South African Surprise 2024

From R34500

per person

From 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 Knysna. The Garden Route is the final part of your journey before spending a few days in Cape Town.

15 Days

Adventure

City

Culture

Departure

Johannesburg, South Africa
Include

Kruger National Park Conservation Fees

14 breakfasts

4 dinners

Porterage

Accommodation

Professional English-speaking Guide

Transportation

Sightseeing
Not Included

3 x wine tastings

Robben Island Excursion

6 x Dinners

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

11 breakfasts

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

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

3 lunches

13 breakfasts

10 breakfasts

2 dinners

2 breakfasts

6 breakfasts

2 lunches

1 dinner

1 lunch

5 breakfasts

Accommodation

3 dinners

3 breakfasts

Entry Fees

From Our Gallery

South African Surprise - Cullinan Guided Journeys

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.

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, 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

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 to relax. [Packed Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 200 kms

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 south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini for overnight. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 5: Thursday - eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia and Surrounds

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. 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. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 375 kms

Day 6: Friday - St Lucia and Surrounds - Durban

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour 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

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 a sumptuous dinner buffet at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 280 kms

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]

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 former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 520 kms

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

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

Day 12: Thursday - Knysna - Oudtshoorn

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, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 180 kms

Day 13: Friday - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 420 kms

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]

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]

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:

Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to availability and a minimum of 2 adults travelling: ** MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences seek to encourage the greatest community benefit from travel and tourism, while also educating guests about The UN Global Sustainable Development Goals and the local community actions being taken to advance them. Rack Rates valid 01/01/24 – 31/12/24: Rates include a fuel levy that is subject to change, should there be further increases to the fuel price DAY 3 – TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1 360.00 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 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI including an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit– R 1 585.00 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. The game safari includes an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. DAY 6 – FRIDAY - HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – MORNING OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI – R 1 065.00 per person Enjoy a morning, 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 8 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – R 1 670.00 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 1 010.00 per person Join a full filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR - R 745.00 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 1 575.00 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 1 415.00 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. ** DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE – R 3 500.00 per person Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research programmes to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 14: Life below Water.

Our Gallery

South African Surprise - Cullinan Guided Journeys

South Africa Odyssey - Cullinan Guided Journeys

Kruger and the Kingdoms - Cullinan Guided Journeys

2024 English Departure Dates

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

Tour Highlights:

Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
Orientation tour of Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens
Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
Overnight in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast
Travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house
Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
Overnight in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa
Guided tour of the Cango Caves
Guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
Sample top-quality Port-style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well-known for it's fortified wines
Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit

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All departures are in English commentary
This Group Tour requires a minimum of 2 Guests to operate and will not exceed a maximum of 40 Guests
Transport will be in a Cullinan Guided Journeys vehicle with 2-8 guests travelling in a 13-seater vehicle, 9-11 guests in a 15-seater vehicle and 12-40 guests in a coach
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.

2024 Rates valid:

RATES valid 01/01/24 - 30/04/24
- R 37 470.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 46 910.00 per single person
RATES valid 01/05/24 - 31/07/24
- R 34 500.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 43 330.00 per single person
RATES valid 01/08/24 - 31/12/24
- R 38 460.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
- R 48 370.00 per single person

Accommodation included:
- Protea Hotel OR Tambo in Johannesburg or similar x 1 night
- Hippo Hollow Country Estate in Hazyview or similar x 2 nights
- Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino (eSwatini) or similar x 1 night
- Anew Hotel Hluhluwe in Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
- Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge in Umhlanga or similar x 1 night
- Drakensberg Gardens Hotel in Underberg (southern Drakensberg) or similar x 2 nights
- Crawford’s Beach Lodge in Chintsa or similar x 1 night
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River or similar x 1 night
- Premier Hotel The Moorings in Knysna or similar x 1 night
- Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar x 1 night
- SunSquare Cape Town Gardens in Cape Town or similar x 2 nights