Essence of South Africa - From £3,199

Africa South Africa
OVERVIEW
South Africa reveals itself here through game drives in Kruger, a visit to a Swazi Chief’s village, the Garden Route, Knysna and Cape Town’s Table Mountain, coast and cosmopolitan energy, all wrapped into one trip.
EXPERIENCES
Cape Peninsula: Discover the incredible views of the Twelve Apostles.

Cape Town: Spend the day discovering the wonderful views of Table Mountain.

Cape Town: Spend the day surrounded by penguins on Boulders Beach. 

Cape Town: Take in the landmarks of Cape Town during a city tour with your Travel Director. See the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.

Franschhoek: Visit Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek for a tasting of the Foundation Stone range, inspired by the forebears of the Shona tribe. Sampling a rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage, you’ll learn how these wines are produced as you compare styles from crisp and aromatic to a fuller red.

Hoedspruit: Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife on your Reserve Tour with a Shangaan tracker-guide. 

Johannesburg: Learn about South Africa's turbulent past on an interactive Johannesburg and Soweto Freedom tour.

Johannesburg: Spend the day seeing the iconic sight of Mandela's house on your Johannesburg City Tour.

Karongwe Portfolio: Spend the day marvelling at Africa's iconic wildlife on your Karongwe Private Reserve Visit. 

Learn to track animals on an African bush walk with a Local Specialist. You’ll uncover the secrets of medicinal plants, identify animals from just their tracks and spot birds, insects and small animals in their natural habitat. This is your chance to connect with nature like never before and leave with stories – and skills –that will stay with you forever.  
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
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(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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03/01/2027 12/01/2027 £3,795   Book
17/01/2027 26/01/2027 £3,469   Book
14/02/2027 23/02/2027 £3,795   Book
28/02/2027 09/03/2027 £3,795   Book
14/03/2027 23/03/2027 £3,469 Book
04/04/2027 13/04/2027 £3,625   Book
18/04/2027 27/04/2027 £3,316 Book
02/05/2027 11/05/2027 £3,625   Book
06/06/2027 15/06/2027 £3,625   Book
20/06/2027 29/06/2027 £3,199 Book
04/07/2027 13/07/2027 £3,625   Book
18/07/2027 27/07/2027 £3,625   Book
01/08/2027 10/08/2027 £3,825   Book
15/08/2027 24/08/2027 £3,825   Book
29/08/2027 07/09/2027 £3,496 Book
12/09/2027 21/09/2027 £3,496 Book
26/09/2027 05/10/2027 £3,496 Book
10/10/2027 19/10/2027 £3,496 Book
31/10/2027 09/11/2027 £3,825   Book
14/11/2027 23/11/2027 £3,825   Book
05/12/2027 14/12/2027 £3,496 Book
19/12/2027 28/12/2027 £3,825   Book
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ITINERARY

South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a small group journey that will reveal the highlights of South Africa. Spend the day delving into Cape Town’s cosmopolitan surrounds before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner.

This morning, you'll encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top – a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, keeping a keen eye out for the landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and District Six Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city’s vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore the infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.

Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. With the crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world’s most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Africa’s most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, admire the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.

Venture to the town of Franschhoek and discover during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting at Rickety Bridge Winery, sampling a selection of local wines from the estate. Then, travel on to the coastal town of Hermanus for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine, he’ll share stories of his life in South Africa’s whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

This morning, bid farewell to your Cape Town Travel Director and the Mother City before flying to Hoedspruit. Here, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park and your Safari Local Specialist for this next adventure await. Begin your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a Shangaan village, learning about their traditions, customs and way of life. Later, settle into Shiduli Private Game Lodge, a Stays with Stories accommodation and your home in the bush for the next three nights.

Your adventure begins with an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and a Shangaan tracker-guide. As the sun rises, the bush come alive with the sights and sounds of awakening birds and insects. This creates the perfect backdrop for your search for the Big Five.  After lunch, join a local ranger for a hands-on bush walk, where you’ll learn how to track animals and uncover the hidden stories of the African bush, followed by an afternoon game drive.

Today, enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue exploring the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Reserve, keeping an eye out for wildlife emerging from their cover of darkness.

This morning, have your camera ready for the last of your game drives. Bid farewell to your Safari Local Specialist before your flight to Johannesburg. Meet your Johannesburg Travel Director and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton, ideally located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.

Unlock the secrets of the 'City of Gold' on a full-day tour. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, the Mandela House Museum and Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.

Our epic encounter with South Africa’s iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Air-conditioned coach or Quantum bus
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels and safari lodges, all tried and trusted
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Southern Sun The Cullinan - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Southern Sun The Cullinan - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Southern Sun The Cullinan - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Southern Sun The Cullinan - Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
DAY 5: Shiduli Private Game Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Shiduli Private Game Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Shiduli Private Game Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: The Maslow - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: The Maslow - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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