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17-Day South Africa and Swaziland Tour

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Overview

South Africa is perhaps the most versatile of all the African destinations, offering a wide variety of activities and landscapes to travellers. Whether you are looking for an adventure holiday deep in the bush or are in search of a gentler introduction to Africa, this is the adventure for you.

Situated at the tip of the African continent and surrounded by two oceans, South Africa boasts breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages and cosmopolitan cities that can all be combined with a truly exhilarating Big Five South African safari.

Consistently voted as one of the top tourist destinations around the world, South Africa is home to one of the world’s biggest nature reserves, the renowned Kruger National Park, as well as one of the most beautiful and scenic cities, Cape Town. Visit South Africa over 17 wonderful days and explore both!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Johannesburg

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Welcome to Johannesburg

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Sandton where you spend your first two nights. After check-in, it is recommended that you take the hotel shuttle to Sandton City where you can wander around the many shops and restaurants. You can stay for dinner or purchase your favourite foods and head back to your apartment to make and enjoy your own meal. The choice is yours!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pablo House - Melville Guest House

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sandton CityOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from O.R. Tambo International Airport to The Capital Villa

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Johannesburg

Day 2

Soweto Tour & Apartheit Museum

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Soweto Tour & Apartheit Museum

Soweto is a cluster of townships on the south-western flank of Johannesburg and was created in the 1930s. It is the biggest black urban settlement in Africa with a rich political history. A visit to Soweto is seamlessly combined with a stop at The Apartheid Museum for an in-depth discovery of 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story – a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pablo House - Melville Guest House

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Full-Day Soweto Tour

    Apartheid Museum

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Johannesburg

Day 3

Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

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Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

This morning you are collected from your hotel and transferred back to O.R. Tambo to pick-up your car for your road trip. Your first day on the road takes you from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom and Ohrigstad to Pilgrim’s Rest for lunch, an early gold mining town declared a National Monument. You'll then head to Chacma Camp in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve where you'll head out on an evening game drive.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chacma Camp4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Game Drive with Chacma Bush Camp

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Chacma Camp

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from The Capital Villa to O.R. Tambo International Airport

    Self-Driving from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Chacma Camp

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Johannesburg

    Mopani

Day 4

Chacma to Umkumbe

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Chacma to Umkumbe

This morning, you'll head out on an early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Afterwards, you'll travel via Graskop to marvel at scenic areas such the Pinnacle, God’s Window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the magnificent Three Rondavels viewpoint at the Blyde River Canyon. You'll walk along the cliffs to really appreciate the breathtaking views. You'll then head to Hazyview and on to the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve where you will spend the night.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Umkumbe Safari Lodge3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Morning Game Drive with Chacma Bush Camp

    Blyde River CanyonOptional Activity

    Evening Game Drive with Umkumbe

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Chacma Camp

    Hazyview Local RestaurantOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Chacma Camp to Umkumbe Safari Lodge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mopani

    Mpumalanga

Day 5

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

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Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Today brings an early morning open vehicle game drive, after which you enjoy breakfast and, conditions permitting, a hike on foot searching for animals. For the more energetic, a bushwalk is a great opportunity to join the rangers and search for animals on foot tracing the previous nights' tracks. After lunch, you'll enjoy an afternoon/evening game drive followed by a freshly prepared dinner under the stars.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Umkumbe Safari Lodge3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Morning Game Drive with Umkumbe

    Morning Bush Walk with Umkumbe Safari Lodge

    Evening Game Drive with Umkumbe

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mpumalanga

Day 6

Game Drives & Travel to Swaziland

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Game Drives & Travel to Swaziland

There'll be an early rise for a game drive and then you'll return for breakfast at the camp. Upon check out from Umkumbe, you can either drive south along the highway or enter the Kruger Park and head south in the Park searching for game. From there, you can head for the mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Drive through the capital, Mbabane, and continue to Mhlambanyatsi where you'll overnight in the mountains at Foresters Arms Hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Foresters Arms Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Morning Game Drive with Umkumbe

    Ngwenya Glass Factory & CafeOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Foresters Arms Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Umkumbe Safari Lodge to Foresters Arms

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mpumalanga

    Ngwenya

    Manzini

Day 7

Swaziland to Hluhluwe

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Swaziland to Hluhluwe

This morning, you'll enjoy an early breakfast and then visit Swazi Candles in the Malkerns Valley. You'll continue along the Ezulwini Valley towards Manzini, the country’s industrial centre, and then swing south towards Nhlangano on a scenic route where crossing every hill opens up a new vista. Exit Swaziland at the Onverwacht border post and enter Zululand, then travel southwards to Hluhluwe and arrive at your private lodge. In the evening, you'll enjoy a game drive and a traditional dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Falaza Game Park & Spa4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Swazi CandlesOptional Activity

    Hluhluwe Game Reserve DriveOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Foresters Arms Hotel

    Falaza Game Park & Spa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Foresters Arms to Falaza Game Park & Spa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Manzini

    Malkerns

    North Uthungulu

Day 8

Hluhluwe to Durban

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Hluhluwe to Durban

Today, you'll have an early breakfast and travel into the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve for another two hours of viewing in the Big Five Reserve. Thereafter, you'll travel to the village of St Lucia and join a boat cruise on the estuary of the famous Lake St Lucia (proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1999). The lake is a wildlife paradise with bird species such as fish eagle, Goliath heron and many more. After this unforgettable experience, you'll travel to Durban, South Africa’s holiday Mecca.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Fairlight Beach House4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Game Drive in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game ReserveOptional Activity

    Estuary Tour in St LuciaOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Falaza Game Park & Spa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Falaza Game Park & Spa to Umhlanga

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    North Uthungulu

    eMdloti

Day 9

Explore Durban & uShaha Marine World

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Explore Durban & uShaha Marine World

This morning you will familiarise yourself with Durban on a half-day city tour. You'll drive along Durban’s distinctive beachfront, the Golden Mile, wander past art-deco buildings, drive along Victoria Embankment and pass buildings of historical significance. This afternoon, it is recommended that you drive yourselves to Ushaka Marine World to view this beautiful Aquarium and stay for dinner where there is a wealth of restaurants.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Fairlight Beach House4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Half-Day Durban City Tour

    uShaka Marine WorldOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    eMdloti

    Durban Metro

Day 10

Durban to the Garden Route

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Durban to the Garden Route

Today brings an early wake-up for your flight to Port Elizabeth. You'll then pick up your rental car and drive from Port Elizabeth, also called the 'Friendly City', along the N2 national via Storms River. Stops en-route today include Tsitsikamma National Park, the Bloukrans Bridge (bungee jump optional), Birds of Eden and then past Plettenberg Bay to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by two promontories known as the 'Heads'.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tsitsikama Forest and Storms River

    Bloukrans Bungee JumpOptional Activity

    Birds of EdenOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from aha Riverside Hotel to Durban Airport Transfers and Shuttles

    Plane from Durban to Port Elizabeth

    Self-Driving from Port Elizabeth International Airport to On The Estuary Knysna

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    eMdloti

    Western District

    South Cape DC

    Knysna

Day 11

Knysna to the Karoo

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Knysna to the Karoo

Spend the morning in Knysna visiting the “Heads”. On this late morning's drive, you'll experience some of the most magical views on the Garden Route, Wilderness National Park and scenic viewpoints along the way. You'll travel over the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo where you visit the Valley of Ancients, an endangered species breeding facility extraordinaire. You'll then travel to your overnight accommodation at an Ostrich Farm where you will enjoy a scrumptious Karoo farm dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    De Denne Guest House4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    The Knysna HeadsOptional Activity

    The Valley of Ancients & Crocodile ExperienceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Knysna to De Denne Guest House

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Knysna

    South Cape DC

Day 12

Ostriches & Kango Caves and Travel to Swellendam

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Ostriches & Kango Caves and Travel to Swellendam

After breakfast, you'll visit an ostrich farm for some unique experiences. You'll learn all about these curious animals and their behaviour. You'll also stop off and see the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa's foremost natural wonders. The fascinating calcite caves comprise of an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. You'll then travel on to Swellendam and stay overnight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jan Harmsgat Country House5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cango Ostrich FarmOptional Activity

    Cango CavesOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Ostrich Cango FarmOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from De Denne Guest House to Jan Harmsgat Country House

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    South Cape DC

    Western Cape

    Overberg District Municipality

Day 13

Swellendam to Franschoek

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Swellendam to Franschoek

This morning in Swellendam, you'll visit arguably the oldest post office in Africa, the Post Office Tree and the site of the first landfall, made by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias in 1488. You'll then continue to Hermanus, one of the best places in the world to spot Whales from land (July to Dec). After lunch, you'll depart for Stellenbosch via the beautiful coastal route between Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay, arriving in the late afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Rickety Bridge4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    SwellendamOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Jan Harmsgat Country House to Hermanus

    Self-Driving from Hermanus to Stellenbosch

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Overberg District Municipality

    Franschhoek

Day 14

Franschhoek Wine Lands

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Franschhoek Wine Lands

Today, you'll make your way out into the picturesque winelands to visit South Africa’s most famous wine region – Stellenbosch, via the R310 to Franschoek with many wine farm stops. Aside from the excellent wines, the area is renowned for its food and its buildings steeped in history such as the Taal monument, various museums and the contribution of the French Huguenots. This afternoon, you'll head to Cape Town and enjoy dinner in the city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    HellshoogteOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Stellenbosch to Cape Town

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Franschhoek

    Cape Winelands

    Cape Town

Day 15

Discovering Cape Town

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Discovering Cape Town

Today, continue exploring South Africa with a recommended hop-on-hop-off Red Bus Tour. With over 30 stops, and taking you to over 50 of Cape Town’s top attractions, the bus allows you to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure. Choose to do the Peninsula route which ends at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where you can choose from a range of cafes and restaurants for dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    City Sightseeing Red Bus TourOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    The President Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 16

Cape Town Walking Eats Tour

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Cape Town Walking Eats Tour

Today, it is recommended that you take part in a Cape Town City Eats walking tour. You'll explore the city from all sides - the history, the people, their cultures, their cuisines, as well as contemporary Cape Town and its artisanal trends. It aims to climb under the skin of the city so that by the end of the day you understand the pulse of the city. Alternatively, you can just spend the day at leisure exploring Cape Town and surroundings on your own.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The President Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cape Town Eats Walking TourOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    The President Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Day 17

Farewell Cape Town

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Farewell Cape Town

This morning, you'll bid farewell to South Africa and make your way to the airport in time to drop off your car rental and check-in for your flight home.

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    The President Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from President Hotel to Cape Town International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cape Town

Included in Price

  • 16 nights accommodation
  • 11 activities
  • 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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