South African Surprise 2020 – 2021
From R28330
per personFrom Big 5 safaris to explorations of coastal wetlands and inland mountains, this is the ultimate South African journey.
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 and time spent in the wetlands of St Lucia. Visit the country’s largest mountain range, the Drakensberg, then meander down the pretty Eastern Cape Coast to Knsyna. The Garden Route is the final part of your journey before spending a few days in Cape Town.
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DepartureJohannesburg, South Africa
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IncludeKruger National Park Conservation Fees14 breakfasts4 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 tastingLunchComplimentary collection service from select hotels*Return transfers from Port Elizabeth city centre hotelsFull board at Chobe only4 breakfastsReturn airfare ex Johannesburg3 lunches13 breakfasts10 breakfasts2 dinners2 breakfasts6 breakfasts2 lunches1 dinner1 lunch5 breakfastsAccommodation3 dinners3 breakfastsEntry Fees
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Day 1: Sunday - Johannesburg
Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
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Day 2: Monday - Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Panorama Route
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 500 kms
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Day 3: Tuesday - Mpumalanga - Kruger National Park
We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure. [Packed Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
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Day 4: Wednesday - Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa. 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]
Distance travelled today: 280 kms
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Day 5: Thursday - eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia and Surrounds
This morning we journey through eSwatini into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. There is an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account). Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for you overnight stay. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 350 kms
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Day 6: Friday - St Lucia and Surrounds - Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning boat cruise (optional and for own account) on Lake St Lucia, to experience Africa's largest estuarine system, before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
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Day 7: Saturday - Durban - Drakensberg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300 foot high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (optional and for own account). Sit down to an extensive dinner buffet at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 280 kms
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Day 8: Sunday - Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from. [Breakfast & Dinner]
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Day 9: Monday - Drakensberg - Eastern Cape Coast
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious seafood buffet awaits you for dinner at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 520 kms
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Day 10: Tuesday - Eastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 510 kms
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Day 11: Wednesday - Tsitsikamma - Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel's trendy restaurant. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 92 kms
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Day 12: Thursday - Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Mossel Bay
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
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Day 13: Friday - Mossel Bay - Cape Town
Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 420 kms
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Day 14: Saturday - Cape Town (unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account), or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sighseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town's many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]
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Day 15: Sunday - Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [Breakfast]
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OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 people travelling:
- Rack Rates valid 01/01/21 – 31/12/21:
- DAY 2 - MONDAY: HAZYVIEW - SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER - R 550.00 per person
- Experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star studded sky. (This experience is weather permitting & subject to availability at the time of booking)
- DAY 3 – TUESDAY: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – R 1 040.00 per person
- Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.
- DAY 3 - TUESDAY: HAZYVIEW - SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE - R 550.00 per person
- Enjoy an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment.
- DAY 5 – THURSDAY HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – R 870.00 per person
- Enjoy an afternoon, 3-hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
- DAY 6 – FRIDAY – ST LUCIA: GAME VIEWING BOAT CRUISE – R 340.00 per person
- Enjoy a game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia (depending on weather conditions), getting up close to the sights and sounds of hippos and crocodiles and marvelling at the plentiful birdlife.
- DAY 8 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS: 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1 425.00 per person
- Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
- DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN: AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING – R 830.00 per person
- Join a fun filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
- DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN: MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR – R 570.00 per person excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket
- Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.
- DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN: FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – R 1 300.00 per person
- Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.
- DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – R 1 065.00 per person
- While South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
2020 English Departures
- January - 12
- February - 9
- March - 8
- April - 12
- May - 10
- June - 7
- July - 5, 19
- August - 2, 16
- September - 6
- October - 4, 18
- November - 1, 15
- December - 6
2021 English Departures
- January - 10
- February - 7
- March - 7
- April - 11
- May - 9
- June - 6
- July - 4, 18
- August - 1, 15
- September - 5
- October - 3, 17
- November - 7, 21
- December - 5
- All departures are in English commentary
- Group Tour based on Minimum 2 Guests and Maximum 40 Guests
- This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.
2020 & 2021 Rates
- RATES valid 01/01/20 - 30/04/20 and 01/01/21 - 30/04/21
- R 29,585 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 37,895 per single person
- RATES valid 01/05/20 - 31/07/20 and 01/05/21 - 31/07/21
- R 28,330 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 36,720 per single person
- RATES valid 01/08/20 - 31/12/20 and 01/08/21 - 31/12/21
- R 30,535 per person sharing twin/double accomodation
- R 39,435 per single person
- Accommodation featured:
- Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar x 1 night
- Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar x 2 nights
- Lugogo Sun or similar x 1 night
- Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
- Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar x 1 night
- Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar x 2 nights
- Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar x 1 night
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar x 1 night
- Premier Hotel The Moorings or similar x 1 night
- Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar x 1 night
- Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar x 2 nights