Spectacular South Africa
$3,534.00
From $3,534* pp | 13 Days • 22 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Tap into South Africa’s harmonious mix of cultures, cosmopolitan cities, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country.
- Search for the “Big 5” during your included open-air safari game drive.
- Visit one of the oldest working ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn – the ostrich capital of South Africa – and learn about these fascinating animals.
- See the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains – the highest mountains in southern Africa – as you travel along the Panoramic Route.
The Spirit of South Africa
South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this 14-day tour. Explore Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Search out the “Big Five” during an open-air safari game drive. Visit the Featherbed Nature Preserve. Travel the lush Garden Route between the mountains and the balmy Indian Ocean. Visit a working ostrich farm. Relax among the vineyards in the winelands region. Indulge in a wine tasting and a wine pairing dinner. Relax during a leisurely three night stay in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1. Sandton, South Africa – Tour Begins
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience. Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centrre of greater Johannesburg.
High 23 Low 9 
Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton
Today your Tour Manager helps you discover the history of the languages you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases. A guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum which commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the location of Nelson Mandela’s arrest and the former centre and place of refuge of the liberation movement. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
High 24 Low 11 
Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton
Day 3. Panoramic Route – Kruger National Park
Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Set against the triple mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast-flowing sand-filled waters. This evening, enjoy a traditional boma dinner under the stars, where you may sample some local game meat!
Breakfast & Dinner High 29 Low 16 Protea Hotel Kruger Gate
Day 4. Kruger National Park – Safari Game Drive
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full-day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 29 Low 16 Protea Hotel Kruger Gate
Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay.
Breakfast High 20 Low 14 Log-inn Knysna
Day 6. Knysna
Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4×4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap — before your return cruise. This afternoon, visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as “Bahia Formosa” (or “Beautiful Bay”). Enjoy views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons. Later you return to Knysna.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 20 Low 14 Log-inn Knysna
Day 7. Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Knysna
This morning, your township tour will highlight the diversity of this community followed by a touching experience as you visit a school.* Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area, then enjoy a tractor safari through the farm viewing ostriches in various stages of development in the Lucerne fields. An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. Upon your return to Knysna, enjoy some time to independently explore the charming waterfront area.
Breakfast & Lunch High 20 Low 14 Log-inn Knysna
Day 8. Knysna – Stellenbosch
Before leaving the Garden Route, enjoy a visit to the Aloe Ferox region where you will enjoy an aloe-tapping demonstration and a stroll in the indigenous gardens. Next, journey to the heart of the beautiful winelands region, known for its colourful mountains and endless vineyards. This evening, enjoy a wine pairing dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner High 22 Low 11 Oude Werf Hotel
Day 9. Stellenbosch
Later this morning you set out on a walking tour of Stellenbosch – one the oldest European settlements in the region – with a local expert. The afternoon is at leisure to explore, visit a museum, or shop. Later, enjoy a wine tasting complemented by some local savouries.
Breakfast High 22 Low 11 Oude Werf Hotel
Day 10. Stellenbosch – Cape Town
This morning, travel to Cape Town to enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful harbour-side city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named – and flat-topped – Table Mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse.
Breakfast High 21 Low 12 Cullinan Hotel
Day 11. Cape Town
Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa.
Breakfast High 21 Low 12 Cullinan Hotel
Day 12. Cape Town
The day is yours to explore Cape Town. Your Tour Manager is available to offer suggestions. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the Djembe Drums to learn the local beat. Then, experience a soothing hand washing ceremony before a communal African dining experience!
Breakfast & Dinner High 21 Low 12 Cullinan Hotel
Day 13. Cape Town – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Cape Town.
Breakfast
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- South Africa is 9 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- Johannesburg has an elevation of 6,000 ft above sea level.
- The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand.
- In South Africa the electricity is 220/230 volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729