| D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town (30 km) |
| Meet and Greet • CapeTown City Tour(n) • 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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| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category C (1-6days) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 4) - 4 days  |
| | - | We recommend a city tour of Cape Town, also known as the Mother City. Alongside high rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles, including Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch, has been meticulously preserved. Amongst the numerous highlights are the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. If weather conditions allow it, take the cableway up to Table Mountain from where you will discover a magnificent view over the city, the harbour and Table Bay. (n) |
| | - | 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 Cable Car) |
| | - | Overnight: Antrim Villa Guest House (Luxury Double room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Cape Town (142 km) |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip(n) • Chapman's Peak Drive(n) • Cape of Good Hope National Park(n) • Boulders Beach(n) • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island. The island is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals (actually sea lions originating from the Antarctic) as well as a variety of seabirds including gannets, cormorants and sea gulls. It is illegal to land on the island, but the trip takes you within arm's reach of the seals who seem to know they're the centre of attention and put up a fantastic performance, diving and twisting with amazing speed and agility (weather permitting). (n) (n) |
| | - | Drive along Cape Town's most scenic road: Chapman's Peak Drive. Hacked out of the face of the mountain between 1915 and 1922, Chapman's Peak connects Hout Bay with Noordhoek along one of the most dramatic marine routes in the world that hugs the coast of the Atlantic Seaboard for nine kilometres. Reopened to the public in 2003 after major safety works were completed, Chapman's Peak Drive climbs steadily from the harbour of Hout Bay, skirting 114 curves to follow the rocky coastline presenting some truly magnificent views of the sandy bays below. The combination of steep, almost thrilling rocky inclines, shimmering blue waters and expansive skies simply take the breath away. (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognised globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora. The legendary Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope were key beacons for the early explorers and are the source of many myths and legends. In 1488, Bartholomew Dias named the peninsula the Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal later gave it its actual name. The Cape of Good Hope is a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs. (n) (n) |
| | - | Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach. Named for the large, smooth, round boulders that form this coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans. While the beach itself is a popular bathing spot, it is equally shared with these black and white marine birds that are frequently seen sunning themselves on the rocks or taking a dive into the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent fynbos area holds their delicate nesting grounds, and raised, fenced walkways allow visitors to enter the area without disturbing the birds. Look for nests hidden in the sand and among the scrubland as breeding pairs carefully nurture and protect their eggs. African penguins are classified as endangered species and Boulders Beach is the only location in the world where humans can get close to these birds in their natural habitat. (n) (n) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Traditional Dinner: Gold Restaurant
Drum and dine in African style at GOLD Restaurant. This Pan-African experience melds African culinary traditions with modern flavours, serving up a sophisticated African feast that changes seasonally. Guests are given a 14-dish tasting menu served in individual and shared portions, as the country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing are explained. Before you sit down to dine, participate in an immersive drumming experience as you beat the djembe drums along with professional drummers. While you are eating, archetypal African stories are told through the form of live entertainment with the superb GOLD team, dressed in authentic traditional garments. (Optional rates: D2: African Dinner) |
| | - | Overnight: Antrim Villa Guest House (Luxury Double room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Cape Town (161 km) |
| Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(n) • Tram Journey(n) • Stellenbosch Orientation(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) |
| | - | Depart from your hotel and climb aboard a tram for a tour of the Franschhoek wine region. The Franschhoek Valley is home to some of the oldest and most distinguished wine estates in South Africa and is also an area of immense scenic beauty and splendour. The tram tour is one of the best ways to sit back and enjoy the true essence of Franschhoek as you stop at various wine estates to savour wine tasting at your leisure. Depart the tram when the fancy takes you to have lunch, stroll through the vineyards or sample some wines and then simply pick the tram up again when you are done. The open-sided tram takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of village and wine cultivation. There are a variety of tram tours to choose from. Return transfer to your hotel included. (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) |
| | - | 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: Antrim Villa Guest House (Luxury Double room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Cape Town - St. Lucia |
| Suggestions St Lucia(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight CapeTown - Durban (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D4: Flight Capetown - Durban) |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category C (7-13days) at Durban airport - Drop Off Johannesburg OR Tambo (Day 12) - 9 days |
| | - | Travel to St. Lucia |
| | - | We recommend that you visit the little estuary town of Saint Lucia, known for its magnificent lagoon were you can take a walk along the beach. You can book a boat trip on the St. Lucia estuary, where you will observe hippopotamus and magnificent birds, including fish eagles and herons. (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Avalone Guesthouse (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast(with patio)) |
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| D5: St. Lucia - Hluhluwe |
| Boat Trip St Lucia Estuary(o) • Falaza Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Boat cruise on the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary. Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Lake Saint Lucia Estuary is a designated World Heritage Site that offers some of the most extraordinary waterscapes in the world. The network of coastal lakes, dunes, subtropical forests, swamps and wetland systems provides a haven for indigenous flora and fauna and the area is particularly popular with bird lovers. The Saint Lucia Estuary is one of the largest in Africa and this amazing mass of water is home to approximately 800 hippos and over 1 000 Nile crocodiles. Wildlife such as antelope and zebra graze its shores and birdlife is prolific with over 500 resident species including large flocks of pelicans, flamingos and ducks. (Optional rates: D5: St Lucia boat cruise) |
| | - | Get ready for an authentic bush experience in a lush indigenous setting. Bordering the world-renowned World Heritage Site of St Lucia and close to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is Falaza, a picturesque safari destination surrounded by coastal dunes and riverine bushland where once a mighty sand forest flourished over 150 000 years ago. What remains today is a selection of extremely rare and beautiful trees found only in this habitat, and includes specimens such as the Zulu pod berry, forest fig and Lebombo wattle. Birdlife is unique and extraordinary, and the reserve is also home to a wide selection of antelope and other animals such as giraffe, warthog, zebra and rhino. Your guided game drive will last approximately two hours and takes place in an open game viewing vehicle.
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| | - | Overnight: Falaza Game Park and Spa (Tent - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D6: Hluhluwe - Swaziland |
| 4x4 Game Drive (Hluhluwe)(o) • Lavumisa Discover(n) • Swazi Candles(n) • Guided Walk (2.5 hours)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | 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: D6: 4x4 Safari in Hluhluwe Park) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Embrace eco-tourism on a guided nature and wildlife walk at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. At just under 6 000 hectares, the reserve may be small, but is considered a pioneer conservation area where diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Due to the relative absence of dangerous game, the sanctuary is ideal for walking safaris, where visitors can pass by herds of grazing antelope and soak up the distant views of Nyonyane Mountain (Execution Rock) with its striking granite peaks. Mlilwane’s wildlife is widely regarded as unusually tolerant of human presence, allowing for unparalleled experiences and photographic moments that are not easily captured anywhere else. Your Swazi guide will focus on your specific interest, be it birding or wildlife, as you explore the area’s diverse habitats of woodland, grassland, forest and river. Your walk includes bottled water. (Optional rates: D6: Guided walk in Mlilwane reserve) |
| | - | Overnight: Mogi Boutique Hotel (Deluxe suite - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D7: Swaziland - Kruger |
| Swazi Village with Lunch (guided)(n) • Piggs Peak Discover(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kruger |
| | - | Pick up from your hotel for a tour of Swaziland with our local guide. It is estimated that only approximately one million people inhabit the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland; however, it is a charming country filled with warm smiles, friendly faces, fascinating culture, fabulous wildlife and stunning mountain scenery. It is the smallest county in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa where culture and heritage are deeply ingrained in all aspects of life. Those on the hunt for unique African mementos are in for a treat as the country overflows with arty markets and beautiful handmade goods. Your tour will include a visit to a traditional homestead, and a colourful market. Lunch and return transfer are included. (n) (n) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Overnight at the Guest House: Nut Grove Manor (Luxury Suite(Hazel/ Almond/ Magnolia) - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Kruger |
| 4x4 Game Drive Full Day (Private)(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Private tour: full day 4x4 game drive in the Kruger National Park. Set out early in the morning on board a privately guided open 4x4 safari vehicle to explore the wonders of 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, refresh and have lunch (at own expense). After refuelling, set off for a second round of action-packed wildlife discoveries. 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 your hotel. (Optional rates: D8: 4x4 Safari in Kruger National Park) |
| | - | Overnight at the Guest House: Nut Grove Manor (Luxury Suite(Hazel/ Almond/ Magnolia) - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Kruger - Makalali |
| Moholoholo Rehab Centre(o) • 4X4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This world-famous centre is situated in the Moholoholo Private Game Reserve close to the Kruger National Park and has become a haven for the rehabilitation and care of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Animals are brought to the centre from all over South Africa and once healthy enough, are re-introduced back into their natural environments. Those creatures that cannot be returned to the wild due to the nature and extent of their injuries are used for educational purposes. Moholoholo has also successfully bred and released the endangered crowned eagle, serval and many others. Your visit will include a fully guided tour of all the wildlife that Moholoholo is currently rehabilitating, breeding or housing, offering the unique experience of seeing animals up close and personal. These animals may include lion, leopard, lynx, honey badger, vultures, wild dog and any baby animals present at the time of your visit. (Optional rates: D9: Visit of the Moholoholo rehabilitation Centre) |
| | - | Arrival in Makalali Conservancy. Ready to indulge your every wild whim, the Makalali Conservancy encourages guests to make the most of their time close to wildlife. Located west of the Kruger National Park, the 22 000-hectare reserve presents undulating hills and incredible viewpoints with panoramic scenes across the Lowveld acacia bush, and savannah grassland flecked with marula, knobthorn and jackalberry trees. With a name meaning ‘place of rest’, Makalali is indeed a location to take a breather where guests can get closer to nature through wilderness walks, sleep-outs and outdoor bush baths. Wildlife in the reserve includes lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah and rhino, while activities concentrate on morning, afternoon and evening game drives, walking safaris and star gazing are optional. The conservancy incorporates a collection of camps and numerous other leisure activities. (Activities included in your package as per program below.) |
| | - | Lunch: Makalali Main Lodge |
| | - | Afternoon 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Dinner: Makalali Main Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Makalali Main Lodge (Superior Room - Fully Inclusive(FIT)) |
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| D10: Makalali - Ohrigstad |
| Morning 4x4 Game Drive • Blyde River Canyon and Potholes(n) |
| | - | Morning 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | 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 at the Lodge: Hannah Game Lodge (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D11: Ohrigstad - Johannesburg |
| Dullstroom(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Johannesburg |
| | - | Hit the highlands in Dullstroom. This picturesque village in Mpumalanga is best known for its fly fishing dams, quaint shops and country restaurants. It forms part of the Highlands Meander where fly fishing rules and old timers exchange news in the local pub and are rumoured to still make their own moonshine. Brisk outdoor adventure waits as the area offers many adventure trails, rock climbing opportunities and hiking paths as well as being home to three varieties of crane species and a stunning array of blooming wild flowers. Dullstroom is also the site of South Africa’s only known breeding community of black leopards, although these unique cats are notoriously difficult to find. The brave can try some witbiltz, a South African version of moonshine. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D12: Johannesburg |
| Privately Guided Jo`burg, Soweto Apartheid FD(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Private tour: orientate yourself with greater Johannesburg on a privately guided 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 Monday and Tuesday) 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: D12: Johannesburg - Soweto Tour) |
