19 Day Best of South Africa – Small Group Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1

Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, you will be transferred to the Safari Club where you will have the remainder of the day to explore and relax. You will have a pre-departure meeting with your guide this evening at 18:00.

Accommodation: Southern Sun OR Tambo or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant
Meals: No meals included on this day
Optional Activities: Apartheid Museum Tour, Gold Reef City Tour, Johannesburg City Tour, Soweto Tour, Lesedi Cultural Village Tour, Sun City Tour

Day 2

Johannesburg – Graskop, South Africa

We head off early today travelling east towards Mpumalanga on a journey filled with panoramic passes, waterfalls, lush valleys and forests. Tonight, we stay in the small town of Graskop on the Drakensberg escarpment, at the foot of the Panorama Route.

Accommodation: Graskop Hotel or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: ± 385 km

Day 3 - 4

Graskop – Panorama Route – Hazyview, South Africa

Making our way to the Kruger National Park we enjoy a scenic drive through the incredible Panorama Route. Revel in seeing the Blyde River Canyon, filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. We take some time at Bourke’s Luck Potholes with its age-old rock formations. This afternoon we head to the Kruger National Park where we will spend the next two nights. Here you can expect to venture on exciting morning and afternoon game drives in our tour vehicle viewing some of the best wildlife in Africa.

There is an optional game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle, available at an additional expense.

Accommodation: Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar – Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner x1
Optional Activity: Open Vehicle Game Drive (from R1,160pp)
Distance: ± 250 km

Day 5 - 6

Hazyview – Kingdom of Eswatini, Swaziland

Today we make our way to The Kingdom of Swaziland which is a beautiful landlocked country bordered by Mozambique and South Africa and one of the three remaining monarchies in Africa. You will have time to explore and discover the culture and traditions of the Swazis. We will spend two nights in the Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s very first wildlife sanctuary with hippo, zebra, giraffe and various antelope. This afternoon’s guided walk will allow us to spot these animals.

On day 6 we enjoy an interactive cultural experience when visiting the Umphakatsi Chief’s homestead. Here you will have an opportunity to take part in many activities such as grinding maze, plaiting mountain grass or joining the children in song and dance. Today we lunch the Swazi way with a taste of their local food.

Accommodation: Mlilwane Rest Camp or similar – Beehive huts with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x1
Distance: ± 190 km

Day 7 - 8

Kingdom of Eswatini – Hluhluwe, South Africa

Today we travel back into South Africa via Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. We visit a craft market en-route before arriving at our lodge late afternoon. The next day, we visit the oldest game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. This reserve is home to the black and white rhino and serves in the conservation efforts of this endangered species. In the afternoon we visit South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park while getting up close with hippos and crocodiles as we enjoy a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary.

Accommodation: Ezulwini Game Lodge or similar (Day 7), Elephant Lake Hotel or similar (Day 8) – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & dining area
Meals: Breakfast x2
Included Highlights: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve Game Drive, Boat Cruise St. Lucia Estuary
Distance: ± 440 km

Day 9 -10

Hluhluwe – Drakensberg, South Africa

As we make our way inland, we head to the northern stretches of the Drakensberg. This mountain range is renowned for its 3,482 m tall mountains and magnificent forests. Covering a length of 1,000 km, South Africa’s highest mountain range is picturesque throughout. We spend our next two nights exploring this World Heritage Site on guided walks.

Accommodation: Premier Sani Pass Resort or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x1, Dinner x2
Distance: ± 460 km

Day 11 - 12

Drakensberg – Cintsa, South Africa

Embark on a scenic journey south to Cinsta, a hidden gem along the Wild Coast. Discover miles of pristine beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking up the sun. Unwind in this tranquil coastal paradise, where you can relax by the sea and explore hidden coves. Cinsta offers the perfect escape for those seeking serenity and breathtaking natural beauty.

Accommodation: Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x1, Dinner x2
Distance: ± 517 km

Day 13

Cintsa – Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Enjoy a scenic journey through the historical Zuurberg Mountain Pass, guided by expert local knowledge. Traverse rugged terrain, admiring the ancient rock formations bathed in the warm afternoon sun. Listen to fascinating tales of explorers and settlers as you journey through this captivating landscape. Conclude your day with a guided walk through the Zuurberg mountains, enjoying the breathtaking vistas and the vibrant wildflowers.

Accommodation: Zuurberg Mountain Inn or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: ± 345 km
Included Highlights: Zuurberg Mountain Pass – Guided Walk

Day 14 - 15

Addo Elephant National Park – Cape St Francis, South Africa

Begin the day with a thrilling morning game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, encountering diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Continue your journey to the charming coastal town of St Francis Bay, where you’ll enjoy a scenic sunset cruise along the Kromme River. Indulge in a unique Calamari Tour & Tasting, experiencing the finest local calamari and gaining a deeper appreciation for this South African delicacy.

Accommodation: Cape St Francis Resort or similar – Cottages with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2
Included Highlights:  Game Drive Addo Elephant National Park, Calamari Tour and Tasting at Port St Francis
Optional Activities: Additional Game Drive Addo Elephant National Park
Distance: ± 220 km

Day 16

Cape St Francis – Tsitsikamma Forest – Oudtshoorn, South Africa

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions due to the lush landscapes and scenic coastline. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tsitsikamma Forest. Continue your journey to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Explore local ostrich farms and delve into the rich cultural heritage of this unique region. Conclude your day with a sense of adventure and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Garden Route.

Accommodation: Mooiplaas Guest House or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar, restaurant and swimming pool
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Tsitsikamma Short Trails Hike, Scenic Garden Route
Distance: ± 350 km

Day 17 - 18

Oudtshoorn – Cape Town, South Africa

Embark on an exciting day trip from Oudtshoorn. Experience the fascinating world of ostriches with a farm tour. Continue your journey to Robertson, where you’ll indulge in a wine tasting at a local estate. Arrive in Cape Town and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the sea, soaking up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches or exploring the vibrant V&A Waterfront.

The next day, embark on a scenic Cape Peninsula tour, experiencing breathtaking coastal drives along the Atlantic Seaboard. Visit the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive and explore the Good Hope Nature Reserve. Encounter the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance fee not included). Conclude your day with a memorable journey through the charming village of Simon’s Town.

Accommodation: Pullman Cape Town City Centre or similar – Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant
Meals: Breakfast x2
Included Highlights: Ostrich Farm Tour, Roberston Wine Tasting, Cape Peninsula Tour
Optional Activities: Boat trip to Seal Island in Hout Bay, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Distance: ± 420 km

Day 19

Cape Town, South Africa

Conclude your South African adventure with a day of leisure in Cape Town. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding coastline with an optional cable car ride up Table Mountain (own expense). Create lasting memories as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town before your departure.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Cape Peninsula Tour (full day), Marine Eco Boat Tour, Spier Wine Farm & Vineyards Gliding Tour (Segway), Give Back Cultural Field Trip, Cape Township Tour, Inverdoorn Day Visit – Self-drive, Inverdoorn Day Safari – With transfers, The Whale Route Tour, Evening Township Tour Experience, Sunset Cruise, Cape Town City Cycle Tour, Table Mountain Hike, Mountain Biking (Table Mountain), Aquila Private Game Reserve Day Safari, Cape Peninsula Tour (half day), Cape Town City Tour (half day), Harbour cruise – Dawn (30 Minutes), Cape Point Tour with Hiking & Biking
Private Photographic Tour of Cape Town

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.