South African Surprise

Price

RFrom R41'100 per person

Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Destination

South Africa

Travellers

2 - 40

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Information
Itinerary
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From Big 5 safaris to explorations of coastal wetlands and inland mountains, this is the ultimate South African journey. Spend two weeks discovering the very best of South Africa. Highlights include Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park, a trip through the Kingdom of eSwatini and time spent in the wetlands of St Lucia. Visit the country’s largest mountain range, the Drakensberg, then meander down the pretty Eastern Cape Coast to Knysna. The Garden Route is the final part of your journey before spending a few days in Cape Town.

What's included

Destination

South Africa Discover South Africa

Tour Dates

7th June 2026 View other Dates

Additional Information

Includes: 14 breakfasts | 4 dinners | accommodation | porterage | transportation | sightseeing | Kruger Park Conservation Fees | professional English-speaking guide Visa Requirements: This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Language: All departures are in English. Optional Excursions: Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 people travelling.

Day 1 – Sunday
Day 2 – Monday
Day 3 – Tuesday
Day 4 – Wednesday
Day 5 – Thursday
Day 6 – Friday
Day 7 – Saturday
Day 8 – Sunday
Day 9 – Monday
Day 10 – Tuesday
Day 11 – Wednesday
Day 12 – Thursday
Day 13 – Friday
Day 14 – Saturday
Day 15 – Sunday
South African Surprise

Day 1 – Sunday

Johannesburg

Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service 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 fellow travellers.

Day 2 – Monday

Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Panorama Route

This morning we leave for 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, 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 finally a visit to Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Day 3 – Tuesday

Mpumalanga - Kruger National Park

We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax. [Packed Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 4 – Wednesday

Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland)

This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini for overnight. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Day 5 – Thursday

eSwatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia And Surrounds

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our 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. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 375 kms

Day 6 – Friday

St Lucia And 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 us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Day 7 – Saturday

Durban - Drakensberg

After breakfast, head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our 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. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Day 8 – Sunday

Drakensberg

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. [Breakfast & Dinner]

Day 9 – Monday

Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast

This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we 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. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Day 10 – Tuesday

Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma

We 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. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 510 kms

Day 11 – Wednesday

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. [Breakfast & Dinner] Distance travelled today: 92 kms

Day 12 – Thursday

Knysna – Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We 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. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 180 kms

Day 13 – Friday

Oudtshoorn – Cape Town

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we 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. [Breakfast] Distance travelled today: 420 kms

Day 14 – Saturday

Cape Town (Unescorted)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account), or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (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. [Breakfast]

Day 15 – Sunday

Cape Town

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. [Breakfast]

South African Surprise

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Enhance your journey with optional excursions, available for pre-booking, subject to availability and a minimum of 2 adults travelling.

DAY 3 – TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI
2026: 1 585.00 per person | 2027: R 1 680.00 per person

Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area.

** DAY 3 – TUESDAY - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity - FULL DAY OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI including a presentation of the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit
2026: R 1 815.00 per person | 2027: R 1 905.00 per person

Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area. The game safari includes a presentation of the KNP 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 TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do.

DAY 6 – FRIDAY - HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK
MORNING OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI
2026: R 1 210.00 per person | 2027: R 1 330.00 per person

Enjoy a morning, 3-hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.

DAY 8 – SUNDAY
SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR
2026: R 1 960.00 per person | 2027: R 2 060.00 per person

Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport & visa requirements apply), which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa. The onus is on the guest to check applicable Visa conditions e.g., if multiple or single-entry visas are needed.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY - CAPE TOWN
MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS
2026: R 1 340.00 per person | 2027: R 1 450.00 per person

Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN
AFRICAN DINNER & DRUMMING
2026: R 1 370.00 per person | 2027: R 1 510.00 per person

Join a fun-filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN
TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE PENINSULA & CONSTANTIA WINELANDS
2026: R 2 350.00 per person | 2027: R 2 585.00 per person

Your local guide will show you where to snap the best photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain (cable-way ticket for own account), followed by Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach, one of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colourful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the vineyards.

DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN
FULL DAY ROBBEN ISLAND & CAPE TOWN’S ANTI-APARTHEID STRUGGLE
2026: R 2 550.00 per person

Join a ferry trip to Robben Island (weather permitting & subject to seat availability and ferry schedule), then travel with an expert local guide to Athlone on the Cape Flats, a cultural hub with significant ties to the anti-apartheid struggle.

** DAY 14 – SATURDAY – CAPE TOWN
TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity - MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
2026: R 4 520.00 per person | 2027: R 4 735.00 per person

Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2-hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. Tour includes return transfers of 2½ hours per one-way from Cape Town city centre. A portion of the monies paid by guests for this TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE Activity go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research programmes to protect the biodiversity of the marine eco-system surrounding Dyer Island.

TOUR RATES 2026
01 May 2026 - 31 July 2026
R 41 100.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 51 550.00 per single person
01 Aug 2026 - 30 Sept 2026
R 44 020.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 55 815.00 per single person
01 Oct 2026 - 31 Dec 2026
R 45 500.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 57 900.00 per single person

Accommodation used:

Protea Hotel OR Tambo in Johannesburg or similar x 1 night
Hazyview Sun in Hazyview or similar x 2 nights
Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino (eSwatini) or similar x 1 night
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe in Hluhluwe or similar x 1 night
Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge in Umhlanga or similar x 1 night
Drakensberg Gardens Hotel in Underberg (southern Drakensberg) or similar x 2 nights
Crawford’s Beach Lodge in Chintsa or similar x 1 night
Tsitsikamma Village Inn in Storms River or similar x 1 night
The Rex Hotel in Knysna or similar x 1 night
Protea Hotel Riempie Estate in Oudtshoorn or similar x 1 night
Anew Hotel Green Point in Cape Town or similar x 2 nights

TOUR RATES 2027
01 May 2027 - 31 July 2027
R 44 380.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 55 450.00 per single person
01 Aug 2027 - 30 Sept 2027
R 46 850.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 59 350.00 per single person
01 Oct 2027 - 31 Dec 2027
R 47 960.00 per person sharing twin/double accommodation
R 61 105.00 per single person