Classic South Africa

Arrive into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You will have remainder of the day at leisure.

Set in the heart of Kempton Park, only minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport, the Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport offers an ideal location for travellers. The central theme of an aircraft hangar is addressed in high-class steel finishes and chrome lighting. The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished and have wooden floors and sound-proof windows to ensure a peaceful night.

Johannesburg

1 night at Protea Hotel OR Tambo

At 19:00 you will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

This morning you will depart for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa, gasp at the glory of Gods Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and finally visit Bourkes Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview.

Situated on the banks of the Sabie River, Hippo Hollow Country Estate is a peaceful retreat only 10 minutes from the world-famous Kruger National Park. After a busy day, guests can retreat to the comfort of 91 elegantly decorated hotel rooms and chalets. The light and spacious a la carte restaurant specialises in local seasonal food and offers a range of delectable dishes and magnificent views.

Hazyview

2 nights at Hippo Hollow Country Estate

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Experience an exclusive al fresco bridge dinner this evening, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky (this experience is weather permitting and subject to availability at the time of booking).

You will have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park on a game drive. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep an eye out for the Big 5 and the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. You will return to your accommodation at around lunchtime.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Enjoy an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling and entertainment.

This morning you will travel to Eswatini (formerly 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 you to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions.

Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino is strategically located in the northern part of Swaziland and is set in a large, lush and beautiful pine forest with manicured garden lawns, atop the majestic lofty mountainous peaks of the tiny kingdom.

Eswatini

1 night at Piggs Peak Hotel

This morning you will travel through Eswatini into Zululand. The 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. In the afternoon you will arrive in the Hluhluwe area for your overnight stay.

Rich in natural ambiance and with a distinctively African rhythm, Anew Hotel Hluhluwe invites guests to relish the untamed beauty of KwaZulu-Natal and rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people. Comfortable accommodation is in en-suite rooms with all modern amenities. Enjoy refreshing sundowners on the swimming pool terrace while a Zulu dance show is held under a magnificent Fever tree. Dine at the friendly restaurant or under the stars in a traditional boma.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

1 night at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Enjoy an afternoon game drive 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. The Park is the oldest game reserve in Africa.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Enjoy a game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia (depending on weather conditions), getting up close to the sights and sounds of hippos, crocodiles and the wide variety of birdlife found here.

Depart for the drive to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront and harbour introduces you to this multicultural and vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at your hotel late afternoon.

Mere minutes from Umhlanga Beach and King Shaka International Airport, and conveniently located opposite the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Protea Umhlanga Ridge is the perfect base from which to explore Durban. The hotel offers 205 modern, upmarket rooms all with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The superb on-site restaurant serves scrumptious meals in a relaxed environment. Also remember the roof-level pool with its magnificent views over Gateway and Umhlanga.

Durban

1 night at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Umhlanga Ridge

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the Promenade mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. You will then depart and head inland to the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Visit the impressive 300 foot high Howick Falls, before continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at the hotel mid-afternoon. Spend the afternoon soaking up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in the clean mountain air (for own account).

Set in the foothills of the scenic southern Drakensberg on an 860-acre wild lands estate, this hotel boasts some of the most breath-taking views of KwaZulu-Natals famous mountain range. The comfortable rooms are en-suite and include most modern amenities. There are a wide range of dining options from buffets at The Eagles Roost, a la carte at The Bistro or the Bergview Restaurant and Bar and table dhote at Vineknot Restaurant.

The Drakensberg

2 nights at Drakensberg Gardens Resort

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Guests have the option of joining a tour up to the Sani Pass into the tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa.

After breakfast, you will depart the hotel and 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 formerly known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata, before continuing via Nelson Mandela's birth place and house. You will arrive late afternoon at your overnight accommodation in Chintsa East, on the beautiful and unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast.

Crawfords Beach Lodge is a jewel on the unspoilt Wild Coast region of South Africas Eastern Cape. The relaxed atmosphere and magnificent scenery makes it the perfect holiday destination. All 20 rustic luxury suites have a contemporary feel and most offer magnificent views of the sea. Guests can choose from a wide range of exciting activities including beach walks, canoeing, fishing, game drives, cycling and more. Guests can also enjoy a range of delicious meals, including delectable seafood, all while enjoying amazing sea views.

East London

1 night at Crawfords Beach Lodge

Wake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. You will then depart later in the day to the Tsitsikamma Forest.

Tsitsikamma Village Inn is a family-run hotel has a magical setting on the outskirts of the Tsitsikamma National Park at Storms River Mouth, and is known for its good food and old world charm. En-suite standard accommodation is in individually-decorated cottages, set village-style in beautiful gardens. The historic main building offers the De Oude Martha restaurant, the popular Hunters Pub, Cafe Bacchus and a tranquil guest lounge. Guests can relax in the manicured gardens or around the sparkling swimming pool.

The Garden Route

1 night at Tsitsikamma Village Inn

After a leisurely breakfast, you will depart and visit the 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. You will then depart and arrive in Knysna late in the afternoon.

The Premier Resort The Moorings is in the idyllic town of Knysna, along the celebrated Garden Route. This area is renowned for its distinctive natural beauty and this hotel is set on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon. It has private access to the lagoon as well as a boat launch and docking facilities. The hotel is surrounded by indigenous forest, making it an exclusive and serene setting to enjoy an escape from the modern world without giving up its comfort luxuries.

The Garden Route

1 night at Premier Hotel Knysna - The Moorings

After breakfast, you will travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the feather capital of the world because of its ostrich industry, visit a working ostrich farm, and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. After this, you will depart and head to your overnight accommodation in Mossel Bay.

The Diaz Hotel and Resort is in the seashore town of Mossel Bay, a small slice of coastal paradise along the celebrated Garden Route. The hotel occupies an enviable space that allows it to have breathtaking sea views from every window and balcony and promises complete relaxation. There is an enticing rim flow pool as well as a Water Park that is set right alongside the ocean to provide entertainment for in-house guests.

The Garden Route

1 night at Diaz Hotel & Resort

Today's journey ends in Cape Town, stopping off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In the Albertinia area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms, and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. You will continue via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Fantastically situated to explore the Mother City, the warm and friendly SunSquare Cape Town will entice all visitors. The hotel is found in Gardens; one of the oldest and most charming suburbs in Cape Town. The spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms are the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring the city sights.

Cape Town

2 nights at SunSquare Cape Town

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Today you can choose to join a full day guided tour to the Cape Winelands. This area is world famous for the crisp white and classic red wines produced here. You will visit the main wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

[OPTIONAL ACTIVITY AND ADDITIONAL COST] This evening, enjoy an evening of song, theatre and delicious Cape food in the Mother City.

This morning after breakfast, you will have check out of the hotel by 11:00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.