Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting at 18h00.
Day 2: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South Africa
Departing from Johannesburg we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night in the town of Graskop, a small forestry town situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment at the start of the Panorama route and the gateway to the Kruger National Park.
Breakfast included.
Day 3: Bourke's Luck Potholes & Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
This morning we start with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. We make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes to view these spectacular rock formations, formed eons ago by erosion. Then, marvel at the vast expanse of Blyde River Canyon, where towering cliffs and lush landscapes create an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Kruger National Park, South Africa
Today is spent on a full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park where you will have the chance to encounter the wildlife of Africa in our comfortable 4x4 open vehicle.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5 and 6: Kingdom of Eswatini
Today we cross the border into the mountainous Kingdom of Eswatini, led by King Mswati III, and one of 3 monarchies in Africa. You will explore the traditions and discover the culture of which the Swazis are so proud. We spend two nights in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini’s pioneer conservation area situated in the “Valley of Heaven”. Apart from abundant bird life, there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope, which we hope to spot on a guided walk in the afternoon. The next day we visit the Umphakatsi Chief’s homestead, for an interactive experience where you will get to try your hand at grinding maize and plaiting mountain grass or join the children in Swazi song and dance. An offering of a taste of local food is made but forget about your cutlery and try it the Swazi way… with your hands!
Day 5
Breakfast: At Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Day 6
Breakfast: At Mlilwane Rest Camp or similar
Lunch: Lunch in village or similar
Breakfast included.
Day 7: St Lucia, South Africa
After visiting a craft market en-route, we re-enter South Africa via Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. In the afternoon we make our way to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.
Breakfast included.
Day 8: St Lucia - Zululand, South Africa
Today we explore the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, during a game drive in our tour vehicle. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the oldest game reserve in Africa and is a safe haven to both the endangered black and white rhino. In the afternoon we make our way back to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Here we enjoy a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary, getting up close to the hippos and crocodiles that inhabit the lake.
Breakfast included.
Day 9 and 10: Zululand - Drakensberg, South Africa - Lesotho
Embark on an exciting journey to the Southern Drakensberg Park, where rugged landscapes and towering peaks await. The next day join a guided 4x4 excursion up the legendary Sani Pass in Lesotho, navigating challenging terrain with expert guidance. At the summit, savour a drink and soak in the breathtaking mountain views at the highest pub in Africa, nestled amidst the clouds. After lunch you visit a Basotho village and interact with the local Basotho folk who are independent but friendly inhabitants who live a harsh existence in this rugged land. There will be ample opportunity to take photographs of the iconic Lesotho conical straw hat and maybe get a beautiful and decorative woven bowl made by the women there. Your experienced mountain guide will fascinate you with stories of Lesotho and its incredible people - the hardy mountainous Basotho folk. The Basotho Pony can be seen and is an integral part of life for the local population and can be traced back from that of the Cape horse, which formed the foundation stock. Traditional beer and homemade bread offered on request. You wind down the Sani Pass after this cultural experience and arrive back in Underberg between 16h00- 16h30 depending on the wildlife spotted along the way. Additional Information - what to wear: Very warm clothing in winter (we suggest layering) and in summer months, light weight clothing with a jacket as the weather can change fast. A valid passport is essential.
Day 9
Breakfast: At Elephant Lake Hotel or similar
Dinner: At Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar
Day 10
Breakfast: At Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar
Lunch: At highest pub in Africa or similar
Dinner: At Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 11 and 12: Cinsta, South Africa
Head south to Cinsta, the crown jewel of the Wild Coast. Here, miles of untouched beaches await, inviting you to relax and unwind. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you stroll along the pristine shoreline, soaking in the beauty of nature. Whether you're lounging by the sea or exploring hidden coves, Cinsta promises a tranquil escape by the water's edge.
Day 11
Breakfast: At Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar
Lunch: Lunch pack from Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar
Dinner: At Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar
Day 12
Breakfast: At Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar
Dinner: At Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 13: Addo, South Africa
Today we take a journey through the historical Zuurberg Mountain Pass. Guided by experts, traverse rugged terrain as the late afternoon sun illuminates ancient rocks. Listen to tales of explorers and settlers amidst sweeping vistas and vibrant wildflowers. In the late afternoon enjoy a guided walk across the Zuurberg mountain.
Breakfast included.
Day 14 and 15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa
Embark on a morning open vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park. We continue to a region of startling beauty along South Africa’s southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. We spend two nights in the Storms River Village, at the heart of the Tsitsikamma Forest. We will take a leisurely hike along one of the short trails, which allow you to explore the coastal bush and rocky shoreline. There is also an option to plunge off the world’s highest bungee jump at the Bloukrans River (for own expense).
Breakfast included.
Day 16: Tsitsikamma to Oudtshoorn, South Africa
We continue our journey, travelling over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo arriving in the town of Oudtshoorn. We take a trip to the famous Cango Caves, with their impressive ancient stalagmites and stalactites,before visiting the Ostrich Farm to learn about these fascinating birds.
Breakfast included.
Day 17 and 18: Cape Town, South Africa
Early morning we continue to Cape Town and on-route, we visit the town of Robertson, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting at a local wine estate. Once in Cape Town, the afternoon is at leisure, enjoy sundowners at one of the fabulous beaches or indulge in some last-minute shopping at the V&A Waterfront.
The next day we get to explore the many attractions the ‘Mother City’ has to offer, on a Cape Peninsula tour. Travelling along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, we stop at Maiden Cove look-out point before continuing to Hout Bay. Here you have the option to take a boat trip to Seal Island (seasonal and not included in the cost). We carry on over Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, to Cape Point
and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon we travel on to Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Kindly note the reserve entrance fee at Boulders Beach carries an additional cost.
Breakfast included.
Day 19: Cape Town, South Africa
Spend the final day at leisure. Depending on your departure flight and weather conditions, there is the chance to take the cable car up Table Mountain (own expense) and enjoy one last view of the Cape of Good Hope before your transfer to the airport.
Breakfast included.