Best of South Africa

Overview

This 13-day scheduled safari offers all the essentials and classic experiences that South Africa is famous for, from finding the ‘Big 5’ in the Kruger National Park, to the Winelands of the Cape. In between, explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park, as well as the beauty of the Garden Route.

Itinerary

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG
Enjoy the day at leisure exploring Johannesburg. In the afternoon return to your hotel, where you will be met by your tour guide for a briefing. Overnight at PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT BALALAIKA or similar. (B)

DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG – HAZYVIEW VIA PANORAMA ROUTE
After breakfast, depart for Hazyview via the Panorama Route. En-route, visit the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. Also see Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Wonder View, before stopping for lunch (own account) in Graskop. Arrive in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where you will check in to ANEW RESORT HAZYVIEW or similar for your two-night stay. (B)

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Kruger National Park where you will enjoy a closed vehicle game drive. Kruger is South Africa’s largest national park and is home to an array of flora and fauna, including the Big 5. An optional full-day safari is available (at own cost). (B)

DAY 4: HAZYVIEW – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – MALELANE
After breakfast, enjoy a second day of game viewing in Kruger National Park. An optional full day safari is available (at own cost). After lunch, continue to Malelane where you will check in to PESTANA KRUGER LODGE or similar upon your arrival. In the evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks (own account) overlooking the Crocodile River before dinner at the lodge. (B, D)

DAY 5: MALELANE – ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) – HLUHLUWE
Today you will be transferred by road to Hluhluwe via the Kingdom of eSwatini. Visit Ezulwini Valley, also known as the “Valley of Heaven” before continuing to Hluhluwe. Overnight at ANEW HOTEL HLUHLUWE & SAFARIS or similar. (B)

DAY 6: HLUHLUWE – ST LUCIA – PORT EDWARD
After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to St. Lucia. Here, enjoy a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary where you can view the rare birdlife and wildlife that live amongst the mangroves and sand dunes (own account). Afterwards, depart for Port Edward. Overnight at WILD COAST SUN HOTEL or similar. (B)

DAY 7: PORT EDWARD – MTHATHA
The morning is at your leisure before departing for Mthatha via the scenic Mandela Route. Overnight at GARDEN COURT MTHATHA or similar. (B)

DAY 8: MTHATHA – PORT ALFRED
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the town of Port Alfred. En-route visit Qunu, where Nelson Mandela spent his childhood and was laid to rest. Overnight at THE ROYAL ST ANDREWS LODGE or similar. (B, D)

DAY 9: PORT ALFRED – PLETTENBERG BAY VIA EASTERN GARDEN ROUTE
This morning you will enjoy a boat cruise along the Kowie River. Afterwards, travel towards Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, named for the ecologically diverse vegetation of the area. Enjoy lunch in Tsitsikamma (at own account) and a walk to the suspension bridge at the Storms River Mouth. Continue to PREMIER RESORT THE MOORINGS or similar for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 10: PLETTENBERG BAY – CANGO CAVES – OUDTSHOORN
After breakfast, depart for Oudtshoorn via Knysna. After lunch, continue to the PROTEA HOTEL BY MARRIOTT RIEMPIE ESTATE or similar for your overnight stay. (B)

DAY 11: OUDTSHOORN – CAPE WINELANDS – CAPE TOWN
Today you will continue along Route 62, journeying through the Cape Winelands towards Cape Town. Route 62 is an iconic route with spectacular scenery and is one of the world’s longest wine routes. Enjoy lunch (own account) en-route before visiting the Robertson Wine Valley. Here, you will be taken on a cellar tour and have the chance to sample a selection of wines and cheese. Continue to Cape Town, where you will check in to STAYEASY CAPE TOWN CITY BOWL or similar for your two-night stay. (B)

DAY 12: CAPE TOWN
Enjoy the day at leisure. Explore the fantastic shopping and restaurants of Cape Town and discover the world-class art and cultural displays the city offers. Optional day tours available at own account. (B)

DAY 13: DEPART CAPE TOWN
After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure. There is the option to join a Table Mountain and city tour (own account). (B)

Includes

• 12 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
• Meals as per itinerary (B, L, D)
• Entrance fees for Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Wonder View, Kruger National Park conservation fee, Garden Route National Park conservation fee (Storms River Bridge)
• River cruise excursion
• Two game drives in Kruger National Park
• Robertson Wine Valley tour

 

NOTE: Based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling together.

Subject to change without notice.

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StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl

StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl is in the vibrant centre of Cape Town. This hotel offers 302 modern rooms with city views and equipped with desks, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, tea/coffee making facilities and en- suite bathrooms. The onsite all-day dining restaurant serves fresh and delicious coffee, meals and snacks.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate

The Protea Hotel by Marriott Riempie Estate lies secluded in a tranquil farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, near George on the famous garden route. It is situated next to the Cango Wildlife Ranch and within close proximity to numerous working Ostrich Farms. This hotel offers unique and unconventional accommodation in thatched rondavels and chalets, located in lush green gardens. The Riempie Restaurant is well known for its excellent traditional South African cuisine. The Estate has pomegranate, olive, fig and pecan nut orchards as well as an area with farm animals.

The Dunes Hotel & Resort

The Dunes Hotel & Resort is situated in Plettenberg Bay in the heart of the Garden Route, within walking distance of the pristine Keurbooms Beach where dolphin and whale sightings are common. Accommodation is offered in 60 rooms and duplex units as well as 1 beachfront villa. Facilities at the resort include 2 swimming pools, a laundromat, a restaurant and a bar/lounge area. Guests also have direct access to the beach.

Royal St Andrews Hotel

Offering two different wings to suit two different travellers, The Royal St Andrews Hotel has something for everyone. For those seeking old-world charm with a refined taste, stay in the Heritage Wing. For the modern traveller who enjoys modern luxuries and sophistication, enjoy a stay in the Luxury Wing. Enjoy indulging in delicious cuisine at one of several restaurants, swim in the pool or relax with a treatment at the spa.

Hotel Savoy

This 129-room hotel offers a selection of both executive luxury suites and double rooms. Offering a fantastic selection of conference facilities, this is a wonderful place to stay for the travelling businessperson, or alternatively, ideally situated for those exploring the Mandela Route. Enjoy the choice of two restaurants for dinner, a pool and lounge to unwind in, and close access to shops.

Wild Coast Sun Hotel

Set on 750 hectares of natural bush and overlooking an unspoilt, sprawling beach in southern Africa, the Wild Coast Sun offers a tranquil retreat located just one kilometre from the Kwa-Zulu Nata border. The hotel is home to a water park, golf course, casino, and spa. There are also countless activities to enjoy, including sunset cruises, canoeing, quad biking, horse riding, swimming and whale watching.

Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris

Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage site. This lodge offers 81 rooms, with different room types available. Other amenities include all-day restaurant, an outdoor pool with a waterside bar and a sports bar with a pool table.

Pestana Kruger Lodge

Located just 70m from the southern entrance to Kruger National Park and 800m from Malelane Gate, Pestana Kruger Lodge offers fantastic access and well-appointed accommodation. Enjoy guided cultural tours, safaris, unwind in the swimming pool or enjoy the afternoon unwinding with one of the many spa treatments.

Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort

Located in Hazyview, about 25 kms from the Kruger National Park area, Casa do Sol is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and lush flower gardens. The hotel is situated within the 500-hectare Ilanga Nature and Game Reserve with over 100 different species of indigenous bush and breeding herds of non-aggressive game. There are on-site hiking and mountain biking trails, tennis courts and swimming pools as well as a number of water activities including fishing, rowing and boating on the resort’s private dam.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika

Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling business and entertainment hub of Gauteng at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika. Ideally situated and boasting 330 stylish guest rooms and suites, each accommodation is air-conditioned and tastefully furnished in a classic, comfortable style. Two restaurants provide exceptional on-site dining, including the popular Bull Run Restaurant for steakhouse favourites. Also enjoy the pool, fitness facilities and airport shuttle.