South Africa: A World in One Country

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg, where you are met and escorted to your hotel.

Day 2: Johannesburg / Pretoria / Mpumalanga - Hazyview

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Leave Johannesburg’s distinctive skyline behind and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour before continuing to Mpumalanga. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.

Day 3: Hazyview - Panorama Route

Meals: Breakfast

Today we journey up the awe inspiring Panorama Route with its forested mountains and fertile plains. After viewing the Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window before arriving back in Hazyview in the early afternoon. The free time allows for a lazy afternoon relaxing around the pool or an exciting afternoon game activity in the Kruger National park (additional cost)

Day 4: Hazyview - Kruger National Park

Meals: Breakfast

Savor the magic of this enormous wildlife sanctuary on your morning game drive in open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wildlife, birds and plant species. The afternoon is free for optional game drive in the park or the Elephant interaction experience, with an opportunity to touch, feed and brush down these magnificent animals (additional cost).

Day 5: Hazyview / The Kingdom of Swaziland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland and their traditions. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, and on to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for a true African shopping experience at the vibrant Ezulwini Craft Market which is packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings.

Day 6: Zululand

Meals: Breakfast

We start the day travelling into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. We arrive mid-afternoon at our hotel in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi area.

Day 7: Lake St Lucia / Durban

Meals: Breakfast

This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. We arrive into Durban early afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, to enjoy the golden beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean or take a stroll along the lively promenade.

Day 8: Durban / Port Elizabeth / Garden Route - Knysna

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Morning transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight to Port Elizabeth (flight at additional cost). Set off to explore the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. Here we are treated to magnificent coastal views and to soak up the beauty of the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Late this afternoon we arrive in Knysna, perhaps South Africa’s most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route.

Day 9: Garden Route - Knysna

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch we have the remainder of the day at leisure, to enjoy this lovely and special town.

Day 10: Garden Route - Oudtshoorn

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning we head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most incredible natural wonders and enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the ‘feather capital of the world’, so named because it’s the centre of South Africa’s ostrich industry. After lunch, which features Ostrich Steak on the menu, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm.

Day 11: Garden Route / Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast

This is a day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the southern right whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will return to Cape Town along ‘Route 62’, South Africa’s version of America’s ‘Route 66’.

Day 12: Cape Town - Cape Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

A full day touring of the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula winding our way through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to take a cruise (weather permitting, additional cost) to Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon’s Town on our way back to Cape Town.

Day 13: Cape Town - Cape Winelands

Meals: Breakfast

We journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well-known estates. Pass by the impressive Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument which provide a historical perspective.

Day 14: Depart Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.