Day 1 Monday | Johannesburg to Hoedspruit (Breakfast, Dinner)
This morning, an SA360 Travel representative will greet you as you embark on an unforgettable journey from Johannesburg to the enchanting Mpumalanga, the "Land of the Rising Sun." As you travel along the breathtaking Panorama Route, you'll encounter the stunning Blyde River Canyon. Take in the awe-inspiring views from various vantage points, starting at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and culminating at the iconic Three Rondavels. If time and weather permit, we won’t miss the chance to stop at God’s Window for a panoramic vista. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, check in, and take some time to freshen up before dinner.
Optional adventures at Graskop Gorge:
- The Next-Level Walk a scenic cliffside pathway high above the gorge. Designed to showcase areas once accessible only to climbers and drones, this walkway is a safe and exciting experience.
- The heart-pounding Cliff Walk is an epic adventure perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Brace yourself as you step onto a narrow walkway high above the lush forest below. This adrenaline-pumping path winds its way around the cliffside, leading to a thrilling suspension bridge that spans the gorge and offers breathtaking views. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – gear up for a zipline ride that takes you to a whole new level of exploration.
- Prepare for an adrenaline rush unlike any other on the Big Swing at Graskop Gorge Lift Co. This heart-pounding adventure launches you 70 metres (that's 20 storeys!) into the depths of the gorge, reaching speeds of 140 km/h in just 3 seconds!
- Embark on a breathtaking journey across the dramatic Graskop Gorge on an exhilarating 52-metre Suspension Bridge. Spanning the north and south sides of the gorge, this iconic structure offers unparalleled views of the surrounding panorama, making it a must-do for every visitor.
Open to All: this attraction offers a fully wheelchair-accessible experience on the Suspension Bridge. Everyone can share the wonder of this natural marvel, regardless of physical limitations.
Day 2 Tuesday | Full day Open Vehicle Safari, Kruger National Park (Breakfast, Dinner)
Prepare for an early morning adventure as you transfer to the renowned Kruger National Park for an open vehicle safari. This wildlife sanctuary, covering nearly 2 million hectares, offers one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa, showcasing a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. After your morning safari, return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax before dinner at the lodge.
Day 3 Wednesday | Hoedspruit to eSwatini (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, set off for the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland, a captivating land steeped in rich African traditions and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a vibrant showcase of Swazi culture, followed by a delightful traditional lunch at Matsamo Cultural Village. Next, visit the Ngwenya Glass Works, where talented artisans craft exquisite sculptures from molten glass. After exploring local craft markets, you'll arrive at your hotel nestled in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley. Dinner arrangements for the evening will be at the hotel.
Day 4 Thursday | eSwatini to Mkhuze, Zululand (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, depart for a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory, where each unique candle is crafted by hand using the traditional “millefiore” technique. No two candles are alike, showcasing a mesmerizing array of patterns and designs. Continue your journey via Big Bend into KwaZulu Natal, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon. Take an exhilarating scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, where breathtaking views of Lake Jozini await. As the sun sets, stop for sundowners and enjoy a visit to an authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into contemporary Zulu life before returning for dinner at your hotel.
Day 5 Friday | Mkhuze Game Reserve Open Vehicle Safari (Breakfast, Dinner)
Enjoy a game drive in the uMkhuze Game Reserve. uMkhuze harbours an astonishing diversity of habitats ranging from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains to stretches of rolling acacia savannah, swamps, woodlands and riverine forest. Wildlife includes black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and a multitude of plains game. Lion were reintroduced to the park in 2013 making it a Big 5 reserve. The birding is exceptional – 420 species recorded. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and savour a delightful dinner at the hotel to conclude your day.
Optional Adventures from Ghost Mountain:
- Lake Jozini Boat Cruise - Lake Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might see elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile.
- Night Drive - Experience the African night with its magnificent skies and the possibility of nocturnal species such as ant-bear (aardvark), leopard, genets, night jars and a host of smaller creatures.
- Mkuze River Bird Walk - This is a gentle 1-2 hour walk that leaves the hotel and traverses the dam in front of the hotel into the Mkuze riverbed and along to the old weir. A large number of birds both water and open savannah species are to be seen with specials including Palm Swifts, White-eared Barbets, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Black Coucal and many others. The scenery offers up wonderful views of both Ghost Mountain and the Lebombo Mountain Range.
Day 6 Saturday | Mkhuze to Umhlanga via St Lucia (Breakfast)
Following an early breakfast, depart along the stunning Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal toward St Lucia, located at the southern tip of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, embark on an estuarine boat trip, offering a unique chance to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a plethora of bird species, including the elusive African Fish Eagle. Continue your journey to Umhlanga, where you’ll check into your hotel in the afternoon. Dinner arrangements for the evening are left to your choice.
Day 7 Sunday | Durban to Port Elizabeth (Breakfast)
Enjoy a morning city tour of Durban, a melting pot of cultural and historical contrasts. Drive along the iconic Golden Mile, passing art-deco buildings and uShaka Marine World, before heading to Victoria Embankment and exploring the city’s historical landmarks like the Natal Museum and City Hall. Afterward, make your way to King Shaka International Airport to check in for your domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included). Upon arrival, an SA360 Travel representative will be ready to transfer you to your hotel, leaving you the rest of the day to relax at your leisure.
Day 8 Monday | Port Elizabeth to Plettenberg Bay (Breakfast, Dinner)
Depart Port Elizabeth and travel along the picturesque coastline to the breathtaking Tsitsikamma part of the Garden Route National Park, often referred to as the "garden of the Garden Route." Stroll along the suspension bridge that spans the Storms River mouth gorge, offering spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities. After your exploration, head to Plettenberg Bay for dinner and overnight accommodations, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Optional Adventures in the Tsitsikamma Area:
- Tsitsikamma Zip Line Canopy Tour - Located in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, many of the zip line platforms are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old! Standing within the crown of these giants and looking down at the lush forest floor thirty metres below is an experience of a lifetime.
- Bloukrans Bungy - The view from Africa’s highest bridge captures all the majesty and tranquillity of the Bloukrans River valley. Your experience starts with a zipline out to the to top of the bridge arch. The bungy jump makes use of a pendulum system to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable bungee jump possible. After the initial freefall, you are pulled into a giant pendulum motion and then into the big rebound.
- Kayak and Lilo Adventure - This two-and-a-half-hour Kayak & Lilo Adventure up the Storms River Gorge in the Tsitsikamma National Park allows you to explore deeper into the hidden world of the Storms River Gorge and experience the long, bottomless pools, deep caves and ancient indigenous forests with nothing but the quiet noises of nature around you.
Day 9 Tuesday | Plettenberg Bay and Knysna (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, experience the magic of nature at Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight bird aviary, where you can observe a diverse collection of African birds in a serene setting. Also visit Monkeyland - the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Afternoon visit to the Knysna Waterfront for some time to explore before an early dinner at a waterside restaurant.
Optional Adventures in the Plettenberg Bay and Knysna Areas:
- Robberg Nature Reserve Hike - The route initially follows the contours on the northern face of the peninsula, where you should keep a look out for sharks and other marine life in the waters below. As you progress, you’ll learn more about the unique fynbos habitat as you ascend to a viewpoint overlooking the seal colony.
- Knysna Ziplines – an adrenaline-filled experience that has you gliding over the treetops and giving you a spectacular view of the surrounding forest and natural landscapes. At a relative speed! The Knysna Zipline has especially been designed and installed to enhance the natural beauty of the Kranshoek Sanparks picnic site. The ziplines are some of the longest you will experience and definitely not for someone with a fear of heights. Extremely long cables crisscross the gorge at the picnic site and with heights of over 200 meters, it will certainly be a memorable experience.
Day 10 Wednesday | Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn (Breakfast)
After breakfast and check-out, travel to Oudtshoorn, the "feather capital" of the world. Here, you’ll visit a working ostrich farm for an insightful guided tour before checking into your accommodation in the late afternoon and enjoying dinner at your own leisure.
Day 11 Thursday | Oudtshoorn via Route 62 to Cape Town (Breakfast)
Following breakfast and check-out, set out for a morning tour of the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. Afterward, travel along Route 62 to Barrydale for lunch (on your own account). You’ll arrive in Cape Town around 5pm, concluding a day filled with remarkable experiences. Dinner arrangements for the evening are at your discretion.
Day 12 Friday | Full day Cape Peninsula Tour (Breakfast)
This morning, you’ll be collected for a full-day Cape Point and Peninsula tour. Travel along the stunning Atlantic Seaboard, passing through Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay, with a stop at a scenic lookout point in Llandudno. Continue to Hout Bay, a charming fishing harbor, where you may opt for a boat trip to Seal Island (additional cost). Next, journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. After lunch at a nearby restaurant (not included), visit historic Simon’s Town, known for its Victorian architecture and large penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Optional Adventure on the Cape Peninsula Tour:
Enjoy an authentic local Cape Town experience with a short train journey on the commuter train linking Cape Town and Simon’s Town. You will hop on the train in Fish Hoek and enjoy the scenic route, travelling along the coastline to get off in Muizenberg. This trip will take under 15 minutes, you can then have an ice-cream and mingle with the locals on Muizenberg Beach, famous for its colourful beach huts.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 13 Saturday | Full day Cape Winelands Tour (Breakfast)
Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a delightful full-day Cape Winelands tour. This scenic drive takes you through stunning mountain ranges, vineyards, and Cape Dutch homesteads, heading to Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa's wine industry. Here, enjoy your first wine tasting among the picturesque estates. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek, the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, where you can savour another wine tasting and indulge in a culinary experience at one of the area’s acclaimed restaurants (lunch on your own account). The day ends with a visit to a wine estate in the Paarl region to round off a delightful day before returning to Cape Town.
Day 14 Sunday | Cape Town City Tour and Tour Ends (Breakfast)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a morning city tour that highlights Cape Town's rich history and vibrant culture. Weather permitting, begin with a trip up Table Mountain (cable car fee not included). Explore the Company Gardens, the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, and the bustling Greenmarket Square. Discover the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, home to the Cape Muslim community, and learn about their contributions to the city’s tapestry. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel by 12:30pm.
