South African Surprise
16 day Tour to Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Swaziland, St Lucia, Durban, Drakensberg, Eastern Cape Coast, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn & Cape Town
16 day Tour to Johannesburg, Hazyview, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Durban, Drakensberg, Eastern Cape Coast, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town & more
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An expedition of surprise, our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast dream, and a photographer’s canvas. Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never seizes to amaze, and the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains forms a great part of this package, where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, and the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town.
Today you will fly to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
Today you will have a half day seat in coach tour in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city remains its financial and commercial heart. It’s in this fast-paced metropolis that the country’s radical political and social transformation is most evident – this is the ‘Rainbow Nation’ at work. It’s a heady experience, with contrasts of every kind round every single corner. Our tour sets off for Constitution Hill, home of South Africa’s architectural marvel, the Constitutional Court. We explore the inner city of Johannesburg and the influence the discovery of gold brought to this city and indeed South Africa. We visit and explore the Maboneng Precinct, a wonderful example of urban regeneration of the eastside of the Johannesburg CBD which is now home to several independent retail, restaurant, art and entertainment venues – fresh and unique lifestyle offerings of this new exciting development. We return to your hotel via the flipside of the coin, the lush, up market suburb of lower Houghton. A city of contrasts, that’s for certain.
You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 7.00pm when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the main tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and 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 visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Distance travelled today: 500 KMs
National Park in our closed vehicle. You will take half day open vehicle safari 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. Distance travelled today: 200 KMs
This morning we travel to eSwatini (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 eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight Check-in to Lugogo Sun.
Accommodation: Piggs Peak Hotel
Distance travelled today: 200 KMs
After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and woman create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. 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 at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Check-in to Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris
Distance travelled today: 375 KMs
You will take a morning open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (included) before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Check-in to Protea Hotel uMhlanga Ridge
Distance travelled today: 320 KMs
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 expense). Sit down to an extensive dinner buffet at your hotel.
Check-in to Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort
Distance travelled today: 280 KMs
Today you will join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa. Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace 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 birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner crafted from fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients awaits you at your lodge.
Check-in to Crawford's Beach Lodge
Distance travelled today: 520 KMs
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 the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Check-in to Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Distance travelled today: 510 KMs
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful 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, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.
Check-in to Premier Hotel Knysna The Moorings
Distance travelled today: 92 KMs
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 Oudtshoorn.
Distance travelled today: 360 KMs
Today’s journey travel along famous Route 62, through the little Karoo to Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port sytle wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Check-in to SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Distance travelled today: 420 KMs
Today you will join a full day seat in coach Cape Peninsular tour. Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve (entrance fee for own account).
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11:00 am. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport for your flight bound to Australia.
Single supplement: $940 (Jan - Apr); $910 (May - Jul); $990 (Aug - Dec)
Pre / Post Stay: $140 (Johnnesburg) / $150 (Cape Town) per room per night with breakfast.
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 30/11/2024
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 15/12/2024
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA241130
Airline | Price | |
---|---|---|
Land Only | $4450 | Book |
Remarks
- This tour is guarantee departure based on a minimum of 2 people and maximum of 40 people. This tour is a seat-in-coach join-in group tour.
- Land only price: Tour starts from Arrival transfer in Johannesburg to Departure transfer in Cape Town; excludes any international flights.
- Visa: South Africa, Swaziland & Lesotho visa could be obtained upon arrival with no fees for Australian passports. For other passprt holders, please make sure you have obtained relevant visas well in advance.
- Meals: total 15 breakfast; 1 lunch and 4 dinners included.
- Hotels used for this tour (3-4 star):
- 4*Johannesburg Protea Hotel
- 4* Hazyview Hippo Hollow Country Estate
- 3* Piggs Peak Hotel
- 3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe
- 4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge
- 3* Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
- 4* Crawford's Beach Lodge
- 3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn
- 3* Premier Resort The Moorings
- 3* Protea Hotel Riempie Estate
- 3* SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
Inclusions
- Fully inclusive seat in coach tour with all transfers between airports / piers / stations and hotels in each city; daily sightseeing and entrance fees, meals as per itinerary; professional English speaking local guides etc.
- 15 Nights’ accommodation including porterage. Most of our hotels are 3-4 star international standard hotels with twin share superior class accommodation. All rooms have private facilities, telephone, colour TV and in-room internet facilities. Many hotels have a swimming pool.
- Transportation including toll fees in luxury air-conditioned motor coaches
- Services of a professional English speaking Tour Guide
- CBT Holidays travel wallet and travel kits.