After breakfast, depart Johannesburg as you embark on a journey through some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. Descend into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld as you navigate the Panorama Route of the Mpumalanga province. Boasting the largest collection of waterfalls in South Africa, this verdant region contains a bounty of natural attractions; be awestruck by the vistas of the Blyde River Canyon, greet the imposing Three Rondavels, gaze out from the vantage point at God’s Window and peer into the plunging basins of the Treurriver at Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Afterwards, make your way to Hippo Hollow Country Estate to laze away the evening at your leisure.
Start the day bright and early with a full-day drive through the expansive Kruger National Park. One of Africa’s largest game reserves at nearly 20,000 square kilometres, a tour here reveals all of Africa’s iconic fauna in thriving numbers. From small shrews to herds of zebra and towering giraffes, the biodiversity on display is sure to deliver thrilling sights full of animal antics. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic lions and lurking leopards, as your highly qualified field guide enthuses about their knowledge of this unique preserve and assists you in making the most of your time on safari.
After your exhilarating park adventure, return to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening kicking back, relaxing and reminiscing about your day.
Optional Activity:
An open vehicle game drive is available instead of the closed touring vehicle for an additional cost
After fuelling up with a satisfying breakfast, depart from magnificent Mpumalanga as you travel to eSwatini. Formerly known as Swaziland, this landlocked country is the smallest nation and only absolute monarchy in Africa. Known for its striking mountainous scenery, traditional crafts and indigenous culture, eSwatini also boasts a rich biodiversity showcased in multiple nature reserves and national parks. Participate in an interactive cultural experience that introduces you to the charming people of eSwatini and their cultural heritage before travelling south to your hotel, nestled in the rugged peaks of the kingdom. After checking in, spend the evening freely, perhaps by the pool or gaming in the onsite casino.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out to experience eSwatini with a fascinating journey to discover local arts and crafts. You’ll watch siSwati artisans create intricate handblown pieces from recycled bottles and jars at Ngwenya Glass and see the invention of vibrant millefiore designs at Swazi Candles. Afterwards, bid farewell to eSwatini before continuing onward into KwaZulu-Natal. Renowned for pristine beaches, rolling green hills and thriving plantations, this idyllic province is also known for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its resident hippopotami. Arrive at ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe in the late afternoon with plenty of time for enjoying this exotic Elephant Coast retreat.
Depart early on a three-hour game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve. This location is world-famous for its white rhinoceros conservation program. By protecting these majestic animals from poachers, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park offers a unique opportunity to view the white rhinos in a natural setting. After the exciting expedition, depart for Durban. This bustling destination blends diverse cultures and fascinating architecture to create a cosmopolitan city known for idyllic beaches, world-class surf and marine attractions.
Embark on an introductory tour of this vibrant port as you make your way along the Golden Mile, taking in sights of the beachfront promenade, the Point Waterfront and Durban Harbour. At the end of this excursion, take a verdant stroll through the subtropical flora of Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban Umhlanga Ridge in the late afternoon.
Spend the morning as you desire, whether with a slow start and leisurely breakfast or a sandy stroll along Umhlanga Beach. Afterwards, depart delightful Durban as you journey into the majestic mountains of southern Drakensberg. As you pass through the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, take in dense forests, rolling green hills and jagged mountain ranges before witnessing the imposing and impressive sight of 95-metre-high Howick Falls. Continue along the southern Midlands Meander route before arriving at your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Framed by the picturesque Drakensberg, your expansive surroundings will encourage you to spend the rest of your day in the refreshing retreat. Soak up the crisp mountain air with an easy game of minigolf or lawn bowls before enjoying a sumptuous evening meal with the group.
Take in some fresh air this morning on a four-wheel-drive adventure up the rugged Sani Pass into the tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Known for its rich flora and fauna, this high-altitude destination provides memorable vistas of towering mountains, sweeping green valleys and crystal-clear rivers. At the top of the mountain pass, at an elevation of 2,874 meters, savour a hearty meal above the clouds in Sani Mountain Lodge, the highest pub in Africa.
On return to your resort, you have the rest of the afternoon to make the most of your time in this magnificent mountain region. Perhaps explore the adventure park or try ziplining before sitting down to another onsite supper of local specialties.
Say goodbye to Drakensberg and set course southwest to the Eastern Cape. The Madiba clan, to which Nelson Mandela’s family belonged, lives here. This region is also known for secluded coves and lagoons, stunning coastlines and sandy beaches. On your journey, observe this tradition-focused corner of South Africa as you pass the town of Mthatha, a former capital city during apartheid independence, and the village of Mvezo, where Nelson Mandela was born.
Arrive at Crawfords Beach Lodge in coastal Chintsa East later this afternoon. Framed by emerald hills, turquoise waves and ivory sands, this beach resort beckons you to relax in the water and fresh ocean air. It also provides a tantalising local dinner featuring several cultural delicacies that you’ll enjoy with your guide and companions.
After waking to the serenade of crashing waves and native birdsong, explore this idyllic destination at your leisure. Unwind along kilometres of pristine beaches while sand slips between your toes or explore the indigenous coastal forest, regarded as a bountiful natural aviary. When it’s time to leave, depart for the southern Tsitsikamma National Park. Pass through densely wooded hillsides and across deep canyons until you reach your accommodation in scenic Stormsrivier. You’ll dine on your own tonight, but be sure to stop in at the village microbrewery for a tasting of its German-style craft ales.
Be sure to fill up at breakfast this morning — you’ll want plenty of energy to explore the expansive coastal bounty of Tsitsikamma. Under a soothing canopy of green, amble along trails that cover terrain from forest paths to rope suspension bridges, before arriving at the Storms River mouth to encounter picturesque views of the gorge below.
In the afternoon, continue on to Knysna. Known as “the jewel of the Garden Route,” this seaside town features stunning lagoons and sandstone cliffs, as well as oysters fresh from the sea and craft shops aplenty. Check-in at your resort and enjoy a walk along the estuary, but make sure to return in time for a sumptuous dinner with your group at one of the hotel’s refined onsite restaurants.
Depart for a journey inland, travelling across the spectacular Outeniqua Pass where you can take in panoramic views on your way to Oudtshoorn, the ‘ostrich capital of the world.’ This Western Cape town is renowned for farming the world’s biggest birds. Visit a working ostrich farm and make a feathered friend, then delve into the famed Cango Caves, a network of ancient limestone chambers filled with dazzling dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Resurface and make your way further along the Garden Route to Mossel Bay, a harbour town with beautiful beaches and a bounty of shellfish.
Check-in at the Diaz Hotel & Resort and spend your night soothed by sea views as you cool off in the oceanfront infinity pool.
Leave Mossel Bay heading straight west towards Cape Town. The tour will make a stop in Albertinia, and you’ll learn about Cape aloe (or ‘bitter aloe’) at a factory that offers demonstrations of how labourers tap the succulents. Growing wild across the region, aloe harvesting provides a livelihood for independent tappers and is the country’s primary resource within the health and skincare industry. Purchase a lotion or cream from a library of products on display at The House of Aloes, all made with a generous dose of this valuable plant’s gel.
Afterwards, pass through Swellendam, Worcester and a four-kilometre-long tunnel that passes under the craggy Du Toitskloof Mountains, before arriving in South Africa’s capital. Check-in at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens and enjoy views of Table Mountain as you get ready to enjoy the Mother City.
Set out to discover South Africa’s fertile reaches today as you embark on a full-day Cape Winelands Tour. Renowned for crisp white wines and French-style reds, the settlements of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are sure to captivate oenophiles and gourmets alike, as this region also flaunts award-winning restaurants, vineyard vistas and expert food and wine pairings.
After a day exploring the picturesque Cape Dutch district, set out for an evening of djembe drumming over dinner at GOLD Restaurant. The immersive experience will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari of Africa paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment. After feasting upon ostrich steaks, South Africa’s unofficial national dish of fragrant lamb mince and custard and honey-like rouged rooibos ice cream, you’ll be sure to head out with bedazzling memories of your South African experience.
Optional Activity:
Morning Table Mountain & Cape Town city tour (from R690 per person).
Full-day Cape Peninsula tour (from R1,460 per person).
Marine Big Five safari experience (from R2,990 per person).
Bid a fond farewell to South Africa after breakfast and an 11am checkout. Spend the remainder of the day soaking in final sights of the city before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).