Fascinating South Africa Tour

Fascinating South Africa Tour

Included: transport in an air-conditioned minibus| professional, English-speaking guide | 19 nights’ stay in lodges, rest camps and guesthouses (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked) | meals according to the itinerary | activities as per itinerary | all national park fees | flight Johannesburg - George

Excluded: additional flights (international and domestic) | meals not indicated in the itinerary | alcoholic and soft drinks | optional activities | tips | personal expenses | visa fees | travel insurance

Day 1 | Pretoria

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

Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be greeted by your transfer driver and taken to the Avalon Guesthouse in Pretoria. There will be time to relax and freshen up before joining your guide on a city tour through Pretoria.

A visit to the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum will give you a glimpse into the complex history of South Africa. In the evening, you are welcome to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a superb restaurant (optional). You will overnight at the Avalon Guesthouse.

Day 2 | Pretoria – Drakensberg

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

After breakfast and a tour briefing, you embark on your journey and head south. Driving through the Free State Province, you travel to the picturesque town of Clarens, which is home to many artists and craftsmen. After an optional lunch, you continue to the Golden Gate National Park where you will get your first glimpse of South Africa’s spectacular mountain scenery.

Today’s destination is the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge close to the Royal Natal National Park in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Enjoy the tranquillity and the spectacular views! After dinner, you can end the day sitting by the crackling fireplace or head back to your cosy log cabin. You will overnight at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 3 | Drakensberg

Today is set aside for outdoor activities in this spectacular mountain scenery. The choice is yours! Following various trails, you can take a closer look at rock paintings of the San or look for the elusive Cape vulture. From the highest point, you will have splendid views over the Drakensberg Mountains as well as the Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings on horseback. There are riding options for beginners as well as experienced riders.

Enjoy the day in the great outdoors and the wonderful landscape around you. You will spend another night at the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4 | Drakensberg – St. Lucia

Driving distance approx. 600 km; driving time approx. 8-9 hours

In the morning, your journey continues to the famous Battlefields where you will visit the Blood River Monument as well as the Ncome Museum. Both sites are separated by a river which, on 16 December 1838, was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus. This fierce battle has always played a major role in South African history, even up until today.

After lunch, you will travel through the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the coastal town of St. Lucia. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant in town (optional). You will stay at the Forest Lodge.

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5 | Simangaliso Wetland Park

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

Today is dedicated to game viewing in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was named Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park until 2007. Common sights in the park are rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes and large kudu herds and if you are in luck you might be able to see a leopard on the hunt. From various viewpoints, you will get a glimpse of the Indian Ocean and, when travelling in whale season, even a small chance to watch Southern Right Whales.

After an exciting wildlife experience, you will reach Cape Vidal. End your game drive in a rather unusual way by taking a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean! In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat trip to the St. Lucia Estuary. Hippos, crocodiles and various species of waterfowl can be observed from your boat. Again, you will enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town (optional) and stay once more at Forest Lodge.

Breakfast | Lunch

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

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

An early start is on the agenda today as you travel to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa and well-known for its black and white rhino breeding project. You will explore the park on game drives and apart from rhinos, you might even see the rest of the Big Five in their natural habitat as well as various species of antelope and a large variety of birds. After lunch at Hilltop Camp (optional), you will slowly but surely make your way to the gate.

Enjoy some more game viewing en route before finally leaving the park and heading north. Today’s destination is the Pongola Game Reserve which is one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves. While sipping a cold drink, you can enjoy a stunning sunset and the magnificent views over the bushland, Lake Jozani and the majestic Lebombo Mountains in the background. Round off the day with a delicious dinner. Overnight at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7 | Pongola Game Reserve – Mbabane

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

In the early morning, you will go on a bush walk or alternatively on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Feel connected with nature and soak up the sights, sounds and smells while looking out for wildlife. Thereafter you continue to the Kingdom of Swaziland. During a visit to the Mantenga Cultural Village, an authentic living museum, you can gain insight into the rich Swazi culture, their customs and traditions. Finally, you will reach the Foresters Arms Country Hotel near Mbabane.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8 | Mbabane and surroundings

Today’s explorations in Swaziland will be defined according to your wishes. During dinner the evening before, your guide will present the various options to you and together with your fellow travellers, you will determine the agenda for today. Stunning landscapes, friendly people and a rich cultural heritage await you! Depending on weather conditions, you can explore the surroundings of the lodge or the Milwane Wildlife Reserve by mountain bike, on foot or on horseback (optional).

Visit the colourful markets and engage with the local people as well as Swazi arts and crafts. At a candle factory, you can see how the famous and decorative Swazi Candles are being made and at a glass manufacturer, you can witness the magical art of glassblowing. You will spend another night at the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9 | Mbabane – Kruger National Park

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

After breakfast, you will leave Swaziland behind as you travel to South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Originally established as a game reserve, the Kruger was granted the title of national park in 1926. Thanks to its huge size and the variety of landscapes, the Kruger National Park is home to all animal species of Southern Africa.

Not only will you find large herds of elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions and leopards, but also around 150 species of mammals, more than 500 bird species and almost 100 different reptiles. On your game drives in the afternoon, you will explore the wildlife-rich southern part of the park. The night will be spent at the Skukuza Rest Camp.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10 | Kruger National Park

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. In the early evening, you will have the opportunity to join a night game drive, accompanied by a national park ranger, and look for nocturnal animals (optional). You will spend another night at the Skukuza Rest Camp.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 11 | Kruger National Park – Hazyview

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

In the early morning, you can either leisurely wake up or opt to join a walking safari, accompanied by a park ranger (optional). After breakfast, you embark on your last game drive. Look forward to more exciting wildlife sightings! Reaching the park gate at around midday, it will be time to leave the Kruger National Park. Via Hazyview, you continue to the lovely Hamilton Parks Country Lodge. The remainder of the day will be at your disposal.

The lush ever-green garden is a perfect place to wander around or simply unwind and especially on hot days, there is nothing better than taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Hamilton Parks Country Lodge.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12 | Panorama Route

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

A day full of exploring the various highlights along the Panorama Route awaits! Look forward to visiting God’s Window with vast views across the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park in the distance. You will also stop at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels which are three round mountain tops resembling traditional African homesteads. Take in the stunning views and marvel at the impressive Blyde River Canyon. You will stay once more at the Hamilton Parks Country Lodge.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13 | Hazyview – Johannesburg – Wilderness

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

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you will drive through the province of Mpumalanga, heading 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 (optional).

Breakfast

Day 14 | Wilderness

Today is for you to enjoy at leisure. Seize the opportunity to take another stroll along the lovely beach or go hiking along the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail. Your guide will gladly accompany you. The trail leads you through the dense forest of the Wilderness National Park to a beautiful waterfall. Take a refreshing dip in the cool water before heading back.

Alternatively, you can of course just sit back and unwind! Make yourself comfortable at the beach or enjoy the stunning panoramic views from your veranda over the sea. With a bit of luck, you might be able to observe dolphins playing in the water and riding the waves. Round the day off with a delicious dinner (optional). 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 hours

You set off to Knysna after breakfast. Together with your guide, you will explore this charming town nestled on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. Two impressive sea cliffs, the Knysna Heads, guard the entrance to the tranquil lagoon from the surging ocean.

A viewpoint on the East Head offers you panoramic vistas of Knysna, its lagoon and the Indian Ocean. You then continue your journey and drive via Nature’s Valley to the Tsistikamma National Park. Whether you choose to hike along the first leg of the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, or cross the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge – spectacular views are guaranteed!

Enjoy the impressive panorama of the precipitous coastline and the strong contrast of the vivid green land with the deep blue sea. In the late afternoon, you will finally reach the At the Woods Guest House. Dinner will be at an excellent restaurant in town.

Breakfast

Day 16 | Storms River – Oudtshoorn

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

After a hearty breakfast, you leave the coast behind. You drive on the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, arriving around midday. In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Cango Caves. Parts of this extensive cave system were inhabited by the San more than 10,000 years ago. Today, you can discover the caves on different tours and admire the towering dripstone formations. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the Thabile Lodge.

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 17 | Oudtshoorn – Hermanus

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

Oudtshoorn is famous for ostrich farming. During a farm tour in the morning, you will learn interesting details about these huge birds as well as the trade of ostrich products. Afterwards, you continue through beautiful landscapes to Hermanus, located on the so-called Cape Whale Coast. Between the months of June and November, Hermanus is world-renowned for incredible whale-watching opportunities.

But even outside of whale season, this quaint former fishing village is well worth a visit. You will spend the night at the Auberge Burgundy Guest House.

Breakfast

Day 18 | Hermanus – Stellenbosch

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

During whale season, take a walk along the Cliff Path in the morning. The views of Walker Bay are truly amazing, and the cliffs offer the perfect spot to watch the gentle giants from the land. Depending on the swell, you can alternatively choose to go on a whale-watching boat trip to get even closer to these incredible creatures (optional).

You then make your way to South Africa’s most famous wine region around Stellenbosch. Travelling along the picturesque coast, you will stop en route to visit a colony of African Penguins.

Here you will have the chance to observe these little fellows as they go about their daily activities. Arriving in Stellenbosch, you first explore this lovely town before heading to a beautifully located wine farm. During a wine tasting you can enjoy their best wines which have matured beautifully. In the evening, you dine at a fine restaurant (optional). Your home for tonight is the Auberge Rozendal.

Breakfast

Day 19 | Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula

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

Today starts with a visit to a typical Cape farm which is idyllically located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. After the past days of long driving, this is your chance to be more active. Take a walk to a viewpoint to enjoy splendid views over the entire False Bay to Table Mountain. On a clear day, you might even see Cape Point in the far distance. At lunchtime, you need to get ready to be surprised!

After lunch, you make your way along the scenic coastline to the Cape Peninsula.

The quiet and quaint village of Noordhoek is renowned for its miles of sandy beach, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Cape. Strolling along the beach is a must! You will stay at the De Noordhoek Lifestyle Hotel.

Breakfast | Lunch

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

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

After breakfast, you will embark on a tour of 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.

In the late afternoon, your guide will take you to the centre of Cape Town. Having a remarkable journey behind you, it’s time to say goodbye. See you again soon in South Africa!

Breakfast