Arrival

Upon arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.  The balance of the day is at leisure until the evening when there is a reception at the hotel to brief you and your fellow travellers about the tour.

This morning depart Johannesburg for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the viewing sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview for a 2-night stay.

Start off bright and early this morning exploring the wonders of the Kruger National Park in a closed vehicle.  This park, an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly five million acres, supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Spend the day looking at wonderful game and many species of birds before returning to your hotel. 

After breakfast, travel south via Malelane and into the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. Visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory before arriving at the hotel situated in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. 

Today, drive through Swaziland into Zululand stopping en route to bargain for curios and souvenirs at the roadside markets. Travel through the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both the Zulu and Europeans have combined to create a vibrant society living peacefully together. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the St Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site, where you’ll have the opportunity of sighting many hippos, crocodile and fabulous bird life. An optional afternoon sundowner cruise on St Lucia Estuary is available (at additional cost).

This morning you may choose to spend a relaxing time at the hotel or take an optional morning open safari vehicle game drive (at additional cost) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park before heading off south along the Indian Ocean coastline.  Arriving in Durban visit the Botanical Gardens and then tour this resort city before checking in at the hotel in the late afternoon. 

Today, head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. En route, stop to see the 300 ft. high Howick Falls before continuing through the rolling countryside of Natal to arrive at your hotel by the mid afternoon.  The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

The day is free to enjoy these magnificent mountains.  There are lots of things to do from fishing to hiking and even horseback riding in the clean mountain air. There is also an optionsl 4x4 Adventure tour up Sani Pass and into Lesotho (at additional cost).

Travel south today to East London and en route stop at Umtata to visit the area where South Africa’s most famous citizen, Nelson Mandela, was born and grew up.  After visiting the museum dedicated to the life and achievements of this incredible man, continue on, arriving late afternoon in East London, the only river port in Southern Africa.  The evening is at leisure.

After checking out of the hotel, enjoy a brief tour through East London. Then drive through ‘Settler Country’ via Port Alfred towards Grahamstown where you will visit the 1820 Settler Memorial before continuing on to Port Elizabeth. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to experience Port Elizabeth’s world famous beaches.

Today’s journey takes you along the famous Garden Route. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities such as a short walk to the Storms River mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna in the late afternoon where’ll you spend the next 2 nights.

After breakfast, travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its many ostrich farms. Visit the awe-inspiring Cango Caves and an Ostrich Farm where you have the opportunity of riding one of these giant birds. Return to Knysna for
dinner and an evening at leisure.

Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way, stop off in Mossel Bay to visit the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz Museum and the Shell
Museum. Then drive through Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel to arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

The day is free in the ‘Mother City’ to explore on your own.  A visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. There are also two full-day, optional excursions to the Cape Wineland or to the Cape Peninsula (both at additional cost).

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00 after which the remainder of the day will be under your own arrangements.