15 Day Grand Southern African Expedition (Accommodated)

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’ll be greeted by our friendly representative and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. In the evening, join us for a welcome briefing at 7:00 PM, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and learn more about the incredible journey ahead.

Meals: No meals included on this day
Accommodation: Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
Included Highlights: Airport Transfer, Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day

Day 2: Johannesburg – Mpumalanga – Panorama Route, South Africa

Today, your tour begins as we depart Johannesburg for the scenic province of Mpumalanga. Prepare for a breathtaking descent into the lush subtropical Lowveld. We’ll traverse the famous Panorama Route, a highlight of any South Africa scenic drives tour, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, one of Africa’s natural wonders. Be prepared to gasp at the boundless vistas from God’s Window, offering unparalleled views of mountains and fertile plains. Our exploration continues with a visit to the fascinating Bourke’s Luck Potholes, uniquely sculpted by centuries of water erosion, before we arrive in Hazyview for our overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Included Highlights: Panorama Route – Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes
Distance: ± 500 km

Day 3: Mpumalanga –  Kruger National Park, South Africa

Embark on an unforgettable Kruger National Park safari tour with an early start. Spend the morning in our closed vehicle exploring this internationally renowned game reserve, home to the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent, including the famed Big 5. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, as well as an abundance of other fascinating flora and birdlife. We return to our hotel around lunchtime, and the afternoon is yours to relax and rejuvenate after your exciting wildlife encounter. Packed Breakfast included. Distance travelled: 200 kms. Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar. Optional Excursion:

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Included Highlights: Kruger National Park Morning Game Drive
Optional Activities: Full Day Open Vehicle Game Safari or a Travel with a Purpose Full Day Open Vehicle Game Safari including a presentation of the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit
Distance: ± 200 km

Day 4: Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland), South Africa

Today, we journey to the independent Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland), a landlocked nation rich in culture and tradition. Experience an interactive cultural experience, allowing you to connect with the friendly people of eSwatini and learn about their customs through singing and dancing. We then travel south to our hotel, nestled amidst the picturesque mountainous peaks of eSwatini for an overnight stay.

NB: Please ensure you check visa requirements for travel through eSwatini.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino or similar
Distance: ± 200 km

Day 5: eSwatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia, South Africa

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of eSwatini, visiting Ngwenya Glass, where skilled local artisans create beautiful handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is the Swazi Candles Centre, where you can witness the creation of vibrant, handmade candles. Our South Africa cultural tour then takes us into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, a region where the ancient traditions of the Zulu people and modern settler cultures have harmoniously blended. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon near St Lucia, known for its incredible wetlands.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar.
Included Highlights: eSwatini – Ngwenya Glass Visit, Visit Swazi Candles Centre
Distance: ± 375 km

Day 6: St Lucia – Durban, South Africa

This morning, you have the option to embark on a thrilling open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve, Africa’s oldest game reserve renowned for its successful white rhino conservation program (optional and for own account). Afterwards, we head south to Durban, a multicultural and vibrant seaside city. Our orientation tour will take us along the Golden Mile beachfront promenade, the Point Waterfront, and the bustling harbor. We conclude our tour with a visit to the serene Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar
Included Highlights: Orientation Tour of Durban, Durban Botanic Gardens Visit
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
Distance: ± 320 km

Day 7: Durban – Drakensberg, South Africa

After breakfast, we journey inland towards the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Our first stop is the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the charming village of Howick. Our Drakensberg Mountains tour continues through the scenic Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, nestled within a breathtaking World Heritage site, in the mid-afternoon. The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the stunning surroundings, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and even horse riding (all optional and for own account). Enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel. Breakfast & Dinner included. Distance travelled: 280 kms. Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Drakensberg Mountains, Visit Howick Falls
Optional Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Horse Riding
Distance: ± 280 km

Day 8: Drakensberg, South Africa

Enjoy a full day at leisure to fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Your resort offers a range of activities to enjoy. Consider joining a thrilling 4×4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account – passport and visa requirements apply). Indulge in a delightful dinner at your hotel, featuring a variety of local specialties.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Southern Drakensberg Mountains
Optional Activities: 4×4 tour of Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho
Distance: ± 280 km

Day 9: Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast (Chinsta), South Africa

This morning, we continue south towards the Eastern Cape Coast, the birthplace of the iconic Nelson Mandela. En route, we’ll witness the traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside Mthatha. We’ll pass by Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and his house, arriving in the late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner featuring local delicacies awaits you at your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar.
Included Highlights: Eastern Cape Coast
Distance: ± 520 km

Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma, South Africa

Awake to the soothing sounds of crashing waves along the pristine beach, a haven for diverse birdlife within the thick indigenous forest. Today, we set off heading south towards the enchanting Tsitsikamma Forest, renowned for its natural beauty and scenic walking opportunities. Breakfast included. Distance travelled: 510 kms. Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar
Included Highlights: Southern Drakensberg Mountains
Optional Activities: 4×4 tour of Sani Pass in the Kingdom
Distance: ± 280 km

Day 11: Tsitsikamma – Knysna, South Africa

Day 11: Tsitsikamma Exploration and Arrival in Knysna – The Oyster Box
After breakfast, we explore the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park, taking a short walk to the dramatic Storms River Mouth, offering magnificent views of the gorge and river below. We then continue our journey to Knysna, affectionately known as the ‘oyster box of South Africa’, where we’ll check in to our hotel. Indulge in a delectable dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner included. Distance travelled: 92 kms. Accommodation: The Rex Hotel or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Rex Hotel or similar
Included Highlights: Tsitsikamma Forest, Storms River Mouth
Distance: ± 92 km

Day 12: Knysna – Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Following breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ due to its thriving ostrich industry. We’ll visit a working ostrich farm for a guided tour. Our adventure continues with an exploration of the famous Cango Caves, where you’ll marvel at the magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites during a guided tractor tour. We spend the night in Oudtshoorn. Breakfast included. Distance travelled: 180 kms. Accommodation: Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar
Included Highlights: Oudtshoorn – Ostrich Farm Visit, Explore the Cango Caves
Distance: ± 180 km

Day 13: Oudtshoorn – Cape Town, South Africa

Today’s journey takes us along the renowned Route 62 through the arid landscapes of the Little Karoo, eventually leading us to Cape Town. Along the way, we’ll stop in Calitzdorp, a town well-known for its fortified wines, to sample top-quality Port-style wines. We then continue via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in the vibrant city of Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain, in the late afternoon. Breakfast included. Distance travelled: 420 kms. Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens or similar
Included Highlights: Route 62, Stop in Calitzdorp for wine sampling
Distance: ± 420 km

Day 14: Cape Town, South Africa

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the many attractions of Cape Town. Perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour of Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens, embark on a full-day Cape Winelands tour to experience the region’s renowned wine estates, or take a captivating full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and stunning scenic beauty, including visits to Cape Point, Boulders Beach (home to African penguins), and Muizenberg Beach. Cape Town offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities, excellent bars, cafes, restaurants, and colourful craft markets. Alternatively, relax on one of Cape Town’s pristine beaches.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: SunSquare Cape Town Gardens or similar
Optional Activities: Morning Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Constantia Winelands, African Dinner & Drumming, Marine Big Five Safari Experience

Day 15: Cape Town, South Africa

After a final breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. Enjoy the remaining time at your leisure until your scheduled transfer to Cape Town International Airport, marking the end of your incredible 15-day South Africa tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.