South African Surprise

Day 1: (Sun) Johannesburg

Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar

Day 2: (Mon) Hazyview (BB)

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, 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 finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview.

Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park (PB)

We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and 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.

Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Day 4: (Wed) Swaziland(BB)

This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture

Accommodation: Lugogo Sun

Distance travelled today: 290 kms

Day 5: (Thu) St Lucia and surrounds (BB)

This morning we journey through Swaziland into Zululand. 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 this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umfolozi

Distance travelled today: 435 kms

Day 6: (Fri) St Lucia and surrounds / Durban(BB)

Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge

Distance travelled: 290 kms

Day 7: (Sat) Drakensberg (BB,BD)

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling for a stroll along the Umhlanga Beach Promenade which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account).

Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar

Distance travelled today: 255 kms

Day 8: (Sun) Drakensberg (BB, BD)

Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Today a host of leisure activities awaits you against a breath taking back drop of tranquil beauty.

Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar

Day 9: (Mon) Eastern Cape Coast (BB, BD)

This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.

Accommodation: Crawford’s Beach Lodge

Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Day 10: (Tue) Eastern Cape Coast (BB)

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 Port Elizabeth.

Accommodation: Garden Court Kings Beach

Distance travelled today: 340 kms

Day 11: (Wed) Knysna (BB, D)

Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the 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 late afternoon for check in at our hotel.

Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Distance travelled today: 300 kms

Day 12: (Thu) Oudtshoorn (BB)

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. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Travelling back to the Eastern seaboard, we arrive in Mossel Bay in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Garden Court Mossel Bay or similar

Distance travelled today: 315 kms

Day 13: (Fri) Cape Town (BB)

Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. After breakfast we explore Mossel Bay, visiting the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz museum and shell museum. In whale season (August to November) we travel to Hermanus and try to catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals from the world’s most famous land based whale watching site. Out of whale season, we drive via the towns of Swellendam, Robertson and Worcester (Route 62), then through the Huguenot Tunnel. Iconic Table Mountain greets us as we arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Sun Square Hotel – Cape Town or similar

Distance travelled today: 540 kms

Day 14: (Sat) Cape Town (BB)

Enjoy a day at leisure in the ‘Mother City’ where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this iconic beautiful city with its many world acclaimed attractions.

Accommodation: Sun Square Hotel – Cape Town or similar

Day 15: (Sun) Cape Town(BB)

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 where your Journey concludes