This 15-day South Africa trip takes you from Johannesburg to Cape Town, exploring the best of the country in all its diversity.
Take a night in Johannesburg to shake off any jetlag, meet your fellow travellers, and receive a tour briefing before leaving for the lush Lowveld. You’ll follow the Panorama Route to catch the view over Blyde River Canyon from God’s Window. This is a region filled with interesting geographical features formed by the canyon’s waterways. Your journey through natural South Africa continues the following day in Kruger National Park, arguably the country’s most famous wildlife region. Keep an eye out for the ‘Big 5’ – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo – along with other animals on your morning game drive, before your guide explores more of the park with you later in the day.
Strike another great Southern African country off your list the following day as you explore Swaziland. This independent kingdom is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, preserving Swazi culture and the region’s wildlife with equal enthusiasm. Then, from Swaziland to Zululand, return to South Africa and learn about the unique cultural balance that has shaped this region. Enjoy an open vehicle safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park on your own account if you wish. You may also opt for a cruise from St Lucia, a popular coastal destination among South Africans. The surrounding wetland is home to hippos, crocodiles, and over 360 bird species. Spend the night in the popular seaside city of Durban.
Head for the Southern Drakensberg Mountains, a region of South Africa blessed with immense waterfalls, serene lakes and soaring rocky peaks. The afternoon is yours to explore this magnificent region as you wish, hiking, horseback riding, or fishing, for example. At extra cost, you may take an excursion into the tiny kingdom of Lesotho. There’s also a rich human heritage in the Drakensbergs, with cave art by the San/Bushman people dating back at least 4000 years. No matter your interest, there’s plenty to explore.
Journey to the Eastern Cape, home to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, and the glorious beaches that line the way to Port Elizabeth. You’ll eventually reach the Garden Route, one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world…not to mention the world’s feather capital. After following this incredible coast for 50 miles or so you will reach Oudtshoorn, renowned for its ostrich farms, one of which you’ll visit for a first-hand glimpse at this thriving industry. This is also home to the Cango Caves, which you can walk or crawl through, depending on your appetite for adventure!
Arrive at last in Cape Town, The Mother City widely considered to be among the world’s most beautiful. The heartbeat of culture and history in the Western Cape, Cape Town invites you to explore its stories with a dinner theatre experience on your first night. Afterwards, explore the city as you will. You may take a full day Peninsula Tour, which takes you some of the more far flung sights such as Boulders Beach and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Wine lovers may prefer to head into the Winelands to sample South Africa’s famous bold reds and sweet whites right at the source. There are also plenty of activities available in Cape Town proper, such as a trip to the top of Table Mountain, a visit to the former political prison of Robben Island, or the Walk to Freedom, an informative tour telling the stories of, and beyond Apartheid.
