Countries: South Africa , Lesotho , The Kingdom of Eswatini
Destinations: Cape Town , Garden Route , Eastern Cape , Maluti Mountains , Drakensberg , Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast , Ezulwini Valley , Panorama Route , Johannesburg
Group Size: 0
Duration (days): 19
Number of Adults: 0
Number of Children: 0
Take in the wonders of South Africa in this all inclusive itinerary. From magical Cape Town, Garden Route to historical sights and mountains, to the Zulu & Swazi culture to the wildlife of Kruger National Park - this tour has it all. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your air conditioned Mercedes Sprinter while your guide shows you the diverse countryside, culture and cuisine of the Rainbow Nation.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Cape Town
On arrival to Cape Town clients are transferred to their hotel. The tour starts on day 1 with a pre
departure meeting at 18h00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape
Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at
clients’ own expense.
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries.
As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary.
Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of South Africa at Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, our hotel boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of the city, within view of the majestic V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. All of our spacious, well-designed hotel accommodations provide thoughtful amenities like free Wi-Fi access, deluxe bedding, a flat-screen TV, room service and a mini-fridge, while some rooms feature sensational views of the V&A Waterfront. Our hotel is closely linked with the University of Cape Towns Graduate School of Business and offers first class conference and function facilities at highly competitive rates. The hotel also features 18 conference venues, 24-hour secure parking – 250 parking bays, airport transfers can be arranged, laundry service, four public lounges, gym, spa, and business centre. Celebrate the best of South Africa at Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge.
Day 2 : Cape Town
Depart from our hotel at 08h00 for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard
via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning
along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. We stop at Boulders
Penguin Colony and a morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather
dependent).
Day 3 : Cape Town
The Day is free to wander the V&A Waterfront, take a trip to Robben Island or enjoy the Hop on
Hop off Red Bus tour of Cape Town. There are many attractions for individuals or families to enjoy.
Day 4 : Garden Route
We travel to the lush Garden Route. Passing by many lakes, beaches and forests we arrive in Knysna – the coastal town located on the shores of Knysna Lagoon. The afternoon is free to wander the town or book a sunset boat cruise on the lagoon.
Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with rugged mountain ranges separating the forested coastline from the harsh, vast landscapes of the Karoo, the Garden Route has a host of enchanting towns, bays and beaches.
It is the ideal location for a family holiday, being simple to self-drive, and allowing pure relaxation.
With 3 main airports servicing the Garden Route, it is easy to access, but once there, it is hard to leave!
Knysna Hollow Country Estate is set on a secluded 3-hectare Country Estate just 5 minutes from the centre of Knysna, a quaint seaside town widely regarded as the jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna Hollow re-opened in October 2018 as a brand-new contemporary country retreat offering stylish accommodation with warm personal service and authentic dining in our casual restaurant, Social Eatery. Situated in the middle of the iconic Garden Route National Park of the Southern Cape Coast, Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the myriad of attractions the region has to offer. The history of Mossel Bay, the arid, semi-desert of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo and the coastal towns of Wilderness, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay are all within an hour’s drive, as is Tsitsikamma National Park which is renowned for the Storm’s River Mouth and some of the country’s best hiking trails.
Day 5 : Garden Route
Today is free to book one of the many optional activities (own expense) available including Knysna Elephant Park / Featherbed Nature Reserve and visit the waterfront. Enjoy meals at some of the amazing restaurants along the lagoon.
Day 6 : Garden Route
We travel via the Garden Route and Plettenberg Bay stopping along the way at the many fascinating small towns and attractions. Time is spent in Plettenberg Bay with its stunning beaches and shops. We travel to the Tsitsikamma Forest where we overnight.
The Tsitsikamma Village Inn offers 49 beautiful and individually decorated rooms. This historic hotel, offering scenic accommodation in Storms River along the Garden Route of South Africa, was established in 1946. This hotel is situated in the Storms River Village tucked away in the lush Tsitsikamma forest, close to Storms River Mouth, in the Tsitsikamma National Park. This historic South African hotel has served as a stop-over for travellers for more than a century. Most of the rooms are situated around a typical Village green. These buildings reflect many of the different building styles that were to be found in the Cape Colony during the 1800s.
Day 7 : Eastern Cape
We travel to the historical town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape. Die Tuishuise in Cradock is an elegant collection of beautifully restored Victorian era craftsmen’s houses in Craddock, the frontier town at the eastern edge of the Great Karoo. More than two dozen Tuishuise line Market Street up to the Victoria Manor, a grand old colonial hotel from the days of Cecil John Rhodes, Olive Schreiner and the droves of adventurers who passed here en route to the hinterland.
Located in the south-eastern part of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is a destination of unmatched natural beauty – from the warm Indian Ocean to the vast plains of the Camdeboo, stretching from the foothills of the Sneeuberg Mountains in the north to the rugged Baviaans mountain wilderness in the south.
The Eastern Cape’s boasting rights include over 800 km of incredible coastline with some of the most amazing beaches in all of South Africa, jaw-dropping rock formations and landscapes, and magnificently rich diversity of fauna and flora. The Baviaanskloof is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extreme floristic diversity. Uniquely the Eastern Cape offers sightings of the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks). Friendly people and their generous hospitality is not the only warmth you’ll experience. The Eastern Cape has more ‘sunshine’ days than any other South African province – more than 300 out of 365 days are sunny. Most significantly, the Eastern Cape is the birthplace of several of South Africa’s most celebrated leaders, notably the late global icon and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela.
Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor
Boasting an outdoor pool, wellness packages and beauty services, Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor is situated in Cradock, 400 metres from Schreiner House. Featuring full-day security, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The guest house also offers free WiFi, free private parking and facilities for disabled guests. At the guest house, every unit includes a desk, a TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Units include a kettle, while selected rooms are equipped with a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster. The units have a wardrobe. The restaurant at the guest house serves a variety of dinner options inside a historic building. Sightseeing tours are available within a reachable distance. Barbecue facilities are included and guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Day 8 : Maluti Mountains
We travel through the Eastern Cape and enter the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Staying in the beautiful mountainous area.
Popular descriptions of this rugged country, with majestic beauty and serene simplicity, are “Mountain Kingdom” and “Kingdom in the Sky”. Lesotho Offers a very different tourism experience, with the potential of the tourism sector lying in its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and absorbing prehistoric and cultural heritage. The appeal of this extraordinary country is rarely found in more commercialized destinations.
Mountains, valleys, and rivers provide memorable scenery for tourists. This is where Lesotho gets its crystal clear water as well as green pastures for livestock. Minerals such as diamond are found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky. Mountains of Lesotho.
Most tourists travel many kilometers from their countries just to come and patch in the rocks of Lesotho. They also enjoy playing around the clean water of Lesotho’ s mountains. This is one of the biggest source of income to the country.
Basotho are a nation that has solid traditions, beliefs and customs. The annual Morija arts festival portrays at the best level the rich culture and celebrations that Lesotho is truly proud of. If you want to be part of these celebrations you will be welcomed with smiling faces. And in the villages, you will be offered the traditional porridge — Motoho. Come and experience a wealth of savory food, natural attractions, and reserves.
Landlocked in the centre of South Africa, Lesotho is one of the few countries in Africa with natural boundaries created by tribal demands rather than those imposed by colonial decree. There are few natural resources and population pressures have decreased the agricultural potential, but the country has an almost overwhelming natural beauty coupled with welcoming, generous people. Much of Lesotho is covered by the high Maluti Mountains, and indeed even the lowlands, where most of Lesotho's 1.5 million people love, only fall to 1,300 m above sea level - The Highest Lowest Point of any country in the world. The Maluti are a rugged, wild range, ideal for trekking holidays, though they inevitably create their own climate, which can lead to sudden temperature drops, low cloud and thunderstorms. The visible history goes back at least 30,000 years, with cave paintings and other Bushman relics found in numerous scattered sites.
Malealea Lodge offers “Lesotho in a Nutshell” where you get to experience the “Real Africa”.
There is a wide variety of accommodation available from camping to en-suite rondavels.
For the more adventurous, you can explore Lesotho’s magnificent mountains, valleys, waterfalls and Bushman paintings on spectacular hiking, pony trekking and mountain biking trails to suit every level of fitness.
There is plenty of cultural interaction with the local village where you can go on guided village walks.
Various Basotho Children's choirs and a Local Basotho Band, using their home-made instruments, entertain the guests in the evenings.
Our community is our priority and we want you to discover it. Our activities will allow you to ethically explore all of the natural beauty that surrounds us while exposing you to our way of life.
Day 10 - 11 : Drakensberg
We depart Lesotho and travel to the Drakensberg Mountains. Our lodge is situated in the Northern Berg at the foot of the Amphitheatre. Enjoy guided walks in the mountains or relax in the spectacular surroundings.
"Ukahlamba", or "Barrier of Spears" is a 200 kilmometre long mountain range, called the "Dragon Mountains" by the early Dutch voortrekkers.
Made up of awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, which tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, the range forms a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Combining sheer natural beauty with a step back in time to the early tribes of Africa, the experience of exploring the Drakensberg is truly unforgettable.
Our work is to create beauty, to make the land more fertile, to make our living, to leave the world better than when we first came into it ~ Bill Carte ~ 1941 ~ Grandfather and Founder of The Cavern – Northern Drakensberg
The Cavern Resort & Spa, named after the infamous Cannibal Cavern, is nestled in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg in the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site area. A place of captivating beauty, it is surrounded by majestic, lush indigenous forests and clear berg streams.
Once a humble homestead, rustic and simple, today The Cavern is a comfortable home-from-home for many families who holiday in these majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
The Carte family has owned the Cavern for 80 years and from the outset have given guests memorable family holidays – not just a stay at a good hotel.
At The Cavern we appreciate that it is people who make your holiday – people with whom to laugh, share a drink, and participate in all the many fun activities.
Without obliging anyone to do anything, we encourage our guests to mix on outings and activities. Friendships form here and folk come back time and again - hence the slogan originated by our guests in 1958: "The resort of many happy returns"
It all began with a letter in 1941 from Bill Carte to Ruth; "Ruth, my darling, I plea as never before: Put your trust in me, marry me and be my mate in building up a home and a farm second-to-none in South Africa".
In the 1970s, Peter and Anthony Carte, took up the challenge of hospitality with their capable wives, Rhona and Jean. They grew it from a small guest farm to a thriving Drakensberg resort and by the 1980s The Cavern was in full-swing! Holidays were about making new friends, hiking every Drakensberg peak and ending each day with a little activity in the evening. It was good fun and a great space for the 7 cousins to grow up in.
The Cavern Drakensberg Resort is now run by the third generation: Hilton and Megan Bedingham and Lesley Carte.
Day 12 : Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
We travel through Zululand and base ourselves at the small coastal town of St Lucia. We show you why the St. Lucia Wetland Park has been given this international status.
Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
KwaZulu-Natal's Elephant Coast is an eco-tourism destination in every sense of the word. It's renowned for its wetland and wildlife conservation efforts, both of which are major tourism drawcards.
It offers a host of eco-oriented pursuits, of which Big 5 game viewing, hikes and walks, scuba diving, and sea turtle tracking are the most popular.
The Elephant Coast, KwaZulu-Natal houses two of South Africa's greatest natural institutions, the World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, made famous for its rhino preservation efforts.
iSimangaliso stretches for 220 km from Lake St Lucia to the Mozambique border. It is dominated by Lake St Lucia and the St Lucia estuary with its network of coastal lakes, dunes, subtropical forests, swamps and wetland systems that provide a haven for indigenous flora and fauna, especially bird life.
The park features several reserves, including the St Lucia Game Reserve, St Lucia Marine Reserve, the Sodwana Bay National Park, Maputaland Marine Reserve, False Bay Park and Mkuze Game Reserve, all of which promise exciting game viewing.
There are countless ways to explore iSimangaliso, including hiking, walking, forest and dune trails, boat cruises, canoeing and scuba diving the spectacular coral reefs at Sodwana Bay.
Inland, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a conservation marvel renowned for its efforts to save the white rhino from extinction. Today it is home to more than 1 000 white rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard, providing an authentic Big 5 African safari experience.
The Elephant Coast's magnificent beaches are another major attraction, not only to visitors from around the world, but also to hordes of endangered loggerhead and leatherback turtles that lay their eggs in the dunes here between November and January.
The St.Lucia EcoLodge is nestled between the St. Lucia Estuary, the Indian Ocean and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is an ideal point from which to explore South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. The region is blessed with an all round summer, making it comfortable throughout the year.
The St. Lucia EcoLodge has been a favourite with South African and overseas leisure and business visitors for the past eighteen years. A lodge of this nature is a rare find on the sought after Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and is within easy reach of the major cities and the newly booming metropolitan areas of Richards Bay and Empangeni.
The lodge adjoins the rich diversity of Zululand's wetland lakes and forests, while the sea and game reserves are a mere stones throw away. In fact hippo, leopard and a myriad of smaller mammals are residents or frequent visitors to the gardens of St Lucia!
Day 13 : Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
Today we go on a full day, off-road exploration of this pristine (Eastern Shores) area – includes an ecological overview of the area, wonderful game-viewing, bird-watching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season. Learn more about the five eco-systems that make up this unique park. Experience the Bush, Forest and Beach all in one day! Full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks included.
Day 14 : Ezulwini Valley
We continue through South Africa entering the Kingdom of Eswatini. Mlilwane Game Reserve is one of the Royal Reserves, part of the kingdom’s commitment to wildlife preservation. We visit the local Swazi markets and optional excursions (own expense) include guided walks, local Swazi village visit and horse trails in the Reserve.
Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.
As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe.
Add to that stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five; and a fascinating mix of modern and traditional festivals, ceremonies and events, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country.
Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the panoramic valley that bears this name certainly offers its share of hedonistic delights. This is where tourism in Swaziland began, and today its attractions include hotels, restaurants, hot springs, casinos, craft markets, art galleries, riding stables, a nature reserve, a golf course and a cultural village. Most visitors pass this way, and those who spend just one night in the kingdom will probably spend it here. Ezulwini Valley lies directly south east of Mbabane, extending from the bottom of the Malagwane Hill to Lobamba, and runs parallel with the MR3 highway from Mbabane to Manzini. It is flanked to the west by the craggy Luphohlo/Lugogo mountains and to the east by the sacred Mdzimba mountains. Its development as a tourist centre dates back to the 1960s, when the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel opened beside some natural hot springs known as the Cuddle Puddle, bringing with it southern Africa’s first casino. By 1983, Ezulwini had become the country’s Golden Mile, with a proliferation of hotels, casinos, golf courses, restaurants and other tourist honey pots.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Rest Camp
Mlilwane’s Rest Camp offers a range of affordable accommodation with self-catering and catered options available.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatinis (formerly Swaziland) pioneer conservation area, a shining example of what is possible if passion, vision and action fuse. Once a highly profitable multi-purpose farm, and being labeled an “impossible dream”, Mlilwane was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom’s most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.
The name Mlilwane (Little Fire in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill but now holds significance as the little fire that ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.
Mlilwane’s diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Ha sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game. The southern plains stretch to the striking Nyonyane Mountain (Execution Rock) with its exposed granite peak. Tourism is concentrated in this southern section of the park, while guided Chubeka Trails explore the northern section, as far as Luphohlo Peak.
Day 15 : Panorama Route
We depart Swaziland and travel to the famous Kruger National Park. The largest game reserve in South Africa is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. This afternoon enjoy a late afternoon game drive inside the park in open 4×4 vehicles.
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga starts at Nelspruit where you can visit the Lowveld Botanical Garden.
It moves on to White River where you can go play golf and visit a Motor Museum. Sabie brings tons of adventure with activities like 4x4 trips and abseiling. Pilgrims Rest has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants, which is a must if you want to experience the culture of the town.
Graskop is the highlight of the Panorama Route, with attractions like:
- God's Window
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- the Pinnacle
- Bourke`s Luck Potholes, and
- Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route ends at the Swadini Forever Resort, which has tons of activities from boat trips to Microlight fights.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate is a comfortable, family-friendly hotel situated on the banks of the Sabie River near Hazyview in South Africa. It is an ideal destination from which to access nearby Kruger National Park and the spectacular sights of Mpumalanga Province.
Set within indigenous gardens, Hippo Hollow offers Hazyview accommodationin a choice of Courtyard Rooms, River Chalets and Garden Chalets. The 18 thatched River Chalets overlook the famous Sabie River and are perfect for small families. The 19 Garden Chalets are the preference of couples and our 54 Courtyard Rooms are best suited to business travellers. All feature en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities.
Day 17 : Panorama Route
Spend the day exploring the Panorama Route of Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes & God Window.
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture.
With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
Born out of a desire to offer guests a true safari feel throughout their entire African trip, we created the ultimate bespoke overnight accommodation only 5 minutes from OR Tambo airport. 100% privately owned and managed, The Safari Club is one of the best loved airport stays in Johannesburg.
