Day 1 Pretoria

The cosmopolitan city of Pretoria, also known as ‘Tshwane’, is situated in the province of Gauteng and functions as one of three capitals of South Africa. Pretoria has been dubbed ‘The Jacaranda City’, which is owed to the annual bloom of magnificent purple blossoms that adorn the Jacaranda trees which line the wide avenues of the city. This cosmopolitan city boasts several historic monuments, fine government buildings, and fascinating museums. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of interesting sites including: The Transvaal Museum, a natural history museum showcasing an ancient dinosaur fossil found at the nearby Cradle of Humankind; the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, offering visitors a glimpse of different biomes; and the Voortrekker Monument, a National Heritage Site. Don’t miss the nearby Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary as well as the beautiful Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.

Welcome to South Africa!

Meet and greet airport

Guests on this tour will be collected form O.R. Tambo International Airport and transferred to their accommodation. They will have the day at leisure.

Day 2

After breakfast guests will enjoy a city walk with their guide.

Included
Entrance fee – Kruger House and Voortrekker Monument

Excluded
Optional – Soweto Tour – min 4 pax .

Day 3: Kubu Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit
Resting at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg, in the beautiful Limpopo Province, the town of Hoedspruit is surrounded by the largest privately owned conservation area in the world. It is sandwiched between the world famous Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. Hoedspruit serves as a great base from which to explore the surrounding game reserves and natural attractions. This spectacular landscape features towering cliffs shadowing over enormous stretches of bushveld that give way to marula, acacia and mopane woodlands. Within this wilderness paradise, some of Africa’s most captivating wildlife can be spotted. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities including: Big 5 game drives, whitewater rafting, horse riding safaris, visiting the Khamai Reptile Park as well as the Daktari Wildlife Orphanage.

After breakfast guests have an early departure. Guests will travel to their next accommodation in Hoedspruit area. On arrival at their accommodation in Hoedspruit they can check in. Then they have an afternoon game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle in a private game reserve, followed by dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Kubu Safari Lodge
Kubu Safari Lodge is situated between marula and acacia trees in the bushveld, with the dramatic backdrop of the Mountains of the Dragon, in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province. The lodge accommodations boast 30 spacious twin rooms. There are also private verandas overlooking the bushveld and the Drakensberg Mountains. The rooms are built in a unique style and are fully furnished in rustic elegance. All the rooms have en suite bathrooms. The star shaped setup around the main building and secluded verandas overlooking the bushveld, offer privacy and relaxation. Lodge facilities feature two spacious dining rooms, indoor and outdoor conferencing facilities, entertainment and lounge area with small library, large swimming pool with deck and bar, as well as a traditional boma for dinner events.

Day 4: Kubu Safari Lodge, Hoedspruit

After breakfast guests will have a full day game drive in the Kruger National Park in open 4×4 vehicles including a picnic lunch. Dinner is at the lodge.

Included
Full Day Kruger National Park Game Drive in open 4×4 vehicles including picnic lunch and conservation fees, dinner at lodge

Day 5: Gecko Lodge, Hazyview

Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.

After breakfast guests will travel via the scenic Panorama Route to Hazyview. Guests will see Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window en-route.

Overnight: Gecko Lodge

Gecko Lodge is situated 3 Km from Hazyview in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on a 35 ha Farm with Sabie River Frontage! They offer 22 en – suite Rooms (Double, Twin & Triple Rooms) some with a shower, some with a Bath, all set in a beautiful Garden. This Owner Managed Lodge has its emphasis on tranquility, comfort, quality service and good food. Gecko Lodge offers the guest an escape from modern living.

Basis –  Bed & Breakfast

Included
Entrance fees – Panorama Route – Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

Excluded

Optional – Kruger Park Sunset Game Drive in an open 4×4 vehicle including conservation levy (ZAR1140 p/p, but discount available if presold as part of excursion package).

Day 6: Hawane Resort, Swaziland

Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of Eswatini’, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerisingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.

After breakfast guests will travel through the Kruger National Park towards Swaziland or as the locals now call it the “Kingdom of Eswatini”. This afternoon they will visit Matsamo Cultural Village and enjoy a cultural show.

Overnight: Hawane Resort

Framed by Malolotja’s majestic peaks rests Swaziland’s northern highland Paradise, Hawane Resort. Situated 2 hours south of Kruger Park, 3.5 hours from Johannesburg and west of Mozambique, the breathtaking beauty of the area and it’s spectacular views transport visitors into a mult-dimensional experience which offer as much adventure, solitude, adrenaline or tranquility as desired. If the stunning views aren’t enough to keep you entertained, we have a fully equipped games room and toys for indoor and out that will amuse all ages.

Included

Entrance fee – Matsamo Cultural show and Kruger National Park conservation levy

Day 7: DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village, Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe

Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to visiting one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five, soak up the incredible natural scenery and enjoy a variety of activities including: scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.

After breakfast guests will head back towards South Africa and their next accommodation in Zululand. En-route guests will stop at a local Swazi Market and the candle factory before crossing the border.

Overnight: DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village

Situated in the heart of Zululand, near Hluhluwe, DumaZulu offers an authentic African cultural experience starting with the individual units. Each self-standing unit is designed to resemble different tribes of Africa, including Zulu, Swazi, North Sotho, Xhosa, Venda, Tsonga and Ndebele. DumaZulu offers a natural and therapeutic outdoors environment for guests to reconnect with nature and replenish their senses.

Day 8: DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village, Hluhluwe

After breakfast guests will travel to the quaint village of St Lucia where they will experience a boat safari on the St Lucia River, watch out for those hippos!

Included

Entrance fee – St Lucia Boat Safari

Excluded

Optional – 4×4 Hluhluwe Game Drive (min 4 pax) excluding lunch but including conservation levy (ZAR700 p/p, but discount available if presold as part of excursion package).

Day 9: Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, Southern Drakensberg
Southern Drakensberg

The Southern Drakensburg is a wonderland of woodlands, forests, lakes and rivers, all set against the dramatic backdrop of this spectacular mountain range. Several nature reserves fall into the area and protect a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some rare antelope species and, at Kamberg, a network of beautiful hiking trails lead to caves decorated with ancient Khoisan art. Trout thrive in the region’s reservoirs and waterways, making it a magnet for fly-fishermen, while horse riding and mountain biking are also popular pursuits in this scenic part of the world. The ultimate highlight of the Southern Drakenburg, however, is the Sani Pass, which – at almost 3,000 metres above sea level – is South Africa’s highest pass, leading all the way to the Lesotho border and offering magnificent vistas along the way.

After breakfast and check out guests will travel to the Underberg area via the Valley of a 1000 hills.

Overnight: Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort

In the foothills of the scenic southern Drakensberg, which forms part of the uKhahlamba World Heritage site, is the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel. This is Nature in all its glory – grandiose scenery composed of the Drakensberg mountain chain, rivers and lakes. The mountains form an immense amphitheatre dominated by the highest peak – Mont-auxSources (3248m). Wonderful diversity of flora and fauna await discovery.   The resort is conveniently located on an 860-acre estate bordering KwaZulu Natal Wildlife land, allowing access to spectacular walks and hikes – the most strenuous being a 9 hour hike up the Rhino Horn 9842.4 ft (3000 metres) above sea level.

Day 10: Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, Southern Drakensberg

After breakfast guests will have the day at leisure to enjoy the facilities at their accommodation or do an optional full day excursion into Lesotho.

Excluded

Optional – Sani Pass 4×4 excursion including lunch in Lesotho (ZAR1100 p/p, but discount available if presold as part of excursion package).

Day 11: Inkwenkwezi Game Lodge, Eastern Cape

As South Africa’s ‘wild’ province, the Eastern Cape features magnificent stretches of untouched beach, peaceful river estuaries, lush forests, breathtaking mountain vistas, and the arid Karoo Desert landscape. Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) serves as the province’s primary commercial and industrial centre as well as a gateway to the popular Garden Route where visitors can enjoy ancient forest walks, surfing in the world-renowned surf spot of Jeffrey’s Bay, and even bungee jumping from the world’s highest bridge bungy above the Bloukrans River. Beyond the Garden route lie some spectacular malaria-free wildlife reserves including the remarkable Addo Elephant National Park, now the only place in South Africa where you can see the Big Seven – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, whale and shark. Further east, don’t miss the Wild Coast region which, as it is far less developed than the rest of South Africa, offers visitors a glimpse of rural African village life.

After breakfast and an early check out guests will travel south towards the Eastern Cape. Guests will travel via the small village of Qunu, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, to their next accommodation.

Overnight: Inkwenkwezi Game Lodge

Situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape, only 30 kilometers from East London at the start of the Wild Coast in the Chintsa area.  Here one can view the magnificent Big Five and offers a rare exquisite combination of valley bushveld, grasslands and forests representing 5 of the 7 South African Biomes. The lodge, the Sunset Lapa, is situated between two camps – here you can indulge in a culinary delight.  The reserve boasts a deluxe Bush Camp and luxury Valley Camp. Free WI-FI access is available at the lodge. A guide will accompany guests throughout their stay on a range of activities, taking guests on Safari Game Drives, Elephant Educational, Canoeing, Hiking & Quad Bike Riding.  The activities, three meals and local beverages are included in the accommodation rate during High Season.  Only additional cost would be for Walks with Elephants and local beverages in Low Season. Alternatively enjoy relaxing around the pool in season.  Situated only 1 km from the beach, opportunities for Whale and Dolphin viewing is possible and swimming in season. Facilities such as a Grocery Store, Chemist & Doctor is situated only 8km from the reserve.

Basis – Bed & Breakfast

Day 12: Inkwenkwezi Game Lodge, Eastern Cape

After breakfast enjoy a day at leisure. There is much to do in this area. Enjoy the optional extras on offer at the accommodation or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Excluded

Optional excursions at Inkwenkwezi

1hour Elephant Walk
Half Day Game Drive excluding lunch
Bushwalk / Hike complimentary for inhouse guests

Day 13: Cape St Francis Resort, St Francis Bay

Located along South Africa’s spectacularly scenic Sunshine Coast, just west of Port Elizabeth, St Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village known for its excellent surfing, pristine white-sand beach and its uniform architecture featuring black roofs and white walls built on the shores of an extensive network of human-made canals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities along the canals and in the ocean such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip to the nearby village of Cape St Francis to explore the century-old Seal Point Lighthouse and the penguin rehabilitation facility.

After breakfast guests check out and head south for St Francis Bay.  Guests accommodation is located close to the beach.

Overnight: Cape St Francis Resort

Situated 108 kms west of Port Elizabeth in the quaint village of Cape St Francis lies the Cape St Francis Resort and the luxurious beach villas Beach Break. Privately owned and family run we provide accommodation ranging from luxury beach villas set on the edge of the dunes where you can choose between a sea facing or garden facing room or the entire villa with a private swimming pool and direct beach access the villas are your ideal choice when looking for a beach destination. Travelling as a family we can offer family styled cottages a mere 200 metres from the beach. These cottages are tastefully decorated and have a strong beach theme. Club Break rooms are set around a communal swimming pool. Facilities at the Resort include Joe Fish Restaurant and Bar, a Health and Beauty Studio as well as a convenience shop. The area is rich in activities such as walking and hiking, golf, surfing, cultural excursions, whale and dolphin excursions, visits to the penguin rehabilitation centre, canal and river cruises to  name but a few. Any of these can be booked through our front desk at Resort Adventures.

Basis – Bed & Breakfast
Included

Complimentary visit to Penguin Rehabilitation Centre or Township tour with womens knitting project.

Day 14: The Graywood Hotel, Knysna

Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’. It is surrounded by world-renowned forests, lovely lagoons and pristine beaches. Visitors can look forward to an array of markets offering delicious food and organic locally-made goods, explore the town’s picturesque waterfront and quaint streets, adventure through the lush forest, skip over streams and catch a glimpse of the multicoloured Knysna Loerie, take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of exciting activities including: surfing, swimming, yachting, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing.

After breakfast guests will check out and then head via Plettenberg Bay to Knysna. En-route guests will visit the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Overnight: The Graywood Hotel

The Graywood Hotel offers visitors a perfect base from which to explore the quaint village of Knysna and the many adventures found on the Garden Route. The Hotel itself is centrally situated in the town, within easy walking distance to the Knysna Waterfront, as well as the town centre. Amongst the many interests, you will find quaint shops, restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, boat cruises and ferry rides and local art galleries. In keeping with the character and spirit of the surrounding indigenous Knysna forest, the hotel enjoys beautiful woodwork throughout. An extensive collection of original railway and steam train memorabilia recall a bygone era, while our selection of historic photographs gives you deeper insight into Knysna’s locomotive past. The wood is complimented by lush landscaped gardens with a sparkling swimming pool suspended in a wooden sundeck. Breakfast at the hotel may be enjoyed inside The Blue Goose Restaurant or on the sundeck overlooking the courtyard and pool. Relax in the comfort of your room, refresh with a dip in the pool or sit back on the sun deck and surrounding gardens with a drink while you contemplate the choice of local restaurants for dinner. The Graywood Hotel offers 48 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms.  Decor is fresh and uncluttered with crisp white duvets and warm tones in the upholstery.  Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, an electronic safe, remote control TV, direct dial telephone, hairdryer as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

Included

Entrance fee – Tsitsikamma National Park

Excluded
Optional – Whale Tour 2hrs
Optional – Marine Encounter 2hrs

Day 15: The Graywood Hotel, Knysna

After breakfast guests can enjoy a day at the Knysna Waterfront.  There are a number of optional excursions possible This morning. The afternoon is at leisure.

Excluded
Optional – Featherbed Eco Experience cruise including lunch, 4hrs
Optional – John Benn Knysna Lagoon Cruise e).

Day 16: Surval Boutique Olive Estate, Oudtshoorn

Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and  sparkiling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.

After breakfast guests will check out and head via the Outeniqua Mountains for Oudtshoorn the ostrich capital of the world.

Overnight: Surval Boutique Olive Estate

Situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in the Klein Karoo, Surval Boutique Olive Estate offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Schoemanshoek Valley.  They offer accommodation fit for a king (and his family), with 31 stylish and luxurious rooms, in a serene farm setting, ranging from the cosy and comfortable honeymoon suite, luxury and standard rooms to kid friendly family rooms, and single rooms for the single traveller. For the hungry they offer a fine dining experience second to none. Aptly named ‘Su Casa’ (“your home”), Su Casa is also a member of Confrêrie de la Chaîne des Rotisseurs, an international gastronomic society. Surval also offers guided olive & farm tour through the orchards. An explanation as to the agricultural aspect of olive growing and production followed by a formal tasting of the full range of products.

Included

Entrance – Ostrich farm

Excluded
Optional – Swartberg Pass Tour including Kobus se gat dinner (ZAR860 p/p)
Optional – Cango Caves Heritage Tour

Day 17: NH The Lord Charles Hotel, Helderberg

Situated just 30 minutes from the beautiful city of Cape Town, the Helderberg area is comprised of three little towns including: the cosmopolitan town of Somerset West and the beach holiday destination towns of Gordon’s Bay and Strand. Helderberg is known for its laidback village lifestyle, breathtaking scenic landscapes, picturesque wine farms and long stretches of magnificent beach. The area is encircled by towering majestic mountains and fringed by the lapping waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The area offers visitors a wide selection of wonderful activities such as: hiking through the spectacular Helderberg Nature Reserve, strolling along Strand’s white-sand beaches, or wine tasting along the renowned Helderberg Wine Route. Other popular activities include: kitesurfing, fishing, sailing, swimming, scuba diving, golfing, biking, and bird watching.

After breakfast and check out guests will travel via Route 62 to the Winelands area, along the way stop in Robertson for a brandy tasting.

Overnight: NH The Lord Charles Hotel

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Cape Winelands, NH The Lord Charles welcomes guests with warm hospitality and effortless luxury. Situated a mere 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, NH The Lord Charles is a unique hotel combining the relaxed elegance and sophistication of a modern hotel, with the ease and charm of the local countryside. Within easy reach of the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl, guests can indulge in lazy, sun-drenched days sampling local wines, or discovering South Africa from the air with hot air balloon rides. Nature and sports enthusiasts will find an abundance of outdoor attractions from whale watching and deep sea diving to sailing and windsurfing. A hotel that is renowned for its friendly service and stylish attention to detail, guests soon realise that nothing is too much trouble.

Included

Klipdrift brandy tasting in Robertson

Day 18: NH The Lord Charles Hotel, Helderberg

After breakfast guests will enjoy a visit to Stellenbosch. There will be time to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of this historical town with its many old buildings, quaint shops and fabulous restaurants. Then guests can enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour of a local wine estate

Included

Winetasting and cellar tour

Excluded

Optional Bikes ‘n Wine Stellenbosch Town Cycle including snack pack & entry fees, min 2 pax

Day 19: Strand Tower Hotel, Cape Town

Cape Town

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

After breakfast guests can enjoy a morning at leisure before it is time to depart for Cape Town and the final destination. En-route guests will stop at Blouberg Strand for a photo opportunity of Table Mountain.

Overnight: Strand Tower Hotel

Welcome to the Strand Tower Hotel – the ideal place for your stay in Cape Town, South Africa’s most beautiful city. Our four star hotel is located in the city centre not far from the V&A Waterfront, with all the prime city attractions but a short walk away. The rooms offer incontestable panoramic views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, the city and hartbour.

Excluded

Optional Streetwires workshop in Bo-Kaap making own souvenir, 90 min approx.

Day 20: Strand Tower Hotel, Cape Town

After breakfast guests will be taken on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour.  En-route guests will visit the fishing village of Hout Bay and its harbour, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the quaint naval village of Simonstown before heading back home via Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Included

Entrance fees – Hout Bay Duiker Island Cruise, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Kirstenbosch Gardens

Day 21: End of Itinerary

After breakfast guests can enjoy their final day in South Africa. The morning is at leisure. Guests can either do some last minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront or choose to do some optional excursions before their evening transfer to Cape Town International Airport for their return flights home.

This  beautiful country will leave you with precious memories.