South African Explorer

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Johannesburg.

On arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 3: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga.

Admire the scenery as you travel to Mpumalanga, known as 'paradise country' and considered to be one of the most geographically diverse and beautiful places in South Africa. (B, D)

DAY 4: Mpumalanga - Kruger National Park - Mpumalanga.

After breakfast enjoy a leisurely tour, driving along the spectacular Panorama Route offering views of amazing scenery, including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon. Next stop is the historic Gods Window, a breathtaking view of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. You will also have the opportunity to join the optional trip to the Bourkes Luck Potholes at the meeting point of the Blyde River (river of joy) and the Treur River (river of sorrow). Return to the lodge in the afternoon where you may join an optional afternoon game drive. (B)

DAY 5: Mpumalanga.

Kruger is one of the world's great national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. The day begins with an early morning game drive with a pre-packed breakfast. Look out for the 'Big Five' (rhino, elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo), as well as a vast range of birdlife. The afternoon is yours to relax or you may wish to enjoy an optional late afternoon game drive. (B)

DAY 6: Mpumalanga - Swaziland.

This morning a game drive awaits before you head to Swaziland, an independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa known for its lovely scenery, superb crafts and colourful indigenous culture. First stop is a Swazi glass factory, then later an optional visit to a local candle factory. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the local area. (B)

DAY 7: Swaziland - Zululand.

Today, re-enter South Africa and enjoy an afternoon game drive, before continuing to your hotel in Zululand for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 8: Zululand.

Visit a recreation Zulu 'Umuzi' village for a display of local culture including foot-stomping tribal dancing by assegai-wielding warriors. Enjoy dinner and an overnight in this special village. (B, D)

DAY 9: Zululand – Umhlanga.

Take leave of Zululand this morning and journey to Umhlanga. Why not join the optional Durban city tour? Alternatively you can just relax or explore the beautiful local beaches. (B)

DAY 10: Umhlanga - Durban - Port Elizabeth - Knysna.

Transfer to Durban airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth, where you will be met by our representative and travel to Knysna via the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. The evening is yours to relax or explore. (B)

DAY 11: Knysna.

A leisurely start to the day, you'll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of Western Head to enjoy panoramic views, returning for lunch under the Milkwood trees. (B, L)

DAY 12: Knysna - Oudtshoorn.

Travel over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the centre of the world's Ostrich farming industry. Visit an Ostrich farm for a guided tour, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. (B, D)

DAY 13: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town.

Travel via Klein Karoo and Montagu to Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain for an overnight stay. Stop en route at a community farm school in Barrydale, a school built in the 1960's by farmers for the labourer's children. The evening is yours to relax or explore the city. (B)

DAY 14: Cape Town.

This morning's orientation tour takes you past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, the baroque City Hall and the Grand Parade. Continue along the city's main thoroughfare, Adderly Street, and pass the Malay Quarter on the slopes of Table Mountain. Next, ascend Table Mountain (excludes cost of cable car tickets) for a stunning bird's eye view of the city and its beaches. Time permitting, also continue round to the Milnerton area for a beautiful view of Table Mountain. (B)

DAY 15: Cape Town - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Cape Town or Hermanus. (B)

DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Johannesburg: Holiday Inn Sandton; Mpumalanga: Protea Hotel Kurger Gate; Swaziland: Lugogo Sun; Zululand: Protea Hotel Umfolozi River and Shakaland Hotel; Umhlanga (for Durban): Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge; Knysna: Knysna Log Inn; Oudtshoorn: Queens Hotel; Cape Town: Park Inn Foreshore.