|
Discover South Africa Tour 16 Days
|
DAY 1 Arrival in Cape Town - City Orientation Tour
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is rich in historical and cultural heritage and natural beauty. Some of the recommended places to visit in the city centre are the Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope and the lively Greenmarket Square - where you can purchase arts and crafts from all over Africa. You could also take a drive through the colorful Bo Kaap area, known as the home of the 'Cape Malays'. Weather permitting, you could choose the option of an afternoon trip up Cape Town's landmark, Table Mountain, for sunset or possibly take the tour to Robben Island. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure at the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Note: You can choose between 2 levels of accommodation - the 3-star Ritz Hotel close to the Sea Point Promenade and famous for its revolving restaurant offering fantastic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, or the 4-star The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites, situated right at the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Town's Platinum Mil.
|
 |
|
DAY 2 Cape Town - Cape Peninsula Tour
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you have the opportunity to join a full day guided excursion to the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the Cape Peninsula, or to do this drive on your own. The tour includes a boat trip to Duiker Island, where thousands of Cape Fur Seals live, and later a lunch in the cozy Naval village of Simon's Town. We will visit Boulders Beach to see one of South Africa's two land-based African Penguin colonies and then continue along the False Bay coastline to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Have your photos taken at the most south western tip of the African continent and enjoy an invigorating walk, or leisurely funicular trip, up to the Cape Point lighthouses to admire the dramatic cliffs and amazing views. The day ends at the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
|
 |
|
DAY 3 Cape Town - Cape Winelands Tour
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you have the opportunity to embark on a full day guided Winelands Tour, or to do this trip on your own. The tour includes a visit to the charming town of oaks, Stellenbosch. After some wine tastings and an introduction to the South African winemaking tradition, we continue to the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, Franschhoek. After another round of wine tasting, there will be time to take a stroll in this beautiful and cozy little town. The whole day is dedicated to showing you our favorite secret spots and wine cellars - a day to tantalize all your taste buds in some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes!
|
 |
|
DAY 4 Cape Town - Time at leisure, Optional Excursions
You will have today at leisure, and can choose between a wide variety of optional tours or activities. Alternatively you may decide to spend the day at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to enjoy some shopping and the many other attractions and activities on offer here - the Aquarium, boat trips and scenic helicopter flips to name a few. You could even visit one of Cape Town's many beautiful beaches to soak up the sun. Today will also be a good opportunity to go up Table Mountain, if the weather is favourable.
|
 |
|
DAY 5 Cape Town - Montague via Route 62
This morning we say farewell to Cape Town and travel along Route 62, known as the World's Longest Wine Route. The scenery along this route is superb, taking you over majestic mountain passes and winding rivers, through vineyards and orchards and past fascinating little towns. Take this drive at a slow pace, stopping at some of the wine estates, farm stalls and the famous landmark pub known by all to be none other than Ronnie's 'Sex' Shop. Arrive at your overnight stop, Montague, a pretty town known for its hot springs, historical buildings and rock climbing sites.
|
 |
|
DAY 6 Montague - Knysna via Route 62 and Oudtshoorn-Ostrich Farm and Cango Caves
Continue along Route 62 to Oudtshoorn through the Klein Karoo. This is a region of magnificent contrasts - spectacular night skies, dry plains, vast open spaces and rich fertile valley. With more than 90% of the globe's population of ostrich found here, Oudtshoorn is known as the World's 'ostrich-capital'. Visit an Ostrich Farm to learn more about these giant birds and the history of their farming in this area. If you are brave enough you could even ride an ostrich! From there continue onto the picturesque Cango Valley, to explore the world famous Cango Caves. Continue over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to the peaceful lagoon town of Knysna. This quaint town In the heart of the Garden Route offers a diverse mix of attractions and activities and surrounded by world-renowned indigenous forests and the lagoon. Enjoy an optional dinner cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, enjoy oysters and champagne.
|
 |
|
DAY 7 Knysna - Featherbed Nature Reserve Eco Experience
Day at leisure in Knysna. Well worth a visit is the Featherbed Nature Reserve - the only way to get there is by boat. The excursion also includes a tractor ride up to the top of the head and an optional easy hike back down. Specialist guides will render the area's fascinating history - from shipping to oyster cultivation. Later you can spend some time at the interesting Knysna waterfront shops.
|
 |
|
DAY 8 Knysna to Plettenberg Bay - Knysna Elephant Park and Birds of Eden
Proceed to the town of Plettenberg Bay. A holiday town with its unspoilt beaches, the Robberg Peninsula, lagoons and indigenous forests. We suggest a visit to the Knysna Elephant Park, where you will learn the story of the Knysna Elephants while having the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants under the expert guidance of their rangers. Later a visit to Birds of Eden - the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to rehabilitate and release a large collection of free-flight African birds. Time and weather permitting, another optional excursion is also on offer at an additional cost: embark on an exciting Whale and Dolphin Ocean Safari!
|
 |
|
DAY 9 Plettenberg Bay to Port Elizabeth via Tsitsikamma National Park
Today you will journey along the final stretch of the Garden Route to the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park. The scenery here affords wonderful photographic opportunities, showcasing crashing ocean waves, dramatic cliffs and river gorges and dense natural forests. Enjoy an easy walk through the forest and along the suspension bridge, crossing the Storms River Mouth gorge. Time permitting you may even opt to take a short boat trip up into the gorge. End the day in Port Elizabeth, known as the 'Water Sport Capital of Africa'. The combination of heavenly shores and invigorating sea breezes draw sports lovers to enjoy some of the planet's best sailing, surfing, scuba-diving etc.
|
 |
|
DAY 10 Port Elizabeth to Hluhluwe via Durban
Enjoy early breakfast at your hotel before you head for the Airport and travel to Durban. Upon arrival at King Shaka International Airport, you will collect your car rental and depart for your overland journey to Hluhluwe. Your drive from King Shaka International Airport, takes you through many historical sugar cane plantation based towns along the north coast. You will arrive in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful setting.
KwaZulu Natal: The 'Kingdom of the Zulu' encompasses a combination of cultures such as African, European and Indian. The mixture of sights, tastes and rich cultural experiences makes this province unique for anything else you have visited thus far. Two World Heritage Sites - the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park can be found in this province.
|
 |
|
DAY 11 Hluhluwe - Time at leisure, Optional Excursions
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day is designed for you to be at leisure or you may wish to take a drive to explore some of the key activities found within this area. At the St Lucia Estuary you can find high forested dunes, brilliant coral reefs, palm savannahs, dense papyrus swamps and rolling acacia bushveld. Activities offered include a boat cruise on the estuary or games drive in the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Reserves. Should you be residing at the Ubizane Tree Lodge a game drive is included in the cost.
|
 |
|
DAY 12 Hluhluwe to Swaziland - Mbabane, Ngwenya Glass Works
Enjoy early breakfast at your hotel followed by check out. Today you will continue to travel to Swaziland. This small Kingdom is nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, scenery is mountainous with lush forest. As you drive through the many small towns you will experience firsthand the unique culture of the Swazi people, such as their dress, dwellings and mannerisms. En route you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Works. Your next stop is the capital city Mbabane, where you will find vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. You will spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.
|
 |
|
DAY 13 Swaziland to Hazyview
Enjoy early breakfast at your hotel followed by check out. Continue your journey to Mpumalanga. This province is known for its exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and caves. Popular activities in this region include trout fishing, bird watching and eco-tourism adventures. Also home of the famous Kruger National Park that forms a major part of the Big Five country. Check in at your hotel late afternoon and have the opportunity to wander through this Spanish style property that offers lots of activities to unwind.
|
 |
|
DAY 14 Hazyview to Kruger National Park: Evening game drive
Enjoy early breakfast at your hotel followed by check out. Continue travel to Kruger National Park where you will check in at your hotel or lodge. You will have the balance of the day at leisure before you embark on an evening game drive. This park contains the Big 5 species in abundance and has strategically placed waterholes that draw various species of game for their afternoon drink before they take shelter for the night. This could give you a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the behavioural patterns of the various species, and even perhaps a kill.
|
 |
|
DAY 15 Kruger National Park - Time at leisure, Optional Excursions
Lodge experience - You have the day at leisure to enjoy all the activities the lodge has to offer. Budget - Breakfast at hotel opportunity to explore the region, visit the Kruger national park .
|
 |
|
DAY 16 Kruger National Park to Johannesburg - onward travel
Enjoy early breakfast at your hotel followed by check out. Continue to travel to Johannesburg, take an optional half day tour to Soweto or Gold Reef City, or alternatively enjoy some last minute shopping at Sandton City.
Soweto is the largest black urban settlement in South Africa, with over 2 million residents. Created in the 1930's, Soweto grew in the 1950's after the Apartheid government's Group Areas Act forced all African citizens out of the inner city and into the areas allocated to them. Being the centre of the struggle against this government and similar laws, Soweto has a rich political history. Some of the highlights of this tour will be a visit to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, commemorating the student uprisings of the 1970s; and Vilikazi Street, which has the houses of 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Gold Reef City is an amusement park that reflects the life and times of Johannesburg's gold rush era, staff are dressed in period costumes of the 1880's and the design of the buildings also mimic this age. Here you will have the unique opportunity to descent into the mine that once held the world record for the amount of gold recovered. This mine once reached depths of over 3km; you will descend to a depth of 220m. Included as part of the experience is a gold pour and a traditional mine worker gum boot dance. The theme park also offers a range of rides to appeal to young and old, with several 'white-knuckle' rides for the thrill seekers, as well a range of restaurants to cater for all tastes.
Late arrival at OR Tambo International Airport for onward flight, drop off car rental at kiosk.
Check in at least 3hours prior to international onward flight.
PLEASE NOTE!!
EXCLUDES!!
- Drinks
- Gratuities to drivers, guides or rangers etc.
- All entrance fees
- Visas, travel insurance
- Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price
- Any meals not mentioned in itinerary
- All optional activities
- Mobile phone charges and excess in case the phone gets lost, stolen or damaged
|
 |
|
