On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met 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 yours to enjoy at leisure and is unescorted. You may wish to embark on an optional sightseeing tour (at your own expense) of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, offering a powerful insight into South Africa’s struggle for freedom. Alternatively, you may prefer to unwind and make the most of the facilities at your hotel.
Optional Excursion:
Afternoon Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour - R 2,530.00 per person
At 19:00, meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing and the opportunity to get acquainted with your tour guide and fellow travellers.
Accommodation:
Southern Sun Sandton or similar
Southern Sun Sandton (previously Holiday Inn Sandton)
​Southern Sun Sandton is a 4-star hotel located at 123 Rivonia Road in Johannesburg's business district. The hotel offers 301 soundproofed rooms equipped with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee stations, refrigerators, work desks, TVs with selected DStv channels, and safes. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site Eclipse Restaurant and drinks at the Skye Bar, which offers panoramic city views. Additional amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, business center, and concierge services. The hotel is within walking distance of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, and offers a complimentary shuttle within a 5 km radius, including the Sandton Gautrain Station.
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, travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.
Accommodation:
Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
Hazyview Sun
Perfectly located in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld only 12 km from the Kruger National Park, guests at Hazyview Sun have stunning natural beauty on their doorstep. From safari game drives to visiting Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Pilgrims Rest, a stay at Hazyview Sun is an opportunity to discover the wonder of South Africa.
On a hill away from the malaria risk area, surrounded by a 10-acre garden estate with an abundance of birdlife, the Hazyview Hotel enjoys year-round good weather and breathtaking views.
After an early morning breakfast, 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. Arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax.
Accommodation:
Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
Hazyview Sun
Perfectly located in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld only 12 km from the Kruger National Park, guests at Hazyview Sun have stunning natural beauty on their doorstep. From safari game drives to visiting Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Pilgrims Rest, a stay at Hazyview Sun is an opportunity to discover the wonder of South Africa.
On a hill away from the malaria risk area, surrounded by a 10-acre garden estate with an abundance of birdlife, the Hazyview Hotel enjoys year-round good weather and breathtaking views.
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 a presentation of 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 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).
Optional Excursion:
Afternoon Open Vehicle Game Safari - R 1,030.00 per person
Accommodation:
Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
Hazyview Sun
Perfectly located in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld only 12 km from the Kruger National Park, guests at Hazyview Sun have stunning natural beauty on their doorstep. From safari game drives to visiting Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Pilgrims Rest, a stay at Hazyview Sun is an opportunity to discover the wonder of South Africa.
On a hill away from the malaria risk area, surrounded by a 10-acre garden estate with an abundance of birdlife, the Hazyview Hotel enjoys year-round good weather and breathtaking views.
This morning 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. Travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation:
The Royal Villas or similar
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
The Royal Villas Swaziland
The Royal Villas Swaziland offers award winning accommodation, conference facilities and fine cuisine all year round.
Set in a beautiful secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains, the gold and browns of the African Savannah are echoed throughout the Villas with each room designed to make the most of the African sunlight and views.
After breakfast 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.
Optional Excursion:
Afternoon Open Vehicle Game Safari - R 1,115.00 per person
Accommodation:
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar
*Breakfast included
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe offers a wide variety of affordable holiday accommodation including a 5-star self-catering safari lodge for a true bush experience. The hotel also offers packages for corporate and government guests with a wide range of intimate conferencing venues in the Zululand area.
The Idyllic African Centerpiece is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Here you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels.
The day begins with an early breakfast before departing for Durban. The journey passes through a landscape dotted with traditional Zulu kraals, eucalyptus plantations, and vast sugar cane fields. Upon arrival at Durban (Umhlanga) Airport, guests board a short southbound flight to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
On arrival in Gqeberha, a local representative will meet the group. Once all travellers have assembled, the tour continues westward along the renowned Garden Route. This scenic drive traces the Indian Ocean coastline, framed inland by dramatic mountain ranges and lush indigenous forests.
Accommodation:
Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar
*Breakfast included
Tsitsikamma Village Inn
The Hotel’s Hunters Pub was a hunting lodge that was built in 1841 to accommodate hunters that walked into the area to hunt game in the surrounding forests. In 1860, Thomas Bain constructed the road from Plettenberg Bay to Kareedouw through the Tsitsikamma. This 184 km road took 4 years to complete with the help of 200 convicts. Just past the Tsitsikamma Village Inn is the original pass – at the time the pass was so narrow, it was only open to traffic in one direction each day. Travellers waiting for their turn used to outspan in the Hotel’s ground.
After breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting).
The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea.
Afterwards, continue your travels to Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon, in the heart of the Garden Route. Enjoy a sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads, before sitting down for dinner at Drydock Restaurant, renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavours, using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region.
Accommodation:
Rex Hotel or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
aha The Rex Hotel
Knysna is a haven of beaches, forests, lakes and sea, and aha The Rex Hotel is one of this coastal town’s most sophisticated accommodation offerings. A warm welcome and timeless elegance ensure guests enjoy a special experience during their stay at aha The Rex Hotel, as we promise superior service and exceptional comfort time and again.
Located on the world-famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style, making it one of the most exhilarating getaway destinations in its class. Expect an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts that capture the essence of 4-star luxury. The O Bar & Eatery serves Buffet Breakfast daily in a contemporary setting with cuisine that is beautifully presented and prepared using only the freshest ingredients that Knysna has to offer. aha The Rex Hotel offers travellers a gateway to Knysna’s outstanding restaurants, blossoming forests, nature reserves, arts and crafts, and the shores of the serene lagoon.
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, 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.
Accommodation:
Hlangana Lodge or similar
*Breakfast and Lunch included
Hlangana Lodge
Set amongst beautiful gardens, the Hlangana Lodge is a picturesque setting for your South African escape. Enjoy a stylish champagne breakfast, before venturing out on an organised tour, or relaxing by the pool to soak up some sun. In the evening, take the short stroll to the resort centre, where you'll find an excellent choice of award-winning restaurants. Hlangana Lodge is located close to Cango Wildlife Ranch and C.P. Nel Museum.
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, which focuses on Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo region, habitat conservation, and the local community.
Optional Excursion:
Early Morning Meerkat Safari - R 985.00 per person
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 via the Tradouw’s pass to Swellendam and then further to the seaside resort of Hermanus, known as the heart of the whale route, offering the best land-based whale watching (August-November) in the world.
Accommodation:
Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel or similar
*Breakfast included
Auberge Burgundy
The Auberge Burgundy, which is set above the picturesque Old Harbour, in the historic heart of Hermanus (the hub of the famous Whale Route) is a Provencal style guesthouse with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces, with a touch of old world charm. The Auberge Burgundy offers comfortable accommodation and friendly service and is surrounded by restaurants, the craft market, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls. It has the salt sea air of one of the world’s most magnificent eco-destinations in the world – the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is within 50 m of our front door. Our standard poolside rooms and Penthouse suites have newly been refurbished, with the rest to be done in the months to come.
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Hermanus and continue to Somerset West, travelling via the spectacularly scenic coastal road and then onwards to Stellenbosch, set in the beautiful Cape Winelands. You’ll have some free time to explore the town’s oak-shaded streets, cafés, boutiques, and art galleries before travelling to Cape Town for an overnight.
Accommodation:
President Hotel or similar
*Breakfast included
President Hotel Cape Town
The President Hotel, a luxurious resort in the heart of Bantry Bay, is the ideal base from which to explore Cape Town. Nestled along the stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline, the hotel offers more than just luxury accommodation; it provides an unforgettable experience. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and soak in the panoramic ocean or mountain views from your room.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cape Town at their own pace.
Optional excursions:
Morning Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens - R 1,230.00 per person, excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cableway ticket.
Babylonstoren Wine Farm Experience - R 1,690.00 per person
Marine Big Five Safari Experience - R 4,235.00 per person
*The latter offers the chance to spot great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals, and a variety of seabirds during a two-hour boat cruise, accompanied by marine biologists who provide fascinating insights into the region’s remarkable marine life.
Though compact, Cape Town is brimming with attractions—from world-class restaurants, lively cafés, and bars to vibrant craft markets and historical landmarks. In the evening, guests will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at GOLD Restaurant, featuring interactive entertainment and a feast of African flavours.
Accommodation:
President Hotel or similar
*Breakfast and Dinner included
President Hotel Cape Town
The President Hotel, a luxurious resort in the heart of Bantry Bay, is the ideal base from which to explore Cape Town. Nestled along the stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline, the hotel offers more than just luxury accommodation; it provides an unforgettable experience. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and soak in the panoramic ocean or mountain views from your room.
Enjoy a full-day tour of the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, among the most spectacular in the world. The journey begins with a scenic drive through Sea Point and continues to the charming seaside village of Hout Bay, where there is an opportunity to take an optional boat cruise to Seal Island (at own expense).
The tour then travels onward to Cape Point, the legendary spot where, by tradition, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are believed to meet. The return route to Cape Town includes a stop in the historic naval town of Simon’s Town, with a visit to the famous African penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee not included), followed by a drive through the quaint fishing village of Fish Hoek.
Accommodation:
President Hotel or similar
*Breakfast included
President Hotel Cape Town
The President Hotel, a luxurious resort in the heart of Bantry Bay, is the ideal base from which to explore Cape Town. Nestled along the stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline, the hotel offers more than just luxury accommodation; it provides an unforgettable experience. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and soak in the panoramic ocean or mountain views from your room.
Enjoy some last-minute shopping or independent sightseeing (at your own expense). For those interested and if time permits, the Robben Island Tour—departing from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront—offers a compelling and historically rich experience (optional and at own expense). Alternatively, guests may simply enjoy strolling through the wide selection of shops and boutiques, which cater to a variety of tastes and budgets.
Later in the day, a transfer will be provided to the airport, harbour, or railway station for onward travel.
*Breakfast included
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests.
What's included:
21 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners, including gratuities 13 Nights’ accommodation including porterage 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 packagingExcludes:
Flight: DURBAN (UMHLANGA) – GQEBERHA (PORT ELIZABETH) and departure tax on Day 7.Recommended flight – FA421 departing Durban at 14h00, arriving Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) 15h30Please Note:
This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland).
Transportation is in air-conditioned touring vehicles appropriate to the requirements of the tour
2 guests will travel in a sedan vehicle 3-10 guests will travel in a 13-seater vehicleOne suitcase and one overnight bag per person is allowed.
Selected Departure Dates:
January - 5,19February - 2,9,16,23March - 2,9,16,23April - 6,20,27May - 4,18June - 1,15July - 6,20August - 3,17,24September - 7,21,28October - 5,12,19,26November - 2,9,16,23December - 7
