South Africa Explorer 2021 - 2022 - Cullinan Guided Journeys

South Africa Explorer 2021 – 2022

From R37790

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

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

Day 1: Monday - Cape Town - Mossel Bay

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. 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, the third oldest town in South Africa, to Mossel Bay, from where the Garden Route extends to the Storms River in the east. Overnight in Mossel Bay. Distance travelled today: 507 kms

Day 2: Tuesday - Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn

After breakfast we continue our journey to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world and home to the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. Visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine estate before setting off on a tour of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 155 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. Enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Lunch] Distance travelled today: 134 kms

Day 4: Thursday - Knysna

Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Knysna area. Your journey will include a visit to the Garden of Eden, set in the lush, green, indigenous Knysna forest. The major attraction is the forest itself, beautiful yellow wood trees, thick green foliage and streams. Afterwards you’ll have the opportunity to visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, where you will be able to see a variety of primates, roaming free in the forest. The sanctuary is well known for its efforts to rehabilitate and free previously caged primates. 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, the jewel of the Garden Route, before visiting 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. 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 - Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg

Head eastwards along the Tsitsikamma Forest to Port Elizabeth, known as the “friendly city” with a wonderful climate. Travel to Port Elizabeth 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. The tour starts with a visit to the prestigious Apartheid Museum, located in Johannesburg’s Ormondo suburb. The museum covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. From here you will continue to Soweto for a tour through this vibrant township. You will visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial that commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against Apartheid. Continue to the Liliesleaf Heritage Site for a tour. Once known as Liliesleaf Farm this fascinating heritage site is closely linked to the Rivonia Treason Trial that lead to Nelson Mandela’s incarceration. In the early 1960’s Liliesleaf was a sanctuary where most prominent leaders of South Africa’s struggle against Apartheid sought shelter, attended secret meetings and engaged in key debates on political and military policy and strategy. You will learn in detail what happened during those days and the ultimate arrest of Nelson Mandela. 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 authentic cuisine from the region, around a cosy campfire at your lodge. [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 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. 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 the lodge for a dinner of African specialities, served outdoors by the light of a campfire. [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 to your lodge for a delectable buffet Boma Dinner, served under the light of the stars. [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

Our Gallery

South Africa Explorer - Cullinan Guided Journeys

South Africa Odyssey - Cullinan Guided Journeys

Kruger Park Uncovered - Cullinan Guided Journeys

2021 English Departure Dates

January - 11, 25
February - 8, 15, 22
March - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April - 5, 12, 26
May - 10, 24
June - 14
July - 5, 19
August - 2, 16, 30
September - 13, 20, 27
October - 4, 11, 18, 25
November - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December - 6

2022 English Departure Dates

January - 10, 24
February - 7, 14, 21, 28
March - 7, 14, 21, 28
April - 4, 11, 25
May - 9, 23
June - 13
July - 4, 18
August - 1, 15, 29
September - 12, 19, 26
October - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November - 7, 14, 21, 28
December - 5

Tour Highlights:

Visit Dassiesfontein farmstall, packed with locally produced products from the Overberg region
Visit to Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa)
Visit to Cape St Blaize Cave in Mossel Bay, site of one of South Africa’s oldest archaeological excavations, and known as the Cradle of Human Culture
Guided tour of the Cango Caves
Wine tasting in the scenic Schoemanshoek Valley, Oudtshoorn
Guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
Lagoon cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna
Enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve
Visit to the Big Tree set in the lush, green indigenous forest
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, Hector Pieterson Memorial and Liliesleaf Heritage Site
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

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 18 Guests
Transport will be in a Cullinan Guided Journeys branded vehicle with 2-8 guests travelling in a 13 seater vehicle, 9-11 guests in a 15 seater and 12-18 guests in a coach

EXCLUDES

Flight and departure tax between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg
Please book PLZ/JNB flight to depart Port Elizabeth after 14h30 (Day 6). Recommended flight – BA6244 departing Port Elizabeth at 16h15, arriving Johannesburg at 17h50

2021 RATES valid:

01/01/21-30/04/21 & 01/10/21-31/12/21
- R 38 600.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 45 200.00 per single person
01/05/21-30/09/21
- R 37 790.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 44 390.00 per single person

2022 RATES valid:
01/01/22-30/04/22
- R 40 190.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 47 115.00 per single person
01/05/22-30/09/22
- R 39 560.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 46 670.00 per single person
01/10/22-31/12/22
- R 40 850.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 48 015.00 per single person

Accommodation featured:
- Diaz Hotel & Resort in Mossel Bay or similar x 1 night
- La Plume Boutique Guest House in Oudtshoorn or similar x 1 night
- Rex Hotel in Knysna or similar x 2 nights
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River or similar x 1 night
- Holiday Inn Sandton in Johannesburg or similar x 3 nights
- Protea Hotel Kruger Gate on the border of the Kruger National Park or similar x 3 nights

- OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
  - Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 people travelling.
Optional Excursion Rates valid 01/01/21-31/12/22
DAY 8 - AFTERNOON SOWETO & JOHANNESBURG BREWERY TOUR – R 1 720.00 per person
Visit two microbreweries, one in the heart of Johannesburg, the other in vibrant Soweto. Enjoy a tour of each brewery and sample the locally made beer.
DAY 8 - MORNING MAROPENG, CRADLE OF HUMANKIND & STERKFONTEIN CAVES TOUR – R 1 900.00 per person
Experience the birthplace of human life at the Cradle of Humankind, visit the Maropeng Museum and explore the Sterkfontein Caves, discovery site of Mrs Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull.
DAY 8 - AFTERNOON PRETORIA TOUR – R 1 590.00 per person
Explore the highlights of Pretoria, including Paul Kruger House, Church Square, the Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings and City Hall