Sensational South Africa

Day 1 - Sandton

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Protea Balalaika Hotel, Sandton (4-star)

Day 2 - Panorama Route - Kruger National Park

Today we head eastwards into the province of Mpumalanga. We’ll pass through Pilgrim’s Rest - a historic spot frozen in time since the 19th-century gold rush. If the weather is good, we’ll stop at God’s Window for captivating views across a 900m gorge filled with trees, shrubs and wildlife. If the skies are clear enough, you’ll even be able to spot Kruger National Park in the distance.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)

Day 3 - Kruger National Park

We delve deep into the Kruger this morning on our first game drive of the trip. We set off before sunrise and watch the bush wake up around us as we seek out our first sightings of the Big Five - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos. Don’t forget your camera and your binoculars - there’s always something to see, with 150 species of mammals roaming the bush, together with hundreds of birds and Lowveld flora. After a morning spent spying on lions and snapping photos of glorious giraffes, we’ll stop for a well-earned break at a rest point. But not for too long - we’ll do it all over again this afternoon.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)

Day 4 - Kruger National Park

A full day to do as you like. You can spend today at leisure to recuperate by the pool, or return into the Kruger on an optional game drive for more wildlife action.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (4-star)

Day 5 - Johannesburg - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

This morning we make the drive back to Johannesburg for our flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Steeped in history and edged by long swathes of golden sand, it doesn’t take long to get a sense of what Gqeberha is all about. A world away from the bustle of Johannesburg, this laid-back city takes it one day at a time.

Boardwalk Hotel, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (5-star)

Day 6 - Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna

We head off for one of the most scenic drives in South Africa - the Garden Route. This thrilling drive offers dramatic coastline, idyllic beaches and rolling hills - there’s a picture-worthy moment at every turn, so make sure you keep your camera handy. We’ll pause at Storms River to soak up the views of the forest and famous coastline. There may be time to walk through the forest to the suspension bridge over the river mouth. We arrive in Knysna, the real heartland of the Garden Route, this afternoon. This vibrant town hugs a sparkling lagoon - the hub of activity.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Day 7 - Knysna

With the lagoon a real part of day-to-day life in Knynsa, we’d be missing a trick if we didn’t take to the water during our stop here. We board our ferry and head out across the lagoon to the western headland to stop at Featherbed Nature Reserve. Our guide will ensure we see the most magnificent viewpoints as we explore, and you can choose a guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos - all before lunch! Stepping back into Knynsa, the afternoon is yours to explore as you please.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Day 8 - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

Leaving Knysna behind, we cross the Outeniqua Mountains that separate the lush coastal area from the arid Klein Karoo. We arrive in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, where you’ll get up close to these fascinating creatures on a guided tour. This afternoon we continue to the last stop on our tour, Cape Town.

Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

Day 9 - Cape Town

The ‘Mother City’ is a vibrant fusion of culture, cuisine and scenery. The Atlantic Ocean claws at its bustling waterfront, while flat-topped Table Mountain crowns the city to the south. We’ll spend a day exploring all that lies between the two, starting with a half-day city tour taking in the buzzing waterfront and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. If weather allows, we’ll also take a cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain to drink in the views of the city and beyond. The afternoon is at leisure to spend as you please. Perhaps head back down to the V&A Waterfront for a cocktail and people-watching in the sunshine, or dive into the city’s poignant history at the District Six Museum.

Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

Day 10 - Cape Town

Cape Town sits at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula. Our journey today takes us to the extreme south of the peninsula - all the way down to Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. We’ll stop at Chapman’s Peak, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach, home to waddling African penguins. An unforgettable day of sights and experiences.

Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

Day 11 - Cape Town

You’ll have today completely to yourself. You may have pre-booked a boat ride over to Robben Island - it offers a fascinating insight into the incarceration of Nelson Mandela and thousands of other South African freedom fighters. Tour the chilling maximum security prison, with the opportunity to see Mandela’s cell. For a restful afternoon, perhaps wander along Cape Town’s string of beaches. The city’s four beaches are located behind Signal Hill at Clifton - they’re a great choice for a picnic or an ice-cream, although the water comes straight from the Antarctic, so it’s a little chilly for a swim! Alternatively, opt for an excursion into the winelands of Cape Town.

Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

Day 12 - Cape Town

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Cape Town