Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg
Start your South African adventure with a transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to your hotel. Acclimate to the vibrant rhythm of Africa's most dynamic city. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner, marking the beginning of your memorable journey.
Accommodation: The Maslow Hotel Johannesburg or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Johannesburg- Hazyview
Travel from the golden Highveld to the lush Lowveld, marvelling at Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. Witness the majestic Blyde River Canyon, God's Window's divine vistas, and the unique Bourke's Luck Potholes. As evening approaches, arrive at our hotel near Kruger National Park, our base for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort Hazyview or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Hazyview
Immerse yourself in South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park with a Local Specialist. Search for the 'Big 5' and the elusive Little 5, while observing the Golden-orb spider in her web and savouring the scent of acacia trees. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring or relaxing in nature's embrace.
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort Hazyview or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Hazyview- Mbabane
Journey to the landlocked kingdom of eSwatini. Engage in a cultural immersion by visiting a Swazi Chief's village, where you'll gain insights into local life. Sample traditional pap and stew and appreciate the vibrant crimson attire characteristic of this community, deepening your understanding of their customs.
Accommodation: Royal Swazi Spa Hotel Mbabane or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Mbabane- Hluhluwe
Embark on a journey to KwaZulu Natal's verdant landscapes, traveling through sweeping sugarcane fields to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Here, you have the chance for an optional 4x4 game drive. End the day with a quintessential South African experience: a savoury braai, encapsulating the essence of local cuisine and culture.
Accommodation: ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Hluhluwe- Umhlanga
Choose between a morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia, observing hippos, crocodiles, and birds, or exploring the town of St. Lucia. Afterwards, head south to Durban for a relaxed experience in this tropical coastal city, starting with a Curry Buffet at the nostalgic Oyster Box Hotel, a Trafalgar Stay with Stories.
Accommodation: The Oyster Box Durban or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Umhlanga- Himeville
Travel through the picturesque Valley of 1000 Hills towards the stunning escarpment stretching from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. Discover Underberg's lively arts and crafts scene set against breathtaking views on a morning drive. Then, relax in the afternoon at the foothills of the famous Sani Pass, staying overnight.
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass Southern Drakensberg or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Himeville
Enjoy a day at the UNESCO-listed Drakensberg on your terms. Opt for a thrilling 4x4 Sani Pass drive, ascending 2,876 metres for lunch at Africa's highest pub in Lesotho. Alternatively, spend a relaxing day amidst the Drakensberg's towering peaks, soaking in the serene natural beauty.
Accommodation: Premier Resort Sani Pass Southern Drakensberg or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Himeville- Chintsa
Journey from the mystic mountains to the wild coastline of South Africa, traversing the Eastern Cape and Transkei's green hills, sprinkled with Xhosa dwellings. Explore Nelson Mandela's birthplace in Xunu. Revel in the pristine beaches of Chintsa on the Wild Coast, where your footprints may be the only ones in the sand.
Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge Eastern Cape or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Chintsa- Gqeberha
Awaken to ocean sounds and savour the pristine environment before heading to Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth. Known as South Africa's friendliest city, this historic British settlement welcomes exploration. Experience its warmth and charm at your own pace this evening, immersing yourself in the city's unique ambiance.
Accommodation: Boardwalk Hotel Gqeberha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
Gqeberha- Knysna
Explore Tsitsikamma's ancient Yellowwoods, reaching Storms River Mouth's dramatic gorge. In Knysna, engage in a Be My Guest experience, learning Xhosa phrases and culture from host Ella, who shares her life story and local songs over a traditional Xhosa meal, supporting her community work. End in Knysna's idyllic lagoon, a natural Eden renowned for its forests, oysters, and the iconic Knysna Heads guarding the lagoon from the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, be My Guest
Day 12
Knysna
Enjoy a free day in Knysna, the Garden Route's gem. Begin with coffee at the Knysna Quays, gazing at the lagoon. Optionally, explore Featherbed Nature Reserve with a scenic drive to the lagoon's Western Head. Consider an evening sunset cruise to witness the Indian Ocean meet the majestic Knysna Heads.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Knysna- Cape Town
Departing the Garden Route, journey towards Cape Town, passing through lively coastal towns and the scenic Cape Winelands. Arrive in Cape Town by afternoon and head directly to its most famous landmark. Weather permitting, ascend Table Mountain by cable car for spectacular city and ocean views.
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan Cape Town or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14
Cape Town
Experience Cape Town's vibrant energy. Spend the day discovering hidden restaurants, boutiques, and galleries in its bustling streets. Optionally, tour the scenic Cape Peninsula, taste exquisite wines in the Cape Winelands, or visit historic Robben Island. Conclude with a Farewell Dinner, savouring Cape Malay specialties with your travel companions.
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan Cape Town or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 15
Depart Cape Town
Depart Cape Town with your transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
