South African Essentials

15 days, 14 nights

+- Overview

Travel from one end of the “Rainbow Nation” to the other on this 14 day “exceptional value”, albeit utilizing moderately budget properties, journey through South Africa. Starting in Johannesburg, enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Lowveld before game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park. Visit exotic Swaziland then cruise the croc and hippo-filled St. Lucia Estuary. Discover the grandeur of the Drakensburg Mountains, the beauty of the Garden Route and the magnificence of Cape Town

Route Details

Johannesburg (1) Hazyview (2) Swaziland (1) Zululand (1) Durban (1) Drakensberg Mountains (2) East London (1) Port Elizabeth (1) Knysna (2) Cape Town (2)

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Johannesburg Ohrigstadt
Arrival

This morning depart Johannesburg travelling across Mpumalanga via Witbank and Lydenburg and over the Long Tom Pass to Pilgrim’s Rest, an old gold mining village deep in the mountains of the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. 

Overnight Accommodations

Hannah Lodge

+ - Day 2 Ohrigstadt Hazyview

Travel along the scenic Panorama Route, stopping to see the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and plains and finally Bourke’s Luck Potholes before arriving in Hazyview.

Overnight Accommodations

Casa Do Sol Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 3 Hazyview Kruger National Park

Set off early this morning exploring the wonders of the Kruger National Park in a closed vehicle.  Spend the day looking at wonderful game and many species of birds before returning to your hotel.  An optional full day tour of the Park in an open safari jeep is available (at additional cost).

Overnight Accommodations

Casa Do Sol Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 4 Hazyview Swaziland KwaZulu-Natal

After breakfast, travel south via Malelane and into the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. Visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory before re-entering South Africa and arriving in KwaZulu-Natal. Prote Hotel Hluhluwe

Overnight Accommodations

Protea Hotel Hluhluwe

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 5 Swaziland St. Lucia Durban

The morning is at leisure with 2 optional excursions available (at additional cost):  A cruise through the St Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site, to see its many hippos, crocodile and fabulous bird life, or a game-viewing tour through a nearby game reserve.  This afternoon drive to Durban, enjoying a city tour on arrival. 

Overnight Accommodations

Balmoral Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 6 Drakensberg Escarpment

Today, head into the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. En route, stop to visit the Himeville Museum, one of the best historical museums in the country. 

Overnight Accommodations

Drakensberg Gardens Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 7 Drakensberg Escarpment

The day is free to enjoy these magnificent mountains with many activities from fishing to hiking and even horseback riding. There is also an optionsl 4x4 Adventure tour up Sani Pass and into Lesotho (at additional cost).

Overnight Accommodations

Drakensberg Gardens Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 8 Drakensberg Escarpment Wild Coast

Travel south today to the Indian Ocean stopping en route at Qunu near Umtata to visit the Nelson Mandela Museum dedicated to the life and achievements of
this incredible man.  Arrive in East London, the only river port in Southern Africa.  The evening is at leisure.

Overnight Accommodations

Mbotyi Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 9 Wild Coast Port Elizabeth

After breakfast head to the Eastern Cape.  Pass through Umtata and visit the Mandela Museum on our way to East London.  After lunch stop in Grahamstown, known for its elegant 19th century architecture.  Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon

Overnight Accommodations

Kelway Hotel

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 10 Garden Route

After breakfast travel towards the Garden Route, stopping at Storms River where there is photographic opportunities. Enjoy lunch at a wine estate.  Arrive at your overnight destination

Overnight Accommodations

The Dunes Hotel & Resort

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 11 Garden Route George Oudtshoorn

Today is at leisure.  There is an optional (additional cost) full day tour to Knysna Waterfront where you will head towards the Western Head and enter the Featherbed Nature Reserve.  On the way back to your hotel stop for an interactive experience at the Knysna Elephant Park.

Overnight Accommodations

The Dunes Hotel & Resort

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 12 Garden Route Oudtshoorn

Travel to Oudtshoorn via George and the Outeniqua Pass.  Visit an Ostrich farm and enjoy a guided tour of the Cango Caves.  Visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients and endangered species for a glimpse of endangered animals in a safe environment.     

Overnight Accommodations

Protea Hotel Riempie Estate

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 13 Oudtshoorn Cape Town

Depart Oudtshoorn for Cape Town travelling via Route 62, passing through Montagu, Robertson and Worcester.  Arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Overnight Accommodations

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 14 Cape Town

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).

Overnight Accommodations

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

Included Meals

Breakfast

+ - Day 15 Cape Town

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

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

+ - Hannah Lodge
+ - Casa Do Sol Hotel

LOCATION – Situated in Mpumalanga region, 15 minutes to the Kruger National Park, Phabeni Gate and 4 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Casa Do Sol, House of the Rising Sun, is a luxury estate hotel offering tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens, coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm friendly atmosphere.  The Casa Do Sol is a destination of choice for a large variety of travelers.  Just beyond the boundaries of the hotel lie some of the jewels of creation – God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon and many other scenic glories of Mpumalanga.  The accommodation offers Standard single, twin and double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and tranquil gardens.  All the bedrooms feature air-conditioning, telephones, TV with DSTV bouquet, radio, fresh fruit and flower supplied on a daily basis and mini-bar.  Some of the facilities include, on-site 500 hectare lilanga game reserve, exotic pools and gardens, hamilton’s spa, cocktail bar and lounge, tennis courts and a restaurant.

+ - Protea Hotel Hluhluwe

LOCATION – Situated between the renowned Hluhluwe- Imfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies the Hluhluwe Hotel.

This hotel treats guests to luxurious accommodation, tantalizing cuisine and world-class service. The hotel has 76 en-suite rooms, each with satellite TV, individually controlled air-conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities. At the Hluhluwe Hotel you’ll rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels!

+ - Balmoral Hotel

LOCATION – Located on Durban’s “Golden Mile” with the beach on its doorstep.  The Balmoral hotel is a short walk away from the shopping and business district.

Fully renovated, The Balmoral still reflects its historic and stately façade to make it one of Durban’s most elegant venues along the Golden Mile Beachfront.  The Balmoral boasts 95 elegantly appointed, fully equipped large bedrooms being categorized as Executive Sea facing; Superior Sea facing; Standard Double Sea facing ,Disabled; Standard Twin Non Sea facing; Studio Non Sea facing.  The fully licensed Waterfront Restaurant leads out onto The Waterfront Terrace where you can relax and enjoy sundowners whilst overlooking the vibrant Golden Mile.

+ - Drakensberg Gardens Hotel

LOCATION: Located on a scenic 860 acre estate, on world heritage site in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.

All accommodation is spacious and comfortable, offering contemporary rooms or thatched bungalows. All rooms have a private bathroom, television, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and heaters. The Deluxe Rooms also include under floor heating for those cold winter days. Dining options include The Eagles Roost (buffet), The Bistro (a ‘la carte), The Bergview Restaurant & Bar (a ’la carte), VineKnot Restaurant (Table d’Hote) and the Glengarry Country Club Restaurant & Bar (light meals). A lounge and two additional bars are also available in the main hotel. A variety of recreational activities are available on the resort such as the ONLY 18 hole golf course in the Southern Berg, tennis, bowls, volleyball, badminton, fishing, horse riding and squash. A recent addition is the Wellness Centre which consists of a sauna and plunge pool, two jacuzzis, two steam rooms, a 24 jet hydrotherapy bath (heated) as well as a fully equipped gym with cardiovascular circuit, weight training and juice bar.

+ - Mbotyi Hotel
+ - Kelway Hotel
+ - The Dunes Hotel & Resort
+ - Protea Hotel Riempie Estate

LOCATION – Situated in a farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, the Protea Hotel Riempie Estate is a charming hotel with well-appointed thatched rondavels, only 20 minutes away from the Cango Caves and moments away from the crocodile and ostrich farms for which Oudtshoorn is famed.

Thatched chalets providing 40 bedrooms, all have private bathroom, hairdryer, individually controlled air-conditioning, colour TV, radio and telephone. The Riempie Restaurant serves buffet meals and a Ladies Cocktail Bar is on hand for that cooling-off cocktail or sundowner. Babysitting services are available, as well as open parking. The hotel has a swimming pool in the large garden area. Tennis, squash, golf and a gymnasium are all within 10 km of the hotel. A function room is available, which can accommodate up to 120 guests for weddings, banquets and conferences.

+ - Protea Hotel Fire & Ice

LOCATION – Set at the foot of Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant city centre between New Church and Victoria Streets and only 25 km from the airport.

Each of the 189 bedrooms has a full complement of features including an extra-length king-size bed or two single beds, Bose alarm clock radio, a large executive desk with international electrical points, complimentary limited wireless internet, LCD flat screen television, Tea/Coffee making facilities, air conditioning, telephone, Laptop-friendly safe with charger and 24-hour room service.  The innovative Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Restaurant and Bar has grown into one of Cape Town’s most popular wining and dining hot spots. Enjoy a unique food concept that complements an ultra social experience.  The brand new swimming pool and recreation area provides sweeping views of Signal Hill and has been carefully designed for maximum leisure and tranquility.

+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • Airport Meet & Greet

    We'll meet you at Johannesburg airport upon your arrival. Driver gratuity is awarded at your discretion.

  • Airport Transfer

    We'll provide reliable transportation from the airport to your hotel in Johannesburg . We'll ensure you depart on time, and arrive safely and comfortably from one destination to the next.

  • 14 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations for 13 nights with private en-suite facilities, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with the meals as described in the daily itinerary. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Daily Transfers

    We cover your transportation from the door of your hotel to the next destination each day on an air-conditioned mini bus.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

  • Air conditioning

    Included in your rooms and transportation. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended.

Not Included

  • International Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our price are inclusive of land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare. Airport taxes and security related fees are subject to change with or without notice.

  • Meals not described on the itinerary

    Food and beverages not described in the itinerary may be purchased as needed.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary. Hotel or room services enjoyed during your stay that are not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as telephone/Internet usage, laundry, gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

+- Booking

Dates & Pricing

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For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.

Booking Details

Departures

Join on selected Monday’s in Johannesburg. (minimum of 2 participants).