South African Sampler Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg
On arrival at the OR Tambo Johannesburg International airport, you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. Please note that the shuttle transfer is available between 6.15am and 10.45pm. If you arrive earlier or later than this, please note an extra transfer cost will be incurred. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 7.00pm when you will meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travelers.
| Duration | 1 Night |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo |
| Location | View map |
Protea Hotel by Marriott OR Tambo
The pristine four-star Protea Hotel OR Tambo is set in the heart of Kempton Park, minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa's largest airport. Themed around an aircraft hanger, the industrial ambiance of the Hotel is felt in the polished concrete floors, steel finishes, ...The pristine four-star Protea Hotel OR Tambo is set in the heart of Kempton Park, minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa's largest airport. Themed around an aircraft hanger, the industrial ambiance of the Hotel is felt in the polished concrete floors, steel finishes, chrome lighting and top to bottom windows that overlook the aeroplanes as they dock and take off.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
Day 2: Hazyview
This morning after breakfast, you will leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Your travels take you along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. This canyon is the third largest in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. You will also get the chance to gasp at the glory of God's Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains. God's Window is undoubtedly the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve's most spectacular viewpoint, with astonishing views over South Africa's lowveld. At God's Window, majestic cliffs plunge down 700m and, on a clear day, you'll be able to see over the famous Kruger National Park towards the Lebombo Mountains. Last stop for the day before heading to Hazyview is at the Bourke's Luck Potholes. This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. The Potholes were named after a gold digger, Tom Burke, who staked a claim nearby. Although his claim did not produce a single ounce of gold, he correctly predicted that large gold deposits would be found in the area.
Distance travelled today is 500km.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation | Hippo Hollow |
| Location | View map |
Hippo Hollow
Hippo Hollow has one of the most spectacular settings in Mpumalanga, situated on the banks of the Sabie River, just 2km outside Hazyview and 35 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and ideal for exploring the Panorama ...Hippo Hollow has one of the most spectacular settings in Mpumalanga, situated on the banks of the Sabie River, just 2km outside Hazyview and 35 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, within easy reach of the Kruger National Park and ideal for exploring the Panorama Route. Hippo Hollow has a timeless 'out of Africa' feel. Accommodation consists of 63 thatched en-suite chalets. You will leave Hippo Hollow feeling relaxed and refreshed having experienced the essence of Africa.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Conference Facilities
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
Day 3: Kruger National Park
An early to start to your safari day, setting off before breakfast in a closed vehicle in search of the Big 5 which are lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and of course not to forget all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species, a packed breakfast will be provided on your journey. The morning is spent with a professional driver/guide. Due to government regulations at the park, vehicles coming into the park for day visits need to stay on the paved roads and are not able to enter into the surrounding bushveld. You will return to your hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Day 4: Swaziland
This morning after breakfast, you will check out and depart on your journey to Swaziland. You will proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief's village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture. The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. The capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Swaziland, the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, is among the most easy-going and laid back regions. Swazis are more likely to celebrate for fun than demonstrate for reform. A progressive and hands on attitude towards wildlife preservation has endowed it with a striking set of national parks.
Distance travelled today is 261kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Lugogo Sun |
Lugogo Sun
The Lugogo Sun is the largest of the three hotels at the heavenly Royal Swazi Sun Resort. The Resort is situated in the tranquil Ezulwini Valley, a 15-minute drive from Mbabane, the Swaziland Capital. The hotel overlooks a magnificent sub-tropical gardens as well as the ...The Lugogo Sun is the largest of the three hotels at the heavenly Royal Swazi Sun Resort. The Resort is situated in the tranquil Ezulwini Valley, a 15-minute drive from Mbabane, the Swaziland Capital. The hotel overlooks a magnificent sub-tropical gardens as well as the 72-par golf course. This resort is specially geared to suit conference groups and families.
There are 199 spacious guestrooms and 3 junior suites that offer informal yet comfortable accommodation. Each room offers colour satellite television, radio, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facility, electric razor plug, telephone with internet connection, and air-conditioning.
The hotel includes an 18-hole championship golf course, Volley ball courts, swimming pool (as well as children's splash pad), also a full service casino (18 years or older), Health spa and more. The facilities are spread throughout the three hotels with guests being able to use facilities at all of the resorts.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Children's Activities
- Conference Facilities
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Games Room
- Golf
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Hair/Beauty Salon
- Massage Treatments
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Sauna
- Spa
- Squash courts
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Day 5: St Lucia and surrounds
Today you journey through Swaziland into Zululand stopping en route to bargain for curios and souvenirs at the roadside markets. Your journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulus and Settlers have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. You arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay. There is an option to take an open vehicle safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, this is at an extra cost and can be booked with your driver/guide in destination.
Distance travelled today is 435kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Protea Hotel by Marriott Umfolozi River |
Protea Hotel by Marriott Umfolozi River
The brand new Protea Hotels Umfolozi River is ideally located in the Greater Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve area, only 40km north of Richards Bay. The hotel offers 68 spacious, air-conditioned rooms/chalets, as well as 2 family chalets, with satellite TV.The brand new Protea Hotels Umfolozi River is ideally located in the Greater Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve area, only 40km north of Richards Bay. The hotel offers 68 spacious, air-conditioned rooms/chalets, as well as 2 family chalets, with satellite TV.
Day 6: St Lucia and surrounds / Durban
Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia or take an optional morning boat cruise, which is at an extra cost and can be booked with your driver/guide in destination. This small coastal town is a World heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species. Once the guests that have chosen to cruise return, your journey continues towards Durban. Once you arrive in Durban an orientation tour introduces you to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at your hotel in Umhlanga in the late afternoon.
Distance travelled today 290kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga Ridge |
| Location | View map |
Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga Ridge
Just minutes driving distance from the main beachfront, Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge is situated in the secure environment of the Umhlanga New Town Centre. The hotel is located opposite the Wavehouse and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, where such facilities as movies, theatres, restaurants, shops ...Just minutes driving distance from the main beachfront, Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge is situated in the secure environment of the Umhlanga New Town Centre. The hotel is located opposite the Wavehouse and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, where such facilities as movies, theatres, restaurants, shops and entertainment are all within very easy walking distance.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Boutique(s)
- Bowling
- Conference Facilities
- Golf
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Hair/Beauty Salon
- Horseback Riding
- Internet Access
- Mini Golf
- Parking
- Restaurant(s)
- Spa
- Squash courts
- Tennis
- Theater
Day 7: Drakensberg
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps stroll over to the "Gateway Theatre of Shopping" located opposite the hotel, for a touch of retail therapy. Later you head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. You will proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route and arriving at your hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account).
Distance travelled today is 255kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation | Drakensberg Gardens Hotel |
| Location | View map |
Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
Whilst you sit on your private balcony, you can watch the sun stretch its rays and shadows across the rocky mountain tops and listen to the sounds of the Mlambonjwa river below. Peace and tranquillity is always enjoyed when one visits the Drakensberg Gardens. The ...Whilst you sit on your private balcony, you can watch the sun stretch its rays and shadows across the rocky mountain tops and listen to the sounds of the Mlambonjwa river below. Peace and tranquillity is always enjoyed when one visits the Drakensberg Gardens. The hotel is situated on a picturesque 860 acre estate in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg. To deliver a truly treasured Drakensberg Gardens experience, the resort offers a number of diverse activities guests can enjoy.
Facilities
- Babysitting Service
- Bar
- Business Facilities
- Conference Facilities
- Fishing Facilities
- Golf
- Horseback Riding
- Lounge Bar
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Squash Court
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Day 8: Drakensberg
You have a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There is also the option to take a 4x4 adventure tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which also includes a lunch at Africa's highest pub. This excursion as at an extra cost and can be arranged with your driver/guide in destination. The Drakensberg Mountains were proclaimed World Heritage site in 2000, South Africa's first premier mountain wilderness and cultural site, on the border of South Africa and Lesotho and is mostly a vast national park, called now the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. This spectacular natural landscape also has many rock shelters, containing the largest and most concentrated group of San/Bushmen paintings (more than 6000 sites and featuring 22 000 paintings) in Africa, south of the Sahara. These were created by the San people over a period of at least 4000 yrs. The highest range in Southern Africa, the "Dragon Mountains" or the "Barrier of Spears", reach their highest peaks along the border with Lesotho.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Day 9: Eastern Cape Coast
This morning you continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route you will see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata. You then continue via Nelson Mandela's birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.
Distance travelled today is 520kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Crawfords Beach Lodge |
Crawfords Beach Lodge
Crawford's Beach Lodge is designed around the contours of the coastal dunes it resides on. With the lodge being so close to ocean, one does not need to drive anywhere. All attractions are within a few steps of one another, the dining room, the lounge ...Crawford's Beach Lodge is designed around the contours of the coastal dunes it resides on. With the lodge being so close to ocean, one does not need to drive anywhere. All attractions are within a few steps of one another, the dining room, the lounge and the beach. After a day at the beach, one can wash themselves off under the outside shower or take a dip in the pool to cool off. So get ready to take your shoes off and prepare to relax in the most beautiful setting. The lodge offers 30 suites which consist of double and twin bedrooms, all en-suite and each with their own private balcony, with a majority of them overlooking the sea. All rooms are also equipped with a safe for your personal belongings. True barefoot luxury.
Facilities
- Babysitting Services
- Bar
- Bicycle hire
- Conference Facilities
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court
Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast
You awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometers and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. You will set off after lunch heading south towards Port Elizabeth.
Distance travelled today is 340kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Garden Court Kings Beach |
| Location | View map |
Garden Court Kings Beach
With spectacular views over Algoa Bay, travellers staying at Garden Court Kings Beach can revel in the scenic beauty of Port Elizabeth and its unspoilt beaches. The hotel's proximity to the airport, harbour and national highway assure convenience for travellers, while many local attractions can ...With spectacular views over Algoa Bay, travellers staying at Garden Court Kings Beach can revel in the scenic beauty of Port Elizabeth and its unspoilt beaches. The hotel's proximity to the airport, harbour and national highway assure convenience for travellers, while many local attractions can also be enjoyed nearby. Enjoy thoroughly contemporary interiors, and a legendary warm and friendly service, you will be sure to feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Facilities
- Business Facilities
- Gym
- Internet Access - High Speed
- Restaurant
Day 11: Knysna
Today your journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. The Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area on the Garden Route, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is well known a coastal reserve for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail. The park covers an 80 kilometers (50 miles) long stretch of coastline. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. You then travel onto Knysna to arrive late afternoon.
Distance travelled today is 300kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Knysna Hollow |
| Location | View map |
Knysna Hollow
Perfectly set on a secluded country estate, near Knysna's famous lagoon on the Garden Route, Knysna Hollow welcomes you with warm and friendly hospitality. Knysna Hollow is the perfect base from which to explore Knysna, the Garden Route and the surrounding forests. Activities are endless... ...Perfectly set on a secluded country estate, near Knysna's famous lagoon on the Garden Route, Knysna Hollow welcomes you with warm and friendly hospitality.
Knysna Hollow is the perfect base from which to explore Knysna, the Garden Route and the surrounding forests. Activities are endless... from ferry trips across the lagoon, to walking trails through the ancient forests, a game of golf, treetop canopy tours, township experiences, whale watching or just relaxing at one of the three sparkling swimming pools set in lush indigenous gardens with abundant birdlife. The tastefully decorated Garden Chalets and Garden Rooms with patios, are perfectly placed within the lush two hectare Country Estate.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Concierge
- Daycare/Babysitting Service
- Fireplace
- Gift Shop
- Hair/Beauty Salon
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge(s)
- Massage Treatments
- Parking
- Pool (s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
Day 12: Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, you travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the 'feather capital of the world' because of its ostrich industry. You will visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Oudtshoorn is located in an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley, called the "Little Karoo", cupped by the Swartberg Mountains in the North and the Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountain Ranges in the South.
Distance travelled today is 315kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation | Garden Court Mossel Bay |
| Location | View map |
Garden Court Mossel Bay
Garden Court Mossel Bay is a stylish accommodation establishment that lies on the scenic Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The hotel is situated adjacent to The Garden Route Casino and the world-renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort - one of the ...Garden Court Mossel Bay is a stylish accommodation establishment that lies on the scenic Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The hotel is situated adjacent to The Garden Route Casino and the world-renowned Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort - one of the ten best new golf courses in the world. This is a destination where entertainment and relaxation are par for the course.
Facilities
- Gym
- Internet Access - High Speed
- Restaurant(s)
Day 13: Cape Town
Today you will journey towards your last city stop on your trip - the mother city of Cape Town. On the way you will stop off in Mossel Bay to visit the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz Museum and Shell Museum. You will drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. There is an option to attend a dinner theatre tonight, Kaapse Stories, which is an evening of song, theatre and delicious South African cuisine at Richards Supper Club. This is at an extra cost and can be arranged with your driver/guide in destination.
Distance travelled today is 540kms.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation | Sun Square Cape Town Gardens |
| Location | View map |
Sun Square Cape Town Gardens
Sun Square Cape Town is located in the cosmopolitan and vibrant suburb of The Gardens, on the edge of the Cape Town City Bowl. This trendy hotel offers guests more of what they want. It is beautifully positioned at the base of Table Mountain - ...Sun Square Cape Town is located in the cosmopolitan and vibrant suburb of The Gardens, on the edge of the Cape Town City Bowl. This trendy hotel offers guests more of what they want.
It is beautifully positioned at the base of Table Mountain - one of the new 'Seven Wonders of Nature' and is close to Long Street, with its vast selection of chic restaurants and boutique shops, offering an array of daytime and night time activities. The hotel is also located within close proximity to main attractions in the area such as the V&A Waterfront, South African National Museum, VOC Company Gardens, Table Mountain Cable Stations and the gorgeous beaches of Camps Bay.
Facilities
- Business Facilities
- Gym
- Internet Access - High Speed
Day 14: Cape Town
Enjoy a day of leisure in the 'Mother City' where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. You may want to take advantage of one of the optional tours, a full day Peninsula Tour which includes the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to the Boulders Beach penguin colony and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The alternative is to take part in a full day Cape Winelands tour, which is a day celebrating the glorious grape as well as the exceptional winelands region and heavenly scenery. Both of these tours are at an extra cost and can be pre-booked.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Day 15: Depart Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, please check out of the hotel by 11.00am. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|