After breakfast, continue along the iconic Garden Route to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and site of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. With an expert guide, visit an ostrich farm and savour a local wine-tasting experience before descending into the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most beautiful hidden treasures. A geological marvel of dripstone formations, with almost 4km of caves and hidden chambers, this is South Africa’s largest cave system and truly a breathtaking sight to behold.
This evening, stay in grandeur at the spellbinding 1902 La Plume, a Victorian homestead nestled on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm. Boasting spectacular views of the Swartberg mountains and Olifants River Valley, this boutique guesthouse offers old-world charm and tranquility.
This morning, travel over the Outeniqua Pass through George, South Africa’s sixth-oldest town and home to many historical landmarks such as the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building. En route to Knysna, enjoy a short but scenic drive to Wilderness, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route.
Journey into the magical Knysna Forest before reaching the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial and the otherworldly Big Tree – an eight-hundred-year-old Yellowwood. Overflowing with serene streams, wet forest, soaring yellow-wood trees, thick green foliage and wildlife, this iconic park is a sanctuary in the heart of the Garden Route. Lunch is enjoyed in the forest at Totties Farm Kitchen.
Further explore the natural beauty of the Knysna area this morning with a visit to Forest Legends Museum, to see the tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the Old Suzie steam engine and the stately Old Forester’s House. Then, enjoy the opportunity to come face-to-face with local primates at the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the world’s first free-roaming primate sanctuary, where you could spy lemurs, black howler monkeys, vervet monkeys and the white-handed gibbon. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these endangered species can survive and reproduce for future reintroduction into the wild.
Then, ascend to the summit of Eastern Head for spectacular vistas over Knysna Heads (weather permitting), before you’re transferred to Brenton on Sea, a haven of unspoiled beaches and tranquillity along the coast.
Today, leave behind Knysna and delve into Plettenberg Bay, the jewel of the Garden Route, framed by soaring mountains, white sand and crystal-blue water, en route to the Birds of Eden Sanctuary, a unique two-hectare dome and the world’s largest free-flight aviary.
After ample time to admire the aviary’s 3,500 birds and 220 species, your journey continues across Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single-span arch bridge in the world, towards Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Tucked between the mountains and the sea, this majestic reserve is made up of 80km of rocky coastline, indigenous plants rolling towards the ocean and marine life — depending on the season, you might spot dolphins, porpoises, otters and whales.
Your accommodation for the evening is the historic Tsitsikamma Village Inn, a slice of 1940s history hidden near Storms River Mouth and framed by soaring mountain ridges.
Awake to the sounds of native birds and crashing swells at Tsitsikamma Village Inn today, and, after breakfast, transfer to the resort city of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) for a flight to Johannesburg (please note, the cost of this flight is additional to your tour package, an estimated cost will be sent separately).
On arrival in the vibrant heart of South Africa, you will be met by a local representative at Johannesburg Airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to discover this exotic city awash with history, superb museums and incredible restaurants centred on Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square.
Gain a fascinating insight into Johannesburg’s history today as you’re shown Soweto — South West Township — an area that has evolved from one of forced habitation into an address of pride and social prestige. Experience a welcoming township with tremendous historical significance as you drive past the FNB Stadium, Regina Mundi Church and Vilakazi Street (once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu), before visiting the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, a landmark commemorating the South African students’ role in the struggle against apartheid.
Now familiar with the history of this incredible city, enjoy a day at your own pace. You could choose to unearth the urban vibe and allure of Johannesburg on your own or join an optional guided day tour.
Much awaits at the Neighbourgoods Market, while the Maboneng Precinct offers a unique insight into Johannesburg’s urban renaissance, with skyscraper murals and diverse African eateries.
Optional Activities:
- Maropeng Museum, Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves experience (AM): Learn about mankind’s roots at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind, home to the Maropeng Museum and Sterkfontein Caves, the discovery site of the first Australopithecus skull (ZAR2232 per person).
- Pretoria Tour (PM): Admire the handsome architecture in Pretoria with a guided visit to Paul Kruger House, Church Square, the Voortrekker Monument Union Buildings and City Hall (ZAR2278 per person).
Roam wild and free this morning as you head east to the Mpumalanga region and into the world-famous Kruger National Park, where beautiful granite kopjes (hills) pepper the south, the Lebombo Mountains rise from the savannah in the east, and tropical forests cover the north of the 19,485sqkm park.
After freshening up at the African-inspired Kruger Gate Hotel, featuring soaring walkways and treetop ambience, spend the remainder of the day game viewing. This magnificent nature reserve offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, including Africa’s iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra.
Following an action-packed afternoon, dine on authentic African cuisine at your Marriott haven around the campfire, under the star-swept skies above.
Rise early for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime open-vehicle game drive through the wild plains of Kruger National Park. This is a place home to more than 500 species of birds, 145 species of mammals, a variety of reptiles and the Big Five (of course), so the opportunities for wildlife viewing are boundless. If you’re lucky, you may spy buffalos grazing, rhinos rolling in the mud, lions on the hunt for their elusive prey and elephants bathing in the cool waters. There is also an option to visit the Kruger National Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (surcharges apply, subject to availability).
Return to your Marriott haven for a siesta, before picking up where you left off with an afternoon wildlife safari in an open vehicle.
After a day in Kruger National Park, enjoy a moment under the stars at Kruger Gate Hotel, where you will be treated to an authentic African dinner around a roaring open fire.
Optional Activities:
- An Introduction to the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit: Learn about the elite, highly trained and specialised working dog units that aid and assist game reserves and protected areas in counteracting illegal hunting and contraband trade (ZAR250 per person). A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards supporting the project.
Bid farewell to Kruger National Park this morning as you set out to explore the breathtaking Panorama Route, one of the most scenic routes in South Africa, offering glorious views, spectacular waters and exquisite waterfalls. Stops include God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon. Continue past Bourke’s Luck Pothole — a geological site ravaged by rushing waters and formed over thousands of years — and the charming village of Graskop, one of South Africa’s first gold-mining camps.
Returning to Kruger Gate Hotel, enjoy a delectable buffet Boma dinner and your final night under Africa’s starry skies.
Your African safari adventure comes to a close today as you return to Johannesburg after breakfast for your onward journey.