South African Odyssey 2020 – 2021
From R41500
per personExperience the best of South Africa on this two-week itinerary.
Spend two weeks discovering the very best of South Africa. Highlights include Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park, a trip through the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) and time spent meandering along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, finalising your journey in beautiful Cape Town.
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DepartureJohannesburg, South Africa
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Include3 lunches13 breakfasts3 dinnersPorterageAccommodationProfessional English-speaking GuideTransportationSightseeing
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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 Museum11 breakfasts1 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 breakfasts4 dinners10 breakfasts2 dinners2 breakfasts6 breakfasts2 lunches1 dinner1 lunch5 breakfastsAccommodation3 breakfastsEntry Fees
1
Day 1: Sunday - Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure & unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax at your hotel. At 19h00 we will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
Distance travelled today: 35 kms
2
Day 2: Monday - Johannesburg - Mpumalanga
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. 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. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 425 kms
3
Day 3: Tuesday - Mpumalanga - Panorama Route
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.
We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
4
Day 4: Wednesday - Mpumalanga - Kruger National Park
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari (with English speaking game ranger) through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional & for own account). [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 120 kms
5
Day 5: Thursday - Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 310 kms
6
Day 6: Friday - eSwatini (Swaziland) - Zululand
After breakfast we will continue south through eSwatini, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional and for own account with an English speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of white rhino.
Overnight in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
7
Day 7: Saturday - Zululand - Durban (Umhlanga)
This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 275 kms
8
Day 8: Sunday - Durban (Umhlanga) - Knysna
After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where we will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). We’ll arrive at our hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
9
Day 9: Monday - Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where we 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. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 15 kms
10
Day 10: Tuesday - Knysna - Oudtshoorn
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the “ostrich capital” and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. We’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before taking 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. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account).
Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 210 kms
11
Day 11: Wednesday - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue straight through to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. (The tour will travel via Franschhoek, if there are guests booked on the Franschhoek option)
Overnight in Cape Town [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 468 kms
12
Day 12: Thursday - Cape Town (unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 10 kms
13
Day 13: Friday - Cape Town
Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
14
Day 14: Saturday - Cape Town
Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account & time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbour or railway station for your onward journey. [Breakfast]
15
FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION
- FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION
- If you've always dreamed of experiencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will have the opportunity to maximise your experience of picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality and fine wines, thereafter rejoining the tour with minimum disruption.
- Day 11: Wednesday - Oudtshoorn - Franschhoek
- Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Overnight in Franschhoek. [Breakfast]
- DAY 12: Thursday - Franschhoek - Cape Town
- After a leisurely breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out to the picturesque Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch, surrounded by awe inspiring scenery. With extraordinary wine estates and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your knowledgeable guide will create a memorable Winelands experience. Enjoy two wine tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you'll re-join the main tour. [Breakfast & Dinner]
2020 English Departures
- January - 5, 12, 19, 26
- February - 2, 9, 16, 23
- March - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- April - 5, 12, 19, 26
- May - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- June - 7, 14, 21, 28
- July - 5, 12, 19, 26
- August - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- September - 6, 13, 20, 27
- October - 4, 11, 18, 25
- November - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- December - 6, 13
2021 English Departures
- January - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- February - 7, 14, 21, 28
- March - 7, 14, 21, 21, 28
- April - 4, 11, 18, 25
- May - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- June - 6, 13, 20, 27
- July - 4, 11, 18, 25
- August - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- September - 5, 12, 19, 26
- October - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- November - 7, 14, 21, 28
- December - 5, 12
- All departures are in English commentary
- Small Group Tour based on Minimum 2 Guests and Maximum 18 Guests
- This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland).
EXCLUDES
- FLIGHT: DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - PORT ELIZABETH (DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8
- Please book flights to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09h00. Tour departs from Port Elizabeth between 10h00-10h30 on Day 8. Recommended flight - BA6324 departing Durban at 07h45, arriving Port Elizabeth 09h05
2020 and 2021 Rates
RATES valid :- 01/01/20 - 30/04/20 & 01/09/20 - 31/12/20
- 01/01/21 - 30/04/21 & 01/09/21 - 31/12/21
- R 45,310 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 55,195 per single person
- 01/05/20 - 31/08/20 and 01/05/21 - 31/08/21
- R 41,500 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 49,665 per single person
- Accommodation featured:
- Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar x 1 night
- Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar x 3 nights
- Royal Swazi Sun or similar x 1 night
- Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
- Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar x 1 night
- Rex Hotel or similar x 2 nights
- Hlangana Lodge or similar x 1 night
- President Hotel or similar x 3 nights
ADDITIONAL:
There is an opportunity to maximise your experience of the Cape Winelands, with an optional overnight stay (at a supplementary cost) in the picturesque village of Franschhoek on Day 11, rejoining the main tour on Day 12.- FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION:
- RATES are valid 01/01/21 - 31/12/21 as a supplement to the tour price:
- Accommodation based on Protea Hotel Franschhoek or similar (the option is subject to availability at the time of booking
- R 2 520.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 2 760.00 per single person