Southern African Tours

17-Day Bush Beach Canyon Culture & Cape Town

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 17 days / 16 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Stellenbosch or Durban
• Price: From R23999 per person

Tour Highlights

• Soweto
• Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon
• Swaziland
• St Lucia
• St Francois
• Addo National Park
• Knysa
• Oudtshoorn
• Cape Town

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Cultural, Self Drive

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Johannesburg

   Johannesburg City - Soweto- Sandton & Apartheid museum
   This afternoon you visit Soweto on a guided tour, departing from your accommodation with an experienced local township guide. You then visit Soweto township and Freedom Square (tour included)
   A walking tour and drive will take us to and past various points of interest. Home of Mandela, Winnie Mandela and the FNB stadium. Home to the late former president, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Then it's the Apartheid Museum which illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa's era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see. Time permitting and depending on the tour option the tour takes you to Lilliesleaf, which was the farm used secretly by African National Congress activists in the 1960s and the location where many prominent African National Congress leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial. Nowadays Liliesleaf Farm is a Museum and heritage site, attracting many visitors annually. Nelson Mandela was captured here which lead to the famous Rivonia trial.

   OVERNIGHT: 50 on Shepard

2. DAY 2: Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

   Blyde River Canyon & the Panorama Route
   You depart for the beautiful Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga.
   You follow the scenic Panorama Route and admire God's Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the various Canyon waterfalls. Pilgrim's Rest is an authentic historical village dating from the first South African gold rush and now a National Monument.
   Time permitting, a swim in the beautiful MacMac pools to cool off.
   Accommodation is near the edge of the canyon.

   OVERNIGHT: Graskop Hotel

3. DAY 3: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve to Kruger National Park

   Kruger National Park Safaris
   This morning you finish the tour of the ''Panorama route'' before departing for the famous Kruger Park. The Kruger is renowned for being the richest
   animal kingdom on the planet. Thereafter a glorious 4×4 sunset safari with a professional ranger pursuing the Big 5 and other rare and endangered species (safari included).
   Accommodation in National Park chalets.

   OVERNIGHT: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

4. DAY 4: Kruger National Park

   Kruger National Park Safaris
   Around 4.30 am you leave camp for a 3 hr morning 4×4 safari with a professional ranger to witness the African Savannah and wildlife in all its splendor (safari included).
   Return to camp for a hearty breakfast
   followed by a full day safari with your guide.
   An optional night drive and or a bus walk can be booked in advance by us
   Accommodation in National Park chalets.
   NB: If accommodation is outside the Kruger Park a Full day 4×4 safari with a professional ranger will replace the 2 x 3 hour game drives (included).

   OVERNIGHT: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

5. DAY 5: Kruger National Park to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

   Kingdom of Swaziland & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
   Departure for the Kingdom of Swaziland (passport required). The landscapes are very similar to those of Switzerland. This small, landlocked monarchy is known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. Marking its northeastern border with Mozambique and stretching down to South Africa, the Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for Mlawula Nature Reserve's many hiking trails. Nearby Hlane Royal National Park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants. We visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and the oldest mine in the world.
   At Mbabane, capital of Swaziland we admire the Royal Palace, Parliament, the Kings Mausoleum and a craft market in the Ezulwini Valley.
   Overnight at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (depending on availability). Home to animals such as antelopes and zebras, as well as many birds. Several trails and tracks suitable for horses run up Nyonyane Mountain to the craggy summit known as Execution Rock.

   OVERNIGHT: Mantenga Lodge

6. DAY 6: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Isimangaliso Wetland Park

   Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
   After breakfast you visit the Swaziland candle factory and "House of fire". Before departing for St Lucia situated along the tropical coast of Zulu land. En route you visit a typical Swazi village and orphanage run by a lady who has no NGO or governmental aid but some how has given hope to many orphan children. An authentic experience that will leave us with fond memories of her courage.
   Lunch on the way.
   Upon arrival you take a cruise (included) on the St. Lucia wetlands, home to a multitude of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and a World Heritage Site. It is in this complex ecosystem where bush meets beach, mangrove and sand forests are home to a stupendous diversity of wildlife and flora. You have the opportunity to encounter hippos, crocodiles, eagles and maybe even the elusive leopard.
   4 star B&B in the heart of the St Lucia wetland park area.

   OVERNIGHT: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

7. DAY 7: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

   Hluhluze / Umfolozi National Park
   Early morning start for St Lucia for Hluhluze / Umfolozi Park, the 2nd oldest national park in the world and home to the “B5″ and also renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction.
   You will spend the day exploring this vast reserve accompanied by a professional ranger in a 4×4 (included, full day with lunch).
   Later in the afternoon you return to St Lucia village. Time to soak up the last sun rays on the beautiful beaches which surround the famous estuary.

   OVERNIGHT: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

8. DAY 8: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House to Isimangaliso Wetland Park

   Isimangaliso Wetland Park to Cape Vidal
   This morning you head into iSimangaliso Wetland Park (the worlds most diverse) where you visit the western and eastern shores exploring the incredible diversity with the opportunity to snorkel the world's southern most coral reefs, home to hundreds of fish species. This is also the place where one can dive with the dolphins at Cape Vidal.
   
   Or if the conditions are appropriate you can head north to Sodwana Bay where you have the opportunity (optional) to swim with the dolphins, snorkel among the richest coral reefs on earth or if you have your PADI qualification, scuba dive.
   
   The coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only remaining nesting site in Africa where Loggerhead and Leather back turtles still lay their eggs. In the summer season you can partake in a night safari to visit these endangered marine animals.

   OVERNIGHT: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

9. DAY 9: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House to Eastern Cape (South Africa)

   Durban to Cape St Francis Eastern Cape
   This morning after a hearty breakfast you head South along the KZN coastline to Durban "King Shaka" airport. Time permitting you can do a historical tour of the Durban, known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer's 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species.
   
   On arrival in Port Elizabeth you collect your at the airport and continue on our journey to the Eastern Cape's holiday village of Cape St Francis known for it's beautiful beaches, lagoons and a as a surfers paradise.

   OVERNIGHT: Cape St Francis Resort

10. DAY 10: Cape St Francis Resort to Cape St Francis

    Cape St Francis & the Sunshine Coast
    Today you can relax on the beautiful beaches a mere hundred meters from your accommodation. Take a drive to Jeffrey's Bay and hire a board. This coastline is famous for producing some of if not the worlds best surf breaks. Browse the factory surf shops for your pair of baggies, a bikini or a wetsuit perhaps! If you feel you would like to do another safari the addo elephant national park is a 2 hr away.

    OVERNIGHT: Cape St Francis Resort

11. DAY 11: Cape St Francis to Knysna

    The Garden Route Tsitsikamma National Park & Knysna
    This morning you leave for the Tsitsikamma National Park (optional) where you walk in the indigenous forests and cross the mouth of the Storms river via a suspension bridge. Beautiful scenery of the dramatic coastline.
    You then visit the "Big tree" one of South Africa's biggest and oldest Yellow woods. An indigenous and our national tree.
    
    A short drive brings you to the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, a luxurious resort village. You view the famous Bloukrans bridge where bungee jumping is the highest in the world.
    Various activities and experiences are available alone the way. Like monkey land and a huge ''free flight'' Bird sanctuary Experience a walk or ride with Elephants with panoramic views of the Outeniqua mountains and Knysna forest.
    You arrive in Knysna, where you enjoy a sunset cruise on the iconic lagoon. A walk around the Waterfront perhaps.

    OVERNIGHT: River Tide Lodge

12. DAY 12: Knysna to Oudtshoorn

    Great Karoo, Cango Caves & an Ostrich Ranch
    Before leaving on your journey you admire the view of the “Heads” which is formed by two cliffs creating a narrow passage at the entrance of the lagoon.
    You pass through the ancient indigenous forests which was and possibly still is, home to the last of the forest elephants.
    Thereafter you take the road over the famous “Outeniqua Pass” which leads down into the semi arid region of the Karoo.
    This afternoon you visit the Cango caves (optional) where an knowledgeable and accredited Caves guide will take us on a tour of the caves, a series of underground tunnels and galleries with impressive limestone formations.
    
    You arrive at your guesthouse and enjoy a well deserved break whilst watching a Karoo sunset.
    Then time to study the solar system, it's well known that the Karoo offers the best star gazing in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world!

    OVERNIGHT: De Denne

13. DAY 13: Oudtshoorn to Route 62 (South Africa)

    
    Day 13
    Route 62 & the Breede River Valley
    This morning you visit and tour one of the world's oldest and biggest working ostrich farms and view the famous “feather palaces” (optional)
    You continue on a most memorable journey, Route 62, passing quaint villages, farms and mountain passes.
    A charming small town founded in 1851 that has maintained old-world charm with fascinating Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture. This peaceful town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations and healing hot mineral springs.
    You continue to Cape Town via the Cape's famous wine lands in the Breede River Valley.
    Robertson, heart of Route 62 wine route, has more than 50 registered wine cellars. Brilliant mauve jacarandas trees shade the streets. The first French Huguenots settled here in 1666 and developed the wine making tradition still present today.
    You carry on through the mountainous Hex river valley passing through Africa's longest tunnel.
    Finally on our last stretch to Cape Town arriving late in the Afternoon.

    OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

14. DAY 14: Esperanza Guest House to Cape of Good Hope

    Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula), Seal Island boat cruise, Whales, Penguins and more
    This Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional floral diversity. You follow the west coast via Clifton with a stop at Maiden's Cove to enjoy a magnificent view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay then to Hout Bay, a charming little town where you enjoy a cruise to Duiker Island, home to the worlds largest fur seal colony.
    The Chapman's Peak Pass offers breathtaking scenery.
    The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is where the cold Atlantic waters meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This famous landmark was named by the early Portuguese mariners.
    Journeying down to the False Bay coast, visiting the historical naval port of Simon's Town. After lunch you visit the well known Boulders beach, home to Africa's largest land based penguin colony.
    You then finish your day with a visit to Groot Constantia (time permitting), South Africa's oldest Cape Dutch manor house and wine farm built by the first Governor of the Cape.

    OVERNIGHT: Esperanza Guest House

15. DAY 15: Cape Town to Stellenbosch (South Africa)

    Winelands, historical Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
    You drive to Stellenbosch, a fertile area where oak trees, wheat and vines quickly replaced the giraffes, elephants, Hottentot and Khoisan peoples.
    Today, Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful varied architecture, renowned wines and university where the language of instruction is still mainly Afrikaans.
    You can visit a museum, historical shop and partake in a cellar tour before travelling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franschoek.
    Then a visit to the Huguenot Museum.
    At an exceptional boutique wine farm you taste local vintage including a Pinotage which is South Africa's own unique cultivar. At Paarl you stop in front of Mandela's statue at the entrance to the prison from which he was liberated in 1990.
    Paarl means “Pearl”, in Dutch, and refers to the imposing granite mountains surrounding the town. The Taal monument, dedicated to the Afrikaans language, is the world's only monument to a language.

    OVERNIGHT: Chartfield Guest House

16. DAY 16: Chartfield Guest House to Cape Town

    Cape Town, West coast, Kirstenbosch and surrounds
    Today, you can visit Cape Town, its historical places and parks like the Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle of the Cape, South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Green market Square. Before noon, you take the opportunity to visit the noon gun in action on the slopes of Signal hill, the worlds oldest canon, still in action.
    After lunch, you visit the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site, this garden has more endemic plant species than any other in the world.
    In the late afternoon (time permitting) you head along the west coast towards Blouberg where you can enjoy a “postcard” view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay.

    OVERNIGHT: Chartfield Guest House

17. DAY 17: Cape Town to Home

    Optional Activities and Departure
    Transfer to the airport for your air transport home.
    Depending on your departure time, various activities can be arranged at our special rates!
    Like Robben Island, Table mountain, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or even the Two Oceans Aquarian.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

lunch and dinner not included