12 day SA Explorer Tour (Cape Town to Johannesburg)

Day 1 • CAPE TOWN

You are met on arrival at Cape Town International Airport by a professional guide and transferred to your hotel in tamboerskloof. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice or similar – bed and breakfast basis

Day 2 • CAMPS BAY – HOUT BAY – CHAPMAN’S PEAK – CAPE OF GOOD HOPE RESERVE – SIMONSTOWN – STELLENBOSCH

Full Day Cape Highlights tour (English only). This full day tour includes: Camps Bay; Hout Bay; Chapman’s Peak (subject to the road being open); the Cape of Good Hope Reserve; Simonstown; Muizenberg; one wine tasting of South African wines at a local wine estate; the University town of Stellenbosch.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice or similar – bed and breakfast basis

Day 3 • SWELLENDAM – ROUTE 62 – OUDTSHOORN

Depart Cape Town driving via Sir Lowry’s Pass. After travelling the plateau of expansive apple orchards in and around Grabouw, we arrive at the charming town of Swellendam and continue through the folded sandstone mountains of the Huis River and Tradouw Passes. Route 62 highlights the true diversity of landscapes and ever changing semi-desert areas of the Klein Karoo. Pass through the towns of Barrydale and Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn. End off day with a hearty dinner (own account).

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar – bed and breakfast

Day 4 • OSTRICH FARM – CANGO CAVES – KNYSNA

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the world famous Cango Caves for a fully guided tour. Time permitting an optional tour of the Crocodile and Cheetah Park is also available. Visit the Safari Ostrich farm for a glimpse at how a working Ostrich farm works. After lunch (not included) continue to George over the Outeniqua pass. Scenic Drive via Dolphin Point to the Wilderness and on to South africa’s “oyster capital” Knysna. Enjoy dinner (not included) at one of the wonderful local restaurants that the waterfront has to offer.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar – bed and breakfast

Day 5 • KNYSNA – PLETT – TSITSIKAMMA – PORT ELIZABETH

Departing Knysna we continue via the ‘millionaires playground’ of Plettenberg Bay to the Tsitsikama Forest area. Keep an eye out for the rare kysna Loerie when visiting the Big Tree. After lunch (own account) at the scenic Storms River Mouth, gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storms River where there will be ample photographic opportunities. Leaving the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikama we arrive in Port Elizabeth for drop off at your hotel.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel marine or similar – bed and breakfast

Day 6 • PORT ELIZABETH – DURBAN

Morning at leisure, semi-private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Durban (not included). Semi-private transfer from King Shaka International Airport to your hotel on the coast in Umhlanga.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar – bed and breakfast basis

Day 7 • DURBAN – ST LUCIA – SAFARI

Morning departure from your hotel in Durban, travelling north through KwaZulu-Natal towards St. Lucia, visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (previously known as The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary and view prolific wetlands bird life, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. Enjoy a game drive in your closed vehicle through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Hluhluwe or similar – bed and breakfast basis

Day 8 • HLUHLUWE – SWAZILAND

After an early morning game drive in your closed vehicle through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Enter the Kingdom of Swaziland where you make your way to the Ngwenya glass factory. Finish the day with the arrival at your overnight destination Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Accommodation: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctury or similar – bed and breakfast

Day 9 • SWAZILAND – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a firsthand glimpse into Swaziland’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Esitjeni Umphakatsi, bordering Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctury, and experience an interaction with the local people of this vibrant community (weather depending). Leave Swaziland re-enter South Africa. After a short game drive through the world famous Kruger national Park, you arrive at your destination in the late afternoon.
The world famous Kruger National Park was established in 1898. This National Park spans over two million hectares in unrivalled diversity of flora and fauna. Spand the day in search of the Big Five, general wildlife and profilic bird life.

Accommodation: Casa Do Sol Hotel and Resort or similar – dinner bed and breakfast.

Day 10 • PANORAMA ROUTE – SAFARI

After breakfast you start exploring the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. Arrive at your game lodge in the afternoon in time for tea just before you start your evening game drive. Return to the lodge for a diverse array of electric cuisine.

Accommodation: Makalali Pivate Game Reserve or similar – dinner, bed and breakfast + 2 game viewing activities

Day 11 • MAKALALI – LYDENBURG – DULLSTROOM – JOHANNESBURG

Early morning bush walk or game drive, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the smaller species of Africa’s animal kingdom. After breakfast you depart to Johannesburg through the JG Strijdom Tunnel. Marvel at the mountainous scenery. Travel through the historic towns of Lydenburg and Dullstroom before arriving in Gauteng. Drop off late afternoon at your hotel.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Rosebank or similar – bed and breakfast

Day 12 • SOWETO

Enjoy a morning tour of Soweto (English only), including a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighbourhood life, two Nobel Prizewinners’ previous residences, the Hector Peterson memorial and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Return to your hotel by lunchtime and continue on a private transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in time for your homebound flight.