Spectacular South Africa

South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities, posh resorts, expansive desert, magnificent wildlife and fertile wine country combine with a harmonious mix of many cultures to create a beautiful mosaic to discover on this 13-day tour. Explore Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Search out the “Big Five” during open-air safari game drives. Travel the lush Garden Route between the mountains and the balmy Indian Ocean. Visit a working ostrich farm. Relax among the vineyards in the winelands region, and enjoy a wine paring dinner Have a leisurely stay in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Day 1 – Overnight Flight
One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience.

Day 2 – Sandton, South Africa – Tour Begins
Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan center of greater Johannesburg.

Day 3 – Sandton – Soweto – Sandton
Today your tour manager helps you discover the history of the languages you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases. A guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historic significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen or house tavern. This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum for a look into the dynamic history of racial segregation in South Africa. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. – BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Day 4 – Panoramic Route – Kruger National Park
Travel through the spectacular Drakensburg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Set against the triplet mountain formation of the Three Rondovals, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast flowing sand-filled waters. This evening, enjoy a traditional BOMA dinner under the stars where you may sample some local game meat! BREAKFAST & DINNER

Day 5 – Kruger National Park – Safari Game Drive
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open air vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the “Big 5” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Kruger National Park. – BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Day 6 – Kruger National Park – Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth
Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to Port Elizabeth, today one of South Africa’s major ports. Founded in 1820 as a place to house British settlers, this coastal town is the gateway to the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline set between mountain ranges and the Indian Ocean. – BREAKFAST

Day 7 – Port Elizabeth – Knysna
Journey through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a natural gem along the Garden Route. Known for its gorges and steep cliffs, the indigenous forest is home to hundreds of species of birdlife. Continue along the southern coast where a jagged shoreline meets quaint villages. Arrive in the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Knysna’s waterfront restaurants. – BREAKFAST & DINNER

Day 8 – Knysna
Today you visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4×4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap – before your return cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Day 9 – Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Stellenbosch
Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area and, if you wish, go for a ride on one of these great birds! An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. Next, journey to your hotel located in the heart of the beautiful wine lands region, known for its colorful mountains and endless vineyards.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Day 10 – Stellenbosch
This morning set out on a walking tour of Stellenbosch, one the oldest European settlements in the region. Then, spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing and soaking in the beauty of your hotel. Enjoy a wine pairing dinner this evening as you indulge in the laid-back atmosphere. BREAKFAST & DINNER

Day 11 – Stellenbosch – Cape Town
This morning, travel to Cape Town to enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful harbor side city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named, and flat-topped, Table Mountain. The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, known for its shopping and entertainment venues. – BREAKFAST

Day 12 -Cape Town
Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy an after-hours guided tour of the fascinating African Gold Museum, followed by a traditional African dining experience!
BREAKFAST & DINNER

Day 13 – Cape Town – Tour Ends – BREAKFAST-Your tour ends today in Cape Town.

2014-2015 dates
8/14-8/26/14
8/21-9/2/14
9/11-9/23/14

9/25-10/7/14
10/9-10/21/14
10/16-10/28/14
10/30-11/11/14
11/5-11/17/14
11/13-11/25/14
11/20-12/2/14
1/22-2/3/15
2/19-3/3/15
312-3/34/15

Contact us for more details or to book your trip.