12 DAY S.A. HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
(SCJ12)
DURATION
12 days/11 nights
ROUTING
CAPE TOWN - JOHANNESBURG in BOTH DIRECTIONS.
• See 12 DAY SA EXPLORER TOUR ex JOHANNESBURG.
INCLUDES
11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, accommodation, porterage, transportation, and sightseeing as specified.
EXCLUDES
FLIGHT: PORT ELIZABETH - DURBAN (PLZ/DUR) and departure tax.
RATES
R 20 125.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 25 625.00 per single person
Rates exclude cost of Port Elizabeth – Durban flight on Day 5
LANGUAGE
All departures in English. German/English on selected departures.
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY CAPE TOWN - OUDTSHOORN
Travel through the ‘Little Karoo’ and Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. En route, stop off in the town of Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before continuing to Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich feather capital” and centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry.
Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [D]
DAY 2 – THURSDAY OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA
This morning you’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour, before visiting the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. In the afternoon you’ll continue to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna. [B]
DAY 3 – FRIDAY KNYSNA
After a leisurely breakfast you’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where you can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon.
Overnight in Knysna. [BL]
DAY 4 – SATURDAY KNYSNA - PORT ELIZABETH
Head eastwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests, to Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth, known as the “friendly city”, has a wonderful climate and is well known for its oceanarium and snake house (for own account). Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Port Elizabeth. [BD]
DAY 5 – SUNDAY PORT ELIZABETH - DURBAN
After breakfast, transfer to Port Elizabeth airport for the short northward flight to Durban, where you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Durban offers a long golden beach and a fascinating mix of cultures, from the downtown Zulu richshaws, temples, mosques, and the oriental bazaar to modern shopping malls. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city or relax at your hotel (unescorted). Overnight in Durban. [B]
DAY 6 – MONDAY DURBAN
A day at leisure in Durban, South Africa’s chief seaport and popular resort (unescorted). Enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the markets or perhaps take an optional Day Excursion (own account). [B]
DAY 7 – TUESDAY DURBAN - ZULULAND
After breakfast, travel past sugar cane fields, Eucalyptus plantations and Zulu Kraals to Zululand. Visit a traditional Zulu village to experience the local culture, dancing and enjoy a delicious ethnic lunch.
Overnight Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region. [BL]
DAY 8 – WEDNESDAY ZULULAND - SWAZILAND
Travel to 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. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve before continuing to Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. In the afternoon the opportunity exists for a complimentary (optional) excursion to a Swazi candle factory, where visitors can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles. Overnight in Swaziland. [B]
DAY 9 – THURSDAY SWAZILAND - MPUMALANGA
After breakfast travel to the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from 100% recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland. Continue north through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel to your hotel situated outside the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. In the afternoon we will depart on our Community visit to the Amazing Grace Children’s Centre for a tour and a brief look into the lives of the children that are living there. This visit offers you the opportunity to understand more about the rural communities and their lifestyles and to interact with them in a secure and optimistic environment. Return to your hotel where night open-vehicle game drives are available (optional and for own account). Overnight in Mpumalanga. [B]
DAY 10 – FRIDAY MPUMALANGA
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and the visitor will soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. Return to the hotel to relax for the afternoon. Late afternoon or night open-vehicle game drives are available (optional and for own account). [B]
DAY 11 – SATURDAY MPUMALANGA
This morning continue your journey through Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. We’ll drive along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. Continue to your hotel for overnight. [B]
DAY 12 – SUNDAY JOHANNESBURG
After a leisurely breakfast depart wild and scenic Mpumalanga and travel to Johannesburg, the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills.
The tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg. [B]