(0)

South Africa Surprise

Tour Overview

South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, and a photographer’s canvas.

Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights of this 14 night tour include the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The tour then ends with trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, the famed Garden Route region and Mother City, Cape Town.

SELECTED DEPARTURE DATES:

3 May 2026, 07 June 2026 and 05 July 2026: Cost GBP 1695 per person sharing

02 August 2026 and 06 September 2026: Cost GBP 1815 per person sharing

04 October 2026: Cost GBP 1875 per person sharing

Tour Includes

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 14 breakfasts and 4 dinners including gratuities (excluding all beverages)
  • Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary

Itinerary

1

Arrival & Johannesburg Arrival & Johannesburg

Arrival & Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Overnight at Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar

2

Johannesburg - MpumalangaJohannesburg - Mpumalanga

Johannesburg - Mpumalanga

This morning, the tour leaves on a long drive to Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar

3

MpumalangaMpumalanga

Mpumalanga

A bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in a closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)?. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. You will return to your hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax. [Included Meals: Packed Breakfast]

Overnight at Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar

4

Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)

Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)

This morning, you will 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 introduces you to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. You will then travel south to your hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Piggs Peak Hotel or similar

5

eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia & SurroundseSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia & Surrounds

eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia & Surrounds

Depart after breakfast on a long drive today, travelling through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Your next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Your journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar

6

St Lucia & Surrounds - DurbanSt Lucia & Surrounds - Durban

St Lucia & Surrounds - Durban

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces you to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at your hotel late afternoon. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar

7

Durban - Drakensburg MountainsDurban - Drakensburg Mountains

Durban - Drakensburg Mountains

After breakfast, head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. You will visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Your journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at your hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar

8

Drakensberg MountainsDrakensberg Mountains

Drakensberg Mountains

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from. [Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

Overnight at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar

9

Drakensburg Mountain - Eastern Cape CoastDrakensburg Mountain - Eastern Cape Coast

Drakensburg Mountain - Eastern Cape Coast

Depart after breakfast, on a long drive to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route you will see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. You will travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at your accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge. [Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

Overnight at Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar

10

Eastern Cape Coast - TsitsikammaEastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma

Eastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma

You awake to the sounds of the crashing waves. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. You then set off on a long drive today, heading to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar

11

Tsitsikamma - KnysnaTsitsikamma - Knysna

Tsitsikamma - Knysna

After breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant. [Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner]

Overnight at The Rex Hotel or similar

12

Knysna - OudtshoornKnysna - Oudtshoorn

Knysna - Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, you travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. You will visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar

13

Oudtshoorn - Cape TownOudtshoorn - Cape Town

Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

Today is a long journey travelling along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way you will stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Anew Hotel Green Point or similar

14

Cape TownCape Town

Cape Town

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Peninsula and Constantia Winelands (optional and for own account) or join a Robben Island and Cape Town’s Anti-Apartheid Struggle tour (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

Overnight at Anew Hotel Green Point or similar

15

Cape Town & DepartureCape Town & Departure

Cape Town & Departure

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [Included Meals: Breakfast]

  • Arrival & Johannesburg
  • Johannesburg - Mpumalanga
  • Mpumalanga
  • Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)
  • eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia & Surrounds
  • St Lucia & Surrounds - Durban
  • Durban - Drakensburg Mountains
  • Drakensberg Mountains
  • Drakensburg Mountain - Eastern Cape Coast
  • Eastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma
  • Tsitsikamma - Knysna
  • Knysna - Oudtshoorn
  • Oudtshoorn - Cape Town
  • Cape Town
  • Cape Town & Departure

Meet Our Experts

View Wishlist