22 Days Tour of South Africa

Day 1
Arrival at Nairobi airport/ Jan Smuts, are picked up and transfered to your hotel for overnight.

Day 2
Leave for Nairobi airport and onwards to Johannesburg. Arrival, are met on arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Senator Hotel, Caesars Gauteng close to Johannesburg International Airport

The Senator hotel is part of Caesars, Gauteng, South Africa's premier casino resort destination. A stay at The Senator creates a superb experience for the domestic and international traveller whether it is for business, a short stay en-route to a renowned tourist destination in Africa.

Day 3
After an early breakfast transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for flight to Victoria Falls. Transfer from Victoria Falls airport to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Westward facing, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys stunning sunsets and uninterrupted views of the waterhole and beyond. Elephants, many kinds of antelope and especially buffalo are regular visitors – warthogs, banded mongooses, baboons and vervet monkeys – treasured residents. And yet the lodge with all its natural beauty and tranquility is only 4 minutes from the buzz of the town and the roar of The Falls.

Day 4
Spend the day exploring the mighty Victoria Falls called Mosi-oa-Tunya – the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ and the Craft Market before embarking on the Sundowner Cruise. The relaxing cruise on the mighty Zambesi River takes you close to hippos and crocodile. Elephants and other species are often seen at the waters-edge. Dinner at the Boma ‘a cultural experience that bombards the senses’. Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Day 5
Breakfast at leisurely before departing for the airport for flight back to South Africa. Met on arrival at Johannesburg International Airport and transfer to the Protea Hotel Balalaika in Sandton for overnight.

For those who seek premier quality and elegance, Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton is the distinctive superior choice. Established in 1949, the hotel is privately owned and set in the heart of Sandton. Each of the rooms is tastefully furnished to portray the ultimate in comfort and style. The personalised service at the hotel is a quality not easily matched.

Day 6
To-day visit Gold Reef City that offers an entertaining look at Johannesburg’s gold rush past. Furnished with replicas of 19th century shops, pubs and miner’s houses it features tribal dancing and a gold mine tour. The afternoon is spent on a tour of Soweto a sprawling black township with a complicated history. Soweto residents belong to nine ethnic groups, primarily Zulus and Xhosas. The renowned Chris Hani (Baragwanath) Hospital is the largest general hospital in the Southern Hemisphere and is the hub of most training and medical service located in the heart of Soweto.Overnight Protea Hotel Balalaika.

Day 7
Depart Johannesburg after a leisurely breakfast and a short informative tour of the Sandton business district. Travel to Pretoria the administrative capital of South Africa. Visit the Voortrekker Monument and Museum that pays tribute to the Boer pioneers who made the Great Trek in the 1830’s. The Kruger House Museum in the 19th century home of former President Paul Kruger. Enjoy Victorian architecture and décor at the Melrose House Museum. Drive past the State Theatre and Church Square. Dinner and overnight at Leriba Lodge near Pretoria.

This luxury thatched lodge is nestled in an unsurpassed setting of natural beauty and elegance on the banks of the Hennops River – a luxury bush experience in the city.

Day 8
Today we travel to the North West Province to Sun City situated in the Pilansberg Hills, the glittering and vibrant showpiece, the “Las Vegas” of South Africa. Explore the fantastical Palace of the Lost City a fantasy conjured out of myths and legends of Africa. Overnight at the Cascades Hotel.

Offering a fantasy world with its theme of cascading water, inside and outside, the Cascades Hotel is a picturesque setting of tropical lagoons and giant boulders, creating a paradise for pink flamingos and swans.

Day 9
Depart Sun City after an early breakfast for Mpumalanga- ‘the place where the sun rises’ – where mountain and bushveld stretch out across the great highveld plateau. With steep mountains, panoramic passes, dramatic river canyons and plunging waterfalls. Visit Gods Window for a panoramic view of the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, Pilgrims Rest- a picturesque gold rush town. Dinner and overnight at Mount Sheba.

The verdant beauty of the Mount Sheba Country Lodge is breathtaking. Nestled amongst the mountains above the historic mining town of Pilgrim’s rest, and surrounded by indigenous forests. All en suite rooms have cosy fireplaces.

Day 10
After a leisurely breakfast we travel to the Kruger National Park a first on many travelers’ list of “must sees.” This crown jewel of South Africa is one of the top 10 national parks in the world. Well known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, Kruger offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience close encounters with elephant, rhino, bufffalo, lion and leopard. Wild dog, cheetah, zebra, giraffe and a variety of other species are also indigenous to the park. A paradise for the wildlife enthusiast with close to 150 mammals and over 380 species of indigenous trees, as well as over 500 bird species. Enter Kruger through of the southern gates. Spend the rest of the day game viewing. Dinner and overnight at Satara Rest Camp.

Day 11
Early morning game drive. Enjoy breakfast at one of the many rest camps. Game viewing for the rest of the day with a stop for lunch. Enjoy an open vehicle night drive and bush braai. We hope to catch a glimpse of the many nocturnal animals often not seen during the day. Overnight at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp.

Rest camp accommodations are in ‘rondawels’ (round thatch roofed chalets) with twin beds, en -suite bathroom and ‘stoep’ ( a verandah).

Day 12
Enjoy an early game drive and breakfast. Depart from Kruger Park and travel towards the Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Enter at Jeppe’s Reef Border post and travel south to Mbabane the capital city of Swaziland. There is a lively Swazi Market to visit as well as the Ngwenya Glass and Candle factories. This evening try your luck at the gaming tables in the casino. Overnight at the Ezulwini Sun.

The Ezulwini Sun is one of the Sun International hotel and casino resorts in the heart of Swaziland. Here guests enter a world of fun and excitement with a wide range of entertainment options, restaurants and bars awaiting them.

Day 13
To-day we travel south through the Ezulwini Valley past Manzini and Big Bend to enter KwaZulu Natal through the Lavumisa border post. Travel via Mkuze to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park. Dinner and overnight at Hilltop Camp.

The award winning Hilltop Camp, in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, on the summit of a forested hill offers fine views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 14
Early game drive in open vehicles to view the rare white rhino and many other species of animals and birds. Arrive at St Lucia in time to take the 12:00 ferry across the Lake to the Nibela Peninsula. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing. Overnight Nibela Lake Lodge.

Situated in the heart of the Lake, on the tip of the Nibela Peninsula is the prestigious Nibela Lake Lodge. Access to the lodge is from the False Bay Park shoreline where guests are met and transferred across the lake on a 20 minute boat ride.

Nibela Lake Lodge is unobtrusive and blends almost magically into the forest surrounds. The luxurious thatched lodges are situated high up in the cool forest beneath a magnificent canopy of trees where guests can enjoy the solitude and tranquillity of Africa at its best. A lounge area housing a variety of wildlife books and games leads out onto a wrap around wooden viewing deck overlooking the lake.

Day 15
This morning after a scrumptious breakfast cross the lake by ferry and travel south visiting the Dumazulu Traditional village for an unrivalled ethnic experience. Continue via Richards Bay, Ballito and Umhlanga to Durban. Later enjoy a drive through Durban past the vast Indian Market, the Victoria Embankment to view the Vasco Da Gama Clock and the Dick King Statue. Pass the Sugar Terminal, the Yacht Club and ‘The Workshop’ shopping mall. Overnight the Protea Edward Hotel.

Situated on Durban’s famous Golden Mile, within five minutes of the city centre, the Protea Hotel Edward heralds a time of Victorian elegance. This world-famous hotel played host to Princes and Presidents, Field Marshals, millionaires and movie stars since 1911. The Hotel Edward is a well-placed, luxurious base with a sense of relaxation and familiarity on the Beachfront.

Day 16
Morning at leisure to relax, have a swim or walk along the beachfront. Fly to Port Elizabeth that is spread out along the sandy shore of Algoa Bay, also known as the “Friendly City”. It is the fifth biggest city in South Africa and the largest on the coast between Cape Town and Durban. The first recorded visits to Algoa Bay were made by Bartholomew Diaz, who anchored there during one of his epic voyages of discovery, and Vasco da Gama, who made mention of the bay in 1497. It was not until 1820 when 4000 British settlers landed there to become the first permanent British residents in South Africa, that Port Elizabeth was properly established. The Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Donkin, named the city after his late wife Elizabeth. Visit the Campanile, Donkin Reserve and Fort Frederick. Dinner and overnight at the Protea Hotel Marine.

Among the superior hotels in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth the Protea Hotel Marine is unparalleled. Overlooking the sun-drenched sands of Pollock Beach, this hotel is rightfully renowned for its quality facilities, personal service and luxurious atmosphere.

Day 17
After breakfast depart Port Elizabeth and travel along the Garden Route via St Francis Bay and the famous surfing spot of Jeffrey’s Bay, known as “the home of the perfect wave”. The magnificent Tsitsikamma is one of the wonderlands of South Africa with giant yellowwood trees, waterfalls, lakes, mountains, rivers, streams, deep gorges, a rugged coastline, stretches of white beaches, lush vegetation, fynbos and a rich animal and bird life combine to create an area that stuns visitors. It is also know as big-tree country, with about 105 species of trees. Arrive in Knysna in time for dinner and overnight at the Brenton-on-Sea Hotel.

The Brenton-on-Sea Hotel is the only beach hotel in the Knysna area. With magnificent views of the sea and kilometers of golden sand as your playground. The Brenton-On-Sea Hotel offers unique facilities in a splendid environment.

Day 18
Spend the morning relaxing on the beach or take a walk around the town visiting the art galleries and flea markets. After lunch travel over the Outeniqua pass to Oudtshoorn the “Feather Capital of the World”. Visit Highgate Ostrich farm for a demonstration of these flightless birds before enjoying a wonderful dinner whilst being entertained by the Highgate Choir. Overnight at the Riempie Estate.

Situated in a farm like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, this charming hotel, with its well appointed thatched rondawels, is only 20 minutes from the famous Cango Caves and Ostrich farms.

Day 19
After breakfast depart on a tour of the Cango Caves. The entrance to the caves was first discovered by the KhoiSan people thousands of years ago but in 1780 a colonial farmer dared to venture past the cave entrance, lowering himself into the unknown darkness. From the muffled echo of his uneasy voice he sensed a cavern of breathtaking proportions, and by the dim light of a burning torch saw glistening mounds and crystal-like shapes that hinted at a subterranean wonderland. These caves were only illuminated with electric light since 1929. Continue via “Route 62” passing through towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Barrydale. Travel over the Tredouxs Pass to Swellendam, continuing to Stellenbosch for dinner and overnight at the Protea Hotel Devon Valley.

This beautiful, cedarwood-clad hotel is set on a working wine farm amongst ancient trees and landscaped gardens with magnificent views of Stellenbosch and the Helderberg.

Day 20
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing on a tour of the winelands. With a wine-tasting at Spier Wine Estate, one of the three founder members of the Stellenbosch Wine Route in 1971. One of the oldest cellars at Spier dates back to 1767. Continue to Cape Town. Evening ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Overnight at the Portswood Hotel.

Situated in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s premier entertainment and tourist attraction, The Portswood, is one of South Africa’s most popular hotels. A four star oasis of calm and comfort alongside the vibrant restaurants and active nightlife of the Waterfront.

Day 21
After breakfast depart on a full day of exciting sight seeing. Travel around the “Malay Quarter” and the old District Six visiting the living museum formally the “Freedom Church”. Drive along the coast road past Clifton and Camps Bay beaches to Hout Bay viewing the wonderful scenery. On to Cape Point Nature Reserve to view the tides ceaselessly pounding against the cliffs churning up impressive amounts of spray. Enjoy a Crayfish lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant before travelling to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town to see the endangered African or `jackass’ penguin colony. Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – a living display of the floral riches of Southern Africa. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 and is Internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Overnight at the Portswood Hotel.

Day 22
This morning is spent at leisure to browse around the shops or take an optional tour to Robben Island. After lunch depart on a tour of the Townships visiting Langa Cape Town’s oldest formal black township, the Chris Hani Literacy School, Guguletu, Nyanga and crossroads. The sheer scale of the informal housing problem becomes evident. Witness hundreds of squatters, with the help of State Grants, setting about building their own brick homes. Also visit the Samora Machel Housing scheme’s “container school”. Spend some time talking to the locals and enjoying some refreshment at either a “spaza” a small township shop or “Shebeen” a Tavern. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for flight back home or on to Nairobi.

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