20 Day South Africa Highlights Small Group Guided Tour

You will be transferred to your accommodation for the day from the airport, tonight you will stay at Brooks Cottage in Pretoria. Take some time to unwind and freshen up before heading on a city tour of Pretoria. Explore the Union Building and the Voortrekker Monument Museum where you will learn about the interesting history of South Africa. This evening, there is an optional dining experience at a terrific restaurant (own expense). Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at Brooks Cottage

After a delicious breakfast and a briefing from your guide, you set out on your journey through the Free State, onto Clarens. This beautiful town is known for many talented artists and craftsmen and the perfect stop for lunch. After the break we make our way to the Golden Gate National Park with picturesque mountain views. Our accommodation for the next two nights is in the midst of these towering Drakensberg Mountains. Take this time to relax and enjoy the peacefulness natural surroundings. After dinner, feel free to spend your evening at leisure.

Wake up fresh today and experience the great outdoors! The Drakensberg Mountains form the perfect backdrop to explore various outdoor activities. There are a number of trails which lead you to ancient San rock art, gaze up at the fascinating Cape Vultures set in the greenest valley setting. From the highest point marvel magnificent views over the Drakensberg Mountains peering below at Sterkfontein Dam and the Maloti Mountains of Lesotho in the distance. If hiking is not your forte, there is also an opportunity to experience the incredible views on horseback both for beginners and experienced horse riders (optional activity).

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, savoring the moment before embarking on your next adventure. After packing your bags, enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, traversing the rolling green hills in a thrilling 4×4 vehicle. Continue your journey towards the coast, passing through the vibrant and multicultural city of Durban. Finally, arrive at the charming coastal town of St. Lucia. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll through the town, browsing local shops and soaking up the coastal atmosphere. Alternatively, relax on the beach or simply unwind after your journey. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant (own expense) and reflect on the day’s adventures. Spend a comfortable night at Forest Lodge, preparing for the exciting experiences that await you.

We spend today on game drives in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly named Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. There is a variety of game sightings including rhinos, waterbucks, nyalas, buffaloes, large kudu herds and if we are lucky, we may see a leopard on a hunt. There are various viewpoints where you are able to spot the beautiful Indian Ocean and if in season, the Southern Right Whales frolicking in the distance. End your exciting day of game viewing with an energizing dip in the Indian Ocean. This afternoon we enjoy more game viewing on a boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary. Be sure to look out for hippos, crocodiles and freshwater bird species. Once again, dinner is at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Today we hit the road again to explore Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on a full day game drive. One of the most spectacular parks in Southern Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is renowned for its black and white rhino conservation efforts. Apart from rhinos, it offers sightings of other magnificent wildlife including Africa’s ‘Big 5’. There is an optional lunch at Hilltop Camp (own expense) before enjoying our last game drive as we exit the park. We head north towards one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves – Pongola Game Reserve. On arrival sip on a refreshing drink while enjoying the stunning African sunset with Lake Jozani and the towering Lebombo Mountains as the backdrop. After a delicious dinner, we end the day relaxing around the warmth of the campfire.

Your day begins early this morning. Choose between an invigorating bush walk through the African savanna, where you might spot elephants, rhinos, and hippos, or a serene boat cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, enjoying breathtaking views and the chance to see crocodiles and a variety of birdlife. Experience the African bush in the best possible way, connecting with nature taking in all the sounds, sights and scents. After enjoying a delicious breakfast back at the camp, we continue our journey to the Kingdom of Swaziland. We visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to learn more about the strong Swazi culture, traditions and customs. Later in the day, we arrive at the Foresters Arms Country Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights.

Today you are free to do and explore as you please. Your guide would have briefed you on the various activities available and the tour group will decide on the agenda for the day. There is something for everyone amidst the serene landscapes, welcoming people and strong cultural heritage. Weather dependent you can explore the area by mountain bike, a leisurely stroll or horseback (optional). Immerse yourself in the culture when visiting local markets and meeting the local people. Gain insight into how the famous Swazi Candles are made when visiting a candle factory and observe the stunning art of glassblowing. After spending your day exploring the beautiful village and its surroundings, we retire for another night to the Foresters Arms Country Hotel.

Leaving the spectacular landscapes of Swaziland, we make our way to the Kruger National Park. Renowned for its abundant wildlife and massive size, it is home to 150 mammal species, over 500 bird species and close to 100 different reptiles. In this wildlife sanctuary you will have the chance to see the Big Five along with giraffe, antelopes and hippos. Embark on an exciting afternoon game drive in search of herds of elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards and many more.

We spend the day game viewing in search of the magnificent wildlife Kruger has to offer. Embark on an extensive open vehicle game drive this morning while taking our time to enjoy the experience to the fullest. If you desire to observe the wildlife at night, you have the option of a night drive guided by a park ranger (optional).

This morning you can either sleep in or join an optional guided walking safari in the Kruger. After breakfast, we enjoy our last game drive in the Kruger as we make our way out of the park and onto Hayzyview. On arrival at our accommodation, the rest of the day is for your leisure. Roam around in the beautiful evergreen gardens or kick your shoes off and unwind at the swimming pool. Tonight, we enjoy a scrumptious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.

Today we explore the incredible highlights of the Panorama Route including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon. God’s Window offers spectacular views across the Lowveld with Kruger National Park in the background. The Three Rondavels are mountain tops which resemble the traditional African homesteads. Our day enjoying the stunning views ends with another night at the Gecko Lodge.

After breakfast this morning, we head to Johannesburg to board a plane to George situated in the heart of the Garden Route. Once in George, we head to the Mes Amis Guest House in peaceful seaside town of Wilderness where you have the rest of the day to relax. Take advantage of the private access to the beach from the guest house and take a stroll along the peaceful sandy beach. This evening there is an (optional) dinner with your guide and fellow travellers at a local restaurant overlooking the calm Indian Ocean.

Take a stroll along the beach or make yourself comfortable at the guest house. You could take the opportunity to hike the Half Collared Kingfisher hiking Trail with your guide which leads you through the forest to a spectacular waterfall, where you could take a refreshing swim in the cool water. Back at the guest house you can enjoy the magnificent sea views from your private veranda and if luck is on your side, you may be able to spot dolphins riding the waves. End your relaxing day in the peaceful Wilderness with an (optional) dinner.

After a delicious breakfast, we head to Knysna – another coastal town situated next to a beautiful lagoon. Here you will have time to explore with your guide visiting the famous Knysna Heads which sit as guards separating the Indian Ocean from the lagoon. Later we head to the Tsitsikamma National Park via the lush landscape of Natures Valley. You may opt to hike along the Otter Trail, South Africa’s most famous hiking trial, or make your way across the Storms River Mouth on the popular suspension bridge. Either way you are guaranteed to be surrounded by absolutely incredible views. The natural contrast of the lush green vegetation to the roaring blue coastline will be imprinted in your memory. We arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon with an (optional) dinner at a local restaurant that evening.

We bid farewell to the coastal haven after breakfast and head to Oudtshoorn situated in the Little Karoo, as we travel along the famous Route 62. This afternoon we visit the renowned Cango Caves. The San people inhabited parts of the vast cave network over 10 000 years ago. We explore the entirety of the caves as we marvel at the various formations. Once we find the light of day again, we head off to the lodge for dinner where we will stay the night.

Oudtshoorn is the Ostrich capital of the world and is renowned for Ostrich farming. On a farm visit we are given insight into the large birds and the trade of ostrich products. This afternoon we leave Oudtshoorn and make our way to the Cape Whale Coast of Hermanus. This coastal town is renowned for spectacular whale watching between June and November. However, even outside of whale season, this charming town is worth visiting.

A stroll along the Cliff Path during whale season offers genuinely spectacular views and the perfect viewpoint for whale watching. During whale season and depending on the swell, you can opt to view the whales on a boat trip giving you the opportunity to get up close to these gentle giants. We leave Hermanus and travel along the stunning coast stopping to visit an African penguin colony before continuing our journey to Stellenbosch, a region renowned for its wine. Upon arrival in Stellenbosch, we explore the town before heading to a wine farm in a pristine location for a tantalizing wine tasting experience. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant (optional).

This morning, we visit a classic Cape farm which is charmingly situated at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. Take a stroll to the viewpoint that offers spectacular views over False Bay all the way to Table Mountain, if the day is clear, you may be able to spot Cape Point. Prepare yourself for a surprise at lunch time! In the afternoon we travel along the serene coastline arriving in the peaceful coastal town of Noordhoek, known for one of the longest beaches in the Cape. Feel the cool sand in-between your toes as you stroll along the beautiful beach.

Today we enjoy a bit of history on our visit to the Cape of Good Hope. The towering rocks and cliffs were the sailors first and only sight of land during their extensive journey from Europe. We explore this area, taking in the infinite views from the viewing platform at the bottom of an old lighthouse. This afternoon your guide transfers you to Cape Town City Centre where we bid farewell clutching onto the remarkable memories made in South Africa, until next time!