South Africa Journey, Johannesburg to Capetown

The definitive tour to cover the highlights of South Africa. The entire tour is conducted by no more than two expert guides, ensuring continuity throughout your tour. Small vehicles for personalised service. Experienced, knowledgable, expert guides in luxurious, safe, air-conditioned vehicle.

Day 1 - Saturday
Private transfer from Johannesburg International Airport to the hotel. Half-day city tour which brings you to the "Top of Africa" at the Carlton Centre (entrance fee not included) passing Hillbrow en route. You then visit the historical buildings downtown, the Stock Exchange and De Beers. Proceed to the arty suburb of Melville and return via the Emmarentia Gardens and Rosebank to your hotel.
Bed/Breakfast: Sandton Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza

Day 2 - Sunday
Depart Johannesburg and travel via Witbank, Belfast and Lydenburg and Long Tom Pass. We continue our journey to the historic Pilgrims Rest where the richest alluvial gold deposits in South Africa were discovered in 1873.
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: The Royal Hotel

Day 3 - Monday
After breakfast we depart Pilgrim's Rest and visit the Mac Mac Waterfalls, travelling via the small towns of Sabie and Hazyview. Arrive at your hotel set in indigenous forests, where you may experience the true chorus of Africa - the grunt of a hippo, the bark of a baboon or a laugh with the hyena. Afternoon game drives in the Kruger Park with the option of experiencing the animals in an Open Safari Vehicle, when the heat of the day subsides and the hunters of the night appear. Dinner will be served under the stars in an African Boma (weather permitting).
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: Protea Hotel Kruger Gate

Day 4 - Tuesday
After breakfast, depart for the Kruger National Park where animals seen may include lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and many species of antelope as well as prolific plant and birdlife. Depart the Park and continue to your private game lodge . Arrive in time for afternoon tea, and evening game viewing in an Open Safari Landrover with experienced Rangers & Trackers.
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: Bongani Mountain Game Lodge

Day 5 - Wednesday
An early morning game activity. After breakfast depart via Jeppe's Reef through Eastern Swaziland and along the Lebombo Mountains. Leave Swaziland at Golela and proceed to Ubizane Wildlife Reserve in time for your afternoon game drive in an Open Safari Landrover.
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: Ubizane Wildlife Reserve

Day 6 - Thursday
After breakfast depart for Hluhluwe, South Africa's oldest game reserve. Spend time searching for the famed White Rhino. We then visit St Lucia, a world heritage site. Enjoy a cruise on the lake known as a bird's paradise. Here you may see pelicans, flamingoes, hippos and even crocodiles. Drop off at your hotel or at Durban International Airport.
Bed/Breakfast: Umhlanga Protea Hotel

Day 7 - Friday
Optional full day tour of Shakaland. Depart Durban and travel to Eshowe and the authentic Zulu Kraal of Shakaland. Feel the pulsating rhythm of Africa as you relive the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus. Experience the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer making ceremony. Traditional Zulu lunch (included) will be served.
Bed/Breakfast: Umhlanga Protea Hotel

Day 8 - Saturday
Morning at leisure. Scheduled transfer to Durban International Airport for flight to Port Elizabeth (excluded). Scheduled transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to the hotel.
Bed/Breakfast: Kingsbeach Holiday Inn Garden Court

Day 9 - Sunday
Today we enter the Garden Route via the rainforests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Victorian passes of Bloukrans and Groot River. After a short stop in the "millionaires' playground" of Plettenberg Bay we reach Knysna with ample time to explore the village.
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: Knysna Quays Protea Hotel

Day 10 - Monday
A scenic drive through Wilderness to Mossel Bay and the famous "Post Office Tree". Continue over the Robinson Pass and experience the sudden change to semi-desert. We visit Oudtshoorn - home of the ostrich. After a tour of an ostrich farm we go underground at the Cango Caves. Time permitting an optional tour of the Crocodile and Cheetah Park is available.
Dinner/Bed/Breakfast: Riempie Estate

Day 11 - Tuesday
The true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the magnificence of the ever-changing semi-desert areas, folded sandstone mountains of the Huis River and Tradouw Passes, the charming town of Swellendam, and the mountain plateau of expansive apple orchards in and around Grabouw. Your day ends with your first glimpse of Table Mountain at the top of the famous Sir Lowry's Pass.
Bed/Breakfast: Waterfront Holiday Inn

Day 12 - Wednesday
Full day tour of the highlights of the Cape Peninsula and winelands. Travel via Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. We continue towards Simonstown and Muizenberg. After lunch (not included), an introduction to South African wines at a local wine estate. Drive through the University town of Stellenbosch before returning to the hotel. Please note: the drive along Chapman's Peak is subject to the road being open.
Bed/Breakfast: Waterfront Holiday Inn

Day 13 - Thursday
Morning at leisure. Private transfer to Cape Town International Airport.