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An expedition of surprise, our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast dream, and a photographer’s canvas. Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never seizes to amaze, and the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains forms a great part of this package, where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, and the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town.
DATE ROUTING
DAY 1 – Saturday Fly from your home to Johannesburg
DAY 2 – Sunday Johannesburg
DAY3 – Monday Johannesburg – Mpumalanga
DAY 4 – Tuesday Mpumalanga
DAY 5 – Wednesday Mpumalanga – Eswatini (Swaziland)
DAY 6 – Thursday Eswatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia and Surrounds
DAY 7 – Friday St Lucia and Surrounds – Durban
DAY 8 – Saturday Durban – Drakensberg
DAY 9 – Sunday Drakensberg
DAY 10 – Monday Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast
DAY 11 – Tuesday Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma
DAY 12 – Wednesday Tsitsikamma – Knysna
DAY 13 – Thursday Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Mossel Bay
DAY 14 – Friday Mossel Bay – Cape Town
DAY 15 – Saturday Cape Town
DAY 16 – Sunday Cape Town- Home by Airplane
 

Day 1 On Airplane

Fly from your home to Johannesburg.

Day 2 Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 3 Johannesburg – Mpumalanga (Breakfast)

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Day 4 Mpumalanga (Breakfast)

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunchtime and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.

Optional Tour: Full Day Kruger National Park Safari (optional, $75/person)

Day 5 Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland) (Breakfast)

This morning we travel to eSwatini (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 eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight.

Day 6 eSwatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia and Surrounds (Breakfast)

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and woman create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colorful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight. 

Day 7 St Lucia and Surrounds – Durban (Breakfast)

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.

Optional Tour: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Morning Safari (optional, $59/person)

Day 8 Durban – Drakensberg (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.

Day 9 Drakensberg (Breakfast & Dinner)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4×4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialties to choose from.

Optional Tour: Full Day Sani Pass 4×4 Adventure Tour (optional, $91/person)

Day 10 Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast (Breakfast & Dinner)

This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local seafood delicacies awaits you at your lodge.

Day 11 Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma (Breakfast)

We 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 kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest.

Day 12 Tsitsikamma – Knysna (Breakfast, Dinner)

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.

Day 13 Knysna – Oudtshoorn (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Day 14 Oudtshoorn – Cape Town (Breakfast)

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Day 15 Cape Town (Unescorted) (Breakfast)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). 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. Overnight in Cape Town.

Optional Tour: African Dinner & Drumming (optional, $66/person)

Optional Tour: Morning Table Mountain & CPT City Tour (excl. cost of cable way ticket) R 596.00 (optional, $64/person)

Optional Tour: Full Day Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Constantia Winelands Tour (excl. cost of cable way ticket) (optional, $99/person)

Optional Tour: Marine Big Five Safari Experience (optional, $199/person)

Day 16 Cape Town (Breakfast)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.

Swaziland Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino

King Maswati II Highway Matsamo Road, Piggs Peak H108 Eswatini (Swaziland)

+268 2437 8800

Tsitsikamma Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Darnell Street, Storms River, 6308 Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape, South Africa

+27 (0)42 281 1711

+27 (0)42 281 1669

Mossel Bay Diaz Hotel & Resort

1 Beach E Blvd, Die Voor Bay, Mossel Bay, 6506 South Africa

+27 (0)44 692 8400

Cape Town Sunsquare Cape Town Garden

10 Mill Street Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

+27 21 465 1311

+27 21 461 6648

Knysna Premier Hotel The Moorings

George Rex Drive, Knysna, Western Cape. PO Box 109, Knysna, 6570

+27 44 302 7000

+27 44 302 7100

Eastern Cape Coast Crawford’s Beach Lodge

42 Steenbras Drive, Chintsa, East London, 5275, South Africa

+27 43 738 5000

+27 43 738 5001

Drakensberg Gardens Hotel

Drakensberg Gardens Road, Underberg, 3257, South Africa

+27 (0) 33 701 1355

Durban Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge

14 Palm Boulevard Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, Rocks, Durban, 4320, South Africa

+27 31 582 6000

St Lucia Anew Hotel Hluhluwe

104 Main Rd, Hluhluwe, 3960, South Africa

+27 (0) 35 562 4000

Mpumalanga Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Hippo Hollow Country Estate is nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the outskirts of Hazyview, and is only a 10 minute drive from the world famous Kruger National Park.

+27 (0) 13 737 7752

  • Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
  • Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
  • Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
  • Orientation tour of Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens
  • Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
  • Overnight in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast
  • Travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house
  • Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
  • Overnight in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa
  • Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
  • Visit a well-known Aloe factory and learn more about the locally grown Cape Aloe
  • Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
  • Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travellers and the communities we visit.

Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 adults travelling:

Day Optional Excursion Price for Each Person
2 Sabie River Bridge Sunset Dinner 38
3 Full Day Kruger National Park Safari 72
6 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Morning Safari 58
8 Full Day Sani Pass 4×4 Adventure Tour 91
14 Morning Table Mountain & CPT City Tour (excl. cost of cable way ticket) 41
14 African Dinner & Drumming 51
14 Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour 86
14 Full Day Winelands Tour 77

Eswatini(Swaziland):

Tourist Visa is not required for US and Candian Citizens, if their stay is not over than 30 days.

Travelers visiting Eswatini generally enter through South Africa.

South Africa:

US and Canadian passport holders do not require a tourist visa to enter South Africa.

  • All Prices are in USD
  • $600/person non-refundable deposit plus air ticket fees request at time of booking. Balance paid 3-month prior to the departure.
  • Prices are per person based on twin share accommodation. Single room is available with additional $590/person.
  • Add on airfare: available upon request (if your home airport does not list, we assist your air ticket consultation)
  • No Child discounts apply. Minimum Child age: at least 8 yrs. old

 

Price includes

  • Round trip international flights from your home to destination
  • Domestic transportation indicated in the itinerary.
  • Taxes and fuel surcharges
  • 14 nights Hotel accommodations including portage.
  • Meals and featuring regional delicacies mentioned in the itinerary, totally 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners.
  • All visits and admission fees including entertainment shows mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • LUGGAGE: One suitcase and one person bag

 

Price does not include.

  • Tips (Gratuities to tour guides and drivers)
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Visa fee (if applicable for non-USA/CANADA citizens)
  • Your personal expenses, such as laundry, int’l phone calls, etc.

 

 

Cancellation: In the event of services being cancelled 90 days or less, prior to arrival, the following land tour cancellation fees will apply.

 

  • 90 days to 75 days before commencement of services: 35% tour price.
  • 74 days to 60 days before commencement of services: 70% tour price.
  • 59 days or less before commencement of services: 100% of tour price

 

We recommend that you ensure have Travel Insurance protection at time of booking.

 

Air ticket is non-refundable after ticketing according to airlines rules.

 

Special Conditions

For tours that include services of certain suppliers with more stringent policies, e.g., National Parks Board, Blue Train, Private Lodges and others, different cancellation fees will be enforceable. These will be provided when applicable.

16 Days

16 Days Golden Route of South Africa

From: USD $3,399 

Group Size:

Guide:

2-20
English

Number of travelers

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* Other dates are available on request.

* You may depart from any US major airport, please contact us for details.

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Feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.