South African Surprise
16 days tour to the best of South Africa
16 days tour to Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, St Lucia, Durban, Drakensberg, Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Oudtshoorn & Cape Town
Download PDF BrochureSouth African Surprise is a journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. From Johannesburg and thrilling wildlife encounters in Kruger National Park to the scenic Panorama Route, eSwatini, and Zululand, this tour showcases South Africa’s natural beauty and rich traditions. Explore the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, travel along the famous Garden Route, and conclude in the vibrant 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 similar
Today you will have a half day seat in coach tour in Johannesburg - Today enjoy a half-day seat-in-coach tour of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and vibrant financial heart. Discover the city’s rich history at Constitution Hill and explore the inner city shaped by the gold rush. Visit the revitalized Maboneng Precinct, now a hub of art, dining and urban culture, before returning via the
leafy, upscale suburb of Lower Houghton — a true city of contrasts. 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.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
This morning, we leave on a long drive to 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.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 500 kms
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. You will join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that support 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 to relax. [Included Meals: Packed Breakfast
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.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Depart after breakfast on a long drive today, travelling through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women 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. [Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 375 kms
Today you take a morning open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, 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.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
After breakfast, head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300 foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your
hotel.
[Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 280 kms
Today you will join a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.
[Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]
Depart after breakfast, on a long drive 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 former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata.We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our ccommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your
lodge. [Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 520 kms
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves. 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 on a long drive today, heading to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 510 kms
After 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.
[Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]
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, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 180 kms
Today is a long journey travelling along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 420 kms
Today you will have a seat in coach FULL DAY TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE PENINSULA & CONSTANTIA WINELANDS Tour: Your local guide will show you where to snap the best photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain (cable way ticket for own account), followed by Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach, one of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colourful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the vineyards. Overnight in Cape Town.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
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.
[Included Meals: Breakfast]
Single Supplement: $1050
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 02/05/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 17/05/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA260502
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $4880 | Book |
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 06/06/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 21/06/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA260606
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $4880 | Book |
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 04/07/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 19/07/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA260704
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $4880 | Book |
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 01/08/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 16/08/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA260801
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $4980 | Book |
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 05/09/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 20/09/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA260905
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $4980 | Book |
South African Surprise
Start in Johannesburg:
Sat 03/10/2026
Finish in Cape Town:
Sun 18/10/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: SA261003
| Airline | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Land Only | $5160 | Book |
Remarks
- Tour Highlights:
- Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
- Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
- Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
- Orientation tour of Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens
- Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
- Overnight in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast
- Travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house
- Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
- Overnight in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa
- Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tractor tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
- Explore the small towns long the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn
- Sample top quality Port style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well known for its fortified wines
- Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
Inclusions
- This group tour is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants and max 40 people.
- 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners including gratuities (excluding all beverages)
- 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary