14 Day Best of South Africa: Big Five, Culture & Cape Town

Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most vibrant city! Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your representative and transferred to your hotel. This bustling metropolis, built on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand, is a hub for the gold and diamond trade. The rest of your day is at leisure, giving you the freedom to relax at the hotel or opt for an insightful sightseeing tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum (at your own expense), where you can delve into South Africa’s powerful history. This evening, we’ll all meet at 7pm in the reception area for a comprehensive tour briefing and to get to know your fellow travelers before your adventure begins.

After breakfast, leave the bustling city behind and descend into the lush, subtropical Lowveld of Mpumalanga. You will travel past the scenic Drakensberg Mountains and the historic gold-mining town of Sabie. The highlight of the day is a visit to the pristine 65-meter Mac-Mac Falls. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Hazyview, the ultimate safari gateway to the Kruger National Park.

An early breakfast precedes a breathtaking drive along the Panorama Route. Witness spectacular scenery, including the iconic Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), the intriguing Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the awe-inspiring God’s Window, offering panoramic views of the escarpment and Kruger National Park (weather permitting). We return to Hazyview in the late afternoon for leisure.

Embark on an unforgettable early morning open vehicle game safari through the world-renowned Kruger National Park with an experienced English-speaking game ranger. Search for the legendary ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) and encounter a diverse array of wildlife and birdlife. Experience a presentation by the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog) and learn about their vital conservation work. A portion of your trip price contributes to the care of these dedicated dogs. Enjoy a pre-packed breakfast during your safari. The afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can opt for an additional afternoon game drive (optional).

Today, you cross international borders into the independent Kingdom of eSwatini, celebrated for its vibrant indigenous culture and beautiful rolling landscapes. You will enjoy an interactive cultural experience and lunch with the locals, learning about traditional Swazi customs. Afterward, visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to watch artisans craft beautiful wares from recycled glass. The day ends with a sumptuous dinner in the scenic Ezulwini Valley.

Following breakfast, visit the vibrant Swazi Candle Factory to watch wax artists mold intricate designs. You will then drive south, taking in endless vistas of traditional round huts before crossing back into South Africa’s historic Zululand. Join an optional afternoon open-vehicle game safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. As Africa’s oldest game reserve, it is world-renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program.

An early start takes you past traditional Zulu Kraals, eucalyptus plantations, and sugar cane fields en-route to Durban (Umhlanga) airport. Take a short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (flight excluded). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and begin your journey west along the iconic Garden Route, following the Indian Ocean coastline, with majestic mountains and indigenous forests inland. Overnight in the Tsitsikamma area.

After breakfast, explore the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Discover its dramatic coastline, indigenous forests, and river gorges. Continue to Knysna, known as the “oyster box” of South Africa, nestled on a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, followed by a delicious dinner at the renowned Drydock Restaurant.

Travel over the scenic Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital” of the world. Stop at ‘Dolphin Point’ in Wilderness for breathtaking views of Wilderness beach. In Oudtshoorn, experience a fun and interactive tour of a working ostrich farm, including a light lunch with local specialties like Ostrich Steak. Explore the spectacular limestone formations of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon, with dinner at your own expense.

There is an optional early morning Meerkat Safari for a unique wildlife encounter (own account, subject to availability). A portion of the proceeds supports local wildlife conservation.

After breakfast, journey through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, and support local education. A portion of your trip contributes to the Barrydale Farm School Development Fund. (Subject to school being open). Continue via the Tradouw’s pass to Swellendam and then to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route and offering the best land-based whale watching (August-November).

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Hermanus and travelling along the spectacularly scenic coastal road to Somerset West. Continue to Stellenbosch, nestled in the beautiful Cape Winelands, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Finally, travel to Cape Town for your three-night stay.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Consider joining an optional sightseeing tour to Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens (own account) or a Marine Big Five Safari (optional, own account) for a chance to see sharks, whales, seals, and seabirds with marine biologists. A portion of the proceeds supports marine conservation efforts. In the evening, enjoy a fun-filled authentic African dinner experience with interactive entertainment at Gold Restaurant.

Embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, showcasing some of the world’s most stunning coastal scenery. Drive through Sea Point and the picturesque village of Hout Bay (optional seal island boat cruise, own account). Continue to Cape Point, traditionally said to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Return to Cape Town via Simon’s Town, where you’ll visit the delightful penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee own account), the fishing village of Fish Hoek, and Muizenberg.

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or optional sightseeing in Cape Town (own account) or souvenir shopping at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own account, time permitting) before your tours comes to an end.