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Highlights of South Africa

18 days, Johannesburg to Cape Town

Map of the route for Highlights of South Africa
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Itinerary

Day 1Johannesburg

Arrive at any time. After an early evening welcome meeting, enjoy an included Braai dinner to get our first taste of South African fare.

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
16:00 Afternoon

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue)

Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables, homemade salads, and the opportunity to taste some of the South African flavours after your welcome meeting.

2

Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg1h-2h
180ZAR per person

Take a self guided tour around the complex and learn about the history of the apartheid in South Africa.

Cycle Tour in Soweto
Soweto – Johannesburg1h-2h
1300-1950ZAR per person

Explore South Africa’s largest township on two wheels and under your own steam. This guided tour will take you through the vibrant streets of Soweto, giving you the opportunity to meet some of its diverse residents, see the sights, hear the music and even taste a local ‘home-brewed’ beer.
Popular stops include the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area

Depart Johannesburg early to get a jump start on today's long drive. An included lunch along the way will break up the drive and give you a chance to stretch your legs. Arrive to your lodge accommodations in the late afternoon, just in time to freshen up for dinner with the group.

Private Vehicle
Johannesburg – Kruger National Park7h-8h30m500km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the way to the Greater Kruger Area and your accommodation for the night at the Awelani Conservancy.

Accommodation

Awelani Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Greater Kruger Area

Wake up bright and early today for an included bush walk. Take this opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible nature that surrounds you. Enjoy a picnic lunch after the walk and then a few hours of well earned rest back at the lodge. In the later afternoon set off on a safari drive to the wildlife in Kruger National Park.

Nature Walk - Awelani Conservancy
Kruger2h-3h8:00-10:00 Morning

There are many ways to experience the African soil, but doing it on foot is one of the most exciting ways to immerse yourself in the Great Kruger area. Follow an expert guide into the bush. The area is surrounded with Baobab trees and other plants and bushes endemic to the area. This is a great place to visit for any avid birdwatchers.

Northern Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Kruger2h30m-3h15:00 Afternoon

Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot large herds of elephant roaming in the area as well as groups of buffalo, antelope, hyena, and more.

Accommodation

Awelani Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Kruger National Park Area

Enjoy an early start this morning to enter the park and enjoy the full-day safari drive through Kruger in search of the Big Five. After an exciting day out in the wild, arrive late afternoon to your lodge and enjoy some local fare during dinner this evening.

Private Vehicle
Kruger – Hazyview9h-10h7:00-16:00 Full Day420km

Spend the day in Kruger National Park, trying to spot the big five. Enjoy a full day safari drive en-route to our lodge.

Accommodation

Umbhaba Eco Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5Kruger National Park Area

Another full day in Kruger awaits. Hop into a 4x4 to enjoy a more intimate wildlife safari drive, one offering a fresh perspective of the scenery and animals around you. Finish the day with a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive - Full day
Kruger National Park6h-7h Full Day

Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.

Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Hazyview

Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.

Accommodation

Umbhaba Eco Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6Kruger National Park Area

Spend a free day in the area and choose which optional activities are best for you. Possible options include a morning or afternoon safari drive in Kruger National Park, or a full-day tour along the Panorama Route to set those photography skills to the test. The route offers unbelievable views at every turn and traverses the Great Escarpment via thrilling mountain passes.

Free Time
Hazyview Full Day

With loads of optional activities to choose from, there's lots to see and do in Greater Kruger.

1

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Kruger National Park Full Day Wildlife Safari Drive
Hazyview9h-10h

Kruger National Park has been dubbed the most famous safari destination in the world. Whenever it is mentioned images of African wildlife and wilderness immediately spring to mind. The vastness of this park is what sets it apart. The breath-taking area with expansive and varied nature makes it a wonderful place to view the African “Big Five”.

Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.

Accommodation

Umbhaba Eco Lodge (or similar)
Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Kruger/Johannesburg

After breakfast at the lodge, witness first-hand the large role conservation plays in Kruger and the surrounding areas on an educational visit to The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden. This animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees is located in the Umhloti Nature Reserve and a tour here is the perfect way to celebrate a visit to South Africa. Arrive to the lively city of Johannesburg in the early evening and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Private Vehicle
Hazyview – Johannesburg4h-5h30m10:00-17:00 Full Day

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chimp Eden Tour
Nelspruit2h-2h30m12:00-14:00

Chimp Eden, run by the Jane Goodall Institute, is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. This is a home for orphaned and rescued chimps as well as those displaced from their natural habitats in other parts of Africa. Tour the facility and visit viewing areas for two different 'camps' where a guide will introduce you to the chimps and tell you about their history and behaviour.

Accommodation

Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Johannesburg/Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Depart Johannesburg in the morning and board a flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Transfer the hotel before a free afternoon in town. Join an optional group dinner in the evening.

Plane
Johannesburg – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)2h

Sit back and enjoy the flight from Johannesburg to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for your Garden Route experience.

Free Time
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

You will have a few hours of free time in Gqeberha to have lunch on your own and explore a bit.

Free Time
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

You will have a few hours of free time in Gqeberha to have lunch on your own and explore a bit.

Accommodation

The Kelway Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Day Trip to Addo National Park

Experience the wildlife and landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park during a morning safari drive with knowledgeable guides in search of rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, and of course, elephants. Have a picnic breakfast out in the bush and finish the drive in the afternoon. There will be free time to have lunch in the area before returning to Gqeberha to spend a leisurely evening on your own.

Private Vehicle
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport – Addo Elephant National Park1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Addo Elephant National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Addo Elephant National Park4h

Embark on a wildlife safari drive in search of resident elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and even leopards. While this national park may be most famous for elephants, the rest of its wildlife is fantastic, too.

Private Vehicle
Addo Elephant National Park – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Enjoy a free evening in Gqeberha to explore on your own after a day of wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park.

Accommodation

The Kelway Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)/Tsitsikamma

After breakfast depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, part of the famed Garden Route on the South Coast of South Africa. The area is valued for its diverse natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a CEO-led hike along the Mouth Trail and wander along a winding boardwalk through the forest. In the afternoon partake in the Big Tree walk with your CEO, which will take you through indigenous forest to an eight hundred-year-old Yellowwood towering over the rest of the canopy. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Private Vehicle
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport – Tsitsikamma3h

Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Gqeberha and Tsitsikamma with a few stops along the way to break up the drive.

Storms River Mouth Trail - Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park1h30m 2km

Walk along the Mouth Trail with your CEO inside of Tsitsikamma National Park. The 2km trail begins at Sandy Bay and then leads you along a winding boardwalk through the indigenous forest to a suspension bridge and the Storms River Mouth Cave. If you're feeling brave there's another part of the trail that continues after the bridge and leads up to a lookout plateau. Try to spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa's most endangered birds and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along this part of the Garden Route.

Big Tree Walk - Garden Route
Tsitsikamma1h30m

Walk with your CEO along a 500m pathway through indigenous bush that leads to what is known as the Big Tree. This massive Yellow Wood has a truck with a circumference of 9m and stands at 36m tall. It towers over the rest of the canopy and is estimated to be over 800 years old.

Accommodation

Tsitsikamma Village Inn (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Tsitsikamma

Enjoy an entire free day in the Tsitsikamma area. Choose between optional activities like, the Woodcutters’ Journey, a tree canopy tour, a seasonal whale watching excursion, or whitewater tubing. Your opportunity to remain active awaits. Have dinner with the group back at the hotel in the evening.

Free Time
Tsitsikamma Full Day

The entire day is yours to do as you please in this beautiful, multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and plenty of fun activities to choose from. Perhaps you will book a tree top canopy tour, or you'll go white water tubing, or a whale watching tour if its in season.

Accommodation

Tsitsikamma Village Inn (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12Tsitsikamma/Knysna

In the morning the group will visit the Robberg Nature Reserve featuring stunning coastal scenery and some of the best hiking in the country. Walk along the Gap Circuit and see evidence of the prehistoric break-up of the supercontinent of Gondwanaland some 120 million years ago.

Travel onwards to Knysna for an orientation drive along the waterfront, through the town centre, to the hip eateries and shops on Thesen Island, and through the lush landscapes of the Knysna Forest full of indigenous trees. Arrive back in town for a free afternoon to enjoy optional activities or to simply relax in the beauty of your surroundings.

Robberg Nature Reserve Visit
Robberg1h 2km

Robberg is situated along the Garden Route and is not only a nature reserve but also a World Heritage Site. There are rocks here in this region that date back 120 million years to the break-up of the super-continent Gondwanaland. Walk on the Gap Circuit on a trail that is 2.1km in length and will take about 30 minutes.

Knysna CEO-led Orientation Tour
Knysna1h

Begin with driving along the scenic waterfront area passing by the bustling harbour and catching a glimpse of local life teeming around the boats and lagoon. Witness Knysna's charming downtown streets lined with artisan shops and cafés. Visit Thesen Island, the landscapes on the outskirts of the Knysna Forest, and gain a true sense of the natural allure of this place.

Free Time
Knysna

Enjoy free time in Knysna to explore on your own. Choose from a variety of optional activities sold locally. Your CEO can help you arrange the ones you wish to try.

Private Vehicle
Tsitsikamma – Knysna2h30m-3h100km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Tsitsikamma and Knysna. There will be stops along the way to break up the drive and enjoy the marvelous Garden Route scenery.

Accommodation

Knysna Log-Inn Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Knysna

Breakfast will be had at the hotel before an included visit to The Knysna Heads, which enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. Visit some of the main attractions on the Eastern Head, walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs and learn about the importance of the land to the local population. Spend the remainder of the day as you wish and try some of the optional activities, like an oyster tour which the area is known for.

Knysna Heads Visit
Knysna1h

The Knysna Heads is probably the best known, most well recognized river mouth in all of South Africa to those who live here. Separated by 300m of water the Knysna Heads are the headlands of two peninsulas that enclose and form the Knysna River Estuary. The Eastern Head has many attractions like the hidden Coney Glen Beach with its soft sands and secret rock pools, the Heads Viewpoint high on the mountain at the top of Coney Glen Road, and Fountain Point, where the wreck of the Paquita lies in its watery grave – and where you can walk along a pathway at the foot of the cliffs, and then return to enjoy a meal or coffee overlooking the water at East Head Café. The Western Head is home to one of Knysna's most popular attractions, Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Free Time
Knysna Half Day

Return to Knysna for a free afternoon to fill with optional activities like an oyster tour boat cruise or a visit to Featherbed.

Accommodation

Knysna Log-Inn Hotel (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Knysna/Franschhoek

Rise early for a long, but jam-packed day of epic scenery and unforgettable sights as you drive the more scenic way from Knysna to Franschhoek. First stop is the harbour town of Mossel Bay to visit the lighthouse and walk in the area. Drive along Tradouw Pass next, through the lesser-known gem of Gatplaats Nature Reserve for a short walk and enjoy hilly views to reach the town of Barrydale. Have an included outdoor lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a wine tasting. Arrive to Franschhoek in the evening and have dinner on your own.

Knysna to Barrydale via Mossel Bay, Gatplaats Nature Reserve, & Tradouw Pass

Begin in Knysna and stop first for a visit to Mossel Bay Lighthouse for about a half hour. Continue onwards driving through the picturesque landscapes in the Gatplaats Nature Reserve and Tradouw Pass with stops for photos as you go. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife and take a short walk on the trails to stretch your legs in this peaceful environment. The winding roads up the pass offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It means today's drive won't feel so tedious as there's plenty to enjoy along the way.

Barrydale Vineyard Visit
Barrydale1h30m-2h

Make another stop in the quaint town of Barrydale for an included visit to a local vineyard. Offeing tastings of its handcrafted wines on an outdoor terrace surrounded by beauty. Dine at the outdoor deli and opt to join a proper tasting in their rustic cellar or outdoor garden area.

Free Time
Franschhoek Evening

Take some time to get settled and enjoy the amenities at your Franschhoek hotel. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

Private Vehicle
Knysna – Franschhoek8h-9h

Sit back and scan the scenery on your private transfer between Knysna and Franschhoek. There will be stops along the way in Mossel Bay and Barrydale.

Accommodation

Protea Hotel Franschhoek (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 15Franschhoek

Start the morning off with a CEO-led orientation walk along Franschhoek’s main street. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities like a guided bike tour Stellenbosch, a history and art tour, or perhaps a winery visit in a region celebrated for its delicious grape varieties. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

Franschhoek CEO-led Orientation Walk
Franschhoek45m 2km

Embark with your CEO on an orientation walk through the main streets and let the sights guide you in talking while you explore.

Free Time
Franschhoek Half Day

The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Perhaps book a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch or a history and art tour, or bikes and wine. The options are aplenty.

Accommodation

Protea Hotel Franschhoek (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Franschhoek/Cape Town

Leave the picturesque winelands of Franschhoek behind this morning and depart for Cape Town. Stop along the way to walk up the city’s iconic Signal Hill and site of the Noon Gun, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top and catch a full glimpse of Cape Town's many landmarks. Spend the remainder of the afternoon on your own exploring the city before an optional group dinner.

Private Vehicle
Franschhoek – Cape Town2h15m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the route for the group to climb Signal Hill together.

Signal Hill Hike
Cape Town1h

Experience the iconic views of Cape Town on a walk up Signal Hill just outside of the city. From the flat-topped hill you'll find uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, the entire cityscape where you can spend some time exploring.

Free Time
Cape Town Afternoon

Take advantage of this free afternoon to see Cape Town on your own. Choose to visit museums, find local restaurants to try, or head to the waterfront.

Accommodation

Inn on the Square (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Cape Town

Enjoy breakfast and then depart for Table Mountain. Ride to the top on the cable car and explore the area on hiking trails leading to scenic views before riding back down. Spend the afternoon on your own partaking in one of the many optional activities in the area. Tonight, choose to attend a group dinner to celebrate your beautiful day in this vibrant city.

Table Mountain Visit via the Cable Car
Cape Town3h

Take the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park.

Free Time
Cape Town Afternoon

Enjoy Cape Town all afternoon any way you choose.

4

Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow

Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes
Cape Town
1400ZAR per person

Choose to enjoy this epic half-day sandboarding adventure at the Atlantic Dunes on the West Coast. You'll be picked up in Cape Town and will enjoy a scenic drive along the way. Then, learn to glide down some of the highest dunes in the Western Cape and feel the wind rushing through your hair. Afterwards, the group will enjoy some time to explore the expansive dune landscape before returning to Cape Town.

Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour
Cape Town
1500ZAR per person

Choose to embark on an optional half-day kayaking excursion in the charming coastal town of Hout Bay. The bay boasts a bustling harbour full of colourful fishing boats and lively market stalls, and is nestled between the iconic Sentinel Peak and Chapman's Peak Drive. Explore the harbour for a bit before a wonderful kayaking experience in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle through the clear waters and enjoy being surrounded by stunning mountain views and the chance to spot playful seals and dolphins. Head back to Cape Town in the early afternoon after a beautiful coastal half-day getaway.

Cape Point Explorer Day Tour
Cape Town
1750ZAR per person

Enjoy a full day tour along South Africa's breathtaking shoreline, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. The day begins in the vibrant beachside suburb of Muizenberg, known for its colourful beach huts and surf scene. Then, encounter African penguins at Boulders Beach and head onwards to majestic Cape Point and the historic Cape of Good Hope, offering panoramic views along the southwestern tip of Africa. A delicious lunch is included in this day tour before finishing off the experience with the incredible views along world-renowned Chapman's Peak Drive. Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights that await just beyond Cape Town.

West Coast Explorer Day Tour
Cape Town
1950ZAR per person

Enjoy a full-day to discover the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage on a West Coast adventure. Start the day with incredible views of Table Mountain from Blouwberg Beach and travel to the serene expanses of the Atlantic Sand Dunes for a full immersion into the iconic landscapes of the area. Then, dive into the history of the San people at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre on a guided tour with lunch. Cap off today's adventure at the West Coast National Park for vibrant wildflower viewing and the tranquil Langebaan lagoon. Soak up a new side of this unforgettable region and simply enjoy the experience.

Accommodation

Inn on the Square (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 18Cape Town

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Highlights of South Africa

| 18 days - Johannesburg to Cape Town - from $3679 USD