14 Day South African Highlights Classic





*Shorter tour variations available

*Shorter tour variations available
Embark on a classic South Africa Tour, beginning with the scenic Panorama Route and the wildlife wonders of Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe. Explore the tranquil beauty of St Lucia and the stunning Drakensberg Mountains. Visit Mthatha, steeped in history, then journey along the famous Garden Route, stopping in Knysna for its lush forests and lagoons. Travel along Route 62, known for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes, before arriving in Cape Town, where vibrant culture and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain await. This tour combines wildlife, history, and breathtaking scenery for a truly unforgettable experience.
Discover all classic experiences South Africa offers, from finding the ‘Big 5’ in the Kruger National Park, to the Winelands of the Cape. In between, explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the beauty of the Drakensberg and the Garden Route.
Johannesburg, also known as Egoli, the City of Gold, is alive with adventure. Beginning as a tent city during the gold rush, its eclectic mixture of diverse cultures reflects the uniqueness of South Africa. You’ll soon get used to the sound of hooting taxis and chatter of street vendors rising against the distinctive, modern city skyline. Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional, guided afternoon tour of Johannesburg and Soweto’s highlights (at your own expense).
Discover the history of Johannesburg, the city of gold and experience the vibrant and upbeat, Soweto. Visit Constitution Hill which is home to the Constitutional Court and the site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison, Kliptown Open Air Museum, Hector Pieterson Memorial, view the iconic Soweto towers and experience Vilakazi Street and an authentic street market. Return to the hotel late afternoon. Meet your tour guide at the hotel for the tour briefing at 18h00. Enjoy dinner (at your own expense) either at the hotel or in the Sandton City complex with its giant statue of Mandela in the Square.
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton or similar
Optional Johannesburg City and Soweto highlights afternoon scheduled tour (own expense)
After breakfast, we leave the city and head towards the scenic Panorama Route. Passing rolling grasslands and small towns, the road eventually climbs an escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains to enter a scenic wonderland. Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, filled with waterfalls and ancient geological features, will take your breath away. Spot the Three Rondawels – three conical peaks resembling African huts. Stand on the bridges over the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where millennia of swirling water have carved giant holes into the sandstone. Get your cameras ready for the panoramic vistas of Wonder View, the highest point of the day.
The town of Graskop (grassy peak), established in the 1880s at the height of gold rush, is now part of the local timber industry. Visit one of its famous pancake bars and then browse the many curio shops to find unique artifacts. The scenic drive to Hazyview winds through rolling hills and dense forests. Take a breath and soak in the outstanding natural beauty of Mpumalanga as we head for your hotel.
Overnight at ANEW Resort Hazyview or similar
After an early breakfast, a full day of adventure awaits you in the world’s premier safari destination. The Kruger National Park will immerse you in the world of the ‘Big 5’: lion, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. The Park, sprawling over 20,000 km², is slightly smaller than Belgium and supports a staggering variety of fauna and flora – including rare bird species. The slow pace of the touring vehicle and the focus on the bush will take your mind to a place as quiet as an elephant’s footfall. Enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at one of the park’s rest camps, before continuing on the bush adventure.
An optional full day safari in an open safari vehicle with an expert guide is available (at your own expense, excluding lunch). We exit Kruger National Park and head back to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy pre-dinner drinks before dinner (both at your own expense).
After a good night’s rest, enjoy an early breakfast before spending a second day in the park, as we drive from Phabeni Gate to exit at Malelane Gate in the south. If you want to feel the air of adventure on your face, pre-book the optional full day safari in an open safari vehicle (Optional Excursion Package own expense and excluding lunch). Be ready to add to your game and bird viewing list and look out for unique flora. There’s a lot to look for, with 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 116 reptile, 507 bird, and 147 mammal species. For birders, there is the chance to find a lifer. Use the lunchtime spent in a rest camp to look for one of the ‘Little 5’: the ant lion, the buffalo weaver, the elephant shrew the leopard tortoise, or the rhino beetle. One of those would be a find! Our time in the park ends in the late afternoon as we exit at the Malelane Gate.
The overnight accommodation is situated on the border of the famous Park. You will be able to enjoy drinks on a deck overlooking the Crocodile River and watch the animals come down to the river to drink as the sun sets on the experience of a lifetime.
After an early breakfast, the adventure will continue as you depart for Hluhluwe via the often misty mountains of the Kingdom of Eswatini and into the Ezulwini Valley. The valley is aptly named – Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’ – and provides panoramic views of the Kingdom and access to several notable wildlife sanctuaries. Craft markets, overflowing with carvings, beadwork and colourful materials, provide wonderful shopping opportunities. Sample local food specialties, such as Buganu, a marula fruit drink, or Sishwala porridge, served with a meat stew or vegetables.
Swazi cuisine is a celebration of traditional ingredients and cooking. Continuing a magical tour of three different regions in a day, you will re-enter South Africa via KwaZulu-Natal. There will be a stop for lunch on the way to Hluhluwe, where you will arrive at your hotel in the early evening in time for a Zulu cultural experience and dinner (at your own expense).
NOTE: When entering the Kingdom of Eswatini, guests must ensure that they have a valid passport and for nationals of applicable countries, multi-entry visa regulations apply.
Overnight at ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris or similar
Drive through Ezulwini Valley
There is an opportunity to go on a morning open safari vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (time permitting and at own expense). After breakfast, we visit the coastal town of St Lucia, at the heart of South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Go on an optional boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary (at your own expense). The Estuary, with its island-like setting, is one of the largest estuaries in Africa and a recognised natural wonder. This rich wetland is home to a mind-boggling 2,180 plant species, over 1000 Nile crocodiles, more than 800 hippos and many prehistoric-looking monitor lizards. With over 400 species of birds, it is a watery paradise. Gliding over the water will be a very different experience from the Kruger safari but equally exciting.
Load up with snacks before we leave St Lucia, as there will be a late lunch (at your own expense) at Salt Rock Hotel. Take a short stroll on the beach before we journey inland through miles of golden sugarcane fields and the small, previously predominantly German town of Wartburg. We arrive in the quaint village of Hilton in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening in this historic hotel.
TISD 04 = Day 1 to 6 JNB to DUR drop-off guests ±14h30 at Salt Rock Hotel
TISD 11 = Day 6 to 14 DUR to CPT pick-up guests ±14h30 from Salt Rock Hotel
Overnight at ANEW Hotel Hilton or similar
After breakfast, you will visit the place that changed the course of South Africa’s history. The Mandela Capture site marks where the apartheid police apprehended Mandela in 1962. We continue to the small town of Howick for a stop at the beautiful Howick Falls. It is the second-highest waterfall in South Africa, with a drop of 95m into a large pool. We head for the majestic Drakensberg (Dragon’s) Mountains via the country villages of Underberg and Himeville. The mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high point of 3 482m. You will arrive at the hotel before midday with plenty of time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).
Spend the afternoon taking in the mountain scenery, stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails, or enjoy the many resort activities. If you want an exhilarating mountain experience, opt for the excursion, including lunch, up the Sani Pass (at your own expense; a multiple entry visa may be required for Lesotho).
The Pass is a rugged dirt road only accessible in 4WD vehicles. Travel along the thrilling gravel road, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints and border posts. Explore the cultural richness of Lesotho, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy traditional homemade bread. After a late lunch at a lodge, descend the pass and return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dine at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Premier Resort Sani Pass or similar
Enjoy breakfast and take time to drink in the champagne air. Enjoy the majestic peaks as you spend the morning at your leisure or take a walk and look out for black eagles or Cape vultures. On the mountain slopes, you will find proteas, South Africa’s national flower, growing amongst the fynbos.
Be ready to leave later in the morning as the coach takes us back down the mountain roads, over rivers and through valleys. There will be a stop en route to Mthatha for lunch (at your own expense). With a late afternoon arrival in Mthatha, we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in town (time permitting). After checking in, there will be time to relax before dinner (at your own expense) at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Garden Court Mthatha or similar
Scenic drive to Mthatha
After breakfast, we continue to the coast. The road winds through the green hills of Nelson Mandela’s heartland, to the cluster of tiny villages that make up Qunu, and the village of Mvezo, where Nelson Mandela was born and buried. This is a rural area, where goats roam the streets and many of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers. Mandela first built a small home on his family plot and then a larger home where he stayed on his visits to Qunu. He never forgot his humble roots and his childhood shaped by the tradition, customs, and power of this close-knit community, was a deep part of the man who walked out of a narrow, grassy valley to become a legend.
After a morning spent soaking in history, we will be back on the road, reaching the beautiful marina town of Port Alfred in the late afternoon. End the day with a sunset cruise along the tranquil Kowie River. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, water monitors and crocodiles. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at The Royal St Andrews Lodge or similar
After an early breakfast, we depart for Knysna along the N2 highway via Gqeberha, a route famous for its outstanding natural beauty. One of the many gems of the Garden Route is the Tsitsikamma Forest, were we will enjoy lunch (at own expense). As we enter the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park, watch for when the road suddenly tops a rise, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean and a deep, emerald-green gorge. Cross the famous Storms River suspension bridge and experience the thrill of standing high above the vast rocky chasm below you. There are a series of 3 bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and ocean. The afternoon continues with a scenic drive through Plettenberg Bay to Knysna.
The beauty of Knysna is found in its inland waterways and the Heads rock formations, towering over each side of a vast lagoon. Spend your afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring the many craft shops and art galleries, or Gin Distillery before heading back to your hotel for dinner.
NOTE: The vehicle may be required to collect guests at the Kelway Hotel or Southern Sun the Marine in Gqeberha ±11h30
Overnight at Premier Hotel The Moorings Knysna or similar
After a hearty breakfast, there will be a photo opportunity from a panoramic lookout point with sweeping views of the Knysna Heads and Lagoon before leaving for Oudtshoorn. The drive to Oudtshoorn runs through pretty seaside towns, past lakes, and mountains. From the town of George, the road turns inland and up the 13km Outeniqua Pass, with waterfalls and views of the ocean. The Pass exits into the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo where we find the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. See an ostrich farm the traditional way by taking a fun and interactive tractor tour of the farm.
You will be served a farm lunch (at your own expense) and be sure to try ostrich biltong (dried meat). You will have travelled through game parks, up mountain passes and across estuaries, but the Cango Caves Heritage Tour will take you into an astounding subterranean world. The Caves, approximately 20 million years old, are an underground wonder. Don’t worry about claustrophobia; the Van Zyl’s Hall cave is 107m long and 54m in width. With leisure time in the evening, you can have dinner at the hotel (at your own expense).
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate or similar
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare to head to one of South Africa’s premier destinations, the magnificent city of Cape Town. The road twists along Route 62, the longest and most mountainous wine route in the world. Your touring vehicle window will feel like a series of picture postcards as you pass through the changing landscape. There will be time for lunch in one of the charming towns along the way (at your own expense).
After lunch, indulge in a cheese and wine pairing and cellar tour of one of the many fine vineyards on the route (at your own expense). South Africa is justifiably famous for its wine industry, which dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest in the world. There are 148 wine farms along our route but we will not have time for all of them. Table Mountain awaits and you will soon be in the most beautiful city in South Africa.
With an afternoon arrival in Cape Town, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel or adventure out to a restaurant in the city where you will be spoilt for choice. There is so much on offer so make the most of your time in the Mother City.
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate or similar
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a full day at leisure, or pre-book a full day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Town is built on a mountainous peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic seaboard with its white beaches and rugged mountains to Hout Bay. If time permits, there is the option of taking a half hour boat trip to Duiker Island to see a Cape Fur Seal colony (at your own expense). If open, continue on Chapman’s Peak Drive, noted as one of the most stunning roadways in the world.
Visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the tip of the Cape Peninsula, which has captivated travellers for centuries. The return journey to Cape Town takes us along the False Bay coast with the option of visiting the colony of rare African Penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance fee at your expense).
We will pass through the naval village of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. Visit the Rhodes Memorial viewpoint and learn about the significance of this historical site before returning to the hotel. After a full day, enjoy dinner in town or choose a restaurant at the fabulous and cosmopolitan V&A Waterfront.
Optional Cape Point full day scheduled guided tour (Available with TIRB-Optional excursion package – not sold separately)
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning at leisure or take the option of a Table Mountain and City guided tour (at your own expense). The tour will squeeze the last precious drops out of your African adventure. Cape Town’s origins as a city can be traced back to 1652 when the Dutch East India Company set up a refreshment station for its ships. The city is a colourful mix of old and new with history embedded in its streets.
Travel through the Malay Quarter, city centre, Company Gardens, diamond merchants and if time permits, the Castle of Good Hope. End the tour with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world and take in the exceptional beauty of Table Mountain (weather permitting; cableway ticket is at your own expense).
Cape Town has a deep and complex history but there is no doubt that is one of the most beautiful cities that you will ever visit. As you prepare to leave, know that you take with you the traveller’s treasure – experiences made in a moment that will last a lifetime.
Breakfast at the hotel (included)
Optional Table Mountain and City morning scheduled guided tour (own expense)
Explore the Drakensberg and the Garden Route; view significant Nelson Mandela sites, walk across the Storms River Suspension Bridge, visit a working ostrich farm, before sampling the wines of Route 62. The journey ends with two days to explore Cape Town.
Meals | 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners |
Entrance Fees | Garden Route National Park (Storms River) conservation fee Hotel Porterage |
Excursions | River cruise Short walk in Tsitsikamma across the Storms River Suspension Bridge |
Green Seat | Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism |
Travel insurance, flights, visa fees, airport transfers, 9 lunches, 6 dinners, gratuities and optional excursions:
Your journey to Cape Town will start at Salt Rock Hotel and collection will be between 14h00 and 15h00. Join a group tour after their late lunch at Salt Rock Hotel. Take a short stroll on the beach before we journey inland through miles of golden sugarcane fields and the small, previously predominantly German town of Wartburg. We arrive in the quaint village of Hilton in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening in this historic hotel.
Overnight at ANEW Hotel Hilton or similar
After breakfast, you will visit the place that changed the course of South Africa’s history. The Mandela Capture site marks where the apartheid police apprehended Mandela in 1962. We continue to the small town of Howick for a stop at the beautiful Howick Falls. It is the second-highest waterfall in South Africa, with a drop of 95m into a large pool.
We head for the majestic Drakensberg (Dragon’s) Mountains via the country villages of Underberg and Himeville. The mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high point of 3,482m. You will arrive at the hotel before midday with plenty of time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense). Spend the afternoon taking in the mountain scenery, stretch your legs on one of the hiking trails, or enjoy the many resort activities.
If you want an exhilarating mountain experience, opt for the excursion, including lunch, up the Sani Pass (at your own expense; a multiple entry visa may be required for Lesotho). The Pass is a rugged dirt road only accessible in 4×4 vehicles. Travel along the thrilling gravel road, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints and border posts. Explore the cultural richness of Lesotho, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy traditional homemade bread.
After a late lunch at a lodge, descend the pass and return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dine at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Premier Resort Sani Pass or similar – Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast and take time to drink in the champagne air. Enjoy the majestic peaks as you spend the morning at your leisure or take a walk and look out for black eagles or Cape vultures. On the mountain slopes, you will find proteas, South Africa’s national flower, growing amongst the fynbos.
Be ready to leave later in the morning as the coach takes us back down the mountain roads, over rivers and through valleys. There will be a stop en route to Mthatha for lunch (at your own expense). With a late afternoon arrival in Mthatha, we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in town (time permitting).
After checking in, there will be time to relax before dinner (at your own expense) at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Garden Court Mthatha or similar – Breakfast
After breakfast, we continue to the coast. The road winds through the green hills of Nelson Mandela’s heartland, to the cluster of tiny villages that make up Qunu, and the village of Mvezo, where Nelson Mandela was born and buried. This is a rural area, where goats roam the streets and many of the inhabitants are subsistence farmers.
Mandela first built a small home on his family plot and then a larger home where he stayed on his visits to Qunu. He never forgot his humble roots and his childhood shaped by the tradition, customs, and power of this close-knit community, was a deep part of the man who walked out of a narrow, grassy valley to become a legend. After a morning spent soaking in history, we will be back on the road, reaching the beautiful marina town of Port Alfred in the late afternoon.
End the day with a sunset cruise along the tranquil Kowie River. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, water monitors and crocodiles. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at The Royal St Andrews Lodge or similar – Breakfast, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we depart for Knysna along the N2 highway via Gqeberha, a route famous for its outstanding natural beauty. One of the many gems of the Garden Route is the Tsitsikamma Forest, were we will enjoy lunch (at own expense). As we enter the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park, watch for when the road suddenly tops a rise, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean and a deep, emerald-green gorge.
Cross the famous Storms River suspension bridge and experience the thrill of standing high above the vast rocky chasm below you. There are a series of 3 bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and ocean.
The afternoon continues with a scenic drive through Plettenberg Bay to Knysna. The beauty of Knysna is found in its inland waterways and the Heads rock formations, towering over each side of a vast lagoon. Spend your afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring the many craft shops and art galleries, or Gin Distillery before heading back to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight at Premier Hotel The Moorings Knysna or similar – Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, there will be a photo opportunity from a panoramic lookout point with sweeping views of the Knysna Heads and Lagoon before leaving for Oudtshoorn. The drive to Oudtshoorn runs through pretty seaside towns, past lakes, and mountains.
From the town of George, the road turns inland and up the 13km Outeniqua Pass, with waterfalls and views of the ocean. The Pass exits into the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo where we find the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. See an ostrich farm the traditional way by taking a fun and interactive tractor tour of the farm.
You will be served a farm lunch (at your own expense) and be sure to try ostrich biltong (dried meat). You will have travelled through game parks, up mountain passes and across estuaries, but the Cango Caves Heritage Tour will take you into an astounding subterranean world.
The Caves, approximately 20 million years old, are an underground wonder. Don’t worry about claustrophobia; the Van Zyl’s Hall cave is 107m long and 54m in width. With leisure time in the evening, you can have dinner at the hotel (at your own expense).
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate or similar – Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare to head to one of South Africa’s premier destinations, the magnificent city of Cape Town. The road twists along Route 62, the longest and most mountainous wine route in the world. Your touring vehicle window will feel like a series of picture postcards as you pass through the changing landscape.
There will be time for lunch in one of the charming towns along the way (at your own expense). After lunch, indulge in a cheese and wine pairing and cellar tour of one of the many fine vineyards on the route (at your own expense). South Africa is justifiably famous for its wine industry, which dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest in the world.
There are 148 wine farms along our route but we will not have time for all of them. Table Mountain awaits and you will soon be in the most beautiful city in South Africa. With an afternoon arrival in Cape Town, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel or adventure out to a restaurant in the city where you will be spoilt for choice. There is so much on offer so make the most of your time in the Mother City.
Overnight at StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl or similar – Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a full day at leisure, or pre-book a full day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. Cape Town is built on a mountainous peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic seaboard with its white beaches and rugged mountains to Hout Bay.
If time permits, there is the option of taking a half hour boat trip to Duiker Island to see a Cape Fur Seal colony (at your own expense). If open, continue on Chapman’s Peak Drive, noted as one of the most stunning roadways in the world. Visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the tip of the Cape Peninsula, which has captivated travellers for centuries.
The return journey to Cape Town takes us along the False Bay coast with the option of visiting the colony of rare African Penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance fee at your expense). We will pass through the naval village of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg.
Visit the Rhodes Memorial viewpoint and learn about the significance of this historical site before returning to the hotel. After a full day, enjoy dinner in town or choose a restaurant at the fabulous and cosmopolitan V&A Waterfront.
Overnight at StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl or similar – Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning at leisure or take the option of a Table Mountain and City guided tour (at your own expense). The tour will squeeze the last precious drops out of your African adventure.
Cape Town’s origins as a city can be traced back to 1652 when the Dutch East India Company set up a refreshment station for its ships. The city is a colourful mix of old and new with history embedded in its streets.
Travel through the Malay Quarter, city centre, Company Gardens, diamond merchants and if time permits, the Castle of Good Hope. End the tour with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world and take in the exceptional beauty of Table Mountain (weather permitting; cableway ticket is at your own expense).
Cape Town has a deep and complex history but there is no doubt that is one of the most beautiful cities that you will ever visit. As you prepare to leave, know that you take with you the traveller’s treasure – experiences made in a moment that will last a lifetime.
– Breakfast
This 6-day tour takes your guests from city to coast, exploring Johannesburg before encountering the ‘Big 5’ at the Kruger National Park. Visit the Kingdom of Eswatini and a World Heritage Site.
Meals | 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner |
Entrance Fees | Blyde River Canyon Bourke’s Luck Potholes Wonder View Kruger National Park conservation fee Hotel Porterage |
Green Seat | Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism |
Travel insurance, flights, visa fees, airport transfers, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, gratuities and optional excursions:
Johannesburg, also known as Egoli, the City of Gold, is alive with adventure. Beginning as a tent city during the gold rush, its eclectic mixture of diverse cultures reflects the uniqueness of South Africa. You’ll soon get used to the sound of hooting taxis and chatter of street vendors rising against the distinctive, modern city skyline.
Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional, guided afternoon tour of Johannesburg and Soweto’s highlights (at your own expense). Discover the history of Johannesburg, the city of gold and experience the vibrant and upbeat Soweto. Visit Constitution Hill which is home to the Constitutional Court and the site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison, Kliptown Open Air Museum, Hector Pieterson Memorial, view the iconic Soweto towers and experience Vilakazi Street and an authentic street market.
Return to the hotel late afternoon. Meet your tour guide at the hotel for the tour briefing at 18h00. Enjoy dinner (at your own expense) either at the hotel or in the Sandton City complex with its giant statue of Mandela in the Square.
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton or similar
After breakfast, we leave the city and head towards the scenic Panorama Route. Passing rolling grasslands and small towns, the road eventually climbs an escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains to enter a scenic wonderland.
Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, filled with waterfalls and ancient geological features, will take your breath away. Spot the Three Rondawels – three conical peaks resembling African huts. Stand on the bridges over the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where millennia of swirling water have carved giant holes into the sandstone.
Get your cameras ready for the panoramic vistas of Wonder View, the highest point of the day. The town of Graskop (grassy peak), established in the 1880s at the height of gold rush, is now part of the local timber industry. Visit one of its famous pancake bars and then browse the many curio shops to find unique artefacts.
The scenic drive to Hazyview winds through rolling hills and dense forests. Take a breath and soak in the outstanding natural beauty of Mpumalanga as we head for your hotel.
Overnight at ANEW Resort Hazyview or similar – Breakfast
After an early breakfast, a full day of adventure awaits you in the world’s premier safari destination. The Kruger National Park will immerse you in the world of the ‘Big 5’: lion, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. The Park, sprawling over 20,000 km², is slightly smaller than Belgium and supports a staggering variety of fauna and flora – including rare bird species.
The slow pace of the touring vehicle and the focus on the bush will take your mind to a place as quiet as an elephant’s footfall. Enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at one of the park’s rest camps, before continuing on the bush adventure. An optional full day safari in an open safari vehicle with an expert guide is available (at your own expense, excluding lunch).
We exit Kruger National Park and head back to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy pre-dinner drinks before dinner (both at your own expense).
Overnight at ANEW Resort Hazyview or similar – Breakfast
After a good night’s rest, enjoy an early breakfast before spending a second day in the park, as we drive from Phabeni Gate to exit at Malelane Gate in the south. If you want to feel the air of adventure on your face, pre-book the optional full day safari in an open safari vehicle (Optional Excursion Package own expense and excluding lunch).
Be ready to add to your game and bird viewing list and look out for unique flora. There’s a lot to look for, with 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 116 reptile, 507 bird, and 147 mammal species. For birders, there is the chance to find a lifer. Use the lunchtime spent in a rest camp to look for one of the ‘Little 5’: the ant lion, the buffalo weaver, the elephant shrew the leopard tortoise, or the rhino beetle. One of those would be a find!
Our time in the park ends in the late afternoon as we exit at the Malelane Gate. The overnight accommodation is situated on the border of the famous Park. You will be able to enjoy drinks on a deck overlooking the Crocodile River and watch the animals come down to the river to drink as the sun sets on the experience of a lifetime.
Overnight at Pestana Kruger Lodge or similar – Breakfast, Dinner
After an early breakfast, the adventure will continue as you depart for Hluhluwe via the often misty mountains of the Kingdom of Eswatini and into the Ezulwini Valley. The valley is aptly named – Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’ – and provides panoramic views of the Kingdom and access to several notable wildlife sanctuaries.
Craft markets, overflowing with carvings, beadwork and colourful materials, provide wonderful shopping opportunities. Sample local food specialties, such as Buganu, a marula fruit drink, or Sishwala porridge, served with a meat stew or vegetables. Swazi cuisine is a celebration of traditional ingredients and cooking.
Continuing a magical tour of three different regions in a day, you will re-enter South Africa via KwaZulu-Natal. There will be a stop for lunch on the way to Hluhluwe, where you will arrive at your hotel in the early evening in time for a Zulu cultural experience and dinner (at your own expense).
Overnight at ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris or similar – Breakfast
NOTE: When entering the Kingdom of Eswatini, guests must ensure that they have a valid passport and for nationals of applicable countries, multi-entry visa regulations apply.
There is an opportunity to go on a morning open safari vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (time permitting and at own expense). After breakfast, we visit the coastal town of St Lucia, at the heart of South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Go on an optional boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary (at your own expense). The Estuary, with its island-like setting, is one of the largest estuaries in Africa and a recognised natural wonder. This rich wetland is home to a mind-boggling 2,180 plant species, over 1000 Nile crocodiles, more than 800 hippos and many prehistoric-looking monitor lizards. With over 400 species of birds, it is a watery paradise. Gliding over the water will be a very different experience from the Kruger safari but equally exciting.
Load up with snacks before we leave St Lucia, as there will be a late lunch (at your own expense) at Salt Rock Hotel. Take a short stroll on the beach before your onward transfer to the airport or another hotel/guest house (at your own expense and own arrangements).
-Breakfast
Explore the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), visiting Tsitsikamma, standing on the Storms River Bridge, Oudtshoorn sights and the Cape Winelands.
Meals | 2 breakfasts |
Entrance Fees | Garden Route National Park conservation fee (Storms River Bridge)
Hotel Porterage |
Green Seat | Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism |
Travel insurance, flights, visa fees, airport transfers, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, gratuities and optional excursions:
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart for Knysna along the N2 highway via Gqeberha, a route famous for its outstanding natural beauty. One of the many gems of the Garden Route is the Tsitsikamma Forest, were we will enjoy lunch (at own expense).
As we enter the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park, watch for when the road suddenly tops a rise, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean and a deep, emerald-green gorge. Cross the famous Storms River suspension bridge and experience the thrill of standing high above the vast rocky chasm below you. There are a series of 3 bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and ocean.
The afternoon continues with a scenic drive through Plettenberg Bay to Knysna. The beauty of Knysna is found in its inland waterways and the Heads rock formations, towering over each side of a vast lagoon. Spend your afternoon at leisure, relaxing or exploring the many craft shops and art galleries, or Gin Distillery before heading back to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight at Premier Hotel The Moorings Knysna or similar
After a hearty breakfast, there will be a photo opportunity from a panoramic lookout point with sweeping views of the Knysna Heads and Lagoon before leaving for Oudtshoorn. The drive to Oudtshoorn runs through pretty seaside towns, past lakes, and mountains.
From the town of George, the road turns inland and up the 13km Outeniqua Pass, with waterfalls and views of the ocean. The Pass exits into the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo where we find the town of Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. See an ostrich farm the traditional way by taking a fun and interactive tractor tour of the farm. You will be served a farm lunch (at your own expense) and be sure to try ostrich biltong (dried meat).
You will have travelled through game parks, up mountain passes and across estuaries, but the Cango Caves Heritage Tour will take you into an astounding subterranean world. The Caves, approximately 20 million years old, are an underground wonder. Don’t worry about claustrophobia; the Van Zyl’s Hall cave is 107m long and 54m in width. With leisure time in the evening, you can have dinner at the hotel (at your own expense).
Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate or similar – Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare to head to one of South Africa’s premier destinations, the magnificent city of Cape Town. The road twists along Route 62, the longest and most mountainous wine route in the world. Your touring vehicle window will feel like a series of picture postcards as you pass through the changing landscape. There will be time for lunch in one of the charming towns along the way (at your own expense).
After lunch, indulge in a cheese and wine pairing and a cellar tour of one of the many fine vineyards on the route (at your own expense). South Africa is justifiably famous for its wine industry, which dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest in the world. There are 148 wine farms along our route but we will not have time for all of them. Arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon, the most beautiful city in South Africa.
-Breakfast
This trip requires a valid passport and for certain nationalities. Seasonal Malaria precautions are recommended for the Kruger National Park Region and are locally obtainable. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips, curios, airport transfers, and any other optional excursions.
Our price includes all food as specified, coffee, tea, juice at breakfast, transport, professional driver/guide, accommodation and park entrance fees. Our price does not include restaurant meals which are not stipulated, visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, airport tax, airport transfers and airfares. Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information as defined on our website and in our brochure. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Departure Point
The group gathers in the reception area of the Protea Hotel by Marriott, Balalaika Sandton at 18h00, for the tour briefing and the tour ends after breakfast on the last day at the Stay Easy Cape Town City Bowl.
Accommodation on Tour
The accommodation during this tour is based on 3 and 4 star properties
Optional SA Highlights Excursion Package (4 tours)
Optional day activities
Please Note:
Travel documents
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents for all the countries that you will visit (South Africa & Eswatini). If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please ensure that you have proof of further travel arrangements if you do not have a South African passport, permanent residency permit, work permit or study permit. Although we will endeavour to assist, we do not accept any liability or obligation for your travel documents.
1) Port of exit from South Africa into Eswatini – Jeppes Reef on day 5
2) Port of exit from Eswatini and re-entry into South Africa – Lavumisa/Golela Border on day 5
Make sure that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to your home country. Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Please note that all guests travelling to South Africa will require two blank facing pages in their passport.
Please note it is your responsibility to have the correct travel documents (Visas and valid passports) for each and every country you will be visiting on your tour.
Foreign currency
Upon arrival you will be able to find a Bureau de Change OR ATM Facilities at the airport and at various points throughout the tour. It is advised to withdraw some ZAR at the ATM upon arrival, in order to have some cash for tips or small curio purchases along the way.
The preferred currency for your tour is as follows:
Credit cards are widely accepted in most parts of South Africa but please ensure to have enough cash for personal expenses and possible gratuities.
Insurance
It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.
Your insurance should include all the countries and territories that your tour will pass through. You must ensure that you have sufficient cover for medical and evacuation costs, and should base this on advice from your insurer. A minimum benefit of USD 60 000.00 is recommended for evacuation from any area in which Drifters operates in Africa to South Africa, with further benefits for medical costs in South Africa, and for possible repatriation to your home country. Please note that you will be required to furnish details of your travel insurance to Drifters before you will be allowed to travel with us. Please ensure that these details are completely and accurately recorded in order to facilitate a claim should this be necessary.
Health precautions & requirements
The only necessary prophylaxis for South Africa is against Malaria, but on this tour there is no eminent danger as South Africa is regarded mostly as a Malaria free zone however prevention is better than cure, so we do advise to also use insect repellent on exposed areas after sunset. Please consult with your general practitioner regarding this. All Drifters guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however we recommend that you bring a long your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc.
**Personal medication
Please bring along any personal medication that you might need on your tour as specific medication could be difficult to find or might not be obtainable in most places we visit. General medication for headaches, colds and fever are easy to get.
Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.
Weather conditions
Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C.
For more accurate information, please visit AccuWeather and choose your destination.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/browse-locations
Clothing and personal effects
Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:
For walking, hiking and Safaris
For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)
Our vehicles are well equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.
General Accessories
Luggage and Packing space on our vehicles
Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 20kg’s
Meals and refreshments
13 Breakfast and 3 dinners are included in the itinerary. Please note that soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. All beverages and other meals are for own account.
Personal expenses
A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.
In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
Gratuity guidelines
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of R50 per day or equivalent amount of R50 per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa. General gratuity at restaurants is 10% of the total cost of the receipt.
Pre-Tour Accommodation in JOHANNESBURG: