| 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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| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category M(1-6days) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 4) - 4 days  |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Cape Town |
| Robben Island(o) • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront(n) • Helicopter Flip (10-15 min)(o) • Cape Town City Tour(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Trace the footsteps of Mandela at the Robben Island Museum. Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island holds a significant place in South African history as it once housed the country’s most famous political prisoner and freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. It is now a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa. Your visit to the museum will be guided by a former political prisoner, offering unique insight into the island’s history, and take you to Nelson Mandela’s former cell, standing exactly as it did when he was incarcerated there, as well as the lime quarry where he was forced into hard labour. Your tour begins at the V (Optional rates: D2:Robben Island) |
| | - | Explore the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, situated at South Africa’s oldest working harbour in the centre of Cape Town. Offering over 450 retail outlets selling everything from high-end fashion and jewellery to food and crafts, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular destinations, attracting in excess of 23 million visitors a year. Besides offering vibrant and chic indoor and outdoor shopping and restaurants, you can also watch fishing boats dock with fresh fish or see a container ship being towed into the harbour by a tug boat. Draw-bridges over the water open and close every so often to allow smaller sailing vessels access to the docks, while the Cape Wheel gives unsurpassed 360 degree views of the city, and the outdoor amphitheatre plays host to music, dance and theatrical performances throughout the year. (n) (n) |
| | - | Soar with the birds on a 10-12 minute helicopter flight over Table Bay. There is no better way to take in the scenic beauty and majestic mountains of Cape Town than with a helicopter flip over the coastline. The Cape Peninsula is home to some of the finest coastal scenery around and if you are lucky you may even catch sight of dolphins frolicking in Table Bay or a southern right whale riding a wave with her calf. Table Bay is dominated by the flat-topped and iconic Table Mountain and considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, where high-end hotels rub shoulders with pristine beaches and a rich variety of indigenous vegetation. (Optional rates: D2:Helicopter flip) |
| | - | Tour of Cape Town. Also known as the Mother City, Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes. Alongside high-rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles has been meticulously preserved, including Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambiance. During the tour you will see the Castle of Good Hope – this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa, and the Company's Garden – a large public park, originally Jan van Riebeeck's vegetable garden, which he grew to feed the original colony as early as 1652. The tour of this beautiful city introduces you to a rich culture and history. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Cape Town |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip(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) |
| | - | 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: D3:Gold Restaurant) |
| | - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Cape Town - Port Elizabeth |
| Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(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) |
| | - | 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) |
| | - | Flight CapeTown - Port Elizabeth (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D4:Flight CapeTown - Port Elizabeth ) |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Category R Early Booker(7-13days) at Port Elizabeth Airport - Drop Off Durban airport (Day 11) - 7 days |
| | - | Overnight: Ocean Bay Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Port Elizabeth - Addo |
| Port Elizabeth(n) • Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Familiarise yourself with the city of Port Elizabeth. As South Africa's second oldest city, Port Elizabeth is also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape and popular thanks to its temperate climate and safe, sandy beaches. Set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, the city has strong British Settler roots and there are many historical attractions. The Donkin Heritage Trail follows the footsteps of the 1820 Settlers after they first landed in Algoa Bay and features 47 historical sites and colonial buildings along a five-kilometre walking trail through the central and Old Hill area of Port Elizabeth. Route 67 takes visitors on an artistic journey through Nelson Mandela’s life, and the city is also ideally located as a starting point for further explorations of the area, including the Garden Route, Settler Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and Cape. (n) (n) |
| | - | Afternoon 4x4 game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park. The park provides exceptional opportunities for game viewing and bird watching and is home to the densest population of elephants in the world. It stretches from the semi-arid Karoo in the north, over the Zuurberg Mountains and through the Sundays River Valley, and includes Bird Island and St Croix Island. There is therefore a wide range of landscapes and flora and fauna on offer in this vast reserve. Besides being guaranteed of seeing elephants, a night drive will also afford you a good chance of spotting more nocturnal animals such as the scrub hare, porcupine, striped polecat and caracul. Antelopes such as eland, duiker and kudu will be on their way to their resting spots, while predators such as lions begin their nightly prowls. (Optional rates: D5: 4x4 Afternoon game drive at Addo National Park) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Addo Elephant Rest Camp (Rondavel (with view) - Accommodation only) |
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| D6: Addo - East London |
| Grahamstown Discover(n) |
| | - | Travel to East London |
| | - | Slip into the city of saints at Grahamstown. Despite a few different titles, the settler city of Grahamstown (now officially called Makhanda) showcases a strong sense of identity where art, religion and old English and Xhosa factionalism blend together rather than encroach on each other’s freedoms. Historic Grahamstown is the annual host to one of South Africa's most renowned cultural and arts events, the National Arts Festival, and is also called the ‘the city of saints’ in reference to the approximate 40 churches in the town. It was once a British frontier against the Xhosa, and Grahamstown soon became a favoured place of residence for many 1820 English settlers. This rich and diverse cultural history is reflected throughout the town where a strong sense of artistic liberty is revered, making for a fascinating melting pot of sights, personalities and opinions. The town is also well placed to take advantage of the Eastern Cape’s enjoyable Sunshine Route. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Quarry Lake Inn (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D7: East London - Coffee Bay |
| Qunu Nelson Mandela Museum(n) • Nelson Mandela Museum Mthatha(n) • Nelson Mandela No-Moscow Primary School(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Coffee Bay |
| | - | Trace the childhood steps of a great leader in Qunu. This small rural village in the Eastern Cape is situated approximately 32 kilometres from Mthatha and the birthplace of former President of South African, Nelson Mandela. In his famous book, The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela describes this village as a place echoing with happy and carefree childhood memories where he played with his friends in the river and carried out his youthful herd boy duties as well beginning his school career. The village also holds Madiba’s final resting spot, in a place personally selected by him, where his spirit remains for eternity on property owned by his family. Ponder the past as you visit the village, walk through the pastures where he grazed his sheep and peruse the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre with its many exhibitions exalting Mandela’s life. (n) (n) |
| | - | Recall the legacy of a great leader at the Nelson Mandela Museum. Built in Madiba’s honour, this comprehensive national museum in Mthatha operates with the vision of keeping the late state leader’s values alive. It is housed in the Bhunga Building that provides both the physical space and technical capacity for the Museum to reach out to communities all over the world and engage them in discussions regarding peace with justice. It forms part of the South African Liberation Heritage Route and holds some of the richest history in Mthatha. Over 80% of the museum is dedicated to exhibitions and the library contains a collection of books written by and about Nelson Mandela. Visitors can also admire the large display of “Gifts to the Nation”, that consist of items bestowed on Madiba through his life by well-wishers across the world. Madiba never viewed these gifts as his, but rather as belonging to all people of South Africa. (n) (n) |
| | - | Follow the road to success at the Nelson Mandela No-Moscow Elementary School. Named after former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela, this school is part of the Lyoness Child (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Ocean View Hotel |
| | - | Overnight: Ocean View Hotel (Double Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Coffee Bay |
| Village Tour • Hole In The Wall |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Become a beachcomber and explore the village of Coffee Bay. This small seaside village lies on a wild and untamed coastline, surrounded by phenomenal nature and geological marvels. Its isolation adds to its rural appeal where dusty roads lead to secret coves in the bay and children walk barefoot through the village, often accompanied by a few goats, cows or chickens. Sprinkled among this pastoral scene are a handful of accommodation establishments and the Transkei’s distinctive traditional round, thatched huts painted in bright colours by the local Xhosa speaking residents. The village is named after a ship that lost its cargo of coffee beans after running into rocks along the coastline, and although there are no coffee trees in the village today, there is plenty of other natural splendour to admire. Hiking trails and nature walks abound, and the beautiful deserted coast tempts beachcombers in search of cowrie shells. |
| | - | Discover natural wonders at the Hole in the Wall. This unique landmark is situated just south of Coffee Bay and was created millions of years ago by the relentless crashing of waves against sandstone and shale. It now stands as a rocky archway in the sea, only a short distance from the coastline and is instantly recognisable, as well as the source of many myths and legends. While the local Xhosa community believe that the Hole in the Wall is a gateway to their ancestors, geologists reason that the cliff walls were once joined to the land and over time continuous wave action against the softer sandstone rocks wore them away. The same happened below creating the distinctive and now famous ‘hole’. Hole in the Wall can be reached along a gravel road, although more energetic visitors may prefer the three-hour hike through the beautiful rural landscape. |
| | - | Dinner: Ocean View Hotel |
| | - | Overnight: Ocean View Hotel (Double Room - Dinner Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Coffee Bay - Drakensberg |
| Nelson Mandela Museum Mthatha(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Drakensberg |
| | - | Recall the legacy of a great leader at the Nelson Mandela Museum. Built in Madiba’s honour, this comprehensive national museum in Mthatha operates with the vision of keeping the late state leader’s values alive. It is housed in the Bhunga Building that provides both the physical space and technical capacity for the Museum to reach out to communities all over the world and engage them in discussions regarding peace with justice. It forms part of the South African Liberation Heritage Route and holds some of the richest history in Mthatha. Over 80% of the museum is dedicated to exhibitions and the library contains a collection of books written by and about Nelson Mandela. Visitors can also admire the large display of “Gifts to the Nation”, that consist of items bestowed on Madiba through his life by well-wishers across the world. Madiba never viewed these gifts as his, but rather as belonging to all people of South Africa. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Elgin B&B (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D10: Drakensberg |
| Sani Pass Tour(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Cross over into another world with a tour up the Sani Pass. This incredible 4x4 track winds its way across the Drakensberg escarpment and into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, peaking at 2 800 metres above sea level. It is a spectacular mountain road and also the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’, a scenic route that links the alpine beauty of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. The pass ranks as one of the top birding spots in southern Africa and is a prime venue for high altitude alpine birding with some 160 species being recorded. As you travel skywards the tour progresses through various altitudinal vegetation zones, revealing the history of the pass, geology of the mountains, stunning flora and fauna and concludes with a lunch at the highest pub in Africa, the Sani Top Chalet.
(Optional rates: D10: 4x4 Sani Pass Excursion) |
| | - | Overnight: Elgin B&B (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D11: Drakensberg - Durban North Coast |
| Walk in Drakensberg(n) • Nelson Mandela Capture Site(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Stride through a UNESCO World Heritage site on a walk in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. As a favourite location for hikers, this scenic park is brimming with beautiful landscapes where enormous peaks fall into hidden valleys and sparkling streams. Offset by sandstone cliffs, the area is a prime eco-tourism destination that also holds a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere where nature lovers can connect with the earth. The park is a rich wildlife sanctuary with a diverse range of habitats and a high number of endangered plant and animal species, while ancient San rock art can be spotted in hundreds of caves and rock-shelters. The park also offers a number of different walking and hiking trails, excellent birdwatching, swimming in natural streams, and many photographic opportunities.
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| | - | Take a moment to reflect on one the most significant moments in South Africa’s history at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. After a manhunt that lasted 17 months, the country’s most famous freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, was finally apprehended by apartheid police at this unassuming site. His arrest set the course of recent history in the country, and dealt a blow to the anti-apartheid Black Consciousness Movement. In memory of Mandela, and his fight against racial inequality, the site now houses a magnificent sculpture comprising 50 steel columns between six and 9.5 metres high and covering a width of almost 30 metres. Cut by laser to ingeniously form an image of Mandela when viewed at the correct angle, the columns also line up to create a dramatic two-dimensional image of Madiba that can be seem from 30 metres away. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Durban North Coast |
| | - | Overnight: Petite Provence Bed and Breakfast (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D12: Durban North Coast - Johannesburg |
| Transfer • Day Tour: Pretoria City Tour HD PM(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight Arr 11:50 Durban - Johannesburg (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D12:Flight Durban - Johannesburg) |
| | - | Transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Johannesburg |
| | - | Half day tour of Pretoria. Discover the administrative capital known as "Jacaranda City". Pretoria is a city of tree-lined avenues, fascinating architecture and historical monuments such as the Paul Kruger House. In the heart of the city centre, this modest home was built in 1883 and today contains interesting souvenirs of Oom Paul's life, the founder of the Afrikaans Nation. The Union Buildings, seat of executive government and symbol of the new South Africa, feature a nine-metre-tall statue of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, erected shortly after his death on 5 December 2013. The Voortrekker Monument, rising like a sentinel in the south of Pretoria, is an essential piece of the puzzle in understanding the Afrikaner people. The friezes explain their entire history from the Great Trek up to the Battle of Blood River and the forming of the Boer Republics. If you are visiting in October, you'll experience the best of all the purple jacarandas in bloom along most of the city’s streets. (Optional rates: D12:Pretoria City Tour HD PM) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D13: Johannesburg |
| Day Tour: Mandela FD(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Collection from your hotel for a full-day tour tracing the early life of South Africa’s most iconic leader, Nelson Mandela, from the time he arrived in Johannesburg to the infamous Rivonia Trial that led to his 27 years of imprisonment. The tour follows a roughly chronological order of important events in his life beginning with Mandela Yard in Alexandra where he rented a room while studying and working as a clerk in a law firm. Next is Constitution Hill, a human rights precinct that acknowledges the horrors of the past while embracing the promise of the future and also incorporates the Old Fort Prison, a notorious jail where political prisoners including Mandela where incarcerated. The tour concludes with a visit to Liliesleaf Farm, widely regarded as the birthplace of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC. It was here that a police raid on 11 July 1963 resulted in the Rivonia Treason Trials and eventual incarceration of many senior ANC leaders, including Nelson Mandela. Return transfer to your hotel included. (Optional rates: D13:Mandela FD) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D14: Johannesburg - Johannesburg OR Tambo |
| Day Tour: Jo`burg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum FD(o) • Transfer |
| | - | 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: D14:Joburg, Soweto & Apartheid Museum FD) |
| | - | Transfer from Johannesburg to Johannesburg OR Tambo |
