15-Day Classic South Africa Tour: From Johannesburg to Cape Town

JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SWAZILAND - ZULULAND - DURBAN - DRAKENSBERG - EASTERN CAPE COAST - PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA -OUDTSHOORN - MOSSEL BAY - CAPE TOWN

Explore South Africa from Johannesburg to Cape Town in 15 days on this extraordinary journey that highlights the unbelievable diversity of South Africa.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Sunday, ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG
2pm: Hotel Check in time. Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travelers. Overnight at Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar.

Day 2 Monday, JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA (KRUGER NATIONAL PARK) DRIVE
7am: This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa, gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and finally visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. Overnight at Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar. [B]

Day 3 Tuesday, MPUMALANGA (KRUGER NATIONAL PARK)
We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning looking out for the Big 5 in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep an eye out for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunchtime and your afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar. [BP]

Day 4 Wednesday, MPUMALANGA – ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) DRIVE
This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Eswatini (Swaziland). We proceed south to Malelane and then onto Eswatini (Swaziland) where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief’s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture. Overnight at Lugogo Sun or similar. [BL]

Day 5 Thursday, ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) - ZULULAND DRIVE
This morning we journey through Eswatini (Swaziland) into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Hluhluwe area for your overnight stay at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar. [B]

Day 6 Friday, ZULULAND - DURBAN DRIVE
Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (for own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of the tourist town of St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar. [B]

Day 7 Saturday, DURBAN - DRAKENSBERG DRIVE
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the Promenade mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head inland to the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in the clean mountain air (for own account). Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Resort or similar. [BD]

Day 8, Sunday DRAKENSBERG
Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Resort or similar. [BD]

Day 9, Monday DRAKENSBERG - EASTERN CAPE COAST DRIVE
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape, entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area formerly known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chintsa East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. Overnight at Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar.  [BD]

Day 10, Tuesday EASTERN CAPE COAST - PORT ELIZABETH DRIVE
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to Port Elizabeth. Overnight at Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar. [B]

Day 11, Wednesday PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA DRIVE
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 some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check-in at Premier Resort The Moorings (Knysna) or similar. [BD]

Day 12, Thursday KNYSNA - OUDTSHORN - MOSSEL BAY DRIVE
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the "feather capital of the world" because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay. Overnight at Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar. [B]

Day 13, Friday MOSSEL BAY - CAPE TOWN DRIVE
Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In the Albertinia area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. Overnight at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens or similar. [B]

Day 14, Saturday CAPE TOWN  
Enjoy a day of leisure in the "Mother City" where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this beautiful city. Overnight at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens or similar.  [B]

Day 15, Sunday Depart Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport. [B]

Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.

Highlights:

• Big 5 game viewing in the Kruger National Park

• Fascinating cultures of the Swazi & Zulu kingdoms

• Extraordinary mountain scenery along Mpumalanga’s Eastern Escarpment and the Southern Drakensberg Mountains

• Enjoy the scenic splendor of the Garden Route

• Experience the diversity of beautiful Cape Town

• South Africa tour

• Johannesburg to Cape Town

• Kruger National Park safari

• Garden Route

• South Africa travel guide

INCLUSIONS

14 breakfasts, 4 dinners, 14 nights’ accommodation, porterage, transport, sightseeing as specified, and Kruger Park Conservation levy (conservation levies are subject to increase without prior notice and are at the discretion of the game park)

NOTES
- Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 2pm. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 615am and ends at 10pm. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent, in order to make alternative transfer arrangements.
- Optional excursions on Days 3, 5, 6, 8 and 14 available for pre-booking, allowing you to enhance the journey while on tour. Details are shown below.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through Swaziland and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Swaziland and Lesotho.

EXCLUSIONS
Optional tours, International airfare, Any personal expense, Visa fee, Travel Insurance, Gratuities and any other services not listed on the itinerary.

Optional Tours:
DAY 2 – MONDAY– SABIEW RIVER BRIDGE SUNST DINNER – Priced $45.00 per person (for 2023 tours)

DAY 3 – TUESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – Priced $112.00 per person
Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.                       

DAY 6 – THURSDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – Priced from $89.00 per person
Enjoy an afternoon, 3 hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program.                   

DAY 8 – SUNDAY – SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR – Priced from $139.00 per person
Join a 4×4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.                    

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE PENINSULA TOUR – Priced from $129.00 per person
Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.                

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN – FULL DAY CAPE WINELANDS TOUR – Priced from $119.00 per person
While South Africa’s fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country’s principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.