| D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town |
| Meet and Greet • Cape Town Orientation Tour • Signal Hill |
| | - | Meet and greet at Cape Town International Airport. Our guide will meet you at the airport upon your arrival before embarking on your guided tour. |
| | - | Embark on your guided tour aboard your minibus: He will accompany you all along your circuit from Cape Town airport (Day 1) to Port Elizabeth Airport (Day 7) |
| | - | Orientation tour of Cape Town. With a distinct flavour of its own, influenced by the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers who each indelibly stamped their mark upon the foundations of the city, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world today. The inner city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles that combine the past with the present in a mishmash of high-rise office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings and narrow, cobblestone streets that give rise to fine examples of Cape Dutch design. It is also home to a blend of corporate and independent businesses that lend it a striking aliveness. During the tour you will pass by the Castle of Good Hope - this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa, Cape Town's City Hall, built in 1905, overlooking the Grand Parade, 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 orientation tour of this beautiful city introduces you to a rich culture and history. |
| | - | Take in Cape Town’s city sights from Signal Hill. This prominent Cape Town landmark is named for its original use, the practice of flying signal flags to communicate with passing ships. Its peaks provide breathtaking views across Table Bay harbour, the City Bowl and the Atlantic Ocean and the 350-metre high hill is a favourite destination for sundowners. Signal Hill lies adjacent to Lions Head, forming the ‘rump’ of the lion and is also the location from which the historic Noon Gun is fired. The guns were once used in combat and as a time signal for ships anchored in the harbour. Today this age-old tradition continues as they are fired at midday every day except Sundays and public holidays. By night Signal Hill becomes one of the most popular spots for romantic rendezvous as amorous couples make their way up the hill for sundowners and stunning views of the city at night. In summer this is also an excellent vantage spot from which to admire the floodlights that illuminate the steep embankments of Table Mountain. |
| | - | Dinner: Premier Hotel Cape Town (Ex Cape Manor) |
| | - | Overnight: Premier Hotel Cape Town (Ex Cape Manor) (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D2: Cape Town |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip • Chapman's Peak Drive • Cape of Good Hope National Park • Boulders Beach • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens • The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway • Victoria and Alfred Waterfront |
| | - | 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). |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Lunch: Dixies |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Wind your way through the Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Like a moving snake, this amazing walkway winds, dips and rises through the Kirstenbosch Gardens in a long, slender and almost invisible trail. Continuing for 130 metres, the crescent-shaped walkway takes advantage of the meandering ground, touching the forest floor in two places before raising visitors up to 12 metres above the vegetation below. Although narrow, there are wide viewing points along the way, offering fantastic vistas of the abundant beauty that the Kirstenbosch Gardens hold. Move from the forest floor and through the leafy tips of trees before breaking through the canopy into vivid sunshine and panoramic sights of the surrounding mountains and distant Cape Flats. |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Dinner: The 41 Restaurant |
| | - | Overnight: Premier Hotel Cape Town (Ex Cape Manor) (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D3: Cape Town |
| Stellenbosch Orientation • Paarl • Wine Tasting • Franschhoek Orientation |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Discover Paarl. A mere hour's drive from Cape Town brings one to a giant granite outcrop with three rounded domes, the prominent one of which was initially called Peerleberg or Pearl Mountain. This solid rock was to become the name of a town, which today is renowned for its very beautiful countryside, excellent wines and some incredible architecture. The town of Paarl has a unique character, not least because vineyards still grow in between residential neighbourhoods, maintaining a country feel to a town virtually the size of a small city, but also because it is here that the struggle to gain recognition for Afrikaans as a written language was achieved. Today, the Afrikaans Language Museum bears testament to this accomplishment and there is a monument to this unique language on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. |
| | - | Cross the bridge to the historic Rickety Bridge Winery. Overlooking the majestic Wemmershoek Mountains, the origins of this wine estate date back to the late 1600s when farm land was first granted to French Huguenots who settled in the area. To enter the picturesque estate visitors must still cross a bridge that spans the Franschhoek River, much like French Huguenots did centuries before. Across the bridge, however, are surprising contemporary touches where a modern boutique-style winery produces award-winning wines, and a stylish tasting centre lies hidden in the vines. Rickety Bridge is well known for its tradition of winemaking, and your wine tasting will introduce you to a number of the estate’s cultivars. |
| | - | Lunch: Rickety Bridge Wine Estate |
| | - | Orientation tour of Franshhoek. This French corner of the Cape lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes from Cape Town and within half an hour's drive of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes. Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, a community of French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape, after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685. Today, many of the wine farms still bear their original French names and most of these farms have beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture. |
| | - | Dinner: Gold Restaurant
Prepare for a mind-blowing gastronomic experience at GOLD Restaurant. This Pan-African experience melds African culinary traditions with modern flavours, serving up a sophisticated African feast that changes seasonally. Just as African food is traditionally shared between family and friends, 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. While you are dining, archetypal African stories are told through the form of live entertainment with the superb GOLD team, dressed in authentic traditional garments, bringing ambience, warmth and knowledgeable service to your table. The 14 dishes incorporate starters, street food, main courses and two desserts, taking you on an exotic flavour tour across the African continent. |
| | - | Overnight: Premier Hotel Cape Town (Ex Cape Manor) (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D4: Cape Town - Oudtshoorn |
| Hermanus Discover • Walking the Cape:Cliff Path • Swellendam City Tour |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Swellendam |
| | - | Visit Hermanus, a thriving holiday village offering residents and holiday makers all modern amenities, yet retaining its fisherman's village charm. Situated between mountain and sea, Hermanus has gained world-wide recognition as the world's foremost land-based whale watching destination (the whale season is between June and December). This has resulted in the former fishing village showing a tremendous growth over the last few years. Contributory factors to the success of the town are the natural scenic beauty, the mild climate, the range of outdoor activities available, and the close proximity to Cape Town. Hermanus is the ideal base from which to explore the Western Cape and the Cape Overberg. |
| | - | Hike the Cliff Path in Hermanus. The coastal village of Hermanus in the Western Cape is a hiker’s paradise, offering a range of different trails and some of the best land-based whale watching in the world in season. With the striking Overberg Mountains on one side and the cool Atlantic Ocean on the other, the natural scenery is ever-changing and impressive. The well-trod Cliff Path is one of the most popular in the area and follows the wild and rocky shoreline for 11 kilometres, beginning at the Blow Hole near New Harbour and ending at Grotto Beach. The trail offers striking sea and mountain views and benches along the way allow for a rest stop and of course a spot of whale watching. Those who want a gentler, shorter amble can choose to begin at the Marine Hotel and follow the path to the Village Square for scenic views over Walker Bay and superb whale watching opportunities. Whale watching season runs from June to November. |
| | - | Lunch: Swellengrebel Hotel |
| | - | Travel to Oudtshoorn |
| | - | Familiarise yourself with the history and sights of Swellendam. This agricultural town lies midway between Cape Town and George. It is noted for its large number of provincial heritage sites and holds many fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The town is surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains, among the most beautiful in South Africa, and rests adjacent to the Breede River, the largest navigable river in the Western Cape. The colourful town is full of art, music and good food with a multitude of restaurants to choose from, dishing up everything from traditional South African fare to home baking. |
| | - | Dinner: Mooiplaas Guest House |
| | - | Overnight: Mooiplaas Guest House (Luxury Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Oudtshoorn - Knysna |
| Heritage Tour • Ostrich Farm Demonstration • Wilderness Discover • Knysna Discover • Cruise |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Ostrich demonstration at the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in Oudtshoorn. The flightless African ostrich is farmed extensively in the Oudtshoorn area and valued for its feathers, skin and meat. Ostriches are the largest birds in the world and also lay the largest eggs. While female ostriches are mostly grey, mature male ostriches sport beautiful black and white plumes. During your traditional tour you will have an opportunity to learn all about these big birds and feed one by hand. You will learn about the egg incubation process and visit an ostrich breeding site. Staff on the farm will demonstrate various crafts using ostrich feathers, eggs and leather that are available for purchase at the curio shop. The highlight of the tour is the ostrich derby where the local jockeys will amuse and entertain you with ostrich races and antics. |
| | - | Lunch: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm |
| | - | Travel to Knysna |
| | - | Discover Wilderness. Lying at the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in a region of incomparable beauty, Wilderness is an attractive holiday village with vast stretches of beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. The long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level. |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Dinner: Premier Hotel Knysna - The Moorings |
| | - | Overnight: Premier Hotel Knysna - The Moorings (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D6: Knysna - Port Elizabeth |
| Plettenberg Bay • Tsitsikamma • Port Elizabeth |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Discover the magnificent beaches of Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Route's "fashionable" seaside resort. Originally christened Bahia Formosa (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay offers visitors miles of sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers and sea. With its exceptional climate and beautiful view sites over the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is perfect for tourists interested in exploring, watching or just lazing. |
| | - | Tsitsikamma National Park is an area within the greater Garden Route National Park, on South Africa’s southern coast. It covers 80 kilometres of pristine and dramatic coastline and is well known for its wonderful indigenous forests and numerous hiking trails. Approximately 30% of the park is covered in fynbos, interspersed with forest vegetation, and boasts a spectacular variety of wild flowers including the famous Protea. Birdlife is prolific and includes the African black oyster catcher, cormorant and the Knysna loerie. Look out for wildlife including the Cape clawless otter, blue duiker and African wild cat. The park also stretches five kilometres out to sea, protecting a magnificent wonderland of inter-tidal sea life and reef fish. Common visitors are dolphins and porpoises and, at certain times of the year, the southern right whale. The Mouth Trail is the most popular walk in the Tsitsikamma and starts at Sandy Bay and takes one along a winding board walk through indigenous forest to the suspension bridge at the mouth of the Storms River. The pathway covers 900 metres of the Tsitsikamma forest. There are plenty of steps to negotiate, but it remains a fairly easy route, particularly if covered slowly. A steep decline takes visitors to the bridge, and standing on this dramatic piece of engineering, visitors are able to take in the unspoilt beauty around them. |
| | - | Lunch: Cattle Baron (Tsitsikamma Restaurant) |
| | - | Travel to Port Elizabeth |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Dinner: The Paxton Hotel |
| | - | Overnight: The Paxton Hotel (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast (Series)) |
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| D7: Port Elizabeth - Hluhluwe |
| Route 67 Nelson Mandela Bay • Meet and Greet • Hluhluwe (More of Zululand) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Celebrate the 67 years that Nelson Mandela dedicated to racial equality on Route 67. Beginning at the iconic Campanile Monument overlooking the Port Elizabeth harbour, Route 67 offers a visual and artistic meander through the public life of Madiba with 67 arresting pieces of art created by 67 local artists. The trail snakes through the city’s central business district, passing by grand old churches, Vuyisile Mini Square, and the public library where the statue ‘Conversation with the Queen’ forms part of the artistic display. Poetry, a brightly coloured bus station mural and sculptures are all different elements of this visually and emotionally arresting route. The highlight is on Donkin Hill where a larger-than-life-size cut-out metal figure of Nelson Mandela leads a line of voters while, what is thought to be the world’s biggest South African flag weighing 15 kilograms and the size of a soccer field, flies colourfully above him. |
| | - | Lunch: Blue Waters Cafe |
| | - | Flight BA6323 Arr 14:35 Port Elizabeth - Durban (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D7: Flight Port Elizabeth - Durban) |
| | - | Meet and Greet at Durban airport. |
| | - | Embark on your guided tour aboard your minibus: He will accompany you all along your circuit from Durban airport (Day 7) to Johannesburg OR Tambo (Day 13) |
| | - | Travel to Hluhluwe |
| | - | Famous for its abundance of wildlife, traditional Zulu history and sweet pineapples, Hluhluwe is located in the heart of Zululand close to the east coast of South Africa. Much of the area around it is dedicated to nature conservation and game reserves, the most famous being the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest game reserve on the continent. It is renowned for Big Five game viewing and is also one of the best places in South Africa to see endangered black and white rhino. The park was established in 1895, around the same time that legendary Zulu kings Shaka Zulu and Dingiswayo were building their empires and fighting battles of independence against British colonial troops. Today cultural village tours offer interesting insight into traditional Zulu customs. |
| | - | Dinner: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D8: Hluhluwe |
| Boat Trip St Lucia Estuary • Cultural • 4x4 Afternoon 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. |
| | - | Experience traditional hospitality at the DumaZulu Cultural Village. This informative and authentic Zulu village is located in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, offering visitors a peek into the lifestyle and culture of the Zulu nation. The village acts as a living museum of traditional Zulu customs, crafts and way of life where you can feel the beat of the Zulu drums and discovery the rich cultural significance of the tribe’s famous beadwork, weaving and pottery that intricately integrate Zulu social values. The village is the largest in South Africa and not only affords guests the opportunity to learn about the rich history of tribal Africa but also serves as a means for the local community to continue practicing their rural ways of living as well as earning an income from selling their crafts. Enjoy stepping into the life of this colourful and friendly tribe and be awed by their fantastic and energetic dancing abilities. Your visit includes an African lunch. |
| | - | Lunch: Dumazulu Traditional Village & Lodge |
| | - | Search for wildlife on the hills of Hluhluwe with a 4x4 afternoon game drive. This magical reserve is the oldest in South Africa and reminds one of what Zululand must have been like many years ago when wild animals roamed freely and were plentiful. The incredibly scenic and diverse landscape is filled with a wide variety of wildlife and stretches over thousands of hectares of rolling hills and open savannah plains. The Big Five are found in abundance and the reserve is also world renowned for its efforts towards rhino conservation, having some of the largest populations of black and white rhino in the country. Your afternoon game drive will step up the pace as you go in search of predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and the rare African wild dog. As darkness falls spotlights illuminate the way and rangers communicate via radio to ensure fresh kills are easily located. |
| | - | Dinner: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Hluhluwe - Swaziland |
| Lavumisa Discover • Manzini Market • Swazi Candles • Ngwenya Glass Factory |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Behold a kaleidoscope of colour at the Manzini Market. The main tourist drawcard in the village of Manzini is its colourful and lively market, filled with community craft and a great variety of locally made, unusual and unique goods. This bohemian and eclectic space is typical of an African market, filled with a daily buzz of activity and colourful stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to traditional medicines, herbal cures to ailments, and a versatile mix of traditional and contemporary artefacts. Handicrafts from Swaziland and elsewhere in Africa are all on display with many of the stalls operated by women who manufacture their wares at their villages and make their way to the market to sell them. The market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
| | - | Lunch: Sambane Coffee Shoppe |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Admire glass-masters at work at the Ngwenya Glass Factory. This glass blowing factory forms the central hub of an arts and craft village in Swaziland where visitors can watch craftsmen at work as they shape and mould molten glass into a variety of gorgeous pieces. The factory makes use of approximately 500 kg of recycled glass a day that is crushed down and then melted in a furnace before the upcycle process begins and the hot glass lava is transformed into new and beautiful shapes. As part of Ngwenya’s social upliftment programme, community members ranging from school children to adults are encouraged to collect discarded glass objects and bring them to the factory in return for payment. The village is also home to numerous other arts and crafts outlets, restaurants, cafes and a children’s playground area, making for an ideal family outing. |
| | - | Dinner: Mountain View Hotel (Ex Mountain Inn Hotel) |
| | - | Overnight: Mountain View Hotel (Ex Mountain Inn Hotel) (Northwing - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D10: Swaziland - Kruger |
| Piggs Peak Discover • Kruger South Afternoon Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kruger Park |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Marvel at the bounty of nature on an afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park. Your drive will take place in the southern sector of the park in your tour vehicle as you experience the exceptional diversity of the wildlife and vegetation of the Kruger. The southern region is richly stocked with a wide variety of game as grazers flock to the area in search of sweet grass and predators follow hotly on their heels. Large herds of buffalo and zebra are often easily spotted while some of the special and rare sightings include the mountain reedbuck, oribi, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and grey rhebok. Klipspringers grace the granite koppies and bake in the late afternoon sun. The massive park covers almost 20 000 square kilometres and is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve, South Africa’s largest conservation area. |
| | - | Lunch: Cattle Baron (Skukuza Restaurant)
Lunch in the bush. |
| | - | Dinner: Umbhaba Eco Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: Umbhaba Eco Lodge (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (Groups)) |
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| D11: Kruger - Karongwe |
| Blyde River Canyon and Potholes • 4X4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kruger |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Arrival in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Deep within the naturally scenic province of Limpopo and just 40 minutes east of the Kruger National Park, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve and its exceptional lodges are set within a wild and whimsical landscape. The lush countryside is dotted by small hills and an enormous variety of trees, creating the perfect scene for photography enthusiasts looking to capture quintessential African images. All the major mammal species are present in the reserve with regular sightings of giraffe, wildebeest, rhino and zebra, while at night nocturnal animals such as aardvark, bush baby, genet and porcupine emerge from the shadows to graze. Evenings are lit by thousands of stars, and dramatic sunsets end exciting days, giving you a glimpse into the soul of Africa. (Activities included in your package as per program below.) |
| | - | Lunch: Chisomo Safari Camp |
| | - | Afternoon 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Dinner: Chisomo Safari Camp |
| | - | Overnight: Chisomo Safari Camp (Safari Suite - Fully Inclusive) |
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| D12: Karongwe - Johannesburg |
| Morning 4x4 Game Drive • Dullstroom |
| | - | Morning 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Dullstroom |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Buffet lunch: The Coachman Restaurant |
| | - | Travel to Johannesburg |
| | - | Dinner: Zulu Nyala Country Manor |
| | - | Overnight: Zulu Nyala Country Manor (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D13: Johannesburg |
| Pretoria Orientation Tour • Soweto Tour • Museum: Apartheid Museum |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Familiarise yourself with Afrikaans and African culture with a tour of Pretoria. The Jacaranda City, as Pretoria is fondly called, is the administrative and diplomatic centre of South Africa that once served as the headquarters for the old independent Transvaal Boere Republic. Here you will find some of the iconic landmarks that represent the old independent Transvaal as well as the new democratic South Africa. The Voortrekker Monument is a massive memorial ringed by ox wagons that commemorate the exodus of disillusioned Afrikaaners from the Cape, Church Square houses Die Raadsaal, the former parliament buildings of the Boer Republic, and the Paul Kruger House was the home of the Traansvaal Republic’s president. The Union Buildings stand proud and tall, built in 1910 and now house the official seat of the South African government as well as a nine-metre statue of former president Nelson Mandela. |
| | - | Get a taste of vibrant and gritty street life with a tour of Soweto. This township is located to the south-west of Johannesburg and is the biggest in the city, made famous for its role in the struggle against apartheid. Its roots trace back to the early days of gold mining when many migrant workers arrived in Johannesburg at the turn of the 20th century. As the ruling National Party tightened its hold on apartheid and forced black people out of white areas the township grew and today Soweto still supports close to 4-million people. Highlights of South Africa’s political history to be found in Soweto include the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, honouring the student protests of 1976; Walter Sisulu Square, where the Freedom Charter was signed; Vilakazi Street whose former residents includes two Nobel Peace Prize winners; and the brightly coloured Soweto Towers. |
| | - | Buffet lunch: Sakhumzi Restaurant
Soak up the jovial atmosphere at this traditional African styled restaurant, nestled in the heart of Soweto in Orlando West’s famous Vilakazi Street. The eatery was once an illegal bar or ‘shebeen’ during the apartheid era but is now a traditional local restaurant that specialises in African cuisine such as mogodu (tripe), mielie pap (corn flour) mutton stew, umleqwa (traditional-style steamed chicken) and much more. The area also has a rich historical background and Vilakazi Street in the only road in the world to have housed two Nobel laureates: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Get chatting with the locals as you socialise and enjoy your traditional South African lunch. |
| | - | Walk the path of racial segregation at the Apartheid Museum. This museum is dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of apartheid in 20th century South Africa and focuses on the policy of racial segregation that was first enforced in the country in 1948, providing a very real image of what it was like to live in such a society. Repressive measures such as limiting the freedom of movement of non-whites and the Population Registration Act led to growing resistance from the disenfranchised and more punitive measures from the government, culminating in several state of emergencies being declared in the 1980s before apartheid was ended in the 1990s. The museum is suffused with personal narratives and whispered conversations that show a glimpse of the characters of people that helped shape our country, while interactive multimedia displays recreate the experience of racial segregation. (Closed from Monday to Wednesday) |
| | - | Dinner: Zulu Nyala Country Manor |
| | - | Overnight: Zulu Nyala Country Manor (Standard Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D14: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls |
| Transfer • Meet and Greet • Transfer • Cruise: Sunset |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Transfer from Johannesburg to Johannesburg OR Tambo |
| | - | Flight Johannesburg - Victoria Falls (Eco Class) One way (Optional rates: D14 Return D16: Flight JNB/VFA/JNB) |
| | - | Meet and greet at Victoria Falls Airport. Our guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall carrying a branded sign board. |
| | - | Transfer |
| | - | 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. (n) (n) |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Dinner: AZambezi River Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D15: Victoria Falls |
| Day at leisure • Chobe National Park(n) • Chobe day trip(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Day at leisure. |
| | - | Chobe National Park is one of the largest in Botswana, famed not only for the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa but also for having the densest population of game on the continent. This, together with its reputation of offering superb wildlife viewing all year round, makes it a highly popular travel destination. The park lies along the Chobe River and is comprised of four distinct ecosystem – the lush plains and forests of the Chobe river front attracting elephant and vast herds of buffalo; the rich grasslands and savannahs of the Savuti Marsh; the Linyanti Swamps, renowned for prowling predators and large herds of game; and the hot and dry hinterland of Nogatsaa and Tchinga, holding water well into the dry season and attracting a profusion of game between August and October. A high density of predators and the occurrence of many rare antelope species rounds off this spectacular game park. (n) |
| | - | Head to Botswana for a day trip to the renowned Chobe National Park. Once a big game hunting ground and visited by famous historical names such as David Livingstone, the Chobe National Park is still today one of the most visited wildlife destinations in Africa; however, now with conservation at its core. Most famed for its huge herds of elephants and buffalos, as well as a large number of lions who have learned to prey on them, Chobe offers a classic African safari experience with many scenic highlights. After a transfer to the Kazungula border where you will meet your Botswana guide, guests proceed straight to the Chobe River for a splendid morning of game viewing along the river banks. The beautiful river is a magnet for all varieties of wildlife and birds that include prolific herds of antelope, sharp-eyed fish eagles and a myriad of waders and herons. (Optional rates: D15: Chobe Day Trip) |
| | - | Lunch: African Eagle Victoria Falls tours Zimbabwe |
| | - | Dinner: AZambezi River Lodge |
| | - | Overnight: AZambezi River Lodge (Standard Garden Room - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D16: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg OR Tambo |
| Falls: Zimbabwe Side • Transfer |
| | - | 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. |
| | - | Transfer |
| | - | Flight Victoria Falls - Johannesburg (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D14 Return D16: Flight JNB/VFA/JNB) |
