12-Day South African Highlights Tour

Day 1

Cape Town to Mossel Bay

Begin your exhilarating tour by meeting your local guide in the morning and then set off for the picturesque Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions. You’ll observe captivating scenery on this drive and make a stop at a local farm stall where you can explore a range of fresh products. Next, you’ll venture down to the most southern point of Africa at the relatively untouched Cape Agulhas and discover where the Indian and Atlantic oceans collide. Marvel at the renowned Cape Agulhas Lighthouse which throws light on the area’s rich history. Keep your eyes peeled for memorable sights as you pass through the third oldest town in Africa, Swellendam. Your first night will be spent in the charming harbour town of Mossel Bay, home to the beautiful Santos Beach.

Day 2

Mossel Bay to Oudtshoorn

Fuel up on the most important meal of the day before paying a visit to the enchanting natural cave at Cape St Blaize, an archaeological gem that dates back to The Stone Age and offers amazing ocean views. Then, you’ll continue your road trip to the next exciting stop, Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Enjoy a guided tour at a fascinating ostrich farm where you can learn all about the planet’s biggest bird. Enjoy the earthy and rich flavours of the produce at a local wine estate in the picturesque Schoemanshoek Valley before embarking on a popular tour around remarkable limestone ridges in the Cango Caves, one of the Great Natural Wonders of the World. At the end of the day you’ll return to your endearing guest house in Oudtshoorn where you can delve into succulent local specialties including ostrich steak.

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 3

Oudtshoorn to Knysna

After a hearty breakfast you’ll set off to take in the dramatic mountain views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass, on the way to the enlightening town of George. This is a goldmine of historical sites, including the old Slave Tree and the unspoilt King Edward VII Library building, regarded as a fine example of Edwardian architecture. Pass through the coastal town of Wilderness on the way to your next exciting tour stop, the glorious nature wonderland of Knysna, home to serene lakes and magnificent beaches. Discover the magic of the indigenous forests where you’ll hear interesting stories from woodcutters and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of exotic wildlife, including majestic elephants. Next you’ll visit the 880-year old Big Tree Memorial for Dalene Matthee, a famous native author of 4 Forest Novels. A delicious complimentary lunch of traditional cuisine at Totties Farm Kitchen will tantalise your taste buds.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 4

Knysna

Take the opportunity to really appreciate the magic of Knysna by spending the whole day in this beautiful coastal town. Start the day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the riveting Forest Legends Museum which exhibits the grand Old Suzie steam engine, various tools used by woodcutters and the Old Foresters House. Then get ready to meet some cheeky friends as you stroll around the award-winning Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, a wonderful centre that rehabilitates primates that were previously caged. Part of the trip price is donated to help with the quest to reintroduce this endangered species back into the wild. Afterwards, continue on to Eastern Head where you can take in amazing views of the dramatic Knysna Heads, 2 peninsulas that enclose an estuary of sparkling waters. A leisurely afternoon in the sun-kissed town of Brenton on Sea is the last activity of the day, giving you a chance to relax on a white sandy beach and top up your tan, before heading back to Knysna for another peaceful night’s sleep.

Breakfast included

Day 5

Knysna to Tsitsikamma

Make your way to much-loved Plettenberg Bay, a laid-back seaside town with stunning lagoons and majestic forests. You’ll visit the Birds of Eden sanctuary, a large mesh dome built over indigenous forest lands to provide a safe environment for the biggest single free-flight aviary in the world. A contribution will be made towards the protection of many species of African birds on your behalf, pre-paid through a portion of your trip price. Thrill seekers are going to love the next activity at the impressive architectural sight of Bloukrans Bridge, where you’ll get the chance to complete the world’s highest bridge bungee jump. When your pulse rate has settled down again you’ll continue on to an unspoilt territory where you’ll spend the night, Tsitsikamma National Park. This is a magical mountainous area for being at one with nature and enjoying beautiful views of Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). You’ll gaze in awe at 80km of rocky coastline, natural river gorges and the dramatic mountain Fynbos.

Breakfast included

Day 6

Tsitsikamma to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Johannesburg

Travel along the Tsitsikamma Forest on the way to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), a major sea port fondly known as ‘The Friendly City’ where you’ll discover Victorian landmarks and excellent coastal boat tours. Continue on to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport where the flight to the vibrant city of Johannesburg offers the chance to flick through your amazing pictures and digest all of your best memories so far. Once you’ve checked into your new hotel, you can set out to explore the local surroundings for the rest of the day.

Breakfast included

Day 7

Johannesburg

All history buffs and culture fiends will be in their element on this day, touring around an abundance of amazing historical sites in Soweto and local areas relating to the nation’s struggle against apartheid. You’ll drive past the impressive FNB Stadium, the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final which was also the place where Nelson Mandela made his memorable first speech in Johannesburg after being released from prison in 1990. The journey continues on through Diepkloof, the town where some of the country’s best football players grew up, before you travel to Kliptown where the important Freedom Charter was officially adopted in 1955. Drive past the well-built Regina Mundi Church, another relevant historical landmark in the resistance against apartheid, and then transport through time as you visit Vilakazi Street, a must-see tourist attraction and the most famous street in Soweto where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, the renowned Nobel Prize winners once lived. Finish off the afternoon with a stroll around the monumental Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum which is brimming with films, newspapers and other memorabilia from the tragic events of the anti-Apartheid Soweto Uprising. Then it’s back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Breakfast included

Day 8

Johannesburg

Appreciate a whole day of freedom in Johannesburg, where you can catch some rest or embark on some exciting adventures tailored to your own taste. Visit the brilliant World Heritage Site of Maropeng, known as the Cradle of Mankind, which is an award-winning exhibition that showcases innovative displays into the evolutionary development of humankind (additional charge). If you are craving some retail therapy, discover the excellent fashion boutiques and jewellery stores with a leisurely stroll around the cosmopolitan Nelson Mandela Square. After some serious shopping you’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in this magnetic city.

Breakfast included

Day 9

Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

After a rejuvenating sleep in your hotel, the eastern region of Mpumalanga will be calling your name, where you will spend a few wonderful nights in a rustic lodge. Drop your bags off and make your way to the internationally famous Kruger National Park, home to some of the most awe-inspiring game viewing on this planet. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you go in search of a plethora of exotic wildlife in your closed vehicle, including lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and black rhinoceroses. Spend your first warm and restful evening here tucking into the authentic flavours of local cuisine around a welcoming campfire.

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 10

Kruger National Park

Wake up early to a hot tea or coffee before venturing off with a pre-packed breakfast on a thrilling open vehicle game drive through Kruger National Park, accompanied by English-speaking game ranger. Marvel at incredible bird life, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and sightings of South Africa’s ‘Big Five’ of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos. There’s also an option to learn about the trained dogs at Kruger Park Anti-Poaching Dog Unit which track poachers and detect firearms and ammunition that come in and out of the park (additional charge, subject to availability). A portion of your trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience helps to provide the best possible care for these skilled dogs. After an exhilarating morning, it’s time to kick back and relax at your lodge and grab some lunch (additional charge). In the afternoon, you’ll set out on one last journey through this remarkable park from your closed vehicle, catching your last few sights of many rare and endangered African species. In the evening you’ll enjoy another cosy campfire experience, accompanied by a scrumptious outdoor evening meal.

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 11

Mpumalanga

After breakfast you’ll set off on the stunning Panorama Route in Mpumalanga which is known for its astonishing natural surroundings, dramatic waterfalls and other picture-perfect sights. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts can take in the spellbinding views of God's Window, observe the natural rock formation of the jaw-dropping Three Rondavels and visit the third largest canyon of its kind in the world, Blyde River Canyon. You will see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a popular geological attraction, before strolling around one of the first gold mining camps in the country, Graskop. For anyone who hasn’t quite had their fill of viewing incredible wildlife, there’s an option to skip the Panorama Route and head off on another open vehicle game drive (additional charge). Everyone will return later to their lodge for a gloriously authentic Boma Dinner, served buffet style under the starry night sky.

Breakfast and dinner included

Day 12

Mpumalanga to Johannesburg

Enjoy your final breakfast before setting off on a fun-filled road trip back to Johannesburg where you can take in the captivating views from your window. Your sensational 12-day tour comes to a close with your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport around 2.30pm.

Breakfast included

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South African Highlights Tour

South African Highlights Tour

Overview

Prices Available on Request. To Book Call Us On: 01244 957 714

Tour Highlights

Inclusions

Prices Available on Request. To Book Call Us On: 01244 957 714

Itinerary

Day 1

Cape Town to Mossel Bay

Day 2

Mossel Bay to Oudtshoorn

Day 3

Oudtshoorn to Knysna

Day 4

Knysna

Day 5

Knysna to Tsitsikamma

Day 6

Tsitsikamma to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Johannesburg

Day 7

Johannesburg

Day 8

Johannesburg

Day 9

Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Day 10

Kruger National Park

Day 11

Mpumalanga

Day 12

Mpumalanga to Johannesburg