South Africa. Whole World in One Country

Pretoria Arrive to Johannesburg International Airport, met our guide and transfer to Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city. After checking in at the hotel and some time for relaxation we dedicate the afternoon to exploring the city as we visit Union Buildings. Designed by the famous Architect Sir Herbert Baker, the building houses the office of the South African president and is set overlooking Pretoria. Then it’s on to the Voortrekker Monument before returning to the hotel. Dinner will be served at your hotel in Pretoria. Overnight: Lombardy HotOverberg After breakfast we travel along scenic road R62 through mountains passes of Klein Karoo, w pass small towns of Calizdorp, Ladysmith and just after small town of Barrydale we turn to very scenic Tradouws Pass and cross the mountain range of Langeberg and descent to town of Swellendam, set in a well watered valley at the foot of the mountains. Unique architecture and a visit to the Drostdy Museum which housed the magistracy of the area and is today a fine period museum, is followed by a trip through wheat fields to coastal Arniston. The Village takes its name from a tragic shipwreck which occurred in these treacherous waters in 1815. The village is situated a stone’s throw from the Southern Tip of Africa – Agulhas. The coastline surrounding it is noted for its bizarre marine erosions of which the most famous is the Waenhuiskrans, an enormous cavern eroded from the cliffs within walking distance of Arniston. After a visit to the Waenhuiskrans we have dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight: Arniston Bay Hotel (HB)el (HB)

Mpumalanga After breakfast the tour travels east through the coal rich Highveld and the rolling hills of Mpumalanga to the village of Dullstroom. The area surrounding Dullstroom is a windswept grassland which is dominated by the 2332m high “Die Berg” (the mountain), which is the highest point between the Limpopo and Vaal Rivers. A visit is made to the Dullstroom Bird Of Prey Centre established in 1997 in order to promote awareness of the raptor species and their growing plight as endangered species. Then it’s on to the overnight destination of Mount Sheba. The forest surrounding Mount Sheba is home to a multitude of small creatures and birds. Overnight: Mount Sheba (HB)

Mpumalanga The Mpumalanga Panoramic Route is the focus of the day. We visit the Blyde River Gorge dominated by the triplet peaks of the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck where the unique geological features of the potholes are admired. Gods Window is then reached, a cleft in the edge of the escarpment from where magnificent views of the Lowveld can be enjoyed. God’s Window is situated in a patch of indigenous forest where many flowering and aromatic plants flourish. A visit is also made to the historical mining village of Pilgrims Rest. It is one of the most perfect examples in the world, of a mining town born during a gold rush. Gold was discovered here in 1873 and the town was declared a national monument in 1986.Guests will have a gold digging and panning demonstration before travelling back to the overnight destination. Overnight: Mount Sheba (HB)

Greater Kruger National Park Splendid scenery abound as the tour makes its way to the Shangaan Cultural village where guests are led from the Marula Market by a trained guide who explains how the Shangaan traditionally collect food from their environment, and the way in which traditional farming is conducted Kruger National Park is a short drive from the Cultural Village. The Park is named after the sitting president of the old Transvaal republic who proclaimed the Sabi Reserve in 1897. This reserve was the beginnings of the Kruger National Park as it is known today. Approximately two million hectares in extent, the Park is internationally renowned as one of the world’s foremost conservation areas. In the late afternoon we go for a first game drive in search of Africa’s Legendary Big Five in an area where many other mammal and bird species grace the African Savannah and give meaning to the words “Spirit of Africa”. Return to the lodge at approximately 19-30 after sunset. Freshen up and dinner at the lodge. Overnight: Kruger Gate Lodge (HB)

Greater Kruger National Park The area is a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast with close to one hundred and fifty different mammal species. The identified bird species in the area number more thaSwaziland A last early morning game drive in Kruger is followed by a late breakfast. We make our way south, passing through Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province en-route to the South African border with Swaziland at Oshoek. The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the smallest self contained sovereign states in the world. The Swazi are friendly and colourful people who are renowned for their artistry. Before reaching the overnight destination set in the Ezulwini “Heaven Valley” we visit a local craft market and a Swazi candle maker. Overnight: Lugogo Sun (HB)n five hundred and the area is blessed with an abundance of flora. An early morning and late afternoon game drives in the company of your experienced ranger affords the opportunity to enjoy the natural treasures of this part of Africa. Overnight: Kruger Gate Lodge (HB)

E-Swatini (former Swaziland) A last early morning game drive in Kruger is followed by a late breakfast. We make our way south, passing through Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province en-route to the South African border with Swaziland at Oshoek. The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the smallest self contained sovereign states in the world. The Swazi are friendly and colourful people who are renowned for their artistry. Before reaching the overnight destination set in the Ezulwini “Heaven Valley” we visit a local craft market and a Swazi candle maker. Overnight: Lugogo Sun (HB)

E-Swatini Early morning game drive in Kruger is followed by a late breakfast. We make our way south, passing through Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province en-route to the South African border with Swaziland at Oshoek. The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the smallest self contained sovereign states in the world. The Swazi are friendly and colourful people who are renowned for their artistry. Before reaching the overnight destination set in the Ezulwini “Heaven Valley” we visit a local craft market and a Swazi candle maker. Overnight: Lugogo Sun (HB)

Zululand Early start as the tour heads south, and the Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland gives way to the rolling hills of Zululand, and into the heart of the area which is home to the proud Zulu nation. We enter South Africa into Zululand once led by the legendary King Shaka – one of Africa’s greatest kings who inspired fear and admiration in the hearts of his enemies and subjects alike. Shakaland is reached around lunch time. Shakaland is built on the site where the original Zulu clan settled in the 18th century. (The village was used for shooting the epic Shaka Zulu film). The cultural experience highlights the traditional accommodation, food preparation and social structures which are traditionally adhered to by the Zulu. It is also a showcase for the traditional dress, weapons and dance of this, South Africa’s warrior nation. Overnight: Protea Shakaland Hotel (HB)

Garden Route Transfer to Durban International Airport for a flight to George. From George Airport we will be driving along Indian ocean to beautiful town of Knysna. We go over Kaaiman’s River Bridge, through Wilderness and over the Goukamma Valley before descending to Knysna. Some dramatic scenery, which bring to life the grandeur of the garden route is sure to make this an unforgettable experience for you. Arriving to our overnight destination in late afternoon with time left to explore Knysna Waterfront and have dinner in one of towns good restaurants. Overnight: Turbine Hotel (BB)

Garden Route After breakfast the tour crosses the Knysna Lagoon by Ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A unique 150 ha private Nature Reserve which encompasses the entire Western Head of Knysna with spectacular views across the Lagoon and the ocean as well as the treacherous passage between the two which claimed many a ship during Knysna’s days as an exporter of timber. The reserve is one of South Africa’s heritage sights and is home to two of the Garden Route’s icons, namely the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker – one of Africa’s smallest antelope species. In the afternoon we travel to Plettenberg Bay, where the finest beaches in the Garden Route offer the perfect sunning experience, relaxing in the sun or braving the waves of the Indian Ocean. (In a whale season between August and October – Whale watching cruise will take place at additional cost).We return to Knysna for an overnight. Overnight: Turbine Hotel (BB)

Garden Route We leave after breakfast and travel to Oudtshoorn – the Ostrich Capital of the World. The Outeniqua Mountains form the barrier which divides the semi arid interior from the lush coastal plains of the Garden Route. The tour crosses this barrier via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. The town is situated in the great valley which is known as the little Karoo, with the Langeberge and Outeniqua ranges forming its boundary to the east and the Swartberge forming its Western boundary. Our first stop is the Cango Caves which lie in the foothills of the Swartberge. A great cave system which is amongst the worlds largest and is blessed with elaborate drip stone formations, the highest of which stands 12.6m tall. The caves extend up to about 1600 m into the Limestone rich hills and is a truly impressive sight. After a tasty lunch you will be taken on a short drive to an Ostrich Farm where we focus on the farming of these largest of the world’s birds. Great fortunes where built in the heyday of the industry when the feathers where prized fashion accessories. Today the meat with its low fat content is sought after in a world. The brave can even take an Ostrich Ride before we travel to the overnight stop. Overnight: Hlangana Lodge (HB)

Overberg After breakfast we travel along scenic road R62 through mountains passes of Klein Karoo, w pass small towns of Calizdorp, Ladysmith and just after small town of Barrydale we turn to very scenic Tradouws Pass and cross the mountain range of Langeberg and descent to town of Swellendam, set in a well watered valley at the foot of the mountains. Unique architecture and a visit to the Drostdy Museum which housed the magistracy of the area and is today a fine period museum, is followed by a trip through wheat fields to coastal Arniston. The Village takes its name from a tragic shipwreck which occurred in these treacherous waters in 1815. The village is situated a stone’s throw from the Southern Tip of Africa – Agulhas. The coastline surrounding it is noted for its bizarre marine erosions of which the most famous is the Waenhuiskrans, an enormous cavern eroded from the cliffs within walking distance of Arniston. After a visit to the Waenhuiskrans we have dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Overnight: Arniston Bay Hotel (HB)

Cape Town After breakfast we depart for Hermanus, South Africa’s best known whale watching centre. Here the Southern Right Whale can potentially be spotted in Walker Bay on the shores of which the Town of Hermanus is situated. These whales frequent the waters of South Africa’s coastline during the months of June to November. They travel approximately 2000 km’s from the Southern Ocean to give birth in the sheltered bays of our coastline. From Hermanus the tour traces the spectacular coastal route via the towns of Betties Bay and Rooi Els. En Route several stops are made at vantage points from where the Whales could be spotted. Passing through Gordon’s Bay the tour then makes its way to Cape Town, the South African mother city set beneath the protection of Table Mountain. Overnight: Cape Cadogan Hotel (BB)

Cape Town The day is spent exploring one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Table Mountain, arguably the most famous natural landmark in South Africa is first on the agenda. From Table Mountain one of the most impressive views of the world can be enjoyed, the Indian Ocean and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic and the Cape peninsula which sinks away and allows these two great oceans to meet at Cape Point.. We also visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point on our Full day tour around Peninsula. Flora which are found in South Africa and creates a most remarkable display can be well seen at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We also stop at the Penguin Colony near Simonstown to admire these small birds found their home at the beach and between the rocks of Boulders beach. We return to town in the evening and will proceed to Waterfront – living harbour and one of the main tourist attraction of Cape Town for our farewell dinner at The Grand Restaurant. Overnight: Cape Cadogan Hotel (BB)

Cape Town and departure The Cape Winelands are the focus of the day as the tour makes its way along the N2 to Somerset West where we visit the Vergelegen Estate set on a hill not far from town. This wine estate is steeped in history and still produces some of South Africa’s finest wines. A short introduction to wine making by a local expert is followed by an opportunity to sample some of South Africa’s finest wines. After delicious lunch on one of the well known estates of Cape Winelands we proceed to Cape Town International airport for your flight home.