Day 01: Arrive Johannesburg (SOUTH AFRICA)

Upon our arrival in Johannesburg, we are greeted and taken to our hotel. Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is renowned for its significant role in the country's gold and diamond trade, thanks to its position on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities and unescorted exploration. Possibility here to experience an afternoon tour of the famed Apartheid Museum and Soweto, the suburb that captures the history of South Africa’s struggle for equality – see details in our “Notes” section. Or, simply relax and recover from jetlag. At 7:00 PM, we will gather at the reception for a tour briefing and to meet our fellow travelers.

Overnight: Southern Sun Sandton, Johannesburg (1 night)

Day 02: Johannesburg/Mpumalanga (Drive)

After breakfast in Johannesburg, we depart for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, where we will have a brief orientation tour. We then proceed to Mpumalanga Province, often referred to as “Paradise Country.” As we travel into the verdant subtropical Lowveld region, we pass through the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. We navigate the renowned Long Tom Pass, pausing to admire the stunning views (weather permitting), before arriving in Hazyview, the gateway to Kruger National Park, in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Hazyview Sun Hotel, Hazyview (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 03: Mpumalanga

After an early morning breakfast, we drive along the spectacular Panorama Route. The jaw-dropping scenery along this road includes the shockingly green Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on earth, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window, which offers a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of Kruger National Park’s escarpment. We arrive back in Hazyview in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. (B, D)

Day 04: Kruger National Park

The day starts with early morning coffee or tea, followed by an exciting open vehicle safari with an English-speaking game ranger. We enjoy a pre-packed breakfast as we explore Kruger National Park, a premier destination for African safari enthusiasts. Kruger is one of the world's most renowned national parks, boasting a remarkable diversity of wildlife. We will be on the lookout for the Big Five—rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant—as well as a variety of bird species and other game. Additionally, we will learn about the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit, an initiative dedicated to combating rhino poaching. A portion of our safari fee supports this crucial program. An afternoon game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive – see details in our “Notes” section. Otherwise, the afternoon is at leisure at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 05: Mpumalanga/Ezulwini Valley (ESWATINI) (Drive)

This morning, we head to Eswatini (Swaziland), a land celebrated for its stunning landscapes, vibrant crafts and rich indigenous culture. We will enjoy an interactive cultural experience featuring dance and song, giving us insight into the delightful Swazi people and their traditions, as well as a chance to sample traditional cuisine for lunch. Our journey continues through the capital city, Mbabane, and onward to the picturesque Ezulwini Valley, where we enjoy a sumptuous dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: The Royal Villas, Eswatini (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Eswatini/Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region (ZULULAND) (Drive)

After breakfast, we continue our journey south through Eswatini before re-entering South Africa. As we travel into Zululand, we pass by traditional round huts and take in the expansive landscapes. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari with English speaking game ranger (see details in our “Notes” section) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Experience the beautiful rolling green hills in the afternoon light with opportunities to spot the Big Five. This game park is a stronghold for rhinos, and chances of seeing them are good. Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region.

Overnight: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe, Zululand (1 night) (B)

Day 07: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region/Durban (Drive) /Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (Flight) /Tsitsikamma (Drive)

The day starts with an early breakfast before we depart for Durban, passing by traditional Zulu Kraals, eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. Upon arrival at Durban (Umhlanga) airport, we take a short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth – flight at additional cost). There, we meet our representative and, once everyone has gathered, we head west along the Garden Route. This scenic route follows the Indian Ocean coastline, flanked by towering mountain ranges and lush indigenous forests. We will spend the night in the Tsitsikamma area.

Overnight: Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Tsitsikamma (1 night) (B)

Day 08: Tsitsikamma/Knysna (Drive)

Today, we'll explore stunning Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth, weather permitting. The park boasts 80 kilometers of rugged coastline, offering breathtaking sea and landscapes. Its remote mountainous terrain features temperate forests with deep river gorges leading to the sea. The beautiful suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth is one of South Africa’s most well-photographed sites. Following this adventure, we'll journey to Knysna, renowned as the oyster box of South Africa and nestled beside a picturesque lagoon at the heart of the Garden Route. Experience a sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads, followed by a delightful dinner at Drydock Restaurant. Known for its tantalizing dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients and fresh herbs, it promises a culinary experience filled with glorious aromas and flavors.

Overnight: Rex Hotel, Knysna (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Knysna/Oudtshoorn (Drive)

Embark on a journey through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, renowned as the ostrich capital and the epicenter of the global ostrich farming industry. En route, we'll stop at Dolphin Point, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, we'll enjoy a visit to an ostrich farm for an engaging tour, followed by a light lunch featuring local specialties such as ostrich steak. Then, we'll explore the magnificent limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders. These caves are estimated to be around 20 million years old. Arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon, there will be time to check in and unwind before dinner (at own expense). We'll spend the night in Oudtshoorn.

Overnight: Hlangana Lodge, Oudtshoorn (1 night) (B, L)

Day 10: Oudtshoorn/Hermanus (Drive)

This morning, we have the exciting option to join a meerkat safari (subject to availability – see details in our “Notes” section), where we can see these fascinating wild creatures pop out from their burrows, bask in the sun, and hunt for their morning meal (weather permitting). We then head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the Little Karoo to Barrydale. Here, we'll have the chance to visit a local farm school, engaging with the children and teachers, and spending time in the classroom to learn more about this rural community. Part of the cost of your trip goes towards Barrydale Farm School Development Fund, which aids the education of underprivileged children in rural areas (school visit dependent on school schedule). Continue through Tradouw's Pass to Swellendam, then on to Hermanus, a seaside resort famed for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world (season from August to November). Overnight in Hermanus.

Overnight: Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel, Hermanus (1 night) (B)

Day 11: Hermanus/Cape Town (Drive)

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Hermanus and head to Somerset West, taking the scenic coastal road. Continue to Stellenbosch, nestled in the stunning Cape Winelands. Enjoy free time to explore the town's oak-shaded streets, cafés, boutiques and art galleries before proceeding to Cape Town for our overnight stay.

Overnight: President Hotel, Cape Town (3 nights) (B)

Day 12: Cape Town

World-famous Cape Town is beautifully set on the Atlantic Ocean, offering a unique culture, excellent restaurants and lovely scenery. We will have a day free today to discover Cape Town on our own. Or, join one of our optional tours, such as a sightseeing tour of Cape Town with Table Mountain, or a Marine Big Five Safari, where you have the chance to see great white sharks, whales and Cape fur seals on a 2-hour boat cruise with a marine biologist (at additional cost – see details in our “Notes” section). In the evening, relish interactive traditional entertainment and get the opportunity to sample local African dishes at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. (B, D)

Day 13: Cape Town

Experience a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, known for its breathtaking coastal scenery. Drive through Sea Point and the charming village of Hout Bay, where you can opt for a seal island boat cruise (at own expense). Continue to Cape Point, traditionally considered the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Return to Cape Town via Simon's Town, stopping at Boulders Beach to visit the penguin colony (entrance fee not included), and pass through the fishing village of Fish Hoek. (B)

Day 14: Depart Cape Town

Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (for own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account and time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion. Later, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight. A great opportunity here to extend our adventure with additional nights in Cape Town, or to other parts of Africa. Cape Town offers regular direct flights to Victoria Falls, Namibia and Kenya. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact Bestway Tours & Safaris and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.