| D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town |
| Meet and Greet • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (o) |
| | - | Meet and greet at Cape Town International Airport. This personalised service sees your guide meet you off your flight. While you enjoy a complimentary beverage, our guide will explain your itinerary in detail, give you general advice and information that will help you along your trip. Before handing over your travel documents and escorting you to your onward transportation, our guide will assist you with any queries you may have before you embark on your holiday.
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| | - | Marvel at the views of Cape Town from the aerial cableway and plateau on Table Mountain. The Mother City is synonymous with the striking mountain that is flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city. Table Mountain holds an unusually rich biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area. Rock hyrax, or dassie as they are locally known, are often seen scampering through the scrub and the views from the summit over Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic seaboard are breathtaking. The cable cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes and rotate 360 degrees as they travel up to 302 metres above sea level, giving passengers panoramic views over the city. Five minutes is all it takes to reach the summit and once there you can marvel at the views, have a bite to eat in the restaurant or do a bit of shopping at the extensive curio shop. The cableway only operates when weather permits. (Optional rates: D1:Table Mountain Aerial Cableway) |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category R (14+Days) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Johannesburg OR Tambo (Day 19) - 18 days  |
| | - | Overnight: Rockwell All Suite Hotel (1 Bedroom Suite - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Cape Town |
| Cape Point with Hiking & Biking(o) • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Explore the splendour of the Cape Peninsula on a hiking and biking tour. Your scenic route follows the coastline of the Atlantic seaboard, passing Clifton and Camps Bay on the way to the fishing hamlet of Hout Bay. Here you can take an optional boat cruise to Duiker Island (own account) where thousands of Cape fur seals breed and thrive. Continue along the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive towards Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach, home to a large resident colony of African penguins. Next is an opportunity to explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where wildlife such as zebra, eland, ostrich and baboon roam the seaside landscape. After lunch, hike to the Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope where you can fill your lungs with fresh air and gaze at the scenic beauty. Your route home will take you via Scarborough and Kommetjie. (Optional rates: D2:Cape Point with Hiking & Biking) |
| | - | Discover Cape flora of every variety at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Delve into the immense wealth of biodiversity as you explore the Fragrance, Medicinal and Water Wise Gardens. Highlights at Kirstenbosch include the Peninsula Garden, containing many of the 2 500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula, and the Protea Garden with numerous displays of the king protea, South Africa's national flower. The gardens were established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa and today there are over 7 000 species in cultivation. Kirstenbosch is a World Heritage Site, covering 36 hectares set within a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Rockwell All Suite Hotel (1 Bedroom Suite - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Cape Town |
| Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(n) • Stellenbosch Orientation(n) • Boschendal Vineyard tour(n) • Stellenbosch Village Museum(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Discover the wine producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine producing region. It is world-renowned for the excellent wines produced here and it is also regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, with its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants. Franschhoek was originally established by French Huguenot settlers in the late 1600s and your tour will include a visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, displaying a large number of artefacts that illustrate the early life of the Huguenots, and the beautiful French-inspired Huguenot Monument, dedicated to the cultural influences that the Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony. Enjoy strolling through tree-lined streets and exploring art galleries, organic markets, boutiques and award-winning restaurants. (n) (n) |
| | - | Wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture and historic buildings. The town is the perfect place to explore on foot with its many side-walk cafes and buzzy student vibe, owing to the large and prestigious university that is an icon of Stellenbosch culture. Many leading wine estates are found here including Spier, Tokara and Delheim, as well as some of the country’s best restaurants where dining can be an informal al fresco affair or something more elegant and black tie. Art lovers can explore the copious galleries while outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of nature activities available to them at Jonkershoek. (n) (n) |
| | - | Smell the fruity aroma of grapes on a guided vineyard tour at Boschendal. This majestic wine estate is one of the oldest in the country and besides producing many award-winning wines, it also offers some the best stunning natural beauty to be found in the Cape Winelands. It lies nestled in the Franschhoek Valley, well known as a premium wine producing region with a viticulture history that dates back to the late 1600s. The vineyards stretch high on the cool eastern slopes of the mountains and are planted with noble varieties that produce highly prized wines, characterised by their elegance and complexity. Your tour begins in the late morning as you immerse yourself in the vineyards and explore the extensive collage of varietals before making your way to the highest point on the farm for amazing views of the Simonsberg Mountains and the beauty that is Boschendal. (n) (n) |
| | - | Relive history at the Stellenbosch Village Museum. The historic village of Stellenbosch was developed around a Cape Dutch style town and the Stellenbosch Village Museum is composed of four different period houses, each representing the way people lived at that time and a different era in the architectural development of Stellenbosch. The Schreuder House was built in 1707 and depicts a modest pioneer cottage while the Bletterman House is a Cape Dutch H-shaped dwelling and an example of a gabled house from the 18th century. The Grosvernor House is a grand old mansion, whose furniture is indicative of the increasing influence of British taste on local design when neo-classicism was at the height of fashion. End your journey through time at the O.M. Bergh House, reflecting a typical middle-class Stellenbosch home during the mid-1800s. Guests may also stroll through the V.O.C. Kruithuis, the only remaining powder magazine in South Africa. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Rockwell All Suite Hotel (1 Bedroom Suite - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Cape Town - Knysna |
| Museum: Mossel Bay Diaz Complex(n) • Post Office Tree(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Mossel Bay |
| | - | Visit to the Bartolomeu Diaz Museum Complex in Mossel Bay. Bartolomeu Diaz was the first explorer to sail around the southern tip of Africa, landing in Mossel Bay in the 14th century. The grounds of the museum complex are on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the very site that European explorers first came into contact with indigenous African people. There are many attractions at the centre but one of the most popular is the post office tree, the first official post office in the country. Other attractions include the Maritime Museum with a huge, life-size replica of the ship in which Diaz first sailed to southern Africa. Here you can also follow the fascinating maritime history of the early Dutch, Portuguese and English navigators. The Shell Museum houses a collection of shells from around the world, a whale and dolphin exhibit and a touch tank and aquarium where you can learn about sea life along the South African coastline. The Granary at the entrance of the museum displays a live specimen table with examples of plants and flowers found in and around the Mossel Bay area. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Knysna |
| | - | Trace the beginnings of the South African postal system at the Post Office Tree, located within the Diaz Museum Complex in Mossel Bay. History documents that early Portuguese explorers hung an old boot in this large milkwood tree in order to leave letters for others who came ashore. Thus a tradition was born, where sailors bound for the East left messages and packets for others making their way back to Portugal. The Post Office Tree is still operational to this day and letters can be posted in the boot-shaped post box at the foot of the tree. Why not give a loved one back home a treat and send them a letter from the oldest existing postal tree in southern Africa. The tree is over 500 years old and has been declared a heritage site. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Knysna Country House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Knysna - Oudtshoorn |
| Cruise(o) • Knysna Discover(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Lagoon cruise to the Knysna Heads on the John Benn, a fully enclosed luxury ferry. Enjoy the sea air and the sound of the water lapping around you as you cruise out onto the large lagoon towards its mouth, the Knysna Heads. The Heads are two imposing rocky outcrops that appear to stand sentinel at the mouth of the lagoon, with waves crashing on one side and smooth, calm water on the other. The beautifully appointed ferry has magnificent yellowwood decks, sourced from the local Knysna forests, and you will be treated to stunning scenery and a unique experience during the 90-minute cruise. Warm clothing is advisable as being out on the lagoon can get chilly; however, inside the ferry itself the atmosphere and temperature is warm, cosy and hospitable. (Optional rates: D5:John Benn cruise) |
| | - | Travel to Oudtshoorn |
| | - | Combine adventure and relaxation in Knysna. The picturesque town of Knysna along the Garden Route is surrounded by magnificent coastal forests and an extensive lagoon that boast the town’s most famous landmark, the Knysna Heads. While the Heads provide a treacherous channel into the ocean, the lagoon itself is peaceful and ideal for boat cruises and water sports. The Featherbed Nature Reserve lies on the southern Head and the beautiful Garden Route National Park is only a short drive from the town. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: De Denne Country Guest House (Luxury (Deluxe) room - Bed & Breakfast ) |
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| D6: Oudtshoorn - Graaff Reinet |
| Heritage Tour(n) • Ostrich Farm Demonstration(n) • Graaff Reinet Orientation(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Visit to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, a top tourist destination in South Africa and one of the world's greatest natural wonders, sculpted by nature over millions of years. The Cango Caves are located within the Swartberg Mountain range and form part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage site. These amazing caves are a must-see for locals and visitors alike, carved into the mountains, holding hidden treasures and astounding sights. They are the biggest show cave system in Africa and the oldest tourist attraction in the country. There are three main caves, connected by a series of chambers and tunnels and here you will find a collection of the oldest stalagmite formations on the planet, some dating back as far as 4 500 million years ago. Only the first cave is open to visitors; the other two are kept closed to preserve the pure, crystalline beauty of the dripstone formations. As you descend into the first chamber you will feel the warm humid air and be amazed at its enormity. Van Zyl's Hall is 98m long and filled with illuminated stalagmites, stalactites and helictites. From there travel deeper into this ancient and mystical wonderland for more astoundingly beautiful subterranean sights. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit to the Safari Ostrich Show Farm just outside Oudtshoorn. Situated in the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn provides the perfect vegetation and climatic conditions for breeding and rearing ostriches. During your tour on this working farm you will see large flocks of ostriches, from chicks to young adults, to mature breeding birds. Begin in the breeding camp to uncover the rustic ostrich nests and get the opportunity to test the strength of the eggs by standing on them! If breeding season is in full swing, your tour will also include a fascinating investigation of the incubation process and hatchery. Newly born chicks are surprisingly soft and fluffy and kept in the incubators for a few days before being taken out into special 'nursery' camps. Your tour will also include a visit to Welgeluk, the ostrich palace that was built in 1910 at the height of the feather boom and is now a national monument. End this informative and fun excursion watching an ostrich derby where the local jockeys display their ostrich riding skills. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Graaff Reinet |
| | - | Go on a tour through South African history in Graaff-Reinet. As the fourth oldest settlement in the country, Graaff-Reinet has seen many travellers pass through its streets, and today much of this history is preserved in the many monuments, museums and stately old buildings that give the town its distinctive character. First founded by the Dutch East India company, the town later became the centre of British military operations for the whole Eastern Cape during the Second Boer War, and among many of the monuments in the town there is one in Donkin Street commemorating the fallen Boers. Graaff-Reinet is also the only town in South Africa to be surrounded by a national park, and the hilly peaks of Camdeboo offer great aerial views of the monument-lined streets. Walking around Graaff-Reinet is akin to a celebration of heritage and history with every facet of the town proudly showcasing its rich and varied past. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Drostdy Hotel (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D7: Graaff Reinet - Colesberg |
| Valley of Desolation (n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Visit to the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park. This geological phenomenon, that has also been declared a national monument, lies just outside the historical town of Graaff Reinet and is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years. Its sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of dolerite rise 120 metres from the valley floor, against the stunning backdrop of the endless plains of the Camdeboo National Park. Artefacts found in the area are evidence of long standing stone-age occupation and Khoisan rock paintings can also be observed in places in the park. This hauntingly beautiful valley provides endless panoramic views and also offers numerous walking trails and picnic spots. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight at the Resort: Gariep A Forever Resort (Chalet - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Colesberg - Kimberley |
| Museum: Kimberley Mine(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kimberley |
| | - | Visit to the Kimberley Mine and Museum. The Big Hole in Kimberley is the largest hand-dug excavation on earth and where some of the world's first diamonds were found. Excavation began in 1871 and soon an entire town had sprung up around the mining site as thousands of prospectors armed with little more than picks shovels and hopes descended on Kimberley. From the lookout point over the hole you can peer into a 225 metre-deep cavity with a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1,6 kilometres. The museum itself offers a trip back in time to when diamonds where first found and the unearthing of the 83 carat 'Star of Africa' unleased a frenzied diamond rush. The open-air buildings have been carefully re-constructed to replicate what the town would have looked like in the late nineteenth century and you can even sift through diamond bearing gravel to search for your own treasure. Gain a comprehensive insight into Kimberley's main claim to fame with everything from a nineteenth century mineshaft to a vault full of real diamonds, including Eureka, the first officially recorded diamond found in South Africa. Mining work on the Big Hole was suspended in 1914 due to flooding and had up to then produced 2 722 kilograms of diamonds.
(n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Savoy Hotel Kimberly (Suite Room Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Kimberley - Golden Gate |
| Kimberley City Tour(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Golden Gate |
| | - | City Tour of Kimberley. The capital of the Northern Cape is a prospecting city famous for its quality diamonds and the “Big Hole”, the largest man-made excavation in the world. Surrounding Kimberley are many memorials and sites of some important battles of the Anglo-Boer War, most notably the Siege of Kimberley in 1899 with the famous "Long Cecil" on display, and the battlefield site of Magersfontein where Boer generals used trench warfare for the first time. The city boasts other firsts, including the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to install electric street lighting, and the first city in South Africa to switch to an automatic exchange, as it housed the country's first Stock Exchange. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets (Standard Room - Bed & Breakfast) |
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| D10: Golden Gate - Drakensberg |
| Golden Gate(n) • Royal Natal Conservation Area(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Soak up sunshine in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Named for its sun-drenched sandstone cliffs that give the landscape a golden hue, this national park attracts visitors for its alluring and mystical scenery. Although small, it has among the most scenic mountain vistas in the country with the rolling Maluti mountains offset by clear blue skies. Crisp, clean air mingles with the tinkling sound of meandering rivers while antelopes graze peacefully on the sweet grassy lands. The countryside brims with hints of an ancient past and the rich culture of the Basotho, the traditional people of these lands. Very few visitors leave the area without experiencing a yearning connection with the beautiful surrounds as they absorb the magic of the park and its blissful atmosphere. Other highlights in these highlands include Bushmen paintings, rare flora, and the threatened Oribi antelope. (n) (n) |
| | - | Ramble around in a natural outdoor playground at the Royal Natal National Park. Overflowing with striking scenery and numerous hiking, walking and horse-riding trails, this splendid park is the perfect place to get your fix of fresh mountain air and a chance to enjoy the freedom and beauty of its hilly surrounds. Lofty mountains hide tumbling waterfalls while the bearded vulture and black eagle are among the rare bird species that nest in the crags. Day trippers can enjoy short, easy walking trails, while those who opt to stay longer can tackle more challenging overnight hikes or horse-riding trails. A major attraction is the world-famous Drakensberg Amphitheatre, a 5-kilometre rock wall and the beginning of the Orange River’s incredible journey west across South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. Wildlife in the park includes mountain reedbuck and grey rhebuck, while trout fishing and swimming in the streams are other activities on offer. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Sandford Park Country Hotel (Country (Traditional Room) - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D11: Drakensberg - Dundee |
| Museum: Ladysmith Siege
(n) • Museum: Talana(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Dundee |
| | - | Travel back in time on a visit to the Ladysmith Siege Museum. Considered as one of the best Anglo-Boer War museums in the country, this interesting complex is housed in a building as old as the past it displays. Due to its geographic location Ladysmith was a strategic point for the British during the Anglo-Boer War; however, it was besieged by the Boers at the outbreak of battle. The museum documents the siege and the reasons for the breakout of the war, which arose as a consequence of British intent to incorporate South Africa into their empire after gold was discovered. The period of the siege is skilfully brought to life with black and white photographs, electronic mapping, documents and artefacts. The Ladysmith siege lasted four months and resulted in many people dying of starvation.
(n) (n) |
| | - | Browse through some of South Africa’s history at the Talana Museum. The Zulu-derived name for this diverse and interesting museum is highly appropriate as each of the 23 buildings comprising the museum showcase special moments of historical significance in South Africa. From war and mining to agriculture, industry and domestic life, visitors can tour through various stages of the country’s history, highlighted by authentic pieces from the past, archival material, and true to life reconstructions. Explore the passive peace resistance movement beginning with a superb bronze of Mahatma Ghandi, the history of glass in the bead making factory, the Orange Grove Dairy showcasing the development of Dundee, or Smith cottage providing an evocative picture of the lives of the hardy pioneer farmers. These, and many more exhibits, make for an absorbing journey through time, rounded off by the Museum Shop and quaint and characterful Miner’s Rest restaurant. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Battlefields Lodge (Standard Room Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D12: Dundee - Pongola |
| Battlefield: Blood River
(n) • Battlefield: Isandlwana(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Contemplate South Africa’s more harrowing history at the Blood River battlefields. 16 December 1834 will forever be remembered in South African history as one of the bloodiest Voortrekker victories against indigenous Zulu warriors. It was recorded that on this day just under 500 Voortrekkers defeated approximately 10 000 warriors under the leadership of Zulu king Dingane, in their fight to establish freedom and a safe homeland in what was soon to be declared the Republic of Natalia. Legend has it that after the battle the nearby river had turned to red, coloured by the blood of the thousands who died in the fierce encounter. Today, there is a museum and gift shop as well as various monuments at the site, including a unique laager constructed from 64 bronze wagons. (n) (n) |
| | - | Ponder on a significant historical event at the battlefield of Isandlwana in the heart of Zululand. Dashing the confidence of the British colonial forces in South Africa, the battle of Isandlwana on 22 January 1879 was a major defeat for British troops who lost over 1 000 soldiers to the inferior military technology of the Zulus. Although only armed with traditional assegais and cow-hide shields, the Zulus managed to overpower British soldiers carrying full artillery in what was the first major encounter in the Anglo–Zulu War between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. The event also intensified the war and resulted in the British taking a more aggressive approach to the Zulu kingdom, putting to bed any hopes of a peaceful outcome. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Pongola |
| | - | Overnight at the Lodge: Shayamoya Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge (Standard Chalets - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D13: Pongola - Hluhluwe |
| Boat Cruise(o) • 4x4 Game Drive (Hluhluwe)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Glide downstream the Pongola River on a boat cruise. Flanked by white sandbanks where giant sycamore fig trees stretch out leafy fingers of shade, the smooth, glassy water of the Pongola River is perfect for a scenic boat cruise. The lush riparian vegetation on either side shelters an abundance of birdlife where green pigeons can be observed feeding on fruit trees, and the haunting call of the fish eagle carries far in the still, warm air. Your cruise then makes its way towards Lake Jozini where crocodiles quietly watch as you float by and hippos can be seen popping their heads out of the water. As your flat-bottomed boat cruises close to the shoreline, look out for other wildlife such as warthog and antelope, frequently spotted grazing on the lush vegetation near the water’s edge. (Optional rates: D13:Pongola Boat Cruise) |
| | - | Three-hour 4x4 game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. This 96 000 hectare reserve is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and boasts a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Your safari will explore the northern side of the park, a scenic, hilly area with patches of dense bush. The reserve is well known for its black and white rhino conservation efforts and there are currently approximately 1 500 white rhino and 360 black rhino in Hluhluwe. The area is also well stocked with a variety of antelope species, including kudu, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck and nyala. This picturesque reserve has a number of excellent viewing hides that overlook the watering holes, allowing visitors the opportunity of close up wildlife viewing. (Optional rates: D13:Hluhluwe 4X4 game drive) |
| | - | Overnight: Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D14: Hluhluwe - Swaziland |
| Lavumisa Discover(n) • Swazi Candles(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Swaziland |
| | - | Admire the contrasting landscape of Lavumisa while traversing Swaziland. This tiny, independent country is locked between the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Mozambique. The plains in the south-western part of Swaziland contrast sharply with the mountainous landscapes of the north and here you will discover lush sugarcane fields alternating with bush savannah dotted with Swazi kraals. Near the southern border post of Lavumisa, the Lubombo Mountains loom majestically in the near distance. This sweeping mountain range covers practically the entire eastern side of the country and forms the natural border between Swaziland and Mozambique. (n) (n) |
| | - | Wax lyrical about the Swazi candlemakers at Malkerns. From its humble beginnings in an old cowshed the Swazi Candle Factory today exports beautiful candles throughout the world and holds the esteemed reputation of producing an amazing assortment of handcrafted wax wares. On any given weekday you will be able to view the approximately 200 craftspeople as they go about the process of moulding the pigmented wax into fascinating shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional shaped candles to African animal forms. Each candle is hand-finished, meaning that no two candles will ever look exactly the same. Swazi Candles is one of the most famous handicraft outlets in southern Africa and a favourite stop for visitors looking for gifts and souvenirs to take home. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Mantenga Lodge (Sheba Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D15: Swaziland - Kruger Park |
| Piggs Peak Discover(n) • Cultural Show at Matsamo(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Traverse the mountains towards Piggs Peak. Tucked away in the north western corner of Swaziland, Piggs Peak is a region once made famous for its spectacular gold mining and now an important supplier of timber. The beautiful mountainous landscape has led to the area often being referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, filled with sparkling waterfalls, three of the highest peaks in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Bushmen paintings, nature reserves and picturesque indigenous bushland. The town itself is filled with colourful African art and craft shops while slightly further afield you will find the historic Bulembu village, Emlembe, the highest mountain in Swaziland and the Maguga Dam. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit to the Matsamo Cultural Park. Located at the Jeppes Reef border, not far from the Kruger National Park, this educational cultural village offers visitors an introduction to the Swazi people, their culture and traditions. It opened in 2000 to showcase the Swazi way of life and as a means for the Swazi people to celebrate their own culture, reminding younger generations of their rich heritage. The tour combines singing and dancing shows with an educational experience, highlighting the differences between Swazi and Western lifestyles and revealing why these differences have come about. Your visit will include rhythmic dancing performances, age-old folk songs and music with authentic African instruments. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Kruger Park |
| | - | Dinner: Nkambeni Safari Camp |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Nkambeni Safari Camp (Tent - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D16: Kruger Park |
| 4x4 Game Drive Full Day (Scheduled)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Full day 4x4 game drive in the Kruger Park. Your scheduled departure will leave from your hotel at dawn as you set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a short drive to one of the park's gates and into the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, stretching across a vast 18 989 square kilometres in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. With over 12 000 elephants, 27 000 African buffalo and 1 000 leopards, the Big Five is well represented. White rhino sightings are frequent, while spotting a black rhino may require some patience and a bit of luck. Lions are plentiful with over 2 000 stalking the plains. Overall, the Kruger supports 147 free roaming mammal species. Of the 517 species of birds here, 253 are resident and the reserve supports six diverse eco-systems. Your morning safari concludes at one of the rest camps inside the reserve giving you the opportunity to stretch and refresh. The 4x4 vehicle will allow you to get very close to the surrounding vegetation while your experienced ranger follows fresh animal spoor. Your safari concludes in the late afternoon before returning to the hotel. (Optional rates: D16:Kruger 4x4 game drive) |
| | - | Dinner: Nkambeni Safari Camp |
| | - | Overnight at the Camp: Nkambeni Safari Camp (Tent - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D17: Kruger Park - Johannesburg |
| Blyde River Canyon and Potholes(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Johannesburg |
| | - | Make your way towards the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This seemingly endless river canyon is filled with some of the most beautifully scenic vistas in South Africa. The Bourke's Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. The canyon itself is 3rd largest in the world, covered in lush sub-tropical vegetation with an average depth of 750 metres and 25 kilometres in length. It consists mostly of red sandstone and has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge and Transfers (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D18: Johannesburg |
| Day Tour: Jo`burg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum FD(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Orientate yourself with greater Johannesburg on a full-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Your explorations begin in the heart of bustling Johannesburg, the third largest city in Africa, as you seek out landmark buildings such as the Hillbrow Tower, one of the tallest towers in Africa, the sky-scraping Ponte City, Sentech and Carlton Centre Tower and the multi-million rand Nelson Mandela Bridge. South of city you will find the Apartheid Museum (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) that showcases the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994 when the country’s first fully democratic elections were held. The museum has two entrances labelled ‘white’ and ‘non-white’ giving visitors a tiny taste of some of apartheid’s prejudiced rules. More serious overtones to this system of racial classification can be observed inside the museum with harrowing personal testimonials and historical facts. Your tour rounds off with highlights of Soweto such as the match box houses, FNB “Soccer city” Stadium, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street and Mandela House.
(Optional rates: D18:Joburg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge and Transfers (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D19: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls |
| • Transfer • Cruise: Sunset(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight Johannesburg - Victoria Falls (Eco Class) One way (Optional rates: D19:Flight Joburg-Victoria Falls) |
| | - | Arrival at Victoria Falls, one of the most famous landmarks in the world and visited by thousands of tourists every year, yet the town of the same name remains small and filled with plenty of old-world frontier charm. Victoria Falls town is bright and friendly and a great place to browse craft markets and collect souvenirs of your African travels as you take some time to absorb the atmosphere and pick up a greater sense of the African cultures and the rich history that have shaped the Victoria Falls over time. Wildlife lovers may need to look no further than right in front of them as animals are known to roam the streets with cheeky baboons hanging around in the trees and occasionally even an elephant or two strolling across the road to the nearby Zambezi River. |
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| | - | Soak up the beauty of Africa on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The immense, calm waters of the Zambezi River lend themselves to leisurely boat cruises amongst the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. From your lodge you will be taken to the jetty and begin your sailing journey upstream from the Victoria Falls. As you peacefully drift along the river you can admire the splashes of colour that the setting sun paints in the sky as well as watch the wildlife that congregates along the river banks in the coolness of the evening. Your wondrous cruise is rounded off with aperitifs and snacks served on board the boat. (Optional rates: D19:Sunset Cruise) |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D20: Victoria Falls |
| Falls: Zimbabwe Side(o) • Flight: Falls by helicopter(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | View one of the world’s natural wonders on a visit to the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls. This enormous sheet of falling water was first discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, although it had been known to the local people for much longer than that. It is shared by two countries, Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south. Around two thirds of the falls are located on the Zimbabwe side and this country is also considered to have more classical views of the mains falls with footpaths leading you to breathtaking viewpoints such as Devils Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the very popular Rainbow Falls. The sights from here are considered some of the best on the planet while the sheer force of the tumbling water is a sensory treat as water plunges and tumbles, sending sprays of mist up into the skies. (Optional rates: D20:Falls Zimbabwe Side) |
| | - | Marvel at the wonder of natural forces with a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls. Your 12-minute adventure will get your heart racing and your eyes captivated on the scenes below as you take to the skies and begin your flight over the Zambezi River. This river is the fourth longest in Africa and surrounded by pristine wilderness that is especially beautiful to observe from above, with many islands and channels through which the crystal-clear water winds its way. The Batoka Gorge, lying just below the Victoria Falls, showcases stunning, deep chasms that cut into the earth before you arrive at the highlight of your trip, the falls themselves. This flight is often referred to as ‘the flight of angels’, and as you float through the misty spray and rainbows created by the thundering falls you will feel as if you are indeed in heaven. (Optional rates: D20:Falls by Helicopter) |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D21: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg OR Tambo |
| Transfer |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Transfer |
| | - | Flight Victoria Falls - Johannesburg (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D21:Flight Victoria Falls-Joburg) |
