glimpse of the resident wildlife. As you are in no rush, you can experience each moment to the fullest. To observe nocturnal animals, you can join a night game drive which is accompanied by a national park ranger (optional). You will stay once more at the Skukuza Rest Camp.
Breakfast | Dinner

The government owns the camps in Kruger National Park. Although they are for the most part clean, you cannot call them luxurious. Unfortunately, the service is not always satisfactory.

Day 11 | Kruger National Park – Hazyview

Driving distance approx. 70 km; driving time approx. 1-2 h + game drives

Get up early today to join one of the park rangers on a walking safari (optional) and witness nature coming to life. After breakfast at the camp, you head out on your last game drive in this wildlife paradise. No day on safari is like the other and you will be amazed by new sightings. At around midday, you will leave the Kruger National Park behind and continue to the lovely Gecko Lodge just outside of Hazyview. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take a stroll through the spacious garden, refresh yourself in the rock pool and dust-off from the past days or purely relax. Dinner will be followed by a good night’s sleep at the Gecko Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12 | Panorama Route

Driving distance approx. 250 km, driving time approx. 4 h

You will have the whole day to explore the numerous highlights along the Panorama Route. Expect to be amazed by the stunning views from God’s Window across the lowveld towards the Kruger National Park. You can also look forward to visiting the Bourke’s Luck Potholes as well as the Three Rondavels being three round mountain tops that remind of traditional African homesteads. Soak up the breath-taking panorama and be enchanted by the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. After an exciting day out and about, you will return to the Gecko Lodge.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13 | Hazyview – Johannesburg – Wilderness

Driving distance approx. 330 km; driving time approx. 4-5 h

Following a tasty breakfast at the lodge, you make your way through the province of Mpumalanga back to Johannesburg. Together with your guide you board a plane and fly to George right on the Garden Route. You will be taken to the Mes Amis Guest House in Wilderness and after your check-in, you will have time to rest and relax. The guest house offers private access to the sandy beach of Wilderness and you are welcome to go on an extensive beach walk in the afternoon. Together with your guide and fellow travellers, you will dine at a restaurant with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean (own expense).
Breakfast

Day 14 | Wilderness

Today, you have the entire day to enjoy at leisure. You can choose to go on an extensive walk along the lovely sandy beach of Wilderness or to hike along the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, accompanied by your guide. Through the indigenous forest of the Wilderness National Park, the trail leads to a waterfall which invites you to take a refreshing dip before making your way back to the guest house. Alternatively, you can seize the opportunity to lean back and unwind! Laze around on the beach or take in the magnificent sea view from your private veranda. If you are in luck, you might spot some dolphins playing in the waves. Round the day off with a delicious dinner (own expense). You will spend another night at the Mes Amis Guest House.
Breakfast

Day 15 | Wilderness – Tsitsikamma National Park

Driving distance approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 2-3 h

After a hearty breakfast, you make your way to Knysna to explore this quaint lagoon-side town. The beautiful lagoon connects with the Indian Ocean through a turbulent and narrow passage between two dramatic sandstone cliffs, the so-called Knysna Heads. Your guide will take you to a vantage point on the Eastern Head, boasting stunning views over the lagoon and town on the one side and the surging ocean on the other side. You then continue via the little gem of Nature’s Valley to the famous Tsitsikamma National Park. Be ready to go for a hike along the first stretch of the renowned Otter Trail or walk over the impressive suspension bridge spanning across the Storms River Mouth. You will be amazed by the magnificent vistas of the untamed coastline opening up before you and the stark contrast of the deep blue ocean with the lush green land. By late afternoon, you will head to the At the Woods Guest House in Storms River Village. The day will be rounded off with a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants in town (at own cost).
Breakfast

Day 16 | Storms River – Oudtshoorn

Driving distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 3 h

Following breakfast, it’s time to leave the coast behind and make your way along the scenic Route 62 into the Little Karoo. Today’s destination is Oudtshoorn where you arrive around midday. A visit to the renowned Cango Caves is on the afternoon’s menu. More than 10,000 years ago, parts of this immense network of caves provided shelter for the San people. Today, you can explore this spectacular underground wonder on different tours and marvel at the impressive dripstone columns. Back in daylight, you continue to the Thabile Lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 17 | Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

Driving distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 5 h

Oudtshoorn is home to the world’s largest ostrich population. Hence you will visit an ostrich farm in the morning to learn more about this flightless bird and gain an understanding of the farming industry. After your tour, you make your way through magnificent landscapes and finally reach Hermanus, a lovely former fishing village bordering the Atlantic Ocean. From June to November, Hermanus is the best place for observing whales roaming the waters. But also during the rest of the year, a visit to this charming and beautifully set seaside town is more than worthwhile. Your home for tonight is the Auberge Burgundy Guest House.
Breakfast

Day 18 | Hermanus – Stellenbosch

Driving distance approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 2 h

When it’s whale season, you start your day with a stroll along the famous Cliff Path. Expect to be amazed by the splendid views over the Walker Bay and the fantastic opportunities the cliffs provide to watch the giants of the deep from land. Alternatively, you can opt for a trip on a whale watching boat for even closer views (optional and depending on the swell). Continuing along the pretty coastline, you set off for Stellenbosch in the most famous wine growing region of South Africa. En route, you stop for a visit to a colony of African Penguins and watch these little creatures waddling on the beach and playing in the waves. When reaching Stellenbosch, you venture out and explore this beautiful old town before you head to one of the stunning wine farms nearby. Enjoy elegant and complex wines during a thorough wine tasting. Dinner tonight will be at a nice restaurant (at own cost). You will spend the night at the historical Oude Werf Hotel.
Breakfast

Day 19 | Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1 h

Your first destination for today is a typical and idyllic Cape farm nestled beneath the Helderberg Mountain. After some long days of driving lying behind you, it’s time again to be more active. Get out of the vehicle and go for a walk to a wonderful vantage point, breath-taking views over the entire False Bay, all the way to Table Mountain, are guaranteed. On bright days, you may even see Cape Point afar. At lunchtime, a special treat awaits! Following lunch, you drive along the picturesque coast towards the Cape Peninsula. Noordhoek, a peaceful and charming village, is blessed with one of the most magnificent beaches in the Cape which stretches for kilometres. Don’t miss out on a beach stroll! Tonight, you stay at the De Noordhoek Village Hotel.
Breakfast | Lunch

Day 20 | Cape Peninsula – Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town

Driving distance approx. 60 km; driving time approx. 1 h

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. Back in the day, the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering above the stormy sea were the sailors’ first sight of land after their long journey from Europe. Take in the panoramic views from the famous viewing platform around the base of the old lighthouse at Cape Point and feel the wind in your hair. At around 1 to 2pm, our remarkable trip across South Africa comes to an end; it is time to say your goodbyes to your guide. You are taken to a hotel of your choice in town or to the airport. Totsiens – see you again soon.
Breakfast

Includes

• Guided tour as per the itinerary
• Transport in an airconditioned minibus
• Professional English speaking guide
• 19 nights’ accommodation in guest houses, lodges and hotels (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• All national park fees
• flight Johannesburg – George

Excludes

• additional flights (international & domestic)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages (alcohol and soft drinks)
• Optional activities
• Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance

Map

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