South African Surprise
15 Days
An expedition of surprise, our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast dream, and a photographer’s canvas.
Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never seizes to amaze, and the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains forms a great part of this package, where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, and the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town.
from AUD $3358pp
Home » 15 Day South African Surprise
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
- Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
- Explore the small towns long the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Johannesburg
- Day 2: Johannesburg – Mpumalanga
- Day 3: Mpumalanga
- Day 4: Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland)
- Day 5: eSwatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia and Surrounds
- Day 6: St Lucia and Surrounds – Durban
- Day 7: Durban – Drakensberg
- Day 8: Drakensberg
- Day 9: Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast
- Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma
- Day 11: Tsitsikamma – Knysna
- Day 12: Knysna – Oudtshoorn
- Day 13: Oudtshoorn – Cape Town
- Day 14: Cape Town (Unescorted)
- Day 15: Cape Town (Unescorted)
Day 1: Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Distance travelled today: 500 kms
Day 3: Mpumalanga
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Day 4: Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Day 5: eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia and Surrounds
After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautiful handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Distance travelled today: 375 kms
Day 6: St Lucia and Surrounds - Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
Day 7: Durban - Drakensberg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Distance travelled today: 280 kms
Day 8: Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
Day 9: Drakensberg - Eastern Cape Coast
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge.
Distance travelled today: 520 kms
Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Distance travelled today: 510 kms
Day 11: Tsitsikamma - Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.
Distance travelled today: 92 kms
Day 12: Knysna - Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Distance travelled today: 180 kms
Day 13: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Distance travelled today: 420 km
Day 14: Cape Town (Unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 15: Cape Town (Unescorted)
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.
Dates | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|
04 May 2025 - 18 May 2025 | AUD $3358pp | Contact us |
01 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025 | AUD $3358pp | Contact us |
06 Jul 2025 - 20 Jul 2025 | AUD $3358pp | Contact us |
03 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025 | AUD $3604pp | Contact us |
31 Aug 2025 - 14 Sep 2025 | AUD $3604pp | Contact us |
05 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025 | AUD $3743pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
City | Accommodation |
---|---|
Johannesburg | Protea Hotel Transit O.R Tambo Airport or similar |
Hazyview | Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar |
Swaziland | Piggs Peak Hotel or similar |
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve | Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar |
Durban | Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar |
Drakensberg Mountains | Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort or similar |
Wild Coast | Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar |
Tsitsikamma National Park | Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar |
Knysna | Premier Resort the Moorings or similar |
Oudtshoorn | Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar |
Cape Town | Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar |
Whats included?
- 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners including gratuities
- 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 05h15 and ends at 23h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please let us know to make alternative transfer arrangements.
Group Tour:
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 40 guests
VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.