South Africa: A World In One Country 14 Days
14 Days: Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Zululand, Durban, Garden Route, Cape Town
Tour overview:
This 14-day itinerary includes many special details that make South Africa one of our most popular destinations. Sophisticated urban living, vast forested mountains, fertile plains, fascinating wildlife and magical cultural traditions all come together in a world of African adventure.
Day 1 - Arrive Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg, where you are met and escorted to your hotel. Evening tour briefing at the hotel where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers.
Day 2 - Johannesburg / Pretoria / Mpumalanga – Hazyview
Leave Johannesburg’s distinctive skyline behind and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour before continuing to Mpumalanga. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. (B)
Day 3 - Hazyview – Panorama Route
Today we journey up the awe inspiring Panorama Route with its forested mountains and fertile plains. After viewing the Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window before arriving back in Hazyview in the early afternoon. The free time allows for a lazy afternoon relaxing around the pool or an exciting afternoon game activity in the Kruger National park (additional cost) (B)
Day 4 - Hazyview – Kruger National Park
Savor the magic of this enormous wildlife sanctuary on your morning game drive in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wildlife, birds and plant species. The afternoon is free for an optional game drive (additional cost). (B)
Day 5 - Hazyview / The Kingdom of Swaziland
This morning we travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, and on to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for a true African shopping experience at the Ezulwini Craft Market which is packed with woven baskets, bead-work and carvings. (BLD)
Day 6 - Zululand
This morning we continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (additional cost) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. (B)
Day 7 - Lake St Lucia / Durban
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. (B)
Day 8 - Durban / Port Elizabeth / Garden Route – Knysna
Morning transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight to Port Elizabeth (flight at additional cost). Set off to explore the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. Here we are treated to magnificent coastal views and to soak up the beauty of the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Late afternoon we arrive at our hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. (BD)
Day 9 - Garden Route – Knysna
Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch we have the remainder of the day at leisure, to enjoy this lovely and special town. (BL)
Day 10 - Garden Route – Oudtshoorn
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich capital’ and the center of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. We’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. (BL)
Day 11 - Garden Route / Franschhoek / Cape Town
There is an option to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari (additional cost). Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community (visit subject to school being open), before traveling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. Continue to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. (Option to overnight in Franschhoek and winelands tour available at additional cost). From here you will be transferred to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. (B)
Day 12 - Cape Town
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (additional cost) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colorful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy an evening of delicious Cape food, captivating theater and entertaining tales and songs about the people of the Cape. (BD)
Day 13 - Cape Town – Cape Peninsula
Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional seal island boat cruise – additional cost) and then on to Cape Point where by tradition it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We’ll return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee additional cost), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. (B)
Day 14 - Depart Cape Town
Day at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)