Tour Plan
1
DAY 1: 2 September 2024 ( JOHANNESBURG)
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your
hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond
trade due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure and
unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto, learning more about the struggle for
freedom in South Africa, or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 we will meet at reception for a briefing on the tour and a
chance to meet fellow travellers.
Distance travelled today: 35 kms
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton, Guest Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast
2
DAY 2 : 3 September 2024 ( JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA)
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before
continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical
region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom
Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 425 kms.
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort, Standard Room
Meal Basis : Half Board
3
DAY 3 : – 4 September 2024 (MPUMALANGA)
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery
including the 26-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s
Window, a breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We
arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. Consider joining (for own
account) a Shangaan Cultural Dinner experience, for an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling
and entertainment. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort, Standard Room
Meal Basis : Half Board
4
DAY 4 : 5 September 2024 (MPUMALANGA)
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game
ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks,
home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific
birdlife and numerous other game species. The game safari includes a visit to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog),
that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Meet the dogs that are trained to track poachers in
the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A
portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best
possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The
afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game
drive (optional and for own account). Why not experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent
Sabie River under a star-studded sky (for own account)? [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 120 kms
Accommodation: Sabi River Sun Resort, Standard Room
Meal Basis : Half Board
5
DAY 5 : 6 September 2024 (MPUMALANGA – eSWATINI (SWAZILAND))
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its
lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch, introduces us to
the charming people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful
Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 310 kms
Accommodation: The Royal Villas, King Suite
Meal Basis : Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
6
DAY 6 : 7 September 2024 (eSWATINI (SWAZILAND) - ZULULAND)
After breakfast we will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand,
passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game safari (optional
and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an
immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino.
Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
Accommodation: Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge, Standard Room
Meal Basis : Half Board
7
DAY 7 : 8 September 2024 (ZULULAND – DURBAN (UMHLANGA))
This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban.
Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and
the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga).
[Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 275 kms
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga, Guest Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast
8
DAY 8 : 9 September 2024 (DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - KNYSNA)
After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we
will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the
indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather
permitting). We’ll arrive at our hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful
lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
Accommodation: Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa (The), Luxury Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast
9
DAY 9 : 10 September 2024 (KNYSNA)
After breakfast, journey into the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the
stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold.
Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of
over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch, in
the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the
Forest Legends Museum, that exhibits tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the colourful Old Suzie steam
engine, that was used to generate power, and the stately Old Forester’s House, home of forester David Ernest Hutchins, who
was the first person to manage the indigenous forest in a sustainable manner. Overnight in Knysna with dinner at Drydock
Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs
from the region. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 100 kms
Accommodation: Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa (The), Luxury Room
Meal Basis : Bed & Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
10
DAY 10 : 11 September 2024 (KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN)
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich capital’ and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming
industry. Along the way, visit the ‘Map of Africa’, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, we’ll visit an
Ostrich Farm for a fun filled interactive tour and light lunch that includes local specialities such as Ostrich Steak, before taking a
tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature
through the ages. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight
in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance travelled today: 210 kms
Accommodation: La Plume Guest House, Superior Suite
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
DAY 11 : 12 September 2024 (OUDTSHOORN - FRANSCHHOEK )
Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Overnight in Franschhoek.
Accommodation: Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Luxury Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast and Dinner
12
DAY 12 : 13 September 2024 (FRANSCHHOEK – CAPE TOWN )
After a leisurely breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out to the picturesque Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch, surrounded by awe inspiring scenery. With extraordinary wine estates and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your knowledgeable guide will create a memorable Winelands experience. Enjoy two wine tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll re-join the main tour.
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan, Standard Family Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast
13
DAY 13 : 14 September 2024 (CAPE TOWN)
Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through
Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and
then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We'll return to Cape Town by
way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) and Fish Hoek
fishing village. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan, Standard Family Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast
14
DAY 14 : 15 September 2024 (CAPE TOWN)
Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account & time
permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion, or perhaps just wander
through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport,
harbour, or railway station for your onward journey. [Breakfast]
FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION
If you’ve always dreamed of experiencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will
have the opportunity to maximise your experience of picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, and
fine wines, thereafter, re-joining the tour with minimum disruption.
Accommodation: Southern Sun The Cullinan, Standard Family Room
Meal Basis : Bed and Breakfast