The Best of South Africa

19 days - from $7540

Wildlife, cultural encounters, spectacular scenery and city sights – this trip has it all!

From the wildlife of Kruger National Park to the incredible Drakensberg Mountains and from the famous Garden Route to spectacular Cape Town, this journey unveils the many faces of South Africa and Swaziland. Starting in Johannesburg, our comprehensive safari incorporates incredible scenery, outstanding wildlife and amazing cultural beauty. First up we visit a Shangaan village, where our hosts entertain us with a pulsating performance of song and dance, followed by a traditional meal. After exploring Greater Kruger National Park, we experience the spectacular lookouts and quaint villages of the Blyde River Canyon region. Crossing into Swaziland we experience the distinctive Hlane Royal National Park and take home some of the artifacts of this colourful kingdom when we visit a vibrant handicraft market and renowned glass-blowing factory. Entering KwaZulu-Natal (the Land of the Zulus), we cruise through St Lucia’s World Heritage listed wetlands, spend time learning about Zulu culture and visit the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, where we get a chance to hike in some of South Africa’s most exciting alpine country. On the Indian Ocean coastline, the Garden Route offers plenty of superb photographic opportunities and unforgettable vistas as we discover quaint coastal towns along the picturesque coastline. We finish our journey by coming face to face with a stunning example of South Africa's gorgeous scenery – the iconic beauty of Table Mountain soaring over the city of Cape Town. This is a sight that continues to amaze and inspire.

Highlights

• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• Swaziland’s craft markets
• Drakensberg's flat-topped mountains
• The highest altitude pub in Africa - Sani Pass in Lesotho
• 'Monkeyland' multi-species primate sanctuary and the Birds of Eden Sanctuary
• Stellenbosch's fine wines and produce
• Cape Point Peninsula - where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'

Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg2: Timbavati Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)3-4: Timbavati Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)5: Blyde River Canyon - Hazyview6-7: Hlane Royal National Park8: St Lucia Wetlands9: Battlefield Sites - Dundee10-11: Drakensberg Mountains12: Durban - Port Elizabeth13: Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna14: Knysna15: Oudtshoorn16-17: Stellenbosch18-19: Cape Town
Included:

An experienced English-speaking local leader, arrival transfer, transport, domestic flight, accommodation, meals, game activities, and entrance fees.

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

The trip includes 3 days in Timbavati Game Reserve (part of Greater Kruger National Park), 1 day in Hlane Royal National Park, 1 day in St Lucia Wetlands, 1 day in Tsitsikamma National Park and 1 day in Featherbed Reserve.