16 Days / 15 Nights South African Tour
Overview
Embark on a mesmerizing 16 days South African tour, a journey through the diverse landscape and rich cultures of this enchanting nation. Begin in Pretoria, exploring its historical landscape and vibrant atmosphere. Venture into the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park for thrilling safaris, encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife.
Cross in to the captivating kingdom of Swaziland, where traditional ceremonies and scenic vistas await. Drive in to Zululand’s cultural tapestry, discovering the fascinating heritage of the Zulu people. Continue to Durban, where golden beaches and a lively atmosphere set the stage for relaxation and exploration.
Conclude your odyssey in Cape Town, a city of contrasts nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. Explore the cape peninsula, visit the historic Robbin Island, and savor the vibrant culinary scene. This South African tour promises an immersive blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural treasures, creating an unforgettable experience. Join us for an adventure that captures the heart and soul of this extraordinary destination.
Touch down at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon, an orientation tour of Johannesburg and its suburbs. Overnight stay at hotel
Leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa's capital city. Marvel at this country's miraculous transformation while visiting the Voortrekker Monument, regarded as a shrine to the Afrikaner community. On to the world famous Premier Diamond Mines, which produced Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullinan, from which the 'Great Star of Africa' was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels. After lunch we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.
Explore living history at Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village where gold was first discovered, gasp at the glory of God's Window, a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our Kruger National Park Rest Camp in time for a welcome sundowner (own account) in the African bushveld
Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness.
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. On arrival ,Check into your hotel. Later procced for a city sightseeing tour of Durban .Explore the beachfront and its many attractions. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning procced for a half day excursion to Pietermaritzburg- a popular town known as the “City of Flowers” for its azaleas and roses and because it is the site of one of the country's National Botanical Gardens. The town is also famous for amongst the Indian population of South Africa. On the night of 7 June 1893, a young Indian lawyer, known to the world as 'Mahatma Gandhi', was thrown off a train at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station. He had refused to move from a whites-only compartment. This incident lead Gandhi to fight for South African Indian’s freedom from British oppression.
This afternoon you are at leisure to explore the beautiful coastal city of Durban.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your mid morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included). There you will be met by a new guide who will, upon everyone arriving, take you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna.
Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone 'Heads' which guard the sea entrance to Knysna's huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named because it is the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's most incredible natural wonders. Overnight in Oudtshoorn
A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of southern right whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will return to Cape Town along 'Route 62', South Africa's version of America's 'Route 66'. Overnight stay in Cape Town.
A full day touring the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to take a cruise to Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon's Town on our way back to Cape Town
Day tour of Cape town city and also Robbin Island, where Mr Nelson Mandela was kept as a prisoner for 27 years. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a historical perspective. Return to Cape Town for overnight stay
This brings us to the end of our 'World in One Country' Tour. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
- Accommodations in 4-star hotels.
- Daily breakfast and select meals.
- All internal flights and train tickets.
- Entrance fees to all attractions in the itinerary.
- Professional tour guides in each city.
- Airport transfers and transportation during tours.
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from London.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Personal expenses and gratuities.