Day 1 – Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa. On arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and escorted to your shuttle transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Stay: Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport or similar
Day 2 – Johannesburg → Greater Kruger National Park
Travel to Greater Kruger National Park, descending into the subtropical Lowveld region. Journey along the scenic Panorama Route and visit the impressive Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels, along with the spectacular viewpoints at God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Arrive at the lodge later this afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Stay: Hippo Hollow Country Estate – Kruger
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Day 3 – Kruger National Park
Begin the day with an early start for a morning safari in Kruger National Park. Spanning nearly two million hectares, this iconic reserve is renowned for its remarkable wildlife and is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo—along with a diverse array of birds and other animals. Return to the hotel for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Stay: Hippo Hollow Country Estate – Kruger
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Kruger National Park game drive
Day 4 – Greater Kruger National Park → eSwatini (Swaziland)
After breakfast, travel to the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland), a small landlocked country known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant crafts and rich cultural traditions. Enjoy a cultural encounter with local communities before continuing south to your hotel nestled among the mountain peaks of eSwatini.
Stay: Piggs Peak Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Swaziland cultural experience
Day 5 – eSwatini (Swaziland) → Zululand
Today explore more of eSwatini with visits to Ngwenya Glass, where local artisans create beautiful works from recycled glass, and the Swazi Candles Centre where colourful handmade candles are crafted. Continue into the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, where Zulu and settler cultures combine to create a vibrant society. Arrive at your hotel later this afternoon.
Stay: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Ngwenya Glass, Swazi Candles Centre
Day 6 – Zululand → Durban
This morning you may choose to join an optional open vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve before travelling to the coastal city of Durban. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour along the Golden Mile beachfront promenade, the Point Waterfront and the bustling harbour. The tour concludes with a visit to the tranquil Durban Botanic Gardens.
Stay: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Golden Mile, Point Waterfront, Durban Botanic Gardens
Day 7 – Durban → Drakensberg
Journey into the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. En route, stop at the impressive Howick Falls before continuing along the scenic Midlands Meander. Arrive at your hotel located within a World Heritage-listed area where the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy optional activities such as hiking, fishing or horse riding. Dinner is included this evening.
Stay: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Howick Falls
Day 8 – Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and soak up the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains. The resort offers a range of optional leisure activities, including an adventurous 4x4 excursion to the dramatic Sani Pass leading into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Stay: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Drakensberg → Eastern Cape Coast
Travel south into the Eastern Cape, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Pass through the Transkei region where traditional rural life continues much as it has for generations. Stop near Mthatha before passing Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and childhood home en route to the coastal village of Chintsa East. Enjoy dinner at your lodge overlooking the pristine coastline.
Stay: Crawford’s Beach Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Transkei region
Day 10 – Eastern Cape Coast → Tsitsikamma
Wake to the sound of waves along the Eastern Cape coastline before travelling south towards the lush Tsitsikamma Forest. This region is renowned for its dramatic coastline, dense indigenous forests and abundant birdlife.
Stay: Tsitsikamma Village Inn – Storms River
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Tsitsikamma → Knysna
Visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma Forest and enjoy scenic walking opportunities before taking a short walk to the Storms River Mouth, where magnificent views of the gorge and river can be enjoyed. Continue to Knysna, often referred to as the “oyster capital of South Africa”. Dinner is included this evening.
Stay: Premier Resort The Moorings – Knysna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Highlights: Tsitsikamma Forest, Storms River Mouth
Day 12 – Knysna → Oudtshoorn
Travel inland over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostrich farms. Visit a working ostrich farm to learn about these fascinating birds before exploring the spectacular Cango Caves, known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Stay: Protea Hotel Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Ostrich farm visit, Cango Caves
Day 13 – Oudtshoorn → Cape Town
Journey along the famous Route 62 through the scenic Little Karoo region to Cape Town. En route stop in the charming town of Calitzdorp to sample its renowned port-style wines before continuing through Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel. Arrive in Cape Town late this afternoon.
Stay: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Calitzdorp wine tasting
Day 14 – Cape Town
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town. You may wish to visit the vibrant V&A Waterfront, stroll through the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood or explore the historic Company Gardens and museums. A range of optional excursions are available, including tours of the Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain and the Constantia Winelands.
Stay: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 – Cape Town
Today marks the end of your South African adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your onward journey home.
