The Spectacular South

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town, South Africa

On arrival in Cape Town you will be met and transferred to your boutique style guest house. Cape Town is a small city packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent cafes, restaurants, and colourful craft markets. The remainder of your day is at your leisure (unescorted).

Day 2: Cape Winelands

After breakfast you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and set out to the picturesque Cape Winelands, where century old vineyards are surrounded by awe inspiring mountain scenery. Visit wine estates from Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek as well as historical landmarks. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 200km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Cape Town Sightseeing

This morning your group will ascend one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature – the majestic Table Mountain (weather permitting), for unrivalled views across Cape Town. Continue your drive along Millionaires Nile to Camps Bay, heading towards charming  Hout Bay. Wind along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive (if open) hugging the cliffs and enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope, part of the world renowned Cape Floral Kingdom. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 200km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Cape Town to Hermanus

Leave Cape Town to day starting with a tunning coastal drive to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. En route you will stop at the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stoney Point before arriving in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus. A stunning coastal drive brings your group to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden with its delicate coastal Fynbos. You’ll also seek out the small breeding colony of African Penguins at Stoney Point. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 200km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Hermanus to Oudtshoorn

Explore the unique cliff paths of Hermanus and for outstanding views of Walker Bay. During the months of July – November, whale sightings are possible. Depart late morning stopping for a late lunch in the pretty village of Barrydale travelling along the scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’, where you tour an ostrich farm. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 380km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Oudtshoorn to Knysna

Today you will visit the impressive Cango Caves, filled with wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Following this enjoy wine tasting at a boutique wine estate, situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Travel via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 220km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Knysna

Travel to the magical Knysna Forests, stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests, the elephants that were hunted to extinction and the discovery of gold. Your expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The ancient 880 year old Yellowwood tree was named after Matthee, famous local author. Enjoy lunch in the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden. Visit the Forest Legends  Museum, the colourful Old Suzie steam engine and the stately Old Forester’s House.  Approximate Distance Travelled today: 100km. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Knysna – Tsitsikamma & Storm River

Depart Knysna and travel to Plettenberg Bay for an ocean safari (weather permitting). During the summer months you may encounter bottlenose and common dolphins as well as seals in their natural environment. During the winter months you may see southern right and humpback whales. For the brave thrillseekers in the group, you have the opportunity to attempt the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge (additional expense and weather permitting). Approximate Distance Travelled today: 130km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth, Durban and Umhlanga

Immerse in the splendour and tranquility of the Tsitsikamma National Park and head to the Storms River Mouth for unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean (weather permitting). Continue your journey to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) airport for your onward flight to Durban (not included). On arrival in Durban we will be met and transferred to your hotel  on the tropical north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 280km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Durban to Zululand

Head north to the tiny village of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s wilderness treasures. Cruise on St Lucia Estuary (weather dependant) in search of large pods of hippos, the occasional Nile crocodile and prolific birdlife. Continue to a private game reserve for a game drive in ‘Big Five territory’. Finish the day winding down with sundowners, watch the sunset and  continue to search for elusive nocturnal wildlife. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 350km. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Zululand to ESwatini (Swaziland)

Head out early this morning for a safari game drive in the search of the Big Five wildlife in the scenic area. Then travel across the border to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Arrive at your luxury lodge which is surrounded by stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 320km. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12: Eswatini to Mpumalanga

After breakfast visit a chief’s village to gain an insight into the fascinating traditional Swazi culture and the residents invite you to participate in the cultural practices. Then you will again travel across the border into South Africa to the lush Sabie River Valley. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 330km. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 13: Mpumalanga

Today you’ll traverse the glorious Panorama route taking in the spectacular God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels at Blyde River Canyon. Your safari adventure continues at Kapama Private Game Reserve described as an African Eden. The reserve is a wilderness paradise, this afternboon enjoy  an open vehicle safari with a ranger and tracker in search of a diverse range of wildlife such as the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo.  Approximate Distance Travelled today: 280km. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Mpumalanga

Today starts with an early morning safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. Return to your lodge for a few hours of relaxation and enjoy high tea before heading out on an afternoon safari. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out and a variety of completely different species can be seen on the drive back to the lodge. Approximate Distance Travelled today: 90km. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Mpumalanga to Hoedspruit

Enjoy a final early morning open vehicle safari. Upon check-out, you will be transferred to nearby Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg (not included). Meals included: Breakfast

Here is a sample of some of the other Africa vacations we offer, we can also tailor a trip for you:

Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe – 21 Day Small Group Safari Tour

Best of South Africa, Swaziland & Lesotho – 20 Day Small Group Safari Tour

Wild Uganda – 11 Day Small Group Safari Tour

Botswana & Zimbabwe – 10 Day Small Group Safari Tour

South Africa Garden Route – 8 Day Small Group Safari Tour

Wild Tanzania – 7 Day Small Group Safari Tour

Luxury South Africa Safari – 7 Day Vacation Package

Madagascar Beaches & Lemurs – 8 Day Vacation Package

Tanzania Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari – 11 Day Vacation Package