This is a
comprehensive tour, showcasing the best of South Africa in just 14
days. This tour is jam-packed with activities and takes in all the
'must-see' areas of South Africa, from the Kruger National Park, the tiny
Kingdom of Swaziland, to the Zulu Kingdom and the Garden Route, ending in
Cape Town, fondly referred to as South Africa's 'Mother City'.
Day 1: (Sun)
Johannesburg
Touch down at OR Tambo
International Airport (Johannesburg) where you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring
the magnificent suburban shopping malls or take an optional Soweto Tour (own
account).
Day 2: (Mon) Pretoria / Mpumalanga (BLD)
Leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria,
South Africa's capital city. Marvel at this country's miraculous
transformation while visiting the Voortrekker Monument, regarded as a shrine
to the Afrikaner community. On to the world famous Premier Diamond Mines,
which produced Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullinan, from which the 'Great
Star of Africa' was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels.
After lunch we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the
lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.
Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park (BD)
Explore living history at Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village
where gold was first discovered, gasp at the glory of God's Window, a
boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular
Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our
Kruger National Park Rest Camp in time for a welcome sundowner (own account)
in the African bushveld.
Acc: Kruger - Rest Camp or similar
Day 4:
(Wed) A full day 'Big Five' game viewing in Kruger National Park
(B)
Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion,
elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife,
birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness.
Day 5:
(Thu) The Kingdom of Swaziland (BLD)
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British
Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural
experience before visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master
craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten
glass. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant
markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in
the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.
Day 6:
(Fri) The Kingdom of the Zulu's (B)
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every
shape and colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional
round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia,
a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird
species.
Clients have the option to purchase an exciting afternoon open
safari vehicle game drive into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Day 7:
(Sat) Durban (B)
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban.
Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar
cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the
wind. Check into your hotel just before lunch (own account). Explore the
beachfront and its many attractions at leisure, or take an optional
afternoon Durban City Tour (own account).
Day 8:
(Sun) Port Elizabeth / Knysna (BD)
Morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for
your mid morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included).
There you will be met by a new guide who will, upon everyone arriving, take
you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching
Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually stunning resort, in the heart
of the famous Garden Route. Dinner and overnight in Knysna.
Day 9:
(Mon) Knysna (BL)
Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone 'Heads' which guard the sea
entrance to Knysna's huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and
pristine beaches beyond. After lunch the remainder of the day at leisure, to
enjoy this enchanting town.
Day 10:
(Tue) Oudtshoorn (BL)
This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass
en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named
because it is the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After
lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of
an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the
Cango Caves, one of South Africa's most incredible natural wonders.
Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Day 11:
(Wed) Cape Town (B)
A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas as we
travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside
village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of southern right
whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will
return to Cape Town along 'Route 62', South Africa's version of America's
'Route 66'.
Day 12:
(Thu) Cape Peninsula (B)
A full day touring the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic
seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to
take a cruise (own account) to Seal Island to watch the antics of these
natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve,
before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. We
drive through the quaint naval village of Simon's Town on our way back to
Cape Town.
Day 13:
(Fri) Cape Winelands (B)
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting
both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well
known estates. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans
Language Monument provides a historical
perspective.
Day 14:
(Sat) Cape Town (B)
This brings us to the end of our 'World in One Country' Tour. Check out of
your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Highlights
-
Visit the
diamond mine that produced the 'Great Star of Africa'.
-
View the
spectacular Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.
-
Seek out the
'Big Five' in the Kruger National Park in open safari vehicles.
-
Visit a
traditional African craft market in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
-
Enjoy a Swazi
cultural experience.
-
Enjoy a boat
cruise on Lake St Lucia - A World Heritage Site.
-
Swim, bathe,
and surf along the pristine beaches of Durban's 'Golden Mile'.
-
Stroll through
the Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned for its age-old trees.
-
Journey via
ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated at the entrance to the
Knysna Lagoon.
-
Discover the
Cango Caves with its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and
stalagmites.
-
Enjoy an
ostrich farm experience.
-
The best
land-based whale watching in the world is in Hermanus (Seasonal July to
November only).
-
Explore the
coastline of the Cape Peninsula.
-
Enjoy wine
tasting at some of the Cape's most famous wine estates.