South Africa's sensational mix of miles of unspoilt beaches,
vast tracts of game-rich wildlife reserves and wilderness
areas, sunny climate and a vibration totally 'African',
make it a diverse, unparalleled holiday destination. Thompsons
Africa - The travel specialists offer guided tours, beach
holidays and many other vacation options in South Africa
and many more destinations.
Featuring: Cape Town | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | Kruger Park
| Panorama Route
Itinerary
Highlights
South
African Highlights Tour
Day 1:
(Tue) Cape Town / Wilderness (L)
With our last sight of majestic Table Mountain, we wave
good-bye to the 'Mother City' of Cape Town. We arrive in
the town of Stellenbosch. Take a fascinating stroll through
'Oom Samie se Winkel' - Stellenbosch's first trading store,
and admire the historical beauty of the 'heart of the winelands'.
Travelling over the Helshoogte Pass to Franschoek, we pass
through to the town of Robertson. From here, we arrive in
Montagu in time for a delectable country luncheon at Mimosa
Lodge reputed as a place of fine hospitality and superb
cuisine. After lunch, we continue through the Little Karoo
before Barrydale until we arrive in the Tradouw Valley.
From here, we take a nostalgic trip on a vintage tractor
through the vineyards of the Joubert Tradouw Cellars, where
we enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Crossing the Tradouw
Pass, our journey to the beautiful town of Wilderness begins.
Driving thro-ugh Mossel Bay, marvel at the splendour of
'Dolphin Point' before arrival at our sea-side paradise
resort.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar
Day 2: (Wed) Knysna
(BL)
From our hotel in Wilderness, we board the famous Outeniqua
Choo-Tjoe and travel to Knysna. On arrival at the Knysna
Waterfront, we embark on the Featherbed Nature Reserve's
ferry, nature trail and lunch. After the ferry returns
to the Feather-bed Ferry Terminus, the day's adventure
ends with a scenic drive back to Wilderness for drop off
at your hotel.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar
Day 3: (Thu)
Oudtshoorn (BL)
The day?s adventure begins as we depart Wilderness to
the historic town of Mossel Bay. Our tour continues via
the Robertson Pass to the town of Oudtshoorn. Here we
visit the Safari Ostrich Show Farm and enjoy a traditional
lunch. The day continues with a fully guided tour of the
Cango Caves as well as the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley
of Ancients endangered species breeding facility. The
day concludes with a scenic drive over the Outeniqua Pass
into George and onward to Wilderness where you will be
dropped off at your hotel.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar
Day 4: (Fri)
Tsitsikamma / Port Elizabeth (B)
Leaving the quaint seaside village of Wilderness we continue
via Sedgefield to South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna.
After a short refreshment stop at Knysna's East Head,
continue via the 'millionaires' playground' of Plettenberg
Bay to the Tsitsikamma Forest area. Attractions here include
the 'Big Tree' and the 'Garden of Eden'. After lunch at
the scenic Storms River mouth
(not included), gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing
the bridge over the Storms River where photographic opportunities
abound. Leaving the Garden Route via the high forests
of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Groot River Passes
and Bloukrans, we arrive in Port Elizabeth for drop off
at your beachfront hotel.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Marine or similar
Day 5: (Sat)
Port Elizabeth / Durban (B)
Morning at leisure, then transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport
for your flight to Durban (not included). Upon your arrival,
you will be met and transferred from Durban International
Airport to your hotel.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar
Day 6: (Sun)
Durban (B)
Optional full day tour of Shakaland. Depart Durban and
travel to Eshowe and the authentic Zulu Kraal of Shakaland.
Feel the pulsating rhythm of Africa as you re-live the
excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the
Zulus. Experience the sight of assegai wielding warriors,
share the fascinating secrets of Sangomas and witness
traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making
and the beer making ceremony. Traditional Zulu lunch will
be served. For those not taking the tour, enjoy the day
at leisure. Please note that this excursion is not included
in the package price.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar
Day 7: (Mon) St Lucia
and the Kingdom of the Zulu's (BD)
Leaving Durban, drive through sugar cane plantations along
the Indian Ocean seaboard to St Lucia, a World Heritage
Site and enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Here you
may see pelicans, fish eagles, hippos and crocodiles.
Continue to a Maputaland Game Reserve and enjoy a late
afternoon game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Return
to the lodge for a hearty dinner served under the African
sky (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Gazebo Safari Lodge or similar (includes
1 game viewing activity)
Day 8: (Tue) Swaziland
/ Kruger National Park (BD)
After an early breakfast, enter the Kingdom of Swaziland
at Golela Border Post. Continue via the Lebombo Mountains
through eastern Swaziland and exit at Mananga Border Post.
Travel to the next private game lodge, with its awe-inspiring
views, bordering the Kruger National Park. Arrive in time
for high tea and late afternoon game viewing in an open
safari vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker.
Return to the lodge for dinner where an African feast
awaits you.
Accommodation: Bongani Mountain Lodge or similar (includes
2 game viewing activities)
Day 9: (Wed) Kruger
National Park (BD)
Participate in an early morning bush walk or game drive.
After breakfast, depart for the world famous Kruger National
Park for game viewing. Stretching over two million hectares,
it is un-rivaled in its diversity of flora and fauna.
Exit the park and travel to your safari hotel in a lush
subtropical 'Garden of Eden' setting arriving in the late
afternoon. Return to your hotel for dinner under the stars
in a traditional African Boma (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Kruger Gate or similar (includes
2 game viewing activities)
Day 10: (Thu) Mpumalanga
(BD)
Early morning game drive in to the Kruger National Park.
An open safari vehicle is available as an optional extra.
After returning to the hotel for breakfast, travel via
Kowyn's Pass to Graskop. Explore the breathtaking Panorama
Route featuring: the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels,
Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and various waterfalls.
Continue with a short visit to the historic town of Pilgrim's
Rest, Mac Mac Waterfalls and Sabie. A superb meal complements
and completes the day.
Accommodation: Lone Creek River Lodge (Timber Cottages)
or similar
Day 11: (Fri) Johannesburg
(B)
After a hearty breakfast on the veranda over-looking the
Sabie River, our journey to Johannesburg begins with a
visit to the Lone Creek Waterfalls. Travel over the historical
Long Tom Pass to the towns of Lydenburg, Dullstroom and
Witbank. Our tour ends with a drop off at your hotel in
one of Johannesburg affluent northern suburbs.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar
Day 12: (Sat) Johannesburg
(B)
Enjoy a morning tour of Soweto including a fascinating
glimpse of bustling neighborhood life, two Nobel Prize
winners' previous residences, the Hector Peterson memorial
and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Return to your hotel
by lunch time and continue on a private transfer to Johannesburg
International Airport in time for your home bound flight.
Optional Pre & Post Tours
(SAT) Arrive Cape Town.
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will
be met by a Thompsons Representative and transferred to
the Radisson Hotel Waterfront, or similar, your base for
3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
(SUN) Cape Peninsula.
Depart on a full day tour to Cape Point, drive along the
Atlantic seaboard, visit Hout Bay and then continue to
the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to
see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. Drive through
the historic naval village of Simon?s Town. Return to
Cape Town and overnight.
(MON) Cape Winelands.
Explore the beauty of the Cape Winelands, visiting both
Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting
at two well known estates. Visit the Huguenot Memorial
and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
Highlights
Enjoy an ostrich farm experience.
Discover the Cango Caves with its magnificent dripstone
formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Stroll through the Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned
for its age-old trees.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia - a World Heritage
Site.
Seek out the 'Big Five' in the Kruger National Park.
View the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.
Includes
Transportation
Tour in air-conditioned micro-buses.
Professionally Escorted
Discover South Africa with our professional tour guides.
Accommodation
Rooms with private facilities, on a twin share basis.
Dining Inclusions
11 Breakfasts.
3 Lunches.
4 Dinners.
Plus
Hotel porterage included.
Kruger National Park Conservation Levy included.
Please Note
The internal flight between Port Elizabeth and Durban
on day 5 is not included. Thompsons can assist you in
obtaining these flights.
Visa conditions apply for Swaziland and passports are
required.
All departures guaranteed in English-German. Please indicate
language of preference at time of booking.
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