Day 1: Johannesburg
Touch down at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the magnificent suburban shopping malls or take an optional Soweto Tour (own account).
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar
Day 2: Pretoria / Mpumalanga
Depart by 07h30 and leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa's capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. We travel via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg, passing over the famous Long Tom Pass onto the small town of Sabie. This afternoon explore the living history in the form of Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village where gold was first discovered. (B, D)
Accommodation: The Royal Hotel or similar
Day 3: Kruger National Park
This morning gasp at the glory that is God's Window, a boundless view of forested mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We explore the quaint village of Graskop before arriving mid afternoon at our overnight hotel. (B, D)
Accommodation: Perry's Bridge Hollow or similar
Day 4: A full day 'Big Five' game viewing in Kruger National Park
Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness. (B)
Accommodation: Perry's Bridge Hollow or similar
Day 5: The Kingdom of Swaziland
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similar
Day 6: The Kingdom of the Zulu's
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species. (B)
Accommodation: Elephant Lake Hotel or similar
Clients have the option to purchase an exciting afternoon open safari vehicle game drive into Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Day 7: Durban
This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. Check into your hotel just before lunch (own account). The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, or you may opt take an optional afternoon Durban City Tour (own account). (B)
Accommodation: Royal Palm or similar
Day 8: Port Elizabeth / Knysna
Morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your mid morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included). There you'll be met by a new guide who'll, upon everyone arriving, take you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route. (B, D)
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Hotel or similar
Day 9: Knysna
Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone 'Heads' which guard the sea entrance to Knysna's huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch the remainder of the day at leisure, to enjoy this lovely and special town. (B, L)
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Hotel or similar
Day 10: Oudtshoorn
This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named because it's the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's most incredible natural wonders. (B, L)
Accommodation: Oudtshoorn Inn or similar
Day 11: Cape Town
A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the everchanging passing canvas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the southern right whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will return to Cape Town along 'Route 62', South Africa's version of America's 'Route 66'. (B)
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar
Day 12: Cape Peninsula
A full day touring of the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to take a cruise (own account) to Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon's Town on our way back to Cape Town. (B)
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar
Day 13: Cape Winelands
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a historical perspective. (B)
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar
Day 14: Cape Town
This brings us to the end of our 'World in One Country'. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
