Southern African Tours

24-Day In Depth South Africa, Kingdoms & Beyond

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 24 days / 23 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town
• Price: From R28864 per person

Tour Highlights

• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Swaziland
• Lake St. Lucia (iSimangaliso WP)
• Wild Coast
• Eastern Cape
• Hogsback
• Hermanus
• Cape Town
• Cape Point

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

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Johannesburg to Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa)

   Soweto & Johannesburg
   A day at your leisure to explore the area. You can hire a local guide for an afternoon visit to Soweto Township, Freedom Square and Hector Pieterson museum and memorial.
   A walking tour and drive will take you to various points of interest like the home of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Winnie Mandela and the FNB stadium. You can visit, time permitting, Lilliesleaf where Nelson Mandela was captured which lead to the famous Rivonia trial. From here to Constitution Hill, you discover the secrets of the past and the tales of the true struggle for freedom.
   
   We can arrange and pass on all extra activities, entrance fees and excursions for you at our preferential rates!

   OVERNIGHT: Lancaster House

2. DAY 2: Johannesburg to Graskop (Panorama Route, South Africa)

   Blyde River Canyon & Pilgrims Rest
   Depart for the beautiful Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga. Follow the scenic Panorama Route and admire God's Window, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, Long Tom Pass, the battlefields, Bourke's 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.
   Lunch
   Time permitting, a swim in the beautiful MacMac pools to cool off.
   Accommodation is on the edge of the canyon.
   
   Distance Calculator: Sandton to Blyde River Canyon – 496 km
   5 h 49 min via N12 (5 h 22 min without traffic).

   OVERNIGHT: Graskop Hotel

3. DAY 3: Graskop Hotel to Kruger National Park (South Africa)

   Kruger National Park
   You arrive in the late morning at the famous Kruger Park and begin your visit with lunch on the banks of the mighty Sabie River.
   A glorious 4×4 sunset safari (included) with professional ranger pursuing the Big 5 and other rare and endangered species.
   Enjoy a great barbecue dinner.
   Accommodation in National Park chalets.
   
   Distance Calculator: Blyde River Canyon to Kruger National Park – 71.3 km
   1 h 22 min via R40 (1 h 22 min without traffic).

   OVERNIGHT: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

4. DAY 4: Kruger National Park

   Kruger National Park
   Early morning safari walk. You get to experience the Kruger on foot, the rangers will show you all sorts of amazing things such as plants, insects, tracks, and offer superb information on all of them. You encounter large and small mammals on your walk and get close enough to them to experience these ultimate encounters. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast.
   For the rest of the day you will witness the African Savannah and wildlife in all its splendor.
   Later enjoy dinner overlooking the Sabie river. If accommodation is outside the Kruger Park, a full day 4x4 safari will replace the 2 x 3 hour game drives.
   "Look deep deep into nature & you shall truly understand" Albert Einstein.

   OVERNIGHT: Lower Sabie Rest Camp

5. DAY 5: Kruger National Park to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)

   Kingdom of Swaziland & Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
   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. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast
   Departure for the Kingdom of Swaziland (passport required). The landscapes are very similar to those of Switzerland. You visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and the oldest mine in the world.
   At Mbabane, capital of Swaziland you admire the Royal Palace, Parliament, the Kings Mausoleum and a craft market in the Ezulwini Valley.
   Overnight at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (subject to availability). Home to many species of antelopes, Zebra, Hippo & Crocodile! Also a twitchers paradise. Several trails and tracks suitable for horses run up Nyonyane Mountain to the craggy summit known as Execution Rock.
   
   

   OVERNIGHT: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

6. DAY 6: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to St Lucia

   Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
   After breakfast depart for St Lucia situated along the tropical coast of Zululand. En route, you can visit a typical Swazi village and many other attractions.
   Lunch on the way.
   Upon arrival you can take a boat cruise 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.
   Luxury B&B in the heart of the St Lucia wetland park.
   
   Distance Calculator: Swaziland to Lake St. Lucia – 274 km
   3 h 40 min via MR8 and N2 (3 h 33 min without traffic)
   This route crosses a country border.

   OVERNIGHT: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

7. DAY 7: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (South Africa)

   Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
   Early morning start Hluhluze / Umfolozi Park, the 2nd oldest national park in the world and home to the “Big 5″. Renowned for having saved the White Rhino from extinction. You can also spend the day exploring this vast reserve in the heart of Zululand accompanied by a professional ranger in a 4×4. (an optional activity. We can arrange all activities for you at our preferential rates).

   OVERNIGHT: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House

8. DAY 8: St Lucia Wetlands Guest House to Isimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)

   ISimangaliso Wetland Park to Cape Vidal
   This morning can you head into iSimangaliso Wetland Park where you can visit the western and eastern shores exploring the incredible diversity with the opportunity to snorkel the world's southernmost coral reefs, and home to hundreds of fish species. This is also the place where one can dive with the dolphins at Cape Vidal.
   
   Or you can head north to Sodwana Bay where you have the opportunity 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 Leatherback 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 Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (Drakensberg, South Africa)

   Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
   This morning you depart for the Drakensberg mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
   A good place to stop for lunch is Howick, the peaceful capital of the Natal Midlands, where the Umgeni River plunges 95 m forming a spectacular waterfall.
   Lunch
   Head to the Mandela Capture Site, where the late Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962 before the famous Rivonia trial when he was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island. A monument commemorates this event that changed the course of history.
   
   Distance Calculator: St Lucia to Drakensberg – 550 km
   6 h 21 min via N3 and N2 (5 h 57 min without traffic)
   This route has tolls.

   OVERNIGHT: Umzimkulu River Lodge

10. DAY 10: Umzimkulu River Lodge to Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (Drakensberg, South Africa)

    Drakensberg up the Sani Pass into Lesotho
    Many offered and optional activities are available in this region, which may vary depending on where you are situated in the Drakensberg.
    Your choices:
    You can opt for a 4x4 excursion and visit Lesotho for the day, via the Sani Pass, the highest in Africa or similar if situated in the Northern Drakensberg. (optional but highly recommended)
    you can go on a guided hike to the famous cave paintings left by the Bushmen of about 4000 years. You can Trek to the Tugela Falls, the 2nd highest the world, Or visit the Golden Gate National Park, with its unique sandstone rock formations and wild life, browse around the pretty town of Clarence, with its many little restaurants, or visit the historic battle fields of the 18th century where the English, Afrikaans and Zulu armies, engaged in bloody battles. Note: The last 3 activities are only possible if you opt to stay in the Northern Berg.

    OVERNIGHT: Umzimkulu River Lodge

11. DAY 11: Umzimkulu River Lodge to The Wild Coast (South Africa)

    The Wild Coast Coffee Bay
    After breakfast you will set off for the Wild Coast one of the most unspoiled parts of the country where the population still lives in an authentic and traditional way. You will have the opportunity to visit Umtata and Nelson Mandela Museum, and a few miles away, Qunu, a small village where Nelson Mandela grew up and now hosts his final resting place. You will learn about the legends that have affected the course of history.
    Lunch
    Finally you reach Coffee Bay, a haven for swimming, fishing and lazy occupations. This coastal is home to beautiful beaches, estuaries, lagoons and indigenous hard wood forests.
    Accommodation at the hotel
    
    Distance calculator: Underberg to Coffee Bay 369 km
    4 h 57 min, via N2 and R617 (4 h 27 min without traffic).

    OVERNIGHT: Ocean View

12. DAY 12: Ocean View to Eastern Cape (South Africa)

    The Wild Coast & the Hole in the Wall
    After breakfast you can take a hike along one of the most stunning coastlines in the world dotted with Xhosa huts and 'kraals'
    Fresh crayfish and oysters are on offer on the way. They will literally prepare it on the beach, where else can you expect such a delicacy at an incredibly reasonable price.
    On our way to the “Hole in the Wall” a natural wonder, where the sea has tirelessly dug a hole in the cliff. The coast on either side of the Hole in the Wall is precipitous and notorious for the number of shipwrecks.
    On return you may relax on the beach or take the opportunity to visit another prime 'spot' on this magic coastline.
    Accommodation at the hotel which is on the beach.

    OVERNIGHT: Ocean View

13. DAY 13: Ocean View to Hogsback (South Africa)

    Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains
    Dating back to the 1800's, the charming and vibrant village of Hogsback is high up on the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, overlooking the rivers and slopes of the Tyume Valley. Hogsback offers you a welcoming peace and tranquillity, and plenty to do and see. It is named for its 3 flat-topped Hogsback Mountains. It is said that the Amatola Forest, was the inspiration for SA born author, J. R. R. Tolkien' famous The Lord of the Rings, and the Hobbit books and series, hence the many Tolkienesque names.
    Activities: From aromatherapy massages to adrenaline filled activities, abseiling, bird-watching, more than 150 species, including Cape Parrot, Knysna Loeries, etc. The Amatola Mountains present the visitor with artistically wind-carved rock formations and other shapes such as bell rocks. Mist forests have also formed as a result of moisture in the higher regions.
    
    Distance Calculator: Coffee Bay to Hogsback
    4 h 50 min (378 km), via N2 and R63. (4 h 27 min without traffic).).

    OVERNIGHT: Arminel Hotel & Village

14. DAY 14: Arminel Hotel & Village to Amathole Mountains (South Africa)

    Hogsback, many exciting activities available
    After breakfast you can besides the many nature based activities (trout fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, river rafting) visit special places, like Diane Graham's International Award-Winning Echo Shrine, the world famous gardens, like Applegarth, with its exotic plants from all over the earth, the magic of Camelot Fairy Meander, a Chartres design Labyrinth, one of the largest in the world, St. Patrick's on the Hill Chapel, Robinson dam, the Bird sanctuary, the Arts & Crafts route and more.
    Nearby places: Take a drive via the Hogsback Pass for panoramic views of the Tyume valley and beyond, where you will see the "three Hogs", and at a height of 1700 m, the top of Gaika's Kop. Here you have views of the Elandsberg mountains Seymour valley and to the coastline 120 km away as the crow flies.

    OVERNIGHT: Arminel Hotel & Village

15. DAY 15: Arminel Hotel & Village to Graaff-Reinet (South Africa)

    Graaff-Reinet, the Great Karoo & the Camdeboo National Park
    Travel to Graaff-Reinet, a stylish town in the Eastern Cape and the only town in South Africa that is surrounded by a national park. Founded in 1786, in a bend in the Sundays River, this historic Karoo town is the fourth oldest settlement in South Africa. It is a vibrant tourist destination with over 200 historical buildings and more national monuments than any other town in the country.
    Places of interest: Visit the Dutch Reformed Church, The Reinet Museum, the Algave Distillery, The Valley of Desolation, a National Monument and geological wonder of weathered dolerite rock pillars. Here you have endless, magnificent views over the Karoo plains. The Camdeboo National Park is on the outskirts of the town and has an abundance of unique flora and fauna. From here, you can see the town and the Valley of Desolation - and a sense of the utter vastness. Visit the Owl House in Nieu Bethesda village
    
    Distance calculator: Hogsback to Graaff-Reinett
    3 h 25 min (297 km) via R63.

    OVERNIGHT: Buitenverwagten Guest House

16. DAY 16: Buitenverwagten Guest House to Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)

    Addo National Elephant Park
    After breakfast you take a relatively short drive to the wonderful Addo Elephant National Park, a diverse wildlife conservation park which is one of the country's 19 national parks. It is famous for the “Big Seven”, “the Big Five” plus whales and sharks! But especially the magnificent elephants we will encounter at the waterholes.
    Lunch
    This afternoon your safari (optional but highly recommended) at the beautiful Schotia private game reserve with a professional ranger in a 4x4. Refreshments, tea, coffee and wood-fired baked rolls.
    Second part of the safari will last until into the evening.
    A delicious dinner will be served in the “Boma”. The magic of the boma lies in the design, a type of enclosure with central glowing fireplace lending a mystical and earthy quality.
    Late in the afternoon you arrive in the area of the Addo National Park and will stay on a citrus farm on the banks of the Sunday's River
    Distance calculator: Graaff-Reinett to Addo National Park 140 km
    1 h 35 min via R75.

    OVERNIGHT: Happy Lands

17. DAY 17: Happy Lands to Garden Route (South Africa)

    Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route & Knysna
    Enjoy the park at your leisure. Before leaving town, admire the view from “The Heads”, two cliffs that form a narrow passage at the entrance to the lagoon. Discover lush green coastal forests where once many elephants lived.
    A short drive brings you to the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, a small luxurious resort town. View the famous Bloukrans Bridge where bungee jumping is the highest in the world.
    At the Tsitsikamma National Park you can walk in the indigenous forests and cross the mouth of the river on a suspension bridge. Beautiful scenery of the dramatic coastline. Leaving the Tsitsikamma area you can stop to admire the “Big Tree” an ancient tree in ironwood with impressive dimensions.
    The next stop will be in the town of Jeffrey's Bay a surfer's paradise where you can enjoy shopping at Billabong and Quicksilver factory shops!
    Lunch
    Distance calculator: Addo National Park to Knysna 298 km
    3 h via N2. (2 h 50 min without traffic). This route has tolls.

    OVERNIGHT: River Tide Lodge

18. DAY 18: River Tide Lodge to Little Karoo (South Africa)

    Oudtshoorn in the Great Karoo
    The town of Oudtshoorn is the capital of the Little Karoo, renowned for its spectacular arid landscapes, fossil finds, succulents, desert plants and of course as the Ostrich Capital of the world as well as home to one of the world's most spectacular cave systems.
    You can visit the Cango Caves; said to be the most beautiful in the world where a succession of galleries, finest dripstone caverns and extraordinary limestone formations can be admired. The Cango Caves are located in Precambrian limestone at the foothills of the Swartberg range near the town of Oudtshoorn,
    A visit to the world's oldest working Ostrich farm for a tour and an opportunity to ride on one of these strange birds. Here you have the opportunity to taste the world's finest Ostrich steak.
    
    Distance calculator: Oudtshoorn to Agulhas (330 km)
    3 h 45 min via R62 and R319 (3 h 31 min without traffic)

    OVERNIGHT: De Denne

19. DAY 19: De Denne to Cape Agulhas (South Africa)

    Arniston & the Southern most tip of Africa
    After breakfast, depart for Agulhas at the southernmost point of the continent and also renowned for its ancient Khoisan fish traps.
    Where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Agulhas describes in Portuguese the sharp rocks which threatened the route to India for navigators of old.
    We then drive onto Arniston, a ''jewel'' on the east coast, with it's emerald sea and white sand dunes, a late afternoon swim or if low tide a short hike into the sea cave.
    Dinner on the beach in a fisherman's cottage in the authentic fisherman's village, or an African barbecue, weather dependent.
    Overnight in Cape Agulhas or Arniston
    
    Distance calculator: Oudtshoorn to Agulhas (330 km)
    3 h 45 min via R62 and R319 (3 h 31 min without traffic).

    OVERNIGHT: Arniston Seaside Cottages

20. DAY 20: Arniston Seaside Cottages to Hermanus

    Hermanus (The Whale Coast) to Cape Town
    Hermanus is known as the world's best land based whale watching spot between the months June to December. Enjoy this charming village at your leisure. Walker Bay, a protected bay, offers privileged vantage points to view the Southern Right whales that come very close to our shoreline to calve every year during the austral winter.
    An option and highly recommended is a cruise in the bay in order to observe these magnificent giants more closely.
    Continue to Stoney Point in Betty's Bay, home to Africa's larger and lesser known penguin colony.
    You then wind your way along the spectacular Clarence drive on your way to Cape Town.
    
    Distance calculator: Hermanus to Cape Town 121 km
    1 h 38 min via N2 (1 h 29 min without traffic).

    OVERNIGHT: Bergzicht Guest House

21. DAY 21: Bergzicht Guest House to Cape of Good Hope (Cape Peninsula, South Africa)

    Cape Peninsula and The Cape of Good Hope
    This Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional floral diversity. 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 can enjoy a boat cruise to Duiker Island, home to the world's largest fur seal colony.
    The scenic Chapman's Peak Pass offers breath-taking 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, lunch is at the old harbor of the historical naval port of Simon's Town.
    You can finish your day with a visit to Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest Cape Dutch manor house and wine farm built by the first Governor of the Cape.
    Dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

    OVERNIGHT: Bergzicht Guest House

22. DAY 22: Bergzicht Guest House to Stellenbosch (South Africa)

    The Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and Franschoek
    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 traveling over the beautiful Hels Hoogte Pass on our way to Franshhoek. Visit the Huguenot Museum.
    At an exceptional boutique wine farm you can 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: Bergzicht Guest House

23. DAY 23: Bergzicht Guest House to Cape Town

    Historical Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens & West Coast
    Today you can visit Cape Town, historical places, parks, Dutch East Indian Garden, Castle, South African Museum, Malay quarter, District 6 and Green market square. Before noon you can also visit the noon gun in action on the slopes of Signal Hill. It is the world's oldest canon still in action. After lunch you can visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the only botanical garden situated in a world heritage site which has more endemic plant species than any other in the world.
    In the late afternoon you can head along the west coast towards Blouberg where you can enjoy a “postcard” view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay.
    Tonight, enjoy an authentic African dinner of many culinary dishes from across the continent, Traditional African dance, music & theater at your meal. (We will book for you on request)

    OVERNIGHT: Bergzicht Guest House

24. DAY 24: Bergzicht Guest House to Robben Island (Cape Town, South Africa)

    Optional activities then to Cape Town International Airport
    Drive to the airport where you will leave your car. Close to the terminal building.
    Depending on your departure time, various activities can be arranged.
    Like the half day trip and tour of Robben Island, Table mountain, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art or even the Two Oceans Aquarian.
    PS: Optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

lunch and dinner