South Africa

DAYS 1&2 – SATURDAY & SUNDAY UK - JOHANNESBURG

Fly from the UK to South Africa and, on arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is 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 remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto, learning more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa, or simply relax at your hotel? At 19h00 we will meet at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers. 

DAY 3 – MONDAY JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA

Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. [included meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

DAY 4 – TUESDAY MPUMALANGA 

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26-kilometre long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window, a breath-taking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [included meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY MPUMALANGA

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game species. The game safari includes an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog), that was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive (optional and for own account). [included meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

DAY 6 – THURSDAY MPUMALANGA – eSWATINI (SWAZILAND)

This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch, introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 7 – FRIDAY eSWATINI (SWAZILAND) - ZULULAND

After breakfast we will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game safari (optional and for own account with an English-speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region. [included meals: Breakfast]

DAY 8 – SATURDAY ZULULAND – DURBAN (UMHLANGA)

This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure and unescorted to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). [included meals: Breakfast] 

DAY 9 – SUNDAY DURBAN (UMHLANGA) - KNYSNA

After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), where we will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we head westwards along the Garden Route, which follows the Indian Ocean coastline, and is bordered inland by soaring mountain ranges and indigenous forests. You’ll arrive at your hotel in 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. [included meals: Breakfast]

DAY 10 – MONDAY KNYSNA – TSITSIKAMMA - KNYSNA

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River Mouth (weather permitting) and the magical Knysna Forests, the 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. Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee, best known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route of traditional cuisine and local treats.Overnight in Knysna with dinner at Drydock Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region. [included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 11 – TUESDAY KNYSNA - OUDTSHOORN

Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the “ostrich capital” and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Along the way, visit ‘Dolphin Point’, an extraordinary viewpoint in Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, we’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a fun filled interactive tour and light lunch that includes local specialities such as Ostrich Steak, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [included meals: Breakfast & Lunch]

DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY OUDTSHOORN – CAPE TOWN

There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience go towards the Buffelsdrift Foundation, that focusses on Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo region, habitat conservation and the local community. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, to interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom, learning more about this rural community. A portion of the trip monies go towards our Barrydale Farm School Development Fund, that supports local education of underprivileged children in rural communities. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. Overnight in Cape Town [included meals: Breakfast]

DAY 13 – THURSDAY CAPE TOWN (UNESCORTED)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (own account) or join us for a Marine Big Five Safari (own account), where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds on a 2-hour boat cruise with marine biologists on hand to explain more about these amazing animals that visit our shores. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafés, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. [included meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

DAY 14 – FRIDAY CAPE TOWN 

Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Overnight in Cape Town. [included meals: Breakfast]

DAYS 15&16 – SATURDAY & SUNDAY CAPE TOWN - UK

Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account & time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion, or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, for the return flight to the UK. [included meals: Breakfast]

Your tour includes:

• Flights - London to Johannesburg - Durban to Port Elizabeth - Cape Town to London
• 22 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners including gratuities
• 13 Nights’ accommodation including porter service
• Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
• Bottled water in eco-friendly packaging

Your tour excludes:

• Travel Insurance
• Visa
• Additional entrance fees to places of interest other than those detailed in the itinerary
• Dinner, lunches and refreshments, other than those detailed in the itinerary

Important Notes:

The price of this tour is guaranteed against alteration due to exchange rate fluctuations.

The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 require us to provide security for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked from this brochure and for your repatriation from abroad in the event of our insolvency. We provide this security by way of a bond held by ABTA (W9928). Air tours are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3683. Please see our booking conditions for more information.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information see www.gov.uk/travelaware. 

Due to the way in which the airline reservation systems and schedules operate, the air fares, taxes and airports cannot be guaranteed until the flights are booked, paid for in full and tickets issued.  In view of this, the final brochure may include an estimate of the likely air fare and taxes. This may result in the final tour price being varied from the advertised price.  In the event that the air fare is lower than estimated, we will pass on the saving by reducing the tour price.  However, if the air fare is higher than estimated or if we have to use an alternative airline at a higher fare, we reserve the right to increase the tour price accordingly.  In the event that the air fare is higher than estimated, the tour price may be increased by a maximum of 10%.  Should the increase in tour price exceed this amount, then you will have the right to cancel without penalty as per our standard booking conditions.  If however the price alters within the stated parameters (above) and you still wish to cancel, our normal cancellation charges will apply. If a change of airport is necessary, we will agree it with the Group Organiser before booking the flights. If the proposed change of airport is “significant”, as defined by clause 10 of our Booking Conditions, you will have the right to cancel your booking and receive a full refund.

At the time of printing this information, there are no mandatory health requirements for visitors to Jordan (covid-19 requirements may apply). See https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/south-africa for detailed information. British Nationals will require a full 10 year passport. Requirements governing passport validity vary and we would therefore recommend that you consider early renewal if your passport is due to expire within 6 months of the tour’s return.  A visa is not required for British Nationals.  If you are not a British National, please ask us for advice.

At any time prior to the tour departure, we reserve the right to make changes (of equal value or difference will be refunded) to attractions, visits and excursions should such suppliers’ requirements and/or unforeseeable circumstances make it essential to do so.  During the tour, details in the itinerary may be subject to alteration at the discretion of the tour manager and in accordance with the wishes of a clear majority of the passengers. We reserve the right to cancel this tour not later than 10 weeks before departure, if insufficient bookings have been received to justify its departure.