South African Explorer
Johannesburg, Greater Kruger, Swaziland, Zululand, Durban, Eastern Cape, Garden Route, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town (or vice versa)
(14 days / 13 nights)
Overview:
This comprehensive escorted tour of South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town (or vice versa) includes all the very best that South Africa has to offer. Highlights include big game safaris in Kruger, traditional Africa in Swaziland and Zululand, the spectacular Garden Route and of course Cape Town. In two short weeks from Kruger to the Cape experience the phenomenal diversity South Africa has to offer.
Tour information:
| Min / Max Participants: |
Two - Nine |
| Departure: |
Sundays - Sandton CBD hotels at 07h30 Sundays - Cape Town International airport |
| Accommodation: | Upper 3 and 4 Star hotels and private lodges |
| Vehicle: | Luxury sedan / Microbus / Quantum |
| Driver / Guide Services: |
Registered driver / guide throughout the tour |
| Languages: | English & German. Other language guides on a private basis only |
| Flights: |
Durban to Port Elizabeth flights required (not included) Regional flights available on request |
Itinerary:
Day 1: Johannesburg, Crowne Plaza Rosebank (BB)
On arrival in Johannesburg, your expert guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel (private basis). Embark on a half day city tour of Johannesburg. Highlights of this half day tour include: Johannesburg city sightseeing, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown and Constitution Hill. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Greater Kruger, Makalali Private Game Lodge (DBB)
Depart Johannesburg and travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom, Lydenburg and over the Abel Erasmus Pass. After passing through the J.G. Strijdom Tunnel, marvel at the mountainous scenery whilst passing through a homeland, formerly known as Lebowa. Continue to your private game lodge, near the Kruger National Park. Arrive in time for afternoon tea, followed by your evening game drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for a diverse array of eclectic cuisine.
Day 3: Greater Kruger/Panorama Route, Casa Do Sol (DBB)
Early morning bush walk or game drive, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the smaller species of Africa’s animal kingdom. After breakfast explore the breathtaking Panorama Route, featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and various waterfalls. Arrive at your overnight destination late afternoon.
Day 4: Swaziland, Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary (BB)
Early start to your day, by entering the world famous Kruger National Park, unrivalled for its diversity of flora, fauna and bird life, seeking the Big Five. Exit the park and travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory en route to your hideaway in the Mlilwane Wildlife sanctuary.
Day 5: Zululand / Hluhluwe, Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris (BB)
Enjoy a first-hand glimpse into Swaziland’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Esitjeni Umphakatsi bordering Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and experience this original interaction with the local people of this vibrant community, (weather depending). Leave the wonderful country of Swaziland and re-enter South Africa, making your way to the town of Hluhluwe.
Day 6: Durban, Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge (BB)
Early morning breakfast followed by a game drive in your closed vehicle in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Highlights include prolific wetlands bird life, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. Continue south along Indian Ocean coastline, arriving in the bustling city of Durban during the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel in Umhlanga Rocks.
Day 7: Eastern Cape / Port Elizabeth, Protea Hotel Marine (BB)
Morning at leisure. Semi-private transfer to King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, semi-private transfer to your beachfront hotel.
Day 8: Garden Route / Knysna, Protea Hotel Knynsa Quays (BB)
Departing Port Elizabeth, enter the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Bloukrans and Groot River Passes. Attractions visited in the Tsitsikamma Forest area include the Big Tree. Remember to keep an eye out for the rare Knysna Loerie. Gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storm’s River, where photographic opportunities abound. After lunch (not included) continue via the “millionaire’s playground” of Plettenberg Bay to South Africa’s “oyster capital,” Knysna. Enjoy a superb dinner (not included) at one of the nearby restaurants.
Day 9: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn, Protea Hotel Riempies (BB)
Start the day with a scenic drive through Wildeness via Dolphin Point to George. Continue over the Outinequa Pass to Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch for a guided tour and traditional ostrich lunch (not included). After lunch, visit the Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows us to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. En route back, visit endangered animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch (optional and time permitting). After returning to the hotel, enjoy a hearty dinner (not included).
Day 10: Cape Town / Protea Hotel Fire & Ice (BB)
After an early breakfast, our journey to Cape Town begins. Leave the Klein Karoo; pass through the towns of Calitzdrop and Barrydale as the true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the ever changing semi-desert areas. Over the folded sandstone mountains of the Huis River and Tradouw Passes on Route 62, arrive at the charming town of Swellendam. After travelling the plateau of expansive apple orchards in and around Grabouw, our day draws to an end with the first glimpse of Table Mountain from the top of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Drop off at your hotel in Cape Town.
Day 11: Cape Town / Protea hotel Fire & Ice (BB)
Full day Cape Highlights tour (English only). This full day tour includes Camps Bay; Hout Bay; Chapman’s Peak (subject to the road being open); the Cape of Good Hope Reserve; Simonstown; Muizenberg; one wine tasting of South African wines at a local wine estate; the University town of Stellenbosch.
Day 12: Cape Town, Protea Hotel Fire and Ice (BB)
Private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your homebound flight.
|
Best time to visit: |
General - throughout the year Game - June to October The Cape - October to April |
| Total distance covered: |
+/- 2, 350 kms (excluding Durban to P.E. flight) |
| Prices from: |
R27, 035 / person sharing (approx €2, 703) R5, 675 / single supplement (approx €567) Rates valid till 31 October 2012 |
- Transport and services of a registered driver-guide
- 1 night Johannesburg, Crowne Plaza Rosebank, B&B
- 1 night Kruger, Makalali Game Lodge, DBB & 2 game viewing activities
- 1 night Panorama Route, Casa do Sol, DBB
- 1 night Swaziland, Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, B&B
- 1 night Zululand, Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris, B&B
- 1 night Durban, Protea Hotel Uhmlanga Ridge, B&B
- 1 night Port Elizabeth, Protea Hotel Marine, B&B
- 1 night Garden Route, Protea Knysna Quays, B&B
- 1 night Oudtshoorn, Protea hotel Riempies, B&B
- 2 nights Cape Town, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, B&B
- Entrance fees: Three Rondawels; Bourke’s Luck Potholes; Lisbon or Berlin Falls; Conservation Fee into Kruger National Park; Esitjeni Umphakatsi experience; Boat Cruise; Conservation fee for Tsitsikamma; Cango Caves; Safari Ostrich Farm
- Passport required for this tour. Multiple entry visas for South Africa and visa for Swaziland may be required.
- This tour includes malaria areas, please consult your GP or travel clinic for up to date medical advice
- Euro equivalents are guideline only and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
We Recommend:
- Using Johannesburg as a base for pre-tours
- Using Cape Town as a base for post-tours
Not what you were looking for?
- Untamed Kruger – from R15,910 / person sharing [Self Drive]
- In the Footsteps of Shaka – from R16,090 / person sharing [Self-Drive]
- The Gems of the Cape – from R11,280 / person sharing [Self-Drive]
- The Deserts & Wildlife of Namibia – from R30,380 / person sharing [Self-Drive]
- The Wilds of Botswana – from US$3,730 / person sharing [Fly-In]
Untamed Kruger
Panorama Route, Kruger Manyeleti & Timbavati Private Game Reserves (7 days / 6 nights)
