Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers. Overnight at Protea Hotel OR Tambo (or similar).
Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport
Experience the perfect blend of style, comfort and convenience at Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. This modern hotel, located in gorgeous Kempton Park, Johannesburg, makes the ideal landing point for ambitious business travelers as well as those seeking to explore the wonders of the city. Embark from O.R. Tambo International Airport via the free airport shuttle and arrive at the hotel lobby in minutes. Enjoy upscale amenities including an outdoor pool, popular flight simulator and delicious on-site dining at The Warehouse, the aviation-themed international fusion restaurant. Relax after a long day in modern, comfortable rooms featuring soundproof windows, plush bedding and marble bathrooms.
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. Overnight at Hippo Hollow Country Estate (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 500kms
Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Hippo Hollow Country Estate offers elegant rooms on the edge of the Sabie River in Hazyview, 20 minutes’ drive from the Kruger National Park. It includes 2 outdoor swimming pools, a barbecue terrace and a restaurant where guests can spot hippos whilst they dine. This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Shangana Cultural Village and Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary.
We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Hippo Hollow Country Estate (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 200kms
Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Hippo Hollow Country Estate offers elegant rooms on the edge of the Sabie River in Hazyview, 20 minutes’ drive from the Kruger National Park. It includes 2 outdoor swimming pools, a barbecue terrace and a restaurant where guests can spot hippos whilst they dine. This family-friendly hotel is within close proximity of Shangana Cultural Village and Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary.
This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Eswatini (Swaziland). We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Eswatini (Swaziland) where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Eswatini culture. Overnight at Lugogo Sun (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 280kms
Lugogo Sun Hotel
With its unrivalled location, Lugogo Sun takes full advantage of the surrounding Ezulwini Valley, allowing guests to feel completely relaxed from the moment they arrive. Surrounded by nature, with a plethora of activities on its doorstep, the 202-room hotel offers a peaceful respite for those wanting a tranquil and relaxing holiday in eSwatini.
This morning we journey through Eswatini (Swaziland) into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay. Overnight at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 350kms
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe offers a wide variety of affordable holiday accommodation including a 5-star self-catering safari lodge for a true bush experience. The hotel also offers packages for corporate and government guests with a wide range of intimate conferencing venues in the Zululand area.
The Idyllic African Centerpiece is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Here you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels.
Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. Overnight at Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge (or similar).
Distance travelled today:320kms
Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga
The hotel in uMhlanga is your gateway to golden beaches, lush surroundings and the exhilaration of holidaying in an idyllic part of Durban. If you want stunning views overlooking the KwaZulu-Natal coast, look no further than Protea Hotel uMhlanga. The modern hotel in centrally located in the heart of uMhlanga Rocks, situated 18 km from King Shaka International Airport, just a few minutes from the beach and 10 minutes to Durban city center. The hotel offers friendly service and comfortable accommodations that are all elegantly and stylishly furnished. Most of the hotel's 260 modern rooms feature breath-taking partial sea views, and is the ideal place to stay for that perfect family getaway.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the Promenade mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300-foot-high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account). Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 280 kms
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort
Poised on a scenic 860-hectare World Heritage site, Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort is a one-of-a-kind retreat for guests looking to reconnect, relax and unwind. Venture into the great outdoors, with mountain bike trails, hiking, horse riding, canoeing or trout fishing, or zip down the 150m long zip line across the valley and over the river. Play a round of golf on the Southern Drakensberg's only 18-hole NGU rated golf course. You can also pamper yourself at the spa and wellness centre, or simply relax beside the hot and cold swimming pools while the children play on the slide at children's water park.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel (or similar).
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort
Poised on a scenic 860-hectare World Heritage site, Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort is a one-of-a-kind retreat for guests looking to reconnect, relax and unwind. Venture into the great outdoors, with mountain bike trails, hiking, horse riding, canoeing or trout fishing, or zip down the 150m long zip line across the valley and over the river. Play a round of golf on the Southern Drakensberg's only 18-hole NGU rated golf course. You can also pamper yourself at the spa and wellness centre, or simply relax beside the hot and cold swimming pools while the children play on the slide at children's water park.
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Overnight at Crawford's Beach Lodge (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 520kms
Crawfords Beach Lodge & Cabins
A family run holiday resort offering luxury wild coast accommodation, gourmet cuisine and a wide variety of adventurous or relaxing activities to suit the whole family. Create everlasting memories in the unspoilt Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape. A mere 42 km from East London, Crawfords Beach Lodge is situated in the scenic Chintsa East village, set along a breath-taking coastline.
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to Port Elizabeth. Overnight at Garden Court Kings Beach (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 340kms
Garden Court Kings Beach
With spectacular views over Algoa Bay, leisure travellers staying at Garden Court Kings Beach can revel in the scenic beauty of Port Elizabeth and its unspoilt beaches. The hotel's proximity to the airport, harbour and national highway assure convenience for travellers, while many local attractions can also be enjoyed nearby. Enjoy thoroughly contemporary interiors, and a legendary warm and friendly service, you will be sure to feel at home from the moment you arrive. In addition to the accommodation facilities on offer for guests, there is much to see and do in this part of the Eastern Cape. Highlights include Port Elizabeth beaches, Kragga Kamma Game Park, South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, Red Location Museum, Kwantu Private Game Reserve, The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World, St George's Park and many other cultural, scenic and historical landmarks.
Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel. Overnight at Premier Hotel The Moorings (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 300kms
Premier Resort The Moorings, Knysna
When you stay at Premier Resort The Moorings, Knysna in Knysna, you'll be in the historical district and convenient to Knysna Golf Club and Knysna Quays. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Pezula Golf Club and Pledge Nature Reserve.
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay at Diaz Beach Hotel and Resort (or similar).
Distance travelled today: 360kms
Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort
The Diaz Hotel & Resort welcomes you to the pristine seashore of Mossel Bay's renowned Diaz Beach, right in the heart of the picturesque and famous Garden Route. The hotel is located only 10m from the high-water mark and offers spectacular ocean views from every window and balcony.
Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. Overnight at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (or similar).
Distrance travelled today: 420kms
SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Situated near the Cape Town city bowl in the lush suburb of Gardens, the SunSquare hotel offers visitors fresh, unique accommodation that is comfortable and vibrant. The hotel's 136 contemporary and well-appointed en-suite rooms are equipped with a host of amenities, which include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
Zepi Grill and Bar restaurant offers an exciting dining experience for hotel guests including the vibrant alfresco terrace. The hotel also offers a gym for the use of its guests, as well as a magnificent outdoor pool in the gardens.
Enjoy a day of leisure in the ‘Mother City’ where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this beautiful city. Overnight at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (or similar).
SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Situated near the Cape Town city bowl in the lush suburb of Gardens, the SunSquare hotel offers visitors fresh, unique accommodation that is comfortable and vibrant. The hotel's 136 contemporary and well-appointed en-suite rooms are equipped with a host of amenities, which include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.
Zepi Grill and Bar restaurant offers an exciting dining experience for hotel guests including the vibrant alfresco terrace. The hotel also offers a gym for the use of its guests, as well as a magnificent outdoor pool in the gardens.
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.
Minimum 2 guests / maximum 40 guests.
Tour Includes:14 breakfasts and 4 dinners, accommodation, porterage, transportation, sightseeing as specified and Kruger Park Conservation levy.
Departs on selected Sundays.
Departure Dates in 2020:- Jan 12- Feb 9- Mar 8- Apr 12- May 10- Jun 7- Jul 5,19- Aug 2,16- Sep 6- Oct 4,18- Nov 1,15- Dec 6
Departure Dates in 2021:- Jan 10- Feb 7- Mar 7- Apr 11- May 9- Jun 6- Jul 4,18- Aug 1,15- Sep 5- Oct 3,17- Nov 7,21- Dec 5
Please note:-Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00.Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 06h15 and ends at 22h00. Alternative transfer arrangements will need to be made if you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight.Kruger Park Conservation levy is included but conservation levies are subject to increase without prior notice and are at the discretion of the game park.Only one suitcase and one overnight bag per person is allowed.VISA REQUIREMENTSThis tour travels through Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho and certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.
