Exploring South Africa Tour

Journey through the spectacular kaleidoscope of South Africa

You will take in the great highlights South Africa has to offer, such as the world-famous Kruger National Park, the rich cultural heritage and evocative beauty of Swaziland, the splendour of the Cape Winelands, finishing with a leisurely stay in Africa’s most beautiful city, Cape Town.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Mpumalanga Province

Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. We’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.

Continue to an area near Hazyview for your overnight stay. [D]

Day 2: Silk Farms

Enjoy an early morning breakfast, thereafter we drive to the African Silk Farms for a guided tour on where our proudly South African silks are made.

After the silk farm, we travel to the Shangana Cultural Village for a cultural lunch as well as some native dancing. We then travel back to our accommodation in the Kruger National Park, for an afternoon of leisure. Enjoy a sunset open vehicle game drive. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. Overnight in the Kruger Park.[B]

Day 3: Kruger National Park

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast.

After our game driver, check out of our hotel and we travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from 100% recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland.

In the afternoon the opportunity exists for a complimentary (optional) excursion to a Swazi candle factory, where visitors can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles. Overnight in Swaziland. [B,D]

Day 4: National Museum and Botanical Gardens

After breakfast you will continue south through Swaziland, visiting the National Museum and Botanical Gardens with a visit to the Swazi Cultural Village for an introduction to their way of life. We transfer you back to your accommodation after lunch for an afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Swaziland. [B,D]

Day 5: Central Drakensberg

We depart early morning after breakfast for the Central Drakensberg region. We continue towards Howick along the R617, stopping at the beautiful Howick Falls for lunch. We then venture onto the famous Nelson Mandela Memorial Capture Site.

After spending some time at the capture site, we depart for the Nottingham Brewery for a beer tasting tour and sampling some of the proudly South African local beers. We then continue towards Central Drakensberg. Stay overnight Central Drakensberg region. (B, D)

Day 6: Underberg

After breakfast, we depart for the Underberg region. Arrival by lunch time at your hotel with the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Underberg. (B)

Day 7: Sani Pass

After breakfast, we depart for our Sani Pass day tour. A guided day trip in fully enclosed 4 x 4 vehicles. Get the thrill as we enter the country of Lesotho known as "Kingdom in the Sky", zig-zagging up the highest road passes in Africa - the Sani Pass. Our lunch stop is at the Sani Top Chalet (the highest pub in Africa).

We venture further into the unknown and make our way back down the mountain in the late afternoon. Overnight in Underberg. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Cape Town

After breakfast, we travel to Durban Airport for the short southward flight to Cape Town, where you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. You will be transferred to the V & A Waterfront for your evening sunset cruise. Overnight in Cape Town. [B]

Day 9: Cape Town

After a leisurely breakfast, the bus will transfer you to the V & A Waterfront to enjoy Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain where the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the city (unescorted Hop-on-Hop-off Tour Bus). Evening spent at the V & A Waterfront for an early evening dinner. After dinner our bus will transport you back to the hotel. Overnight in Cape Town [B,D]

Day 10: Robben Island

After breakfast we transfer you to the V & A Waterfront. Board the Robben Island Ferry for a half day spent on the most famous prison Island in South Africa. Returning back to mainland, lunch at leisure and thereafter visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium. Your bus will collect you at the Two Oceans Aquarium for your transfer back to the hotel. Rest of the evening is spent at leisure. Overnight in Cape Town. [B]

Day 11: Cape Peninsula

After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll have a full day at leisure. Why not join an optional tour of the Cape Peninsula (own account) and Table Mountain (own account). Overnight in Cape Town. [B]

Day 12: Shopping - Departure

Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted). Perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budget at the V & A Waterfront. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. [B]

** END OF TOUR **

(Note: The itinerary described above may be subjected to change depending on unforeseen circumstances e.g. weather condition.)

What's Included:

11 Nights accommodation in double/twin rooms. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room.

11 Breakfasts, 6 dinners, 1 lunch

18 Experiences (including guided walking tours, orientation walks, driving tours of cities plus other exciting experiences).

Modern air conditioned coach with reclining seats, TV for showing DVDs, and toilet.

One way flight from Durban King Shaka Airport to Cape Town Int. Airport (economy class)

Free Wi-Fi (where applicable)

Services of your tour leader who will be on hand with advice and tips and ensure that you get the most from your trip. You can also book any of the optional excursions available during your tour with your tour leader.

All taxes and fees

Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Free tour souvenir – a memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip.

REMEMBER ALL TOURS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES AND WILL OPERATE.

Many other companies that operate tours of South Africa cancel tours if minimum numbers are not achieved or will only guarantee some departure dates. All tours operated are guaranteed departures and will operate.*

* See terms and conditions for further details.

What's Excluded:

International air ticket to / from Johannesburg

Pre and Post Tour accommodation

Transport cost to and from your residence our departure point (to be advised) in Johannesburg

Parking fees (if applicable) - for own account

Breakfast on the 1st morning of your tour as well as dinner on your last day of tour.

Personal expenses, for example; the use of a telephone, extra room service, etc.

Any breakage of furniture, building fixtures, bus equipment (for own account)

Any refreshments you may want to enjoy, for example; drinks, etc.

Any optional outings that you want to organise for yourself.

Visa arrangements for South Africa

Meals other than mentioned ( B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner )

Tips and porters at the hotels

Porter fees at airports