South African Surprise
Overview
Our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of stark contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seeker's paradise, a wildlife enthusiast's dream, and a photographer’s canvas. Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never ceases to amaze, and the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains form a great part of this package, where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, and the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town. 15 Days Tour - Minimum 2 guests/Maximum 40 guests Departure Day - Sunday, selected departure dates ROUTING : JOHANNESBURG - CAPE TOWNEscorted Experience
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Guaranteed Departures
- Fixed Dates
- Professional Guide Throughout
- Modern Airconditioned Vehicle
- Small Group Tour
- First Class Hotels
Itinerary
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) 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 your fellow travellers.
Meal Plan: No Meal
This morning, we leave on a long drive to 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, home to the Three Rondavels and 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 visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Distance travelled today: 500 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for your own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that 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. Distance travelled today: 200 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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 south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland), for an overnight. Distance travelled today: 200 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Depart after breakfast on a long drive today, travelling 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 an overnight. Distance travelled today: 375 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for their own account) before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, which travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and the 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. Distance travelled today: 320 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, 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 (all activities are optional and for your own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. Distance travelled today: 280 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
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 your own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart after breakfast, on a long drive to the Eastern Cape, entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). Enroute 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. Distance travelled today: 520 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves. 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 on a long drive today, heading to the Tsitsikamma Forest. Distance travelled today: 510 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
After 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. Distance travelled today: 92 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
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. Distance travelled today: 180 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Today is a long journey travelling 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. Distance travelled today: 420 kms.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens (optional and for own account), or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Peninsula and Constantia Winelands (optional and for own account) or join a Robben Island and Cape Town’s Anti-Apartheid Struggle tour (optional and for own account). 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. Overnight in Cape Town.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
• 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners, including gratuities (excluding all beverages)
• 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
• Transportation, including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
Exclusions
•International / Domestic airfares.
•Optional activities.
•Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified in the program.
•Travel insurance.
•Voluntary tips for guides or drivers.
•Travel and medical insurance.
•Any items not mentioned as included.
•Check visa requirements for Eswatini (Swaziland).
Notes
Accommodation included:
4* Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar x 1 night
3* Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar x 2 nights
3* Piggs Peak Hotel or similar x 1 night
3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar x 1 night
3* Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar x 2 nights
4* Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar x 1 night
3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar x 1 night
4* The Rex Hotel or similar x 1 night
3* Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar x 1 night
3* Anew Hotel Green Point or similar x 2 nights
Transportation:
Transportation is in air-conditioned touring vehicles appropriate to the requirements of the tour
• 2 guests will travel in a sedan vehicle
• 3-10 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicle
• 11-14 guests will travel in a 15-seater vehicle
• 15-40 guests will travel in a coach
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 and a guided tractor tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
• Explore the small towns along the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn
• Sample top-quality Port-style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well known for its fortified wines
• Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
• Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.
NOTE
Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 05h15 and ends at 23h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent to make alternative transfer arrangements.
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 40 guests.
LANGUAGE: English commentary on all departures.
Prices are subject to alteration without prior notice. Prices are also subject to adjustment in the event of changes in government-imposed taxes, fuel prices, airfares, hotel charges, tourism levies and the introduction of national, regional or local taxes or levies of whatever nature.
Departure from Cape Town on Sunday.
