Spectacular South Africa

Day 1: (Fri) Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town you are met by a Thompsons Africa representative and assisted to your transfer. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Cape Riviera or similar

Day 2: (Sat) Cape Town / Winelands (BB)

After breakfast you meet your Tour Guide and fellow travellers and set out to the picturesque Winelands, where century old vineyards are surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain scenery. We have left today’s itinerary open. With extraordinary wine estates from Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek and fascinating historical landmarks to explore your highly knowledgeable Tour Guide will discuss the many possibilities and tailor-make a memorable Winelands experience for the whole group.

Accommodation: Cape Riviera or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 200kms

Day 3: (Sun) Cape Peninsula (BB)

This morning we ascend one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature – majestic Table Mountain (weather permitting) for unrivalled views of Cape Town. Thereafter we drive along Millionaires Paradise from Clifton to Camps Bay, heading towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. We wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath taking ocean views. After lunch (own account) we visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.

Accommodation: Cape Riviera or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 200kms

Day 4: (Mon) Cape Town / Hermanus (BB)

We depart by 08h30 from Cape Town. A stunning coastal drive brings us to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal fynbos. We also seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stony Point. In the ‘Hemel -en -Aarde’ region, one of South Africa’s newest wine routes, we indulge in a wine tasting at a boutique winery before arriving in Hermanus.

Accommodation: Harbour Square Hotel or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 200kms

Day 5: (Tue) Oudtshoorn (BB)

This morning we explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and gasp at the outstanding views of Walker Bay. During the months of July – November the majestic sight of whales add further enchantment to our explorations. We depart late morning and stopping for a late lunch (own account) in the pretty village of Barrydale on the scenic ‘Route 62’.

Accommodation: De Opstal Country Lodge or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 380kms

Day 6: (Wed) Knysna (BB)

This morning we marvel at the impressive Cango Caves, filled with weird and wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Thereafter a guided tour of an ostrich farm gives us insight into why Oudtshoorn is known as the ‘feather capital of the world’. We travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass onto our accommodation for two nights.

Accommodation: Belvidere Manor or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 220kms

Day 7: (Thu) Knysna (BB, L)

This morning we cruise the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A specialist guide shares the history and fascinating facts on the fauna and flora of the area with us. We are served a sumptuous lunch under a canopy of Milkwood trees. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Knysna or return to our boutique accommodation.

Accommodation: Belvidere Manor or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 60kms

Day 8: (Fri) Plettenberg Bay/ Tsitsikamma (BB)

From Plettenberg Bay we set off on an ocean safari. During summer months we may view Bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment. During winter months we are very likely to view both Southern Right and Humpback whales. For those brave souls amongst us, this afternoon you have the opportunity to attempt the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. We arrive late afternoon in the picturesque village of Storms River.

Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 130kms

Day 9: (Sat) Port Elizabeth/Durban/ Umhlanga Rocks (BB)

This morning we immerse ourselves in the splendour and tranquillity of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean. We arrive at Port Elizabeth airport at approximately 14h00 for your onward flight to King Shaka International Airport. (Flight not included). On arrival in Durban you are met by your Tour Guide and transferred to your accommodation for the night on the tropical North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Accommodation: The Oyster Box or similar

Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Day 10: (Sun) St Lucia (DBB + 2 Game Activities)

After breakfast head north to the tiny village of St Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s wilderness treasures. A cruise on the St Lucia Estuary affords us wonderful photographic opportunities as we may encounter large pods of hippos, the occasional Nile crocodile and prolific birdlife. After lunch (own account) arrive at our luxury lodge located in the first private concession within Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve that is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. In the late afternoon, indulge in a delicious high tea and enjoy an evening game drive within the heart of Big 5 territory. After winding down with Sundowners, we marvel at the spectacular sunsets and continue on our search for elusive nocturnal creatures.

Accommodation: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge or similar

Distance travelled today: 475 kms

Day 11: (Mon) Swaziland (DBB)

An early start with a cup of fresh coffee or tea, rusks & muffins after which we set out set out on early morning safari on the private concession. As the lodge has unlimited access to the greater Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (home of white rhino conservation) we enjoy the delightful scenery and excellent safari opportunity. After a sumptuous late breakfast we set our sights north and cross the border into tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Arrive in the afternoon at our luxury lodge set in a beautiful, secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains

Accommodation: The Royal Villas or similar

Distance Travelled today: 320kms

Day 12: (Tue) Sabie (DBB)

After breakfast we visit an authentic chief’s village to gain an insight into the fascinating traditional Swazi culture and the residents invite us to participate in their cultural practices. Cross the border back into South Africa for an early afternoon arrival at our boutique hotel in the lush Sabie River valley. A decadent table d'hôte dinner complements and completes the day.

Accommodation: Lone Creek River Lodge - River Suites or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 330kms

Day 13: (Wed) Northern Kruger Private Reserve (FB)

Today we traverse the glorious Panorama route taking in the spectacular God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and 3 Rondawels at Blyde River Canyon. Our safari adventure continues at Kapama Private Game Reserve described as an African Eden. The reserve is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. After checking into your indulgent suite, you depart on your first open vehicle safari accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker. You can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since Kapama Private Game Reserve is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari in the reserve.

Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 280kms

Day 14: (Thu) Northern Kruger Private Reserve (FB)

Our day starts with an early wake-up call and you head out at first light on our morning safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. We return to the lodge for a few hours of relaxation. You may indulge in a decadent African spa treatment or you could choose to meet and interact with Kapama’s 16 habituated elephants (own account). At around 15h00, everyone gathers for high tea, before heading out for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 90kms

Day 15: (Fri) Johannesburg

Perhaps this morning instead of joining your morning open vehicle safari you choose to end your safari experience with hot air balloon flight or an elephant back safari (own account). After a final delectable brunch you are transferred to nearby Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.