Spectacular South Africa - Itinerary
On this memorable adventure, keep your camera handy as you search for the Big 5 – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino – during your open-air safari game drive, visit a local living village and meet its chief, and even ride an ostrich! South Africa offers breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity, and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. View luxurious mansions and informal settlements at Soweto township, and join locals for lunch at a nearby shebeen (tavern). Learn about the history of racial segregation at the Apartheid Museum.
Take a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads. In Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa, tour one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area. In Cape Town, take a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you up more than 3,000 feet to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of Cape Town, Robben Island – home to the prison where Nelson Mandela spent many years, and Lion’s Head. See the enchanting and endless vineyards near Cape Town, visit the penguins at Boulder Beach, and explore the fascinating Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Dehoney Travel on the trip of a lifetime. One country with a world of treasures, South Africa offers breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat.
Day 2: Arrive London - Depart for Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive this morning in London. This afternoon, depart for Johannesburg.
Day 3: Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa - Tour Begins - Sandton
Your tour begins in Johannesburg. Transfer directly to your hotel in the northern suburb of Sandton where you will have the afternoon to rest or visit nearby Nelson Mandela Square. Gather this evening with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 4: Sandton - Soweto - Sandton
Become immersed in the culture of South Africa during a guided tour of Soweto township. View luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historic significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle as you join locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen (tavern). This afternoon, visit the Apartheid Museum for a look into the dynamic history of racial segregation in South Africa. (B, L)
Day 5: Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park
Travel through the breathtaking Drakensburg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park. The scenery is sure to astound you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, taking in the triplet mountain formation of the Three Rondovals and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion. Later, arrive at your hotel situated on the banks of the Sabi River. (B, D)
Day 6: Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive
Have your cameras ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Your day begins with an 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 sight a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Return in time for an afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool, enjoy a round of golf or view playful hippos in the nearby river. This evening, enjoy an authentic African experience at Shangana Village. Tribal customs and traditions come to life when you meet the chief, the Sangoma (medicine man) and the village inhabitants, before an evening of ceremonies complete with dinner and traditional entertainment. (B, D)
Day 7: Kruger National Park - Port Elizabeth - Knysna
Travel to Johannesburg for a flight to Port Elizabeth this afternoon. Journey through the unspoiled Tsitsikamma Forest and along the southern coast to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy a delightful dinner while overlooking the lagoon. (B, D)
Day 8: Knysna
Today you explore this beautiful area with a visit to nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. The adventure begins with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Later, discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely-paced nature walk. Lunch is provided amongst the milkwood trees before your return cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to independently explore Knysna’s charming waterfront. (B, L)
Day 9: Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
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. Your visit concludes with an outdoor BBQ lunch. This afternoon you travel through changing landscapes to captivating Cape Town. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Cape Town
Begin your day with a panoramic tour of the city, taking in much of the historic architecture. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop Table Mountain. The views below 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 and stopping at the Milnerton Lighthouse. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to discover charming Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. (B)
Day 11: Cape Town
Today you 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 Boulder Beach. On your return, explore the fascinating and famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa. (B)
Day 12: Cape Town
This morning an optional excursion is offered to historic Robben Island and the prison where Nelson Mandela spent many years. This afternoon travel the winelands and uncover the enchanting beauty of its’ mountainous landscape and endless vineyards. Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the oldest wineries in the region. Visit the estate’s grand manor house and beautiful octagonal gardens before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 13: Capetown - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today in Capetown. (B)
Day 14: Arrive Home
