The Best of South Africa

Day 1 - Sandton

Join your tour group at the hotel.

DaVinci Hotel Sandton (4-star)

Day 2 - Kruger National Park

Today we encounter Africa’s big skies and wide-open spaces. We travel eastwards to Kruger National Park and our lodge for two nights. We’ll have some time to relax around the pool before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Kruger National Park is world-renowned as the best place to go for a safari. As the afternoon starts to cool down the wildlife becomes more active again and you might spot lions, elephants, rhinos or watch stately giraffes striding by.

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

Day 3 - Kruger National Park

We’ll get up with the birds for an early morning drive into the park. At this time of day, the animals are up and about too, making the most of the cool and our skilled ranger will take us through the park in search of the best sightings. The afternoon is free to simply take in your surroundings or join an optional game drive to search for more of the park’s wildlife residents.

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

Day 4 - Kruger National Park - Eswatini (Swaziland)

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll travel south into landlocked Eswatini (Swaziland), with its rolling sugar cane fields and stunning mountain scenes. Arriving around lunchtime, the afternoon is free to relax before our overnight stay.

Foresters Arms, Mhlambanyatsi, Eswatini (4-star)

Day 5 - Mkuze

We visit Ngwenya Glass, where recycled glass is made into lovely figurines or unique wine glasses. We’ll then continue south to the border and cross into the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. On arrival at our hotel in Mkuze, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the glorious gardens and tranquil surrounds, and views of the legendary Ghost Mountain.

Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)

Day 6 - Mkuze

After a morning perhaps enjoying the hotel pool, we embark on a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. The lake lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges, which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam there’s the possibility to view elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional barbecue (braai) with Zulu entertainment.

Ghost Mountain Inn, Mkuze (4-star)

Day 7 - Umhlanga

We depart Mkuze and head towards the coast, stopping along the way at DumaZulu Cultural Village. Over 60 Zulu residents call the village home, forming a living museum where traditional manufacturing skills continue, including spear, shield, and clay pot making, basket weaving and beer brewing. We’ll meet the Zulu villagers and experience their traditions and language through music and dancing. We’ll stay overnight in Umhlanga, a lively area on the outskirts of Durban with a number of restaurants to choose for dinner.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga (5-star)

Day 8 - Durban - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

There's some free time to maybe take a stroll along the lovely promenade and enjoy a drink at one of the restaurants. Later, we head to Durban airport for our flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we stay overnight.

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

Day 9 - Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna

We commence our journey along the beautiful Garden Route. It’s a scenic highlight of holidays to South Africa, stopping at Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the Garden Route National Park. Here we explore the pristine coastline of Storms River mouth and lush indigenous forest, which make this area so famous. After a tasty lunch of fresh fish, we head to Knysna.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Day 10 - Knysna

Beautifully situated on a lagoon, Knysna is a great place to spend time on the water. We’ll board a ferry taking us across to Featherbed Nature Reserve. There are spectacular views from here across the water and through Knysna Heads to the open sea. We’ll also enjoy lunch amid the reserve. Numerous restaurants, teahouses and boutique shops surround Knysna’s beautiful natural harbour and the rest of the day is free. It’s an ideal spot to sample some of the finest seafood in the fresh air whilst watching the sailing boats crossing the lagoon.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Day 11 - Oudtshoorn

This morning we head up into scenically stunning mountains on our way to Oudtshoorn to enjoy lunch and a tour of Cango Ostrich Farm. After time with these comical birds, we’ll stay overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn (4-star)

Days 12-13 - Arniston

We’ll travel via the arid plains of the Karoo to the Huis River Pass on spectacular Route 62. After a brief stop in Barrydale we’ll continue to Arniston, a tranquil fishing village characterised by its quaint limewashed cottages. We’ll stop here for two nights and day 13 is free to explore the lovely village at your own pace. Perhaps take a wander along the coastline, its craggy cliffs mark the edge of one of the most southerly locations in South Africa. Breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eyes peeled for whales, it’s often possible to spot them from here. Or sip coffee at one of the local cafés, as you watch the world go by.

The Arniston Hotel (4-star)

Day 14 - Hermanus - Betty’s Bay - Cape Town

We’ll continue to Hermanus another town well known for whale spotting possibilities in September-November (fingers crossed). We then follow the stunning coastal route via Betty’s Bay, where it’s possible to spot some of South Africa’s penguin population, to reach Cape Town and our lovely hotel on the Victoria & Alfred waterfront.

The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Day 15 - Cape Town

We set out on a tour of the city positioned in one of the finest natural settings on earth. The great backdrop of Table Mountain, flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, forms a natural sanctuary and dramatic landmark. We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Then you’re free to explore or join an optional excursion.

The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Day 16 - Cape Town

Today is free to spend as you please in this attractive city. The V&A Waterfront is brimming with restaurants and boutique shops to potter around. Or you could join an optional excursion, perhaps to the Cape Peninsula, to visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point lighthouse. Or head to the winelands for a spot of wine tasting.

The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town (4-star)

Day 17 - Cape Town

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Cape Town