Best of South Africa

Overview

This 15-day scheduled journey takes you from Johannesburg to Cape Town, offering a diverse experience of South Africa and eSwatini. Starting in Johannesburg, the tour explores the scenic wonders like the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, and Drakensberg Mountains. Cultural highlights include visits to eSwatini’s local crafts scene, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, and vibrant cities like Durban and Cape Town.

Itinerary

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG

On arrival at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, you will be met and transferred to PROTEA HOTEL OR TAMBO. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, before a welcome briefing at 19:00.

DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG – MPUMALANGA

This morning, depart for Mpumalanga, travelling along the Panorama Route. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels and one of Bourke’s Luck Potholes Afterwards, check in to HIPPO HOLLOW COUNTRY ESTATE for your two-night stay. (B)

DAY 3: MPUMALANGA

Early this morning, you will be transferred by road to Kruger National Park where you will have the option to enjoy a closed vehicle game drive (own cost). Kruger is South Africa’s largest national park and is home to an array of flora and fauna, including the Big 5. Afterwards, return to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 4: MPUMALANGA – ESWATINI (SWAZILAND)

This morning, you will travel to eSwatini. Enjoy an interactive cultural experience where you will have the opportunity to get to learn about the local indigenous culture and traditions. Afterwards, check in to PIGGS PEAK HOTEL. (B)

DAY 5: ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) – ST LUCIA

After breakfast, visit Ngwenya Glass, The Swazi Candles Centre and journey through KwaZulu Natal on your way to ANEW HOTEL HLUHLUWE for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 6: ST LUCIA – DURBAN

This morning guests have the option to enjoy a morning game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, before departing for Durban. On arrival, enjoy a tour of the city before checking in to PROTEA HOTEL UMHLANGA RIDGE. (B)

DAY 7: DURBAN – DRAKENSBERG

Today you will be transferred to DRAKENSBERG GARDENS HOTEL, where you will stay for two nights, on the way driving through the captivating Southern Drakensberg Mountains and visiting Howick Falls. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

DAY 8: DRAKENSBERG

Enjoy the day at leisure. (B, D)

DAY 9: DRAKENSBERG – EASTERN CAPE COAST

Today you will continue towards the Eastern Cape, visiting Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house and gaining an insight into the traditional way of life in Transkei. Arrive in the late afternoon in Chinsta East where you will check in to CRAWFORD’S BEACH LODGE. (B, D)

DAY 10: EASTERN CAPE COAST – TSITSIKAMMA

Enjoy the morning at leisure before being travelling to Tsitsikamma in the afternoon. Check in to TSITSIKAMMA VILLAGE INN. (B)

DAY 11: TSITSIKAMMA – KNYSNA

After breakfast, you will have the chance to visit Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River Mouth. Continue to Knysna, where you will check in to THE REX HOTEL. (B, D)

DAY 12: KNYSNA – OUDTSHOORN

After breakfast, travel inland to Oudtshoorn where you will visit an ostrich farm and the famous Cango Caves. Check in to PROTEA HOTEL RIEMPIE ESTATE. (B)

DAY 13: OUDTSHOORN – CAPE TOWN

Today you will travel along the famous Route 62. Enjoy a stop in Calitzdorp, where you will sample port-style wines, before continuing to Cape Town. Arrive in the late afternoon, where you will check in to SUNSQUARE CAPE TOWN GARDENS HOTEL for your two-night stay. (B)

DAY 14: CAPE TOWN

Enjoy a full day at leisure. You have the opportunity to join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain or the Cape Peninsula (own account), or perhaps explore the city or waterfront at your own pace. (B)

DAY 15: CAPE TOWN

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Includes

  • 14 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Meals as indicated (B, L, D)
  • Transportation in AC vehicles
  • Services of an English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees for activities as specified in the itinerary

NOTE:

  • This tour departs on selected days. Contact African Travel Specialists for further details.
  • Based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.

Subject to change without notice.

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Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate

The Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate lies secluded in a tranquil farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, near George on the famous garden route. It is situated next to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and within close proximity to numerous working Ostrich Farms. This hotel offers unique and unconventional accommodation in thatched rondavels and chalets, located in lush green gardens. The Riempie Restaurant is well known for its excellent traditional South African cuisine. The Estate has pomegranate, olive, fig and pecan nut orchards as well as an area with farm animals.

The Rex Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Knysna along South Africa’s renowned Garden Route, The Rex Hotel offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The on-site Saltwater Bistro showcases the freshest local ingredients and the hotel’s prime location provides easy access to Knysna’s top restaurants, arts and crafts centres, and the tranquil lagoon shores, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration.

Pestana Kruger Lodge

Located just 70m from the southern entrance to Kruger National Park and 800m from Malelane Gate, Pestana Kruger Lodge offers fantastic access and well-appointed accommodation. Enjoy guided cultural tours, safaris, unwind in the swimming pool or enjoy the afternoon unwinding with one of the many spa treatments.

Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris

Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage site. This lodge offers 81 rooms, with different room types available. Other amenities include all-day restaurant, an outdoor pool with a waterside bar and a sports bar with a pool table.

Wild Coast Sun Hotel

Set on 750 hectares of natural bush and overlooking an unspoilt, sprawling beach in southern Africa, the Wild Coast Sun offers a tranquil retreat located just one kilometre from the Kwa-Zulu Nata border. The hotel is home to a water park, golf course, casino, and spa. There are also countless activities to enjoy, including sunset cruises, canoeing, quad biking, horse riding, swimming and whale watching.

Hotel Savoy

This 129-room hotel offers a selection of both executive luxury suites and double rooms. Offering a fantastic selection of conference facilities, this is a wonderful place to stay for the travelling businessperson, or alternatively, ideally situated for those exploring the Mandela Route. Enjoy the choice of two restaurants for dinner, a pool and lounge to unwind in, and close access to shops.

Royal St Andrews Hotel

Offering two different wings to suit two different travellers, The Royal St Andrews Hotel has something for everyone. For those seeking old-world charm with a refined taste, stay in the Heritage Wing. For the modern traveller who enjoys modern luxuries and sophistication, enjoy a stay in the Luxury Wing. Enjoy indulging in delicious cuisine at one of several restaurants, swim in the pool or relax with a treatment at the spa.

The Dunes Hotel & Resort

The Dunes Hotel & Resort is situated in Plettenberg Bay in the heart of the Garden Route, within walking distance of the pristine Keurbooms Beach where dolphin and whale sightings are common. Accommodation is offered in 60 rooms and duplex units as well as 1 beachfront villa. Facilities at the resort include 2 swimming pools, a laundromat, a restaurant and a bar/lounge area. Guests also have direct access to the beach.

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl is in the vibrant centre of Cape Town. This hotel offers 302 modern rooms with city views and equipped with desks, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, tea/coffee making facilities and en- suite bathrooms. The onsite all-day dining restaurant serves fresh and delicious coffee, meals and snacks.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika

Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling business and entertainment hub of Gauteng at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika. Ideally situated and boasting 330 stylish guest rooms and suites, each accommodation is air-conditioned and tastefully furnished in a classic, comfortable style. Two restaurants provide exceptional on-site dining, including the popular Bull Run Restaurant for steakhouse favourites. Also enjoy the pool, fitness facilities and airport shuttle.

Hippo Hollow

Hippo Hollow is nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the outskirts of Hazyview and is only a 10-minute drive from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Hippo Hollow has 37 chalets and 54 courtyard rooms. The beautifully maintained gardens, with two swimming pools, are home to a wonderful variety of bird species, and the Sabie River attracts hippo, crocodiles, monkeys, waterbirds and even elephants. There is an à la carte restaurant offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes and South African wines from the wine cellar.

Piggs Peak Hotel

Piggs Peak Hotel, nestled in Eswatini’s mountainous region, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by pine forests and views of the Makhonjwa Mountains. The hotel features 104 rooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as private balconies, TVs and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options, a casino, outdoor pool, tennis court, and fitness centre.

Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge

Located in the heart of Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, this luxury hotel is inspired by surf culture, offering a charming, relaxed environment.Guests can enjoy amenities such as a pool and a sun-soaked deck area. The hotel is conveniently situated opposite the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the Wavehouse, providing easy access to entertainment and shopping.

Drakensberg Gardens Resort & Spa

Situated in the southern Drakensberg Mountains, Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort offers a serene escape for relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, horse riding, canoeing, and trout fishing. The resort features an 18-hole golf course, a wellness centre and various dining options. Accommodations are spacious and modern, equipped with en-suite bathrooms, televisions, and tea/coffee facilities. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, guests will find a memorable experience amidst the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains.

Tsitsikamma Village Inn

Tsitsikamma Village Inn, located in Storms River Village along South Africa’s Garden Route, offers a distinctive lodging experience. The inn accommodates guests in individually decorated colonial-style cottages and Swiss-style chalets, each equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy dining at De Oude Martha Restaurant, unwind at Hunter’s Pub, or explore the on-site microbrewery. The inn’s proximity to Tsitsikamma National Park makes it an ideal base for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the lush forests and rugged coastline of the area.

Crawford's Beach Lodge

Crawford’s Beach Lodge, set along the unspoiled shores of Chintsa Bay on South Africa’s Wild Coast, offers a perfect blend of barefoot luxury and coastal charm. Surrounded by rolling dunes and indigenous forest, the lodge features stylish thatched accommodations and stunning ocean views. Guests can unwind on pristine beaches, indulge in fresh, locally inspired cuisine, or explore the area’s natural beauty. Crawford’s provides an idyllic retreat with a laid-back yet refined atmosphere.

SunSquare Cape Town Gardens Hotel

SunSquare Cape Town Gardens offers a stylish and comfortable retreat in the heart of the city, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Modern, well-appointed rooms provide a relaxing escape, while the outdoor pool, fitness centre, and Zepi Restaurant create the perfect balance of leisure and indulgence. Ideally located near top attractions like the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay Beach, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring vibrant Cape Town.

Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort

Located in Hazyview, about 25 kms from the Kruger National Park area, Casa do Sol is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and lush flower gardens. The hotel is situated within the 500-hectare Ilanga Nature and Game Reserve with over 100 different species of indigenous bush and breeding herds of non-aggressive game. There are on-site hiking and mountain biking trails, tennis courts and swimming pools as well as a number of water activities including fishing, rowing and boating on the resort’s private dam.

Chobe Bush Lodge

Chobe Bush Lodge is a stylish and contemporary retreat located just minutes from the entrance to Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park. The lodge offers a tranquil setting with 42 spacious rooms and four family units, each featuring a modern aesthetic that blends in with the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy views of the bush or lodge grounds from private balconies or patios, and enjoy a range of amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, and access to spa treatments at the nearby Chobe Safari Lodge. The property is situated in an ideal position for guests to embark on game drives, river cruises on the Chobe River, and day trips to Victoria Falls.