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. Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar

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. Check in at Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar Distance travelled today: 500 KMs

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. You will take full 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. Stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar Distance travelled today: 200 KMs

This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture. Hotel: Lugogo Sun or similar Distance travelled today: 261 KMs

This morning we journey through 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. Enjoy a 3 hr game drive in Hluhluwe National Park. This is the legendary park where a dedicated team made worldwide conservation history with their successful efforts to bring the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. You won’t simply be enthralled with this game-rich reserve and the extraordinary beauty of the terrain, but also with the sense of history having been made here. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay. Check in at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe and Safaris or similar Distance travelled today: 435 KMs

Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own expense) 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. Stay at Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar Distance travelled today: 290 KMs

This morning, 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). Check in at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar Distance travelled today: 255 KMs

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. Check in at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar

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 outside the capital of Umtata. We continue our journey via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Stay at Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar Distance travelled today: 520 KMs

We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with the sand between our toes. The beach stretches 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. Stay at Garden Court Kings Beach or similar Distance travelled today: 340 KMs

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. Check in at Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar Distance travelled today: 300 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 Mossel Bay. Check in at Garden Court Mossel Bay or similar Distance travelled today: 315 KMs

Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to visit the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomew’s Diaz Museum and Shell Museum. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town late in the afternoon. Check in at Sun Square Cape Town Gardens or similar Distance travelled today: 540 KMs

Today you will have a seat in coach peninsular tour. Cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno towards the charming working harbour of Hout Bay. Embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise (included). Wind along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breath-taking ocean views, before arriving at our lunch spot of choice (own account) at the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park. Meander back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach (included). During the summer months we venture inland to our last stop of the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers. In winter, we will visit Groot Constantia instead, for a wine tasting and cellar tour at South Africa’s oldest wine estate where they have been producing legendary wines for over 300 years! Check in at Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar.

This morning you are transferred to Cape Town International airport for your flight to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg. Upon arrival, met and transferred to your hotel. You will stay at The Kingdom Hotel or similar for 4 nights.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Victoria Falls stopping at various vantage points to view the falls and walk through the rain forest. See the rainbows, feel the spray and hear the thundering noise of water crashing down into the 108 meter gorge serves as a testimony to the awesome power of the mighty river. The remainder of your afternoon is spent at leisure, where you can enjoy one of the many optional activities available (own account). Distance Travelled Today: 40 KMs

Today enjoy day trip to Chobe, Botswana located a short drive from Victoria Falls. Chobe National Park is the second largest national park in Botswana, and is home to a myriad of animals, including vast herds of Elephant. Your day tour includes a game drive in the Chobe National Park, lunch and an afternoon sunset cruise on the Chobe River.

This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we cruise on the upper stretches of the Zambezi River where David Livingstone canoed on his quest to discover the falls over 150 years ago. Enjoy viewing the abundant wildlife and incredible variety of birds whilst a mesmerizing Zambezi sunset will leave you breathless.

Today you will depart hotel at 11:00 am to the airport for the flight to Johannesburg, then connect flight back to Australia.

Arrive into Australia.