South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, luxurious resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this 13-day tour. Explore Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, and dine with locals at a shebeen (tavern). Search out the “Big Five” during open-air safari game drives. Cruise the lush Garden Route between the mountains and the balmy Indian Ocean. Visit a working ostrich farm. Spend four leisurely nights in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Overnight Flight
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible touring experience.

Day 2: Sandton, South Africa - Tour Begins
Your journey begins today in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centre of greater Johannesburg.
 

Day 3: Sandton - Soweto - Sandton
Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A guided tour of Soweto - South West Township - showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historic significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum for a look into the dynamic history of racial segregation in South Africa. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
 

Day 4: Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park
Travel through the spectacular Drakensburg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Set against the triplet mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast flowing sand-filled waters. Later, arrive at your hotel situated at the entrance to Kruger National Park.

Day 5: Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Start your day with an open air vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the Big 5 - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino - and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully - you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Return mid-morning for time to relax before venturing out in the late afternoon on another game drive searching for the Big 5! Enjoy a spectacular dinner this evening in the BOMA, which in Swahili means 'safe enclosure'.
 

Day 6: Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - Port Elizabeth
Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to Port Elizabeth, today one of South Africa's major ports. Founded in 1820 as a place to house British settlers, this coastal town is the gateway to the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline set between mountain ranges and the Indian Ocean.
 

Day 7: Port Elizabeth - Knysna
Journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a natural gem along the Garden Route. Known for its gorges and steep cliffs, the indigenous forest is home to hundreds of species of birdlife. Continue along the southern coast where a jagged shoreline meets quaint villages. Arrive in the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Knysna's waterfront restaurants.
 

Day 8: Knysna
Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Your adventure begins with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Later, discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch, set amongst the ancient milkwood trees - so called because of their white latex sap - before your return cruise. This afternoon, a touching experience is in store as you visit a school in the local township. Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation* and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront.

Day 9: Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town - Stellenbosch
Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area and, if you wish, go for a ride on one of these great birds! An outdoor barbeque lunch caps off an amazing day. Next, begin your journey to the captivating Cape Town. You may opt for an excellent introduction to the Victoria and Alfred waterfront this evening on our spectacular evening excursion.
 

Day 10: Stellenbosch - Cape Town

Enjoy a panoramic tour of the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture which fuses the traditions of French, German and Dutch influences. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named and flat-topped Table Mountain. The views below of Cape Town, Robben Island, and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quartre with its mosques and minarets, and stopping at the Milnerton Lighthouse. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, known for its shopping and entertainment venues.
 

Day 11: Cape Town
Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulder Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa.

Day 12: Cape Town
Discover the enchanting beauty of the famous Cape Winelands region with its colourful mountainous landscape and endless vineyards. Visit local wine farms and learn about the history of wine making in this region while you enjoy sampling some of the local wines. Return to Cape Town this afternoon. This evening, experience a phenomenal farewell to Africa as you enjoy an after-hours guided tour of the fascinating African Gold Museum, followed by a traditional African dining experience!

Day 13: Cape Town - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Cape Town. 

Price includes return flights, door-to-door transfers and is based on  two adults sharing throughout.  Regional departures are available, but may carry a supplement.  This tour departs on selected dates.

To check availability or discuss this holiday, call us on 0871 402 0501, quoting reference 81.