ITINERARY
Day 1
Depart from London Heathrow
Day 2
Arrive into Johannesburg at 0655. (An extra pre tour night is available on request). You will be met on arrival and transferred to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun – Mpumalanga – via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at “Bourke’s Luck Potholes” and ends at the “Three Rondavels”. Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window and the Mac Mac Falls. Late afternoon arrival at your hotel. Check in and freshen up before dinner. Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar. (D)
Day 3
Early this morning you will depart on an open vehicle safari through the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. At nearly 2 million hectares, the reserve is the flagship of South African National Parks and is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have the option to return to the Kruger National Park to absorb the tranquil beauty of an evening safari (additional charge). Dinner and overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 4
After breakfast, travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art & craft outlets to name a few. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. After spending some time at the Mbabane craft markets, arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Overnight Royal Swazi Spa (standard room) or similar. (B,L)
Day 5
Enjoy a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique “millefiore”. No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue via Big Bend into KwaZulu Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, in time to embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views over Lake Jozini. At the summit and as the setting sun transforms the sky into a tapestry of colours, stop for sundowners. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner on the terrace (weather permitting) or in the classically styled restaurant. Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 6
Today you will transfer to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for a full day of game viewing. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve covers a combined area of 90 000ha and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. End the day with dinner at the hotel. Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 7
Continue the journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal to St Lucia, located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African Kingfisher Eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to Durban, where east meets west; a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Arrive during the afternoon at your hotel which is located on the Gold Mile – Durban’s distinctive beach front. Overnight Southern Sun Elangeni (standard room) or similar. (B)
Day 8
This morning you will embark on a brief Durban City Tour where you will spend the morning discovering the cultural and historical contrasts of the city. Check in at Durban International Airport for your afternoon domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (flight cost not included). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth (standard room) or similar. (B)
Day 9
Depart Port Elizabeth and travel via the coastline to the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Described as the ‘garden of the Garden Route’, the Tsitsikamma actually deserves a more vivid description to encapsulate the beauty of the place. Enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth gorge which offers visitors incredible views and photo opportunities. Continue to Plettenberg Bay for dinner and overnight. Overnight Laird’s Lodge (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 10
After breakfast, get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of the resident African elephants and the well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The visit presents you with the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. After lunch (to own account), travel to Plettenberg Bay for a visit to Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. Time permitting you have the option of embarking on a Whale & Dolphin boat experience (weather permitting and to own account) before returning to the lodge. Dinner and overnight Laird’s Lodge (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 11
After breakfast and check-out formalities, proceed to the lagoon side town of Knysna – the gem of the Garden Route. Enjoy some time at leisure at the Knysna Waterfront Complex before embarking on a fun and adventurous cruise to and INTO the Knysna Heads (weather permitting) on board the Three Legs Rivercat – one of the most advanced river cruisers ever built. On return to the mainland, continue to Oudtshoorn – the ‘feather capital’ of the world due to its large ostrich industry. Visit a working ostrich farm for a guided tour. Check into your accommodation in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner. Overnight De Opstal Country Lodge (standard room) or similar. (B,D)
Day 12
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Enjoy a morning tour of the Cango Caves before departing Oudtshoorn. The Cango Caves is one of the natural wonders of the world and has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Afterward, travel via Route 62 to Barrydale for lunch (to own account). Arrive in Cape Town around 18h00. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar. (B)
Day 13
This morning you embark on a full day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour – an awe-inspiring tour passing magnificent beaches, breathtaking views and historic & picturesque coastal villages to the towering headland known as Cape Point. The tour ends upon return to your hotel during the late afternoon. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar. (B)
Day 14
Today you embark on a full day Cape Winelands Tour. This is a delightful drive, which winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Return to Cape Town during the late afternoon. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar. (B)
Day 15
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Morning collection from the hotel for a City Tour – a geographical and cultural extravaganza showing you Cape Town from its historical beginnings to the dazzling modern shopping malls of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Your tour ends with a transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your British Airways flight departing at 2010 and arriving into London Hheathrow at 0655 the following morning. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Hazyview Perry's Bridge Hollow 4*
Uniquely situated amongst Baobab, Fig and Acacia trees in the heart of the colonial Perry's Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview. Farm style breakfasts, hearty 'pub grub', and lavish three course meals can be enjoyed at the unique dining venues on the property which all offer meals set in true Lowveld surrounds.
A ten minute drive from the Kruger National Park and forty minutes from the well-known Panorama Route, makes it the ideal base for touring the lowveld.
Simply step out of your hotel room and enjoy the indigenous nursery, local art gallery, reptile park, playground and swimming pool.
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Swaziland
Royal Swazi Spa 4*
Set in the natural tranquility of the Ezulwini Valley, the Royal Swazi Spa beckons guests from all corners of the world.
Facilities at the resort include the Casino, The Royal Swazi Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, lawn bowls, squash, tennis and horse riding. A variety of retail shops are available, providing stationery, clothing, newspapers and curios.
The Royal Swazi Spa adds a whole new dimension to the peaceful surroundings of the Valley. Hotel guests are invited to take advantage of the ultimate experience in stress relief therapy, as well as specialized health and beauty treatments.
Swaziland offers guests a variety of attractions and activities -from scenic drives around the country to exciting arts and craft markets, as well as great adventures such as hiking, river rafting and game drives.
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Zululand
Ghost Mountain Inn 4*
At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, Northern KwaZulu Natal, lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn - a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. Zululand hotel accommodation at its finest .
This intimate and beautiful hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the array of wildlife and coastal reserves in Maputaland and the Elephant Coast. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives, guided walks, cultural excursions and boat cruises in the company of knowledgeable rangers .
Back at the hotel, the spa offers a range of skin and body treatments and healthy lunches in a tranquil environment. Those who prefer the relaxing sound of birdsong and the warmth of the African sun will find their respite at the poolside within the glorious gardens of Ghost Mountain Inn.
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Durban
Southern Sun Elangeni 4*
Breathtaking views over Durban’s Golden Mile can be appreciated from the comfort of your room at the Southern Sun Elangeni. Renowned for fine service, excellent food and reputable hospitality, this hotel is a preferred destination for holidaymakers wanting the space and comfort of home, right at the sea.
Situated on Durban’s Golden Mile, the hotel is two hundred metres from the beach and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean as well as offering easy access to local landmarks, golf courses, entertainment, and shopping malls.
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Port Elizabeth
Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth 4*
A mix of stunning contemporary architecture, chic urban interiors and breathtaking views over the sparkling Indian Ocean, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth marks the perfect destination for visiting South Africa. This Port Elizabeth hotel's 173 guest rooms, sumptuous in-house dining at Filini restaurant, on-site spa and gym make the hotel perfect for leisure travellers.
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Located just 300 m from Blue Flag beaches, and a stroll away from excellent entertainment and shopping centres.
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The sumptuous, Italian-inspired Filini restaurant and chic Tabú cocktail lounge open onto a relaxed deck with a rim-flow pool offering gorgeous ocean views.
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Health and wellness facilities at this Port Elizabeth hotel include a Camelot Spa and Space Gym.
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Free high-speed Internet access is provided throughout the hotel.
Knysna
Laird's Lodge 4*
Unsurpassed service and understated comfort, ensure a totally relaxed and truly South African experience.
This exclusive Country House set on a 24 acre estate with landscaped gardens and distant mountain views - is perfectly positioned between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. It's ideal for exploring the entire Garden route area from Wilderness to the Tsitsikamma forests. An ideal getaway for those wanting to enjoy gracious country living, Laird's Lodge offers easy access to unspoiled beaches, world class golf courses, scenic nature reserves and hiking trails.
The 15 rooms are all individually decorated and convey a feeling of tranquil elegance with soft neutral colours. The evening menu specialises in seafood and game, flavoured with fresh herbs. A genuine boutique hotel, full of character and atmosphere, designed for your maximum enjoyment.
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Oudtshoorn
De Opstal Country Lodge 4*
Discerning travellers looking for luxury 4 star accommodation in the picturesque valley of Schoemanshoek, near the world famous Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn, need to look no further.
The Lodge consists of a group of typical Little Karoo farm buildings, beautifully restored and fitted with modern conveniences, set in a lush, beautifully maintained garden. The complex has a swimming pool and a rustic restaurant where traditional breakfasts and hearty farm–style dinners are served. De Opstal Country Lodge has perfected the art of Classic Karoo Cuisine and invites you to experience the food of the Klein Karoo region.
De Opstal is family owned and managed with exceptionally high standards ofservice and personal attention by the owners and staff.
The entire complex has an old world ambience with subtle modern touches which ensure a luxurious stay.
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Cape Town
Southern Sun Waterfront 4*
Wonderful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean assist in making the Southern Sun Waterfront a preferred holiday destination. Within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this hotel is superbly located to offer every guest easy access to the sights and sounds of Cape Town.
Breathtaking views of Table Mountain can be enjoyed from rooms that offer all the quality and comfort you would expect from a full service hotel. The rooms are modern, chic and spaciously comfortable offering guests a rejuvenating, fully serviced escape from the bustling energy of Cape Town. Offering guests a fitness centre and a pool, the Southern Sun Waterfront caters for all leisure traveller needs.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade:We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
