On arrival at Johannesburg Airport you will need to make your way to the Tourist Information desk in Terminal A to meet for your transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day and night is free but remember that it is a very early start tomorrow morning so an early night is suggested and check on breakfast times and if needed book a breakfast pack.

Departing the hotel early, meeting in the lobby by 06h00 and departing at 06h30, you will head north from Johannesburg – “The City of Gold”, like many intrepid explorers have done before, your journey takes you through the outskirts of the capital – Pretoria, and then out into the vast open plains of Africa. (BD)

Lunch today will be in the historic gold mining village of Haenertsburg (own expense). After lunch you descend into the Magoebaskloof, a spectacular lush mountainous area presided over by the Rain Queen – Modjadi. The last stretch of your journey today takes you into the Greater Kruger – world renowned for its protected natural environment and vast free-ranging animal populations.

Included Highlights / Activities: Scenic drive down to the Lowveld region, Private Game Reserve accommodation.

After a peaceful night’s rest you start the day with an early riser light breakfast of fresh coffee and rusks (a traditional South African biscuit), before embarking on your morning experience within the wild African bush. (BD)

Guided by a qualified ranger you explore the wilderness, with heightened senses, always on the lookout for an animal encounter while also discovering the smaller treasures often hidden from the eye. Before the heat of the day sets in you return to the lodge for a scrumptious brunch, after which it’s time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole attracts a variety of birds and wildlife that come to quench their thirst, displaying the pecking order ever so present. Unwind with a refreshing drink while game viewing from the deck.

With the heat subsiding in the late afternoon you embark on an open vehicle game drive which develops into an extensive night drive – in search of the nocturnal animals that come out after dark. As dusk approaches you pull over and enjoy a sun-downer drink or two, whilst marvelling at the magnificent sun setting over the African bushveld.

Included Highlights / Activities: Exclusive Private Game Reserve, Morning and afternoon guided experience in Big 5 area.

Rising with the African sun, a hearty breakfast is enjoyed before setting off to climb the escarpment and explore the many natural wonders and viewing points in this incredibly scenic region. First stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “Green Canyon”. After viewing the Canyon you continue on to visit the museum town of Pilgrim’s Rest where you enjoy a walk down through the main street whilst reliving the days of the early gold rush.(BD)

Today’s lunch will be at your own expense at a venue literally on the edge of the escarpment and offering the most incredible views over the entire Lowveld.

Included Highlights / Activities: Panorama Route, 3 Rondavels, Pilgrim’s Rest.
Optional Activities (additional cost): Gorge Swing.

Waking with the birds, you depart from the lodge at sunrise and travel a short distance to enter the southern sector of Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing. (BD)

Driving slowly through this iconic National Park – the size of Israel or Wales, you will spend the day in search of the many animal inhabitants. From the high vantage point and comfort of your well-equipped vehicle the view is excellent. Your expert guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the many animals you see in this fascinating environment. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, however, you will stop regularly at various designated sites to stretch your legs and also to enjoy an own-expense lunch at one of the rest camps in the Park. Late this afternoon you exit the Park and return to the comfort of your lodge.

Included Highlights / Activities: Southern section of Kruger National Park, Full day game drive.

Departing after breakfast you pass through the provincial capital Mbombela (Nelspruit), before leaving South Africa and crossing the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland), a small landlocked country, rich in culture and natural beauty. Your journey today takes you high into the mountains, past numerous traditional homesteads, and into an area of spectacular natural beauty. The area is home to many traditional craft industries and time permitting, you will visit one or more during your time here. (BD)

You will spend some time exploring this small country before arriving at your accommodation for the night and enjoying a locally cooked meal.

Included Highlights / Activities: Kingdom of eSwanti, Scenic drive.

Today you follow winding roads south through the Swazi countryside, before crossing back into South Africa. After completing the border formalities, you enter Zululand, a part of modern-day KwaZulu-Natal, and home to South Africa’s largest ethnic group – the Zulu people. Formed in the early 1800’s into the most powerful regional empire by King Shaka Zulu, the Zulus influenced a large part of southern Africa. (BL)

Once back in South Africa your journey continues to the bustling coastal town of St Lucia where you spend the next two nights.

Included Highlights / Activities: Scenic Drive through Swaziland, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Optional Activities (additional cost): Night drive in Wetland Park.

During your stay in St Lucia you will also visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Subtropical Coastal habitat with white beaches, tidal pools, offshore reefs and coastal dune forest. This unique combination of coastal reserve and Wetland Park offers an absolutely unique experience, where you drive through the park viewing rhino, buffalo and a multitude of other large animals, before going for a walk on a deserted beach where at any time you can take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. The day is spent exploring the beach, rock pools, pristine dune forest and other natural habitats of this amazing Park. (BL)

During the evenings you enjoy your dinners at one of the many local restaurants (own-expense). Beware of the wandering hippos that also visit town at night for a bite to eat.

Departing St Lucia after breakfast, you continue travelling through the rolling hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal, an area famous for various battles between the Boers and Zulus, British and Zulus and the Boers and British. The area is filled with numerous historic sites that helped shape modern day South Africa. (BLD)

This afternoon you reach the majestic Drakensberg mountain range that rises 3400m, known to the locals as “The Barrier of Spears”. After a full day you arrive at your accommodation, where we spend two nights in cosy cabins surrounded by breath-taking views.

Included Highlights / Activities: Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Gorge hike.
Optional Activities (additional cost): Horse riding.

Today you will conduct a day hike in the Tugela Gorge which is located in the Royal Natal National Park, part of Drakensberg World Heritage Site. From here you will have a spectacular view of the towering cliffs of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, at 948m the falls are widely accepted as being the second highest in the world.

With tired legs, today you travel further south whilst hugging the Drakensberg Mountains and make your way into the Natal midlands, a lush farming area known to be one of South Africa’s prettiest. (BLD)

Your overnight stop tonight is on a working ranch. You arrive in the afternoon and will have time to learn more about farming in this area as well as the fascinating history that surrounds the farm and buildings on the property. For the adventurous there will also be an opportunity to assist with some of the farm work in the afternoon or early morning. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional dinner prepared fresh from the farm gardens.

Included Highlights / Activities: Scenic drive through Southern Drakensberg, Local farm stay.

Another full day to enjoy the surroundings or just relax at the hotel. (BLD)

Departing from the Wild Coast you follow lesser known roads through the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and make your way into the Great Karoo, to Cradock, a town in the upper reaches of the Great Fish River valley, filled with rich history dating back to the mid 1800s. (BLD)

On arrival in Cradock you are met by a local guide who will take you on a colourful walking history tour, before you check into your accommodation for the night. You enjoy an evening surrounded by old fashion hospitality and history.

Included Highlights / Activities: Scenic drive in Eastern Cape, Historic town of Cradock, History Tour.

An early start, you will aim to enter the Mountain Zebra Park as the gate opens – this Park is unlike any of the others you have previously visited, being in the semi-desert of the Great Karoo, and is home to not only the endangered mountain zebra, but also springbok, ostrich, cheetah, buffalo, black rhino, and an array of birdlife. You spend a few hours in search of animals, and to take in the spectacular views, before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. (BL)

Once packed, you depart Cradock and head for the renowned Addo Elephant Park where elephants, buffalo and other animals can be viewed at close range in another unique environment, the succulent shrubs of the rhenosterveld. You will traverse this interesting National Park from the north to south.

Exiting in the late afternoon you travel the short distance back to the coast and to your hotel literally on the beachfront of the stunning Nelson Mandela Bay. The location of your hotel allows for you to stroll along the beachfront and to visit one of a variety of restaurants to enjoy an own expense dinner.

Included Highlights / Activities: Mountain Zebra National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Nelson Mandela Bay.

This morning you will have time for a stroll on the beach, perhaps a swim in the Indian Ocean or just a leisurely cup of coffee. After breakfast you then continue your journey into the heart of the spectacular Garden Route region. You will travel the length of this magnificent natural kingdom sandwiched between the ocean and the towering mountains, exploring the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here with the numerous estuaries, lakes and ancient forests. You will stop regularly to explore the highlights including the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park where you will enjoy a walk along the rugged coast and over the suspension bridge spanning the Storms River mouth. (BLD)

This afternoon you travel to the vibrant town of Knysna. Surrounded by indigenous forests, fynbos and lagoons, this little town is a gem in a natural Garden of Eden. On arrival you have time to explore.

Included Highlights / Activities: Tsitsikamma National Park, Coastal hike.

Departing from Knysna you follow the coast through several small towns as you make your way down to Cape Agulhas – the most southerly point on the African continent. Here you will conduct a short walk down to the beach to experience first-hand the theoretical meeting point of the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian oceans. (BLD)

A picnic style lunch is enjoyed by all with the crisp clean ocean breeze, before leaving this treasure and retiring to your accommodation in Arniston. An afternoon walk down to the huge sea cave, Waenhuiskrans, is recommended.

Included Highlights / Activities: Cape Agulhas, Waenhuiskrans.

A relaxed morning drive takes you on the “Whale Route” through Hermanus – known across the world for excellent land based whale watching. You then hug the coast around the Hottentots Holland Mountains toward Betty’s Bay where you visit a small colony of African Penguins. (B)

This afternoon you travel one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world, along the edge of False Bay, before making your way towards the “Mother City”, Cape Town. Mid-afternoon you will arrive at your hotel, located in Sea Point. The hotel is conveniently located close to award winning restaurants, galleries, vibrant nightlife and the ocean promenade.
Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, rich in culture, award winning wines, world class restaurants, fashion and people from all walks of life, guests are encouraged to spend some extra time to explore the ‘Mother City’, and we would be happy to assist in making arrangements.

Included Highlights / Activities: Scenic drive to Cape Town, Coastal roads.
Optional Activities (additional cost): Parasailing, Boat cruise, Robben Island, Table Mountain.

Your tour ends after breakfast today. (B)