D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town (21 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 M(1-6days) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 5) - 5 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: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D2: Cape Town |
| Chapman's Peak Drive(n) • Cape of Good Hope National Park(n) • Boulders Beach(n) • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | 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) |
| - | Overnight: Bergzicht Guest House (Twin/Double - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D3: Cape Town - Winelands |
| Cape Town City Tour(n) • Marine Eco Tour (2 hours)(o) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | 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) |
| - | Climb aboard a hydrofoil and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 2-hour eco tour from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings, such as humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season.Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. Be enchanted by Cape fur seals lounging on the jetties and get close to unusual species, such as sunfish. Watch African penguins diving for fish to take back to their breeding colony on Robben Island. Encounter birdlife, such as terns, gannets, cormorants and mighty black-browed albatross. (Optional rates: D3: Speed boat on Table Bay) |
| - | Overnight: Baruch On 29 Lovell (Luxury Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D4: Winelands |
| Tram Journey(o) • Stellenbosch Orientation(n) • Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(n) • Stellenbosch Village Museum(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | 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. (Optional rates: D4: Discover Franschhoek and wine tasting) |
| - | 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) |
| - | 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) |
| - | 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: Baruch On 29 Lovell (Luxury Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D5: Winelands - Hluhluwe |
| Hluhluwe Game Reserve Zulu Show...(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | Flight CapeTown - Durban (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D5: Flight Capetown - Durban) |
| - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Cover Category M(7-13days) at Durban airport - Drop Off Johannesburg (Day 13) - 9 days  |
| - | Travel to Hluhluwe |
| - | We recommend that you spend as much time as you can in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Proclaimed in 1897 on the former hunting grounds of the Zulu kings, Hluhuwe Game Reserve became renowned for saving the white rhino in the 1970s, then on the verge of extinction. In contrast to the bushveld of the Kruger, the landscape consists of rolling hills, home to the Big Five and high concentration of white rhinos, thanks to the earlier conservation efforts. Try to stop by one of the Zulu kraals where you can learn about the rich Zulu cultural heritage.
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| - | Dinner: Zululand Lodge |
| - | Overnight at the Camp: Zululand Lodge (Safari Tent dinner bed and breakfast + 1 Activity) |
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D6: Hluhluwe - Ndumo |
| • 4x4 Game Drive (Hluhluwe)(o) • Arrival at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge • 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| - | 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: J6: 4x4 Safar in Hluhluwe Park) |
| - | Travel to Ndumo |
| - | Arrival at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. This luxury lodge is a jewel, quietly nestled within the perimeter of the game rich Tembe Elephant Park. The park offers intimate encounters with some of the largest elephants in Africa. The 300km2 reserve, found between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mozambique, is the ancestral home of the Tembe tribe and most widely known for having over 200 of the world’s largest Elephants, which are also the last remaining indigenous herd in KwaZulu-Natal and includes the legendary big “Tuskers.”. Crafted with natural timber and thatch, the lodge emulates a local Thonga village building style, with focus on luxurious touches. It includes 16 chalets that have a warm and soulful ambiance, there is a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and plenty of quiet corners to enjoy a moment to yourself. The establishment is a treasure trove of outdoor activities that will occupy even the most adventurous visitors. Guests can enjoy 4x4 game drives, guided walks through the Sand Forrest, trips to the local village, the nearby cashew farm, and the butterfly tent. For a perfect beach day, Royal Thonga is right on the doorstep of Kosi Bay, where families and friends can embark on loggerhead turtle tracking tours, paddle in Kosi Lake, snorkelling excursions and whale watching boat trips and so much more. (Activities included in your package as per program below.) |
| - | Lunch: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge |
| - | 4x4 Game drives at Tembe Elephant Park. Seek out the Big Five in open game drives led by an experienced, qualified guide. These excursions leave early in the morning and in the late afternoon and give an opportunity to get up close to a variety of wildlife, from Africa’s smallest antelope to its largest tuskers. |
| - | Dinner: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge |
| - | Overnight at the Lodge: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge (Bush Chalet - Full Board + 1 Game Drive) |
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D7: Ndumo |
| Paddle in Kosi Lake(o) • Visit of Kosi Bay area.(o) • Arrival at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge • 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | Paddle in Kosi Lake with our guide around the fish traps of the estuary and share the beauty of untouched Africa, while staying at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. Guided trips of the Sihadla channel are an ideal way to explore the spectacular forest of Raffia Palms. Birding enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this experience, with sightings of Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Finfoot, Cormorant nesting, Flamingos and Palmnut Vulture. Booking in advance is essential. (Optional rates: D7: Kayaking on Kosi Bay Nature Reserve ) |
| - | Visit of Kosi Bay area. The Kosi bay System is a rich tapestry of lakes which borders Mozambique and has been described as the last haven of untouched African paradise. It is a wonderland of blue sea and dazzling white beaches, wetlands and lakes and reed channels, raffia palm forests and mangrove swamps. Exploring the area is only possible in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Take a day to explore the Kosi Bay estuary system, less than an hour’s reach of Royal Thonga Safari Lodge. It is home to many bird species and Its beaches are the breeding place of endangered loggerhead and leatherback turtles. It is also home to over 250 species of birds, hippos and crocodiles, and smaller game such as buck and monkeys. Humpback whales are seasonal offshore visitors. Don a mask and snorkel to see a brilliant array of sub-tropical fish under the water or set up a picnic near the channels and lakes. Add a walk at the Raffia Forest to your itinerary. Giant raffia palm trees lead down to the beaches. Dolphin and whale watching boat trips are especially popular from June to September. (Optional rates: D7: Highlights of Kosi Bay and Lunch) |
| - | Lunch: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge |
| - | 4x4 Game drives at Tembe Elephant Park. Seek out the Big Five in open game drives led by an experienced, qualified guide. These excursions leave early in the morning and in the late afternoon and give an opportunity to get up close to a variety of wildlife, from Africa’s smallest antelope to its largest tuskers. |
| - | Dinner: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge |
| - | Overnight at the Lodge: Royal Thonga Safari Lodge (Bush Chalet - Full Board + 1 Game Drive) |
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D8: Ndumo - Swaziland |
| Lavumisa Discover(n) • Swazi Candles(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | Travel to Swaziland |
| - | Admire the contrasting landscape of Lavumisa while traversing Swaziland. This tiny, independent country is locked between the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Mozambique. The plains in the south-western part of Swaziland contrast sharply with the mountainous landscapes of the north and here you will discover lush sugarcane fields alternating with bush savannah dotted with Swazi kraals. Near the southern border post of Lavumisa, the Lubombo Mountains loom majestically in the near distance. This sweeping mountain range covers practically the entire eastern side of the country and forms the natural border between Swaziland and Mozambique. (n) (n) |
| - | Wax lyrical about the Swazi candlemakers at Malkerns. From its humble beginnings in an old cowshed the Swazi Candle Factory today exports beautiful candles throughout the world and holds the esteemed reputation of producing an amazing assortment of handcrafted wax wares. On any given weekday you will be able to view the approximately 200 craftspeople as they go about the process of moulding the pigmented wax into fascinating shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional shaped candles to African animal forms. Each candle is hand-finished, meaning that no two candles will ever look exactly the same. Swazi Candles is one of the most famous handicraft outlets in southern Africa and a favourite stop for visitors looking for gifts and souvenirs to take home. (n) (n) |
| - | Overnight: Mogi Boutique Hotel (Deluxe suite - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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D9: Swaziland - Kruger |
| Guided Walk (2.5 hours)(o) • Piggs Peak Discover(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | 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: D9: Guided Walk in Mlilwane Reserve) |
| - | Travel to Kruger |
| - | 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) |
| - | Leaving the hills of Swaziland behind you, the bushveld of the Kruger area will fill you with anticipation of its wild inhabitants. Discovering all varieties of African wildlife is not difficult in the greater Kruger National Park area as this region is home to thousands of animals ranging from giraffe and zebra to the iconic Big Five. It receives over 1 million visitors annually; however, because of its size covering in excess of 1,9 million hectares, game drives seldom feel crowded and commercial. The park enjoys a year-round sunny climate and offers self-drive safari options, guided game drives, bush walks and longer guided walking trails. Hundreds of species of birds, winding rivers, ancient trees, bushman rock paintings and majestic archaeological sites complete the picture of South Africa’s premier Big Five game viewing reserve. The enormous park is roughly divided into different sectors and there are various entry gates. (n) (n) |
| - | Overnight: Stille Woning Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D10: 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: D10: Full Day 4x4 Safari in Kruger Park) |
| - | Overnight: Stille Woning Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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D11: Kruger - Graskop |
| Panorama Route(n) • Graskop Gorge Lift Experience(n) • Graskop Zipline(n) |
| - | Breakfast |
| - | We recommend a visit to the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. Stretching over 26 kilometres and with a depth of up to 800 metres, it is the third largest canyon in the world. The pristine countryside surrounding the canyon is filled with unusual and beautiful natural features, including: The Three Rondavels, rounded hills shaped like Xhosa huts; the impressive rock formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes; and the small village of Pilgrim's Rest. Now a historic landmark, the town was the first location that gold was discovered in South Africa where it was mined until 1972. (n) |
| - | The Viewing Lift is a completely original way to discover the landscape of Graskop Gorge. Climb aboard and travel 51-metres down into the Afromontane forest below. There is nothing scary about the lift – it travels sedately up and down, with a one-way trip taking around one minute. Interestingly, 240-tons of concrete went into the lift foundation and 88-tons of steel in the shaft. The trail takes about an hour to complete. Rubber-soled walking shoes are recommended although the walkway has been treated with an anti-slip coating. In summer, the gorge is generally wet and in winter, it can get chilly so take along a jacket or raincoat. A 600-metre circular elevated walkway, with some stairs and two small suspension bridges, allow visitors to explore the forest. We have created an informative interpretation trail that takes you on a journey through the indigenous forest, to the base of the waterfall, across the river and back to the lift.
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| - | Cross the gorge on a 120 meters long high-wire zipline, at 70-metres above the ground. Wear comfortable clothes but no dress nor skirt. (n) (n) |
| - | Overnight: Rustique Guest House (Large room bed and breakfast) |
| - | Breakfast |
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D12: Graskop - Johannesburg |
| Dullstroom(n) |
| - | 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 (Superior Room - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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D13: 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: D13: Visit Johannesburg - Soweto) |