South Africa Surprise

Depart early for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the Panorama Route visiting Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. On arrival check in for evening at leisure at the estate.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar (B)

* HIGHLIGHT: The spectacular Panorama Route.

Today is an early start to in order to experience the wonders of the famous Kruger National Park, with the chance to view the “Big 5” – lion leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. Afternoon at leisure.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar (B)

Today, we depart for eSwatini. Proceed south to Malalane and in to eSwatini. In the afternoon, you will visit Matsamo Cultural Village, a Chief’s village where you have the opportunity to gain knowledge of traditional Swazi culture.
Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino or similar (B)

Today, we journey through eSwatini into Zululand and into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay.
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar (B)

Guests have the option to rest, take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the
atmosphere of the tourist town St Lucia before heading to Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this vibrant seaside city.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Umhlanga or similar (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route to our hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort or similar (BD)

HIGHLIGHT: The Drakensberg mountain range forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Its towering basalt peaks offer dramatic vistas, the highest peak reaching a spectacular 3,482m, the highest in southern Africa.

Day at leisure to soak up the surrounds of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains.
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort or similar (BD)

This morning, we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the birth place of Nelson Mandela (known as Madiba). Enroute we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital, Umtata. Continue via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chintsa East, on the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar (BD)

HIGHLIGHT: Drive past Nelson Mandela’s birth place and home. Nelson Mandela was known by many names – Rolihlahla which literally means ‘pulling the branch of a tree’ and figuratively means ‘trouble-maker’, was his birth name.

Awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and enjoy the morning at leisure. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the indigenous beach forest is a haven for amazing birdlife. Continue south to Port Elizabeth.
Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar (B)

Today, our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon.
Premier Hotel Knysna The Moorings or similar (BD)

Travel inland over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ due to its ostrich industry. Visit a working ostrich farm then explore the famous Cango Caves, with their magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to the Eastern seaboard to Mossel Bay for a visit to the famous Post Office Tree and Bartholomeus Diaz Museum.
Diaz Beach Hotel or similar (B)

HIGHLIGHT: Visit a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, known as ‘the feather capital of the world’. The flightless ostrich is the world’s largest bird.

After breakfast, we head for Cape Town via the towns of Swellendam, Robertson and Worcester. After traveling through the Huguenot Tunnel, iconic Table Mountain greets us as we arrive in Cape Town in the afternoon. Enjoy time at leisure in Cape Town. A visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended.
Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens Hotel or similar – 2 nights (B)

HIGHLIGHT: The ‘Mother City’ is an affectionate nickname for Cape Town, which is widely known and used among locals and visitors to Cape Town.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey (B)