South Africa: Johannesburg to Cape Town!

Highlights will include exploring the Blyde River Canyon, an up-close and personal Elephant experience, an optional Meerkat Safari and the opportunity to explore Table Mountain.  Enjoy the drive down the Cape Peninsula and take in the amazing coastal views!

Enjoy a tour of the best of South Africa, packed full of activities and ‘must-see’ areas from Kruger National Park to the Zulu Kingdom, ending in Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City’.

See the best of South Africa on this 14 day group tour from Johannesburg. Spot the Big 5, sun yourself on Durban’s beaches and explore the famous Garden Route on your way to the Cape.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by a 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. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the magnificent suburban shopping malls or take an optional afternoon Soweto Tour (own account). At 19h00, you will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.

Day 2 – Johannesburg to 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, you will travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, you will travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.

Day 3 – Mpumalanga

After an early morning breakfast, you’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 breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.

You will arrive back in Hazyview in the early afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or join an afternoon game experience (optional and for own account).

Day 4 – Mpumalanga

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari (with English speaking Safari Guide) through 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. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional and for own account).

Day 5 – Mpumalanga to Swaziland

This morning you will travel to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland and their traditions. You will travel via the capital city, Mbabane, and on to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for a true African shopping experience at the Ezulwini Craft Market which is packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Overnight in Swaziland.

Day 6 – Swaziland to Zululand

After breakfast, you will continue south through 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 Safari Guide) 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.

Day 7 – Zululand to Durban

This morning, you will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Your journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. You will 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).

Day 8 – Durban (Umhlanga) to Knysa

After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where you will be met by a Goway representative and once everyone has arrived, you will 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). You’ll arrive at your 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.

Day 9 – Knysa

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon.

Day 10 – Knysa to Oudtshoorn

Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich capital’ and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. You’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour and light lunch, 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. You will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Day 11 – Oudtshoorn to Franschhoek to 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 to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. From here you will be transferred to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 12 – Cape Town

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy an evening of delicious Cape food, captivating theatre and entertaining tales and songs about the people of the Cape.

Day 13 – 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. You’ll return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town, where you will visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 14 – Depart Cape Town

Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account and time permitting), which departs from the Victoria and 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.

Plenty of departure dates!

Departs on Sundays throughout the year.

Prices from $3,849 CAD

For more information on this exciting adventure please contact Lucas@Lloydstravel.com.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Airport transfers; Hotel porterage; 13 nights accommodation; sightseeing as per itinerary; meals as shown; transportation in air-conditioned microbus or 18-seater mini bus; entrance fees and services of an experienced driver/guide.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Travel Insurance; International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes; Visa fees if applicable; Meals and beverages not specifically indicated; Items of a personal nature and gratuities.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

*Prices are “from” per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season.  Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.  Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request.