SOUTH AFRICA ODYSSEY - 14 DAYS

JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SWAZILAND - ZULULAND - DURBAN - PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA -OUDTSHOORN - CAPE TOWN

Our Odyssey begins in Johannesburg and travels through Mpumalanga, with visits along the Panorama Route as well as the Kruger National Park, a safari extravaganza. Once you have encountered the wildlife of the country, you will then travel to the Kingdom of eSwatini, where a vibrant cultural journey inspires. Zululand is where ancient kings once hunted, where the Big Five now roam, conserved, and protected. The last leg of the odyssey is a Garden Route journey ending with a few days spent in the city of Cape Town.

ITINERARY & PRICES

DAY 1 – SUNDAY ARRIVE 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

DAY 2 – MONDAY 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 & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 425 kms

DAY 3 – TUESDAY 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 & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 320 kms

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY  MPUMALANGA
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle 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 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 & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 120 kms

DAY 5 – THURSDAY 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

DAY 6 – FRIDAY 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 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

DAY 7 – SATURDAY 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 day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 275 kms

DAY 8 – SUNDAY DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - KNYSNA
After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to 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 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]
Distance travelled today: 360 kms

DAY 9 – MONDAY KNYSNA
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where we take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for a sumptuous lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon, alternatively enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 15 kms

DAY 10 – TUESDAY 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 ‘Dolphin Point lookout, 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

DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY OUDTSHOORN – CAPE TOWN
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue straight through to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. Overnight in Cape Town [Breakfast]
Distance travelled today: 468 kms

DAY 12 – THURSDAY CAPE TOWN (UNESCORTED)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafés, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance travelled today: 10 kms

DAY 13 – FRIDAY 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

DAY 14 – SATURDAY 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]

Optional Tours - Enhance your journey with optional excursions, available for pre-booking, subject to a minimum of 2 people travelling:

DAY 1 – SUNDAY – JOHANNESBURG – AFTERNOON SOWETO TOUR – $92.00 per person
Soweto is unlike any suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African story.

DAY 3 – TUESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SHANGAAN CULTURAL DINNER EXPERIENCE – $49.00 per person  (only for 2023 tours)
Enjoy an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment.

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – $85.00 per person 
For the wildlife enthusiasts a second open vehicle safari, as an extension to the morning safari, in one of the world’s most renowned game reserves.

DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY – HAZYVIEW – SABIE RIVER BRIDGE SUNSET DINNER – $49.00 per person (only for 2023 tours)
Experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky. (This experience is weather permitting & subject to availability at the time of booking)

DAY 6 – FRIDAY – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK – AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI – $91.00 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 programme.

DAY 11 – WEDNESDAY - OUDTSHOORN – EARLY MORNING MEERKAT SAFARI – $73.00 per person
There is an option to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting & subject to availability at the time of booking).

DAY 12 – THURSDAY – CAPE TOWN – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR - $64.00 per person excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket. Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.

DAY 12 – THURSDAY – MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE - $299.00 per person.

Prices based on minimum two person traveling

Starts select Sundays in Johannesburg
Internal airfare is extra and will be quoted at the time of booking.

Accommodation included:

4* Protea Hotel Balalaika or similar x 1 night
4* Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or Hazyview Sun hotel or similar x 3 nights
5* The Royal Villas or similar x 1 night
3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar x 1 night
4* Rex Hotel or similar x 2 nights
4* Hlangana Lodge or similar x 1 night
4* President Hotel or similar x 3 nights

Highlights:

• Traverse the famous Long Tom Pass en route from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga

• Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window

• Experience an open vehicle game safari in the Kruger National Park

• Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing

• Boat game cruise on Lake St Lucia

• isit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a delightful lagoon side restaurant in Knysna

• Lagoon cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna

• Enjoy a leisurely walk or swim along the pristine Buffalo Bay Beach in the Goukamma Nature Reserve

• Visit the ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness, a unique sight that is quite literally a Map of Africa

• Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn

• Visit a local farm school in the Barrydale area with the opportunity to interact with the children

• Explore the small towns along the well-known Route 62 between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town

• Authentic African dinner experience with a 14-dish taste safari paired with entertainment

• Three overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain

• Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour including the Cape of Good Hope, ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’

• Variety of optional excursions available to enhance the journey

INCLUSIONS

• 19 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners including gratuities

• 13 Nights’ accommodation including porterage

• Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles

• Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide

• Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary

EXCLUDES
FLIGHT: DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - PORT ELIZABETH (DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8
Please book/request flights to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09h00. Tour departs from Port Elizabeth between 10h00-10h30 on Day 8.  

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.