South Africa Explorer 2024

From R47240

per person

Experience the best of South Africa on this 12 day itinerary.

Spend 12 days discovering the very best of South Africa. Highlights include meandering along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, and Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park.

12 Days

Adventure

City

Guided Journeys

Safari

South Africa

Wildlife & Nature

Departure

Cape Town, South Africa
Include

11 breakfasts

4 dinners

1 lunch

Porterage

Accommodation

Transportation

Sightseeing
Not Included

3 x wine tastings

Robben Island Excursion

6 x Dinners

Guided tours of the Company Gardens and the Arderne Gardens

3 x Mittagessen

13 x Fruhstuck

6 x Fruhstuck

5 x Fruhstuck

2 x Mittagessen

1 x Abendessen

4 x Abendessen

1 x Mittagessen

11 x Fruhstuck

Besichtigungen laut Reiseplan

Gepacktragergebuhren

Transport

Ubernachtung

3 x Fruhstuck

3 x Abendessen

2 x craft beer tastings and brewery tours

1 wine tasting at Buitenverwachting Wine Estate

Kliptown Open Air Museum

1 x cheese & wine pairing

1 wine tasting and a BBQ (Braai) lunch)

2 x Craft Beer Tastings & a Beach BBQ (Braai) dinner

Boulders Beach

1 wine tasting of five wines at Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Visit to V&A Waterfront

Muizenberg Beach

Table Mountain (excludes the cost of the Cable Way ticket & weather permitting)

USB charging ports onboard vehicle

Wifi onboard vehicle

1 wine tasting and a 2 course winelands lunch

Entrance to the Franschhoek Motor Museum

Surface Tour at the Cullinan Diamond Mine

Professional English Commentary only

2nd Wine Tasting (time permitting)

Shore-based Whale Experience

Carlton Centre

Entrance into Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein

Hector Peterson Memorial site (photo opportunity only)

Lilliesleaf Farm

Entrance to Sun City Resort

Closed vehicle game drive in PIlanesburg Game Reserve

Visit to Paul Kruger House

Visit the Voortrekker Monument

Visit the Apartheid Museum

Visit to Hector Peterson Memorial

Regina Mundi Church

Visit to Constitution Hill

Return transfer from main Sandton / Rosebank Hotels

Entrance fees: God’s Window, Three Rondawels and Bourkes Luck Potholes

Bottled water

Kruger National Park Conservation Fees

Return transfers from central Hazyview Hotels

Entrance fee in to Addo Elephant National Park

Closed vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National Park

Electric mountain bikes, helmets & water bottles

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

1x wine-tasting at Stellenbosch Wine Estate

Cape Point Nature Reserve

3 x wine tastings and 1 x cellar tour

Estate is closed on Sundays, a visit to the Stoney Point Penguin Colony will be included instead.

1 x wine-tasting at Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate

Welcome drink on arrival

English-speaking game ranger

2 -3 hour open vehicle game drive

Guided tours at Zeits MOCCA and the Norval Foundation

Guided tours of Company Gardens and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

3 x gin tastings

2 hour cruise accompanied by marine biologists

Chocolate and wine pairing

Cloete Cellar

Cape Dutch Manor House at Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Entrance fees for guided tour of the Heart Museum

2 x wine tastings

Passage on the wine tram

Entrance to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market and Neighbourgoods Market at Old Biscuit Mill

Interactive djembe drumming session and set menu dinner

Return transfers to / from Cape Town City Center Hotels with English driver only

High tea buffet

An accredited fully licensed guide and use of riding gear

1 x craft beer or 1 x wine tasting

Return transfers to / from Cape Town City Centre Hotels

National Park permits

2 wine tastings

Interactive Djembe drumming session & set menu dinner

Show, 4-course dinner and a glass of sparkling wine

Riding gear

1 craft beer tasting or 1 wine tasting

Kruger National Park Conservation Fees

Lunch

Complimentary collection service from select hotels*

Return transfers from Port Elizabeth city centre hotels

Full board at Chobe only

4 breakfasts

Return airfare ex Johannesburg

14 breakfasts

3 lunches

13 breakfasts

10 breakfasts

2 dinners

2 breakfasts

6 breakfasts

2 lunches

1 dinner

5 breakfasts

Accommodation

3 dinners

3 breakfasts

Entry Fees

Professional English-speaking Guide

From Our Gallery

South Africa Explorer - Cullinan Guided Journeys

Kruger Park Uncovered - Cullinan Guided Journeys

Day 1: Monday - Cape Town - Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn

This morning you will be met by your local tour guide and depart for the scenic Garden Route. Travel along Sir Lowry’s Pass, with its magnificent views, to Grabouw and Elgin, a lush landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop en route at a farmstall packed with locally produced products from the area. Our journey continues to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area has largely been untouched and unexplored with its rugged coastline being the graveyard for many a ship. The historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is considered the icon that signifies the tip of Africa. After this thrilling experience, we continue via historic Swellendam and the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale and the famous Route 62. Sample top-quality port-style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the ‘ostrich feather capital’ and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. Enjoy dinner at an Ostrich Farm, dining on local specialities such as Ostrich Steak. [Dinner] Distance travelled today: 550 kms

Day 2: Tuesday - Oudtshoorn

After a leisurely breakfast take a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine estate in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley. Return to Oudtshoorn for a fun-filled interactive guided tour at a working Ostrich Farm. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 90 kms

Day 3: Wednesday - Oudtshoorn - Knysna

After breakfast, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to George, the sixth oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree and King Edward VII Library building; said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town. The tour travels via Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort, to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Journey into the magical Knysna Forests (weather & road conditions dependent), the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. Visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best-known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route of traditional cuisine and local treats. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch] Distance travelled today: 170 kms

Day 4: Thursday - Knysna

Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free in the forest. This award-winning sanctuary is well known for its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously caged primates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, goes towards ensuring that these already endangered species can survive and reproduce for a future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The tour continues to the famous Eastern Head, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Knysna Heads (weather permitting). Afterwards you’ll travel to Brenton on Sea, a breath-taking holiday location and a nature lover’s paradise with its unspoilt beaches and peaceful surroundings. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 110 kms

Day 5: Friday - Knysna - Tsitsikamma

Travel to Plettenberg Bay, considered the jewel of the Garden Route, for a visit to the Birds of Eden sanctuary, the biggest single free flight aviary in the world. The sanctuary was developed to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards protecting genetically pure species of various Taxa in a semi-wild state and to hold the seeds of these Taxa for future reintroduction into the wild. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Our journey continues to Bloukrans Bridge, the highest single span arch bridge in the world, currently offering the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 100 kms

Day 6: Saturday - Tsitsikamma - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) - Johannesburg

Head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), affectionately known as the “friendly city”. Travel to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport for an onward flight to Johannesburg, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax (unescorted). Overnight in Johannesburg. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 185 kms

Day 7: Sunday - Johannesburg

Spend a full day exploring Soweto and surrounds, where some of the watershed events in the struggle against apartheid occurred. The tour starts with a drive past the FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City and the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990. The drive continues through Diepkloof, home to Soweto’s richest and then to Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was officially adopted in 1955. Drive past the Regina Mundi Church that played a pivotal role in the township’s history of resistance against apartheid. Then onto Vilakazi Street, the most famous street in Soweto, where two Nobel Prize winners once lived, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The afternoon will conclude with visits to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum that commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and the prestigious Apartheid Museum, that covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. Return to your hotel for overnight. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 100 kms

Day 8: Monday - Johannesburg

Enjoy a full day at leisure and unescorted. Perhaps join a tour to Maropeng, the Cradle of Mankind (optional and for own account) or enjoy some shopping at Nelson Mandela Square, home to a variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Overnight in Johannesburg. [Breakfast]

Day 9: Tuesday - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park

This morning you will be collected from your hotel, heading east to the Mpumalanga region. After freshening up at your lodge enter the world-famous Kruger National Park and spend the afternoon game viewing in your closed touring vehicle. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and you’ll soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. After an action-packed afternoon in the Kruger Park, enjoy dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 430 kms

Day 10: Wednesday - Kruger National Park

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life. There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to learn more about the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit. This specialist unit trains dogs to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Return to the lodge for lunch (own account) and a short siesta. In the afternoon we will journey once again through the magnificent expanses of the Kruger National Park, unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy an afternoon of game viewing in your closed touring vehicle pursuing the Big Five and other rare and endangered species. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 250 kms

Day 11: Thursday - Mpumalanga

Enjoy breakfast before setting out to explore the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the most scenic routes in the region, offering glorious views, spectacular landscapes and exquisite waterfalls. Visit majestic sights including God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Blyderiver Canyon – the third largest canyon of its kind in the world, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the charming village of Graskop, one of the first gold mining camps in the country. Optional (own account) open vehicle game drives are available, should you prefer not to join the Panorama Route tour. Return for a delectable dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 260 kms

Day 12: Friday - Mpumalanga - Johannesburg

Enjoy breakfast before starting the return journey to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg, at OR Tambo International Airport, at approximately 14h30, where the tour ends on arrival. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 400 kms

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to availability and a minimum of 2 adults travelling: ** MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences seek to encourage the greatest community benefit from travel and tourism, while also educating guests about The UN Global Sustainable Development Goals and the local community actions being taken to advance them. Rack Rates valid 01/01/24 – 31/12/24: DAY 8 – MONDAY – JOHANNESBURG

MORNING MAROPENG, CRADLE OF HUMANKIND & STERKFONTEIN CAVES TOUR – R 2 815.00 per person

Experience the birthplace of human life at the Cradle of Humankind, visit the Maropeng Museum and explore the Sterkfontein Caves (if open), discovery site of Mrs. Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull.

AFTERNOON PRETORIA TOUR – R 2 885.00 per person

Explore the highlights of Pretoria, including Paul Kruger House, Church Square, the Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings and City Hall. ** DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – INTRODUCTION TO THE ANTI-POACHING DOG UNIT– R 250.00 per person After the early morning open vehicle game safari, an introduction to the Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.

Our Gallery

South Africa Explorer - Cullinan Guided Journeys

South Africa Odyssey - Cullinan Guided Journeys

2024 English Departure Dates

January - 1, 15, 29
February - 5, 12, 19, 26
March - 4, 11, 18, 25
April - 1, 8
May - 6, 20
June - 10
July - 1, 15
August - 5, 19, 26
September - 2, 16, 23
October - 7, 14, 21, 28
November - 4, 11, 18, 25
December - 2

Tour Highlights:

Visit Dassiesfontein farmstall, packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
Visit to Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
Sample top-quality Port-style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well known for its fortified wines
Guided tour of the Cango Caves
Wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, Oudtshoorn
Guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
Immersive journey into the mythical Knysna Forests, discovering the legends build around woodcutters, elephants, steam trains and gold miners
Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary & Birds of Eden Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay
Bloukrans Bridge, near Nature's Valley (highest single span arch bridge in the world)
Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and scenic Storms River Mouth
Visit to vibrant Soweto, Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum
Two days of game viewing in the Kruger National Park including a thrilling open safari vehicle game drive with packed breakfast
Experience the spectacular scenic Panorama Route with visits to God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Enjoy carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

All departures are in English commentary
This Small Group Tour requires a minimum of 2 Guests to operate and will not exceed a maximum of 10 Guests
Transport will be in a Cullinan Guided Journeys branded vehicle with 2-10 guests travelling in a 13-seater vehicle

EXCLUDES

Flight and departure tax between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg
Recommended flight – FA376 departing Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) at 15h40, arriving in Johannesburg at 17h20

2024 RATES valid:
01/01/24-30/04/24
- R 48 190.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 56 620.00 per single person
01/05/24-30/09/24
- R 47 240.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 55 645.00 per single person
01/10/24-31/12/24
- R 48 980.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 57 500.00 per single person
Accommodation featured:
- La Plume Boutique Guest House in Oudtshoorn or similar x 2 nights
- Rex Hotel in Knysna or similar x 2 nights
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River or similar x 1 night
- Southern Sun Sandton in Johannesburg or similar x 3 nights
- Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar x 3 nights