South African Odyssey 2020

From R41500

per person

Experience 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 Swaziland and time spent meandering along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, finalising your journey in beautiful Cape Town.

14 Days

Adventure

City

Culture

Departure

Johannesburg, South Africa
Include

3 lunches

13 breakfasts

3 dinners

Porterage

Accommodation

Transportation

Sightseeing
Not Included

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

4 dinners

10 breakfasts

2 dinners

2 breakfasts

6 breakfasts

2 lunches

1 dinner

1 lunch

5 breakfasts

Accommodation

3 breakfasts

Entry Fees

Professional English-speaking Guide

From Our Gallery

South Africa Odyssey - Cullinan Guided Journeys

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

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

Day 3: Tuesday - Mpumalanga

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

Day 4: Wednesday - Mpumalanga

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

Day 5: Thursday - Mpumalanga - Eswatini (Swaziland)

This morning we travel to 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 Swaziland and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in Swaziland. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 310 kms

Day 6: Friday - Eswatini (Swaziland) - Zululand

After breakfast we will continue south through Swaziland, 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-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 360 kms

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

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

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

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

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

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 an evening of delicious Cape food, captivating theatre and entertaining tales and songs about the people of the Cape. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 10 kms

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

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]

(OPTIONAL) FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS

Day 11: Wednesday - Oudtshoorn - Franschhoek
- 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 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, your story telling guide will take you through Franschhoek village, sharing with you the fascinating history of the French Huguenots. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll be rejoining the main tour. [Breakfast]

Our Gallery

South Africa Odyssey - Cullinan Guided Journeys

Kruger Park Uncovered - Cullinan Guided Journeys

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

2020 German Departures

January - 5
February - 2
March - 1
April - 5
May - 3
June - 7
July - 5
August - 2
September - 6
October - 4
November - 1
December - 6

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

All departures are in English. German commentary is available on selected departure dates.
Minimum 2 Guests, Maximum 18 Guests
Tour will not be operational on 8, 15 December 019 & 12, 19 January 2020

Visa Requirements:

This tour travels through Swaziland. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through 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

2020 Rates

RATES valid 01/01/20 - 30/04/20 & 01/09/20 - 31/12/20
- R 45,310 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 55,195 per single person
RATES valid 01/05/20 - 31/08/20
- R 41,500 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 49,665per single person
Accommodation used:
- 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 01/01/20 - 31/12/20 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 3 995.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
  - R 5 025.00 per single person

South African Odyssey 2020