Welcome to Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa! First established as a gold-mining settlement in 1886, Johannesburg became known as the ‘city of gold’, sitting adjacent to one of the richest gold reefs in the world. Today the city, that is affectionately known as ‘Jo’burg’, is a vibrant and thriving hub with a population of more than 5 million! Arriving very early this morning, we meet our guide before transferring to our hotel. We’ll enjoy breakfast, before spending the day at leisure to rest and recover after our flights. Meet with your fellow travellers and guide for a dinner and drink at the hotel this evening. Our guide will give us a short briefing to prepare us all for the exciting adventure ahead!

A busy day of sightseeing is on the agenda today as we explore Johannesburg’s Soweto district. Its name is an abbreviation for ‘South Western Townships’, and this district emerged during the country’s apartheid era as a township for black South African’s forcibly removed from their homes. Despite its dark history, Soweto today pulsates with resilience, rich culture and strong community spirit. We begin with a visit to Satyagraha House, the residence of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi from 1908-1909. The house was built in 1907 by Gandhi’s close friend and architect, Hermann Kallenbach. Today, Satyagraha House is both a museum and a guest house. We’ll learn all about the apartheid era as we continue to the Apartheid Museum. Opened in 2001, it was the first museum of its kind and takes us through South Africa’s struggle for liberation during this dark, 40-year-long period. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto, before continuing to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1976 Soweto uprisings. The museum houses a collection of oral testimonies, photographs, audiovisual screen displays and historical documents. We then visit Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela and his family lived from 1946 into the 1990s. The house is a humble abode of four inter-leading rooms that today contain a collection of memorabilia, paintings and photographs of the Mandela family. Here we’ll learn about their fascinating stories.

We depart Johannesburg this morning, making our way to Mbombela, formerly Nelspruit, home to the Jane Goodall Institute and Chimp Eden Sanctuary.

Special Experience

See our closest relatives in their natural habitat as we tour Chimp Eden, the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa.

This morning we depart Hazyview for Graskop Gorge where we’ll travel on the lift and enjoy some free time to bask in the spectacular views. Centrally located along South Africa’s famous Panorama Route, the lift takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the gorge into the lush forest below. Next our eyes are set on the scenic Panorama Route, travelling a portion of this famed road to Gods Window Viewpoint – one of the most picturesque vantage points in South Africa. In the early afternoon we’ll arrive at our accommodation in Greater Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest national parks.

Special Experience

Spend two incredible nights at the Kruger Shalati ‘Train on the Bridge’ hotel, which famously sits high above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park.

Greater Kruger National Park is an extension of the Kruger National Park. With more than 20 private game reserves sharing unfenced borders, this allows the abundance of wildlife to roam freely around the entire park. Greater Kruger National Park is one of the best wildlife tourist attractions in South Africa and is home to roughly 147 different mammal species. Today is all about animals! We’ll rise early to explore this magnificent game park as it is bathed in the beautiful morning light. Keep an eye out for the many different types of animals we’re likely to see, including wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes and elephants. We return to the lodge for breakfast, lunch and some time to relax before heading out again this afternoon in search of more wildlife in the game reserve

We’ll rise early again this morning for one final game drive through Greater Kruger National Park, before transferring to Skukuza Airport for our flight to George, a town located on the Western Cape. One of South Africa’s more well-known provinces, the Western Cape is located on the south-western coast and was established in 1994. Out of the nine regions, it’s the country’s fourth largest and third most populous, with around two-thirds of the 7 million people that call the Western Cape home living in the metropolitan city of Cape Town. This stunning region is renowned for its flora and fauna, and has a strong agricultural sector that produces a lot of South Africa’s wool, wheat, hay and fruit. The Western Cape is also home to postcard-worthy scenery, thanks to the perfect combination of serene beaches, rugged mountain ranges and lush vineyards. Upon arrival, we’ll make our way to our hotel in the town of Knysna. Also located on the stunning Western Cape, it is one of the many towns that make up South Africa’s famous Garden Route. Stretching 300 kilometres along South Africa’s southern coast, this scenic route is home to picturesque mountain ranges, spectacular coastlines and wildlife reserves. Your flight time will be approximately 4 hours.

Knysna is a natural paradise in its own right, nestled between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful lagoon. The coastal town offers an exciting array of land and water-based experiences, which we will get a taste of today. After a leisurely start this morning, we make our way to the stunning waterfront. Boarding a ferry, we’ll enjoy a scenic lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Island Nature Reserve, where there will be some time to explore this wilderness area. Established as a tourist attraction in the 1980s by William Smith, a famous South African TV personality, this beautiful, undeveloped reserve is a wonder to explore. We’ll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and Outeniqua Mountains and discover more about the local flora and fauna. On our visit to the island, we’ll stop to enjoy a group lunch at Featherbed Restaurant, where there will be even more time to soak in the scenery. This afternoon we return to Knysna’s famous waterfront area and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. If you’re a foodie — or really just an enjoyer of delicious food — we recommend checking out the amazing local market and restaurants around Knysna. At the markets you can browse the fresh produce and discover authentic dishes only the locals know about. Or if you’re looking for a more traditional dining experience, hit up one of the many restaurants scattered around Knysna, complete with incredible views — it’s a win-win!

We bid farewell to Knysna this morning and make our way towards Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world! En route, we’ll travel via the Outeniqua Pass. This famed road twists and turns through the mountainous terrain, offering some pretty spectacular views along the way. Oudtshoorn is nestled in the Klein Karoo, a lush valley on the Western Cape that is bounded by mountains and known for its nature reserves and variety of unique succulents. The spectacular mountains that frame the town are the Swartberg mountain range, which makes up part of the Cape Floral World Heritage-listed Site — a region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Oudtshoorn became famous for its ostrich population, and between the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town thrived by selling ostrich feathers, which were a popular fashion accessory among European nobles. Nearing Oudtshoorn, we’ll get to learn all about the largest bird on earth with a visit to Safari Ostrich Farm. Our guides will explain to us the natural breeding cycles of these captivating birds, as well as show us the different types of ostrich feathers and describe their uses — the very product that put Oudtshoorn on the map! On a tractor tour through the farm, we’ll see the local South African black ostrich, white ostrich, Zimbabwe blue ostrich, Kenyan red ostrich, and even some emus. Finishing the tour, we’ll enjoy a traditional barbeque and have the opportunity to try an ostrich steak if you dare! On arrival in Oudtshoorn, we have the afternoon and evening at leisure for more exploration at your own pace, or for simply relaxing. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Special Experience

Enjoy a sunrise Meerkat adventure, watching these charismatic creatures emerge from their burrows as the sunshine and warmth sets in for the day.

Situated on the popular Garden Route, Botlierskop Game Reserve is home to some of South Africa’s most diverse and vast landscapes. Spanning over 4,500-hectares, the reserve offers awe inspiring views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains, beautifully framing the rolling grasslands and dense bush. In the park, we’ll get the opportunity to spot the iconic ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino, however, you’ll also see dozens of giraffes and zebras roaming freely! From spotting elephants making their way to a watering hole to seeing rare bird species soaring above your head, no two safari adventures here will be the same. Today, we’ll embark on both morning and afternoon game drives to spot the wildlife here in their natural habitat. Led by expert local guides, we’ll head deep into the heart of the reserve and learn about the intricate ecosystems that sustain these incredible species. With their well-trained eyes and in-depth knowledge, our guides will help us track elusive species, interpret animal behaviors, and share fascinating insights of the region. Between game drives, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the tranquility of the reserve, whether it’s enjoying the luxurious lodge facilities or simply unwinding with a scenic view.

After enjoying one last game drive in Botlierskop this morning, we’ll continue to Hermanus. This beautiful seaside town on the Western Cape is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to a charming harbour. Hermanus’ history traces back to the 1800’s and it is world famous for whale watching — it’s generally considered the best land-based whale-watching location on Earth! This charming town is well-known for its artistry and culture, so much so that there are incredible galleries dotted all around Hermanus to explore. Generally within walking distance of each other are art galleries displaying the stunning pieces of local artists — you may even catch an artist at work, and in some galleries, meet the owner, who will share insights about the exhibiting artists! This afternoon is at leisure for you to walk around Hermanus and explore this lively town at your own pace. You may want to set off on the artist route to explore some local galleries, or perhaps you want to take in the beautiful blend of old and new architecture that lines the town’s streets. Dining options in Hermanus are fantastic too, whether you’re seeking fresh seafood or even a glass of local wine — here you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

This morning we’ll head out on an amazing whale watching cruise, a must-do while in Hermanus as it has been recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. After a short briefing, we board the cruise and begin our search for Humpback, Southern Right and Bryde’s whales. We then make our way towards Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier wine-growing region. Along the way, we’ll stop at Betty’s Bay, a picturesque seaside village positioned in a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Kogelberg Mountains and Atlantic Ocean, bordered by freshwater lakes and the Palmiet River. We’ll also stop at Gordon’s Bay situated around the old harbour and Bikini Beach.

Special Experience

Bask in the spectacular views at Glen Carlou Wine Estate, whilst indulging in wine tastings and a delicious lunch.

Located in the heart of South Africa’s world-renowned wine region, Stellenbosch’s origins date back to 1679 and is the country’s second-oldest town. This university town is surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. The town's oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. This morning, we’ll head off on a walking tour of Stellenbosch to uncover the town’s historic centre and learn about its rich heritage. Admire the charm and harmony of the Cape Dutch Architecture and listen to tales about the colorful inhabitants of three centuries as we stroll past the period houses and gardens. Learn about the development of the town from a mere settlement to the city it is now. For lunch, we’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class with wine pairing at Rickety Bridge Estate. The estate’s winery has been in operation since 1797 and the land was granted to Paulina de Villiers in the same year, one of the first female landowners in South Africa! We’ll bask in the beautiful views of the surrounding Dassenberg Mountains during our time here. Afterwards, the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure. We recommend exploring Dorp Street, considered the hub of Stellenbosch. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Our morning begins with a visit to the breathtaking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and just 13-kilometres from the city centre, Kirstenbosch is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays. The hillside garden and nature reserve features rare plant species and walking trails.

Special Experience

Tour Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the great botanic gardens of the world with over 7,000 plant species.

Today we embark on a picturesque sightseeing tour. In the morning, we’ll travel to the Cape Peninsula as we make our way towards Cape Point, the most south-westerly tip of the African continent. Here, we take the Flying Dutchman funicular from the car park to see the old lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views. We’ll also discover the Cape of Good Hope before returning to Cape Town via Simon’s Town, home to the South African Navy’s largest base, and Boulder’s Beach. Here, a colony of African penguins, also known as Jackass penguins, have established themselves since the 1980s. The penguins bray like donkeys (hence their name) and from just two original breeding pairs, there are now over 2,500 penguins on this beach. This afternoon, we take the Fast Pass lane to ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), South Africa’s most iconic landmark. Table Mountain towers over the city and is the country’s most photographed attraction. It takes only 5 minutes to ascend by cable car and once atop, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the city, beaches and across Table Bay to Robben Island. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

This morning, we cruise out to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Robben Island (weather permitting), famous for its use as isolation for political prisoners. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela spent many of the 27 years of his imprisonment. It is now a museum and is symbolic to democratic South Africa of the price paid by many for the freedom of their country. The views looking back towards Cape Town and Table Mountain from here are truly spectacular! This afternoon we return to the mainland and visit Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighbourhoods. Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous houses were built and leased to slaves. The houses are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture and are painted in bright colours. It is said that while the houses were leased by slaves, they were to be strictly painted white. Once this rule was lifted, the houses were decorated in vivid colours as an expression of their freedom. Tonight, we enjoy a group farewell dinner at GOLD, a unique African-themed restaurant with delicious a Cape Malay and African inspired menu as well as djembe drumming. Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to an incredible adventure across South Africa. We transfer to Cape Town airport to begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!