South Africa Explorer 2021
From R37790
per personExperience 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.
-
DepartureCape Town, South Africa
-
Include11 breakfasts4 dinners1 lunchPorterageAccommodationTransportationSightseeing
-
Not Included3 x Mittagessen13 x Fruhstuck6 x Fruhstuck5 x Fruhstuck2 x Mittagessen1 x Abendessen4 x Abendessen1 x Mittagessen11 x FruhstuckBesichtigungen laut ReiseplanGepacktragergebuhrenTransportUbernachtung3 x Fruhstuck3 x Abendessen2 x craft beer tastings and brewery tours1 wine tasting at Buitenverwachting Wine EstateKliptown Open Air Museum1 x cheese & wine pairing1 wine tasting and a BBQ (Braai) lunch)2 x Craft Beer Tastings & a Beach BBQ (Braai) dinnerBoulders Beach1 wine tasting of five wines at Groot Constantia Wine EstateVisit to V&A WaterfrontMuizenberg BeachTable Mountain (excludes the cost of the Cable Way ticket & weather permitting)USB charging ports onboard vehicleWifi onboard vehicle1 wine tasting and a 2 course winelands lunchEntrance to the Franschhoek Motor MuseumSurface Tour at the Cullinan Diamond MineProfessional English Commentary only2nd Wine Tasting (time permitting)Shore-based Whale ExperienceCarlton CentreEntrance into Cradle of Humankind and SterkfonteinHector Peterson Memorial site (photo opportunity only)Lilliesleaf FarmEntrance to Sun City ResortClosed vehicle game drive in PIlanesburg Game ReserveVisit to Paul Kruger HouseVisit the Voortrekker MonumentVisit the Apartheid MuseumVisit to Hector Peterson MemorialRegina Mundi ChurchVisit to Constitution HillReturn transfer from main Sandton / Rosebank HotelsEntrance fees: God’s Window, Three Rondawels and Bourkes Luck PotholesBottled waterKruger National Park Conservation FeesReturn transfers from central Hazyview HotelsEntrance fee in to Addo Elephant National ParkClosed vehicle game drive in Addo Elephant National ParkElectric mountain bikes, helmets & water bottlesKirstenbosch Botanical Gardens1x wine-tasting at Stellenbosch Wine EstateCape Point Nature Reserve3 x wine tastings and 1 x cellar tourEstate is closed on Sundays, a visit to the Stoney Point Penguin Colony will be included instead.1 x wine-tasting at Bouchard Finlayson Wine EstateWelcome drink on arrivalEnglish-speaking game ranger2 -3 hour open vehicle game driveGuided tours at Zeits MOCCA and the Norval FoundationGuided tours of Company Gardens and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens3 x gin tastings2 hour cruise accompanied by marine biologistsChocolate and wine pairingCloete CellarCape Dutch Manor House at Groot ConstantiaGroot Constantia Wine EstateEntrance fees for guided tour of the Heart Museum2 x wine tastingsPassage on the wine tramEntrance to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market and Neighbourgoods Market at Old Biscuit MillInteractive djembe drumming session and set menu dinnerReturn transfers to / from Cape Town City Center Hotels with English driver onlyHigh tea buffetAn accredited fully licensed guide and use of riding gear1 x craft beer or 1 x wine tastingReturn transfers to / from Cape Town City Centre HotelsNational Park permits2 wine tastingsInteractive Djembe drumming session & set menu dinnerShow, 4-course dinner and a glass of sparkling wineRiding gear1 craft beer tasting or 1 wine tastingKruger National Park Conservation FeesLunchComplimentary collection service from select hotels*Return transfers from Port Elizabeth city centre hotelsFull board at Chobe only4 breakfastsReturn airfare ex Johannesburg14 breakfasts3 lunches13 breakfasts10 breakfasts2 dinners2 breakfasts6 breakfasts2 lunches1 dinner5 breakfastsAccommodation3 dinners3 breakfastsEntry FeesProfessional English-speaking Guide
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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]
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
2021 English Departures
- 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
- All departures are in English commentary
- Small Group Tour based on Minimum 2 Guests and Maximum 18 Guests
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
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
- R 37 790.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 44 390.00 per single person
- Accommodation featured:
- Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar x 1 night
- La Plume Boutique Guest House or similar x 1 night
- Rex Hotel or similar x 2 nights
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar x 1 night
- Holiday Inn Sandton or similar x 3 nights
- Protea Hotel Kruger Gate 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 EXCURSIONS:
- Optional Excursion Rates valid 01/01/21-31/12/21
- 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