CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to South Africa! Check in to your hotel and prepare for a fascinating journey.
CAPE TOWN
This morning, a WALKING TOUR introduces you to Cape Town's famous and historic landmarks. Stroll along Government Avenue to see St. George's Cathedral, Parliament, and much more. Next, you'll enter The Company's Garden, a beautiful oasis in the city, en route to Green Market Square, which at different times has been a fruit and vegetable market and even a slave market. Next, visit Table Mountain for a CABLE- CAR RIDE to the top (weather permitting) for stunning views of the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive south through the fishing village of Hout Bay before ascending Chapman's Peak Drive, which skirts the rocky coastline and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Continue on to CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE for stops at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the south westernmost point on the African continent. Here, take a FUNICULAR RIDE to the steps of the old lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views. Return to Cape Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)
NOTE: Each year, generally in early August, the Table Mountain cableway closes for yearly maintenance. During this time, we will visit Signal Hill for views over the city.
CAPE TOWN
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take an excursion to the stunning Cape wine lands for wine tasting, or cruise to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Your Tour Director has suggestions to help you make the most of your day. (B)
CAPE TOWN-STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE-HERMANUS- MOSSEL BAY
This morning, depart Cape Town and drive to STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE to see a COLONY OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN PENGUINS. Known for the unique sound they make; these penguins grow to an average height of two feet and live in burrows and rock crevices along the beach. Stop in Hermanus for independent exploration before reaching Mossel Bay for the evening. (B)
MOSSEL BAY-OUDTSHOORN- GEORGE
Drive north to Oudtshoorn and stop for a visit of the CANGO CAVES to see the stunning limestone rock formations. You will also visit a local OSTRICH FARM.
Continue on to George. (B,L)
GEORGE. KNYSNA EXCURSION
Today, take a relaxing CRUISE on Knysna Lagoon to see a variety of bird and marine life. You will have some time to explore the Knysna waterfront before returning to your hotel. (B)
GEORGE-TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK-DURBAN- UMHLANGA
This morning, visit nearby TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK and walk through the spectacular coastal forest. Continue on to Port Elizabeth, where you will board your flight to Durban. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in nearby Umhlanga for the evening. (B)
UMHLANGA-SHAKALAND- HLUHLUWE
Today, visit SHAKALAND, a replica of a traditional Zulu homestead and living monument to their culture. Here, learn more about Zulu history and see how they hand craft ceramics and brew beer. This afternoon, drive to Hluhluwe. (B,L,D)
HLUHLUWE
This morning, take a GAME DRIVE in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the Africa. The park is home to the "Big 5"-lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. You also have the chance to see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and much more! After time to rest, embark on an AFTERNOON BOAT RIDE on Lake St. Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the cruise, you are likely to spot hippo, Nile crocodile, and a variety of bird life. (B,D)
HLUHLUWE-SWAZILAND
Today, drive to Swaziland. En route, stop at a LOCAL MARKET and visit a GLASS FACTORY where glass blowers use recycled glass to create stemware, animals, and more. (B)
SWAZILAND-KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA
Depart Swaziland and head north for the Kruger area. After lunch, explore world-renowned Kruger National Park on an AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE with an
experienced guide. Be sure to watch for kudu, impala, giraffe, cheetah, spotted hyena, and more. As darkness descends, your guide will bring out a spotlight to help you spot nocturnal animals. Return to your lodge for dinner. (B,L,D)
KRUGER AREA
Rise between 5 am and 5:30 am for coffee and tea before your EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE. If the timing is right, you might spot some of the big cats after a night of hunting. The rest of the day is at your leisure for independent activities. Perhaps book a spa treatment, relax at the pool, or go on one last game drive. (B,L,D)
KRUGER AREA-MPUMALANGA
Today, drive along the PANORAMIC ROUTE known for its dramatic landscapes. Along the way, drive through Blyde River Canyon and stop to see GOD'S WINDOW, the THREE RONDAVELS, and BOURKE'S LUCK POTHOLES with its stunning rock formations carved by the Blyde River. (B)
MPUMALANGA-PRETORIA- JOHANNESBURG
Drive to Pretoria to see the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings. Continue on to Johannesburg, where your tour ends at the airport. Book home-bound flights after 4 pm. (B)