Sensational South Africa
SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: See the best of South Africa's wildlife, scenery, and the kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini on this 19-day group tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Search for wildlife in Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town, journey along the famous Garden Route, and soak up the scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to South Africa!
Day 1 Welcome to South Africa!
On your arrival in Cape Town, there is an included transfer to the hotel. At 18:00 there will be a pre-departure meeting in the lobby, and the rest of today is free to head out and explore South Africa's 'Mother City'.
Days 2-3 Exploring Cape Town
Days 2-3 Exploring Cape Town
Cape Town is South Africa's most famous destination, and we'll have two whole days to explore the city and surrounding area. On day 2 there's an included guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. We visit Table Mountain National Park for majestic views of this famous landmark and for an included ride on the cable car to the summit (weather permitting). We also stop off at Boulders Beach to see the giant penguin colony here, and we take in some of the region's stunning coastal scenery, including Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak.
Day 3 is at leisure to see more of the city your way. Some of the activities we recommend are a day trip to Robben Island or a wander down to the V&A Waterfront, but you can spend the day how you wish!
Days 4-5 Scenic Knysna
Days 4-5 Scenic Knysna
Cape Town - Knysna. Leaving Cape Town on the morning of day 4 we travel to the lush Garden Route. Passing many lakes, beaches and forests we drive to Knysna – the coastal town located on the shores of Knysna Lagoon. The afternoon is free to stroll around the town or book a sunset boat cruise on the lagoon.
Spend the next day at leisure. Soak up the scenery or book one of the many optional activities available. You could visit Knysna Elephant Park or tuck into some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the shore of Knysna Lagoon.
Day 6 Tsitsikamma National Park
Day 6 Tsitsikamma National Park
Knysna - Tsitsikamma. Our scenic journey along the Garden Route continues today, stopping at attractions along the way and visiting Plettenberg Bay with its beautiful beaches. Arriving in the picturesque Tsitsikamma Forest, there's time for walking or relaxing at our lodge. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a protected coastal reserve, known for its lush indigenous forests and impressive coastline.
Day 7 Colonial Cradock
Day 7 Colonial Cradock
Tsitsikamma - Cradock. Today we travel onwards to the historic town of Cradock. This frontier town is located on the edge of the Great Karoo desert and is best known for Die Tuishuise, a collection of around 30 colonial Victorian-era craftsmen's houses, which have now been restored and turned into guest accommodation. We will spend tonight staying at one of the Tuishuise, and there is time to walk the length of Market Street, which is crowned by the grand colonial-era Victoria Manor Hotel.
Days 8-9 The Kingdom of Lesotho
Days 8-9 The Kingdom of Lesotho
Cradock - Lesotho. You can tick another country off your bucket list as we travel through the Eastern Cape and cross into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho on day 8. The following day is free for you to explore and enjoy optional activities including village walks and pony trekking.
Days 10-11 Drakensberg Mountains
Days 10-11 Drakensberg Mountains
Lesotho - Drakensberg (South Africa). Crossing back into South Africa, we journey into the Drakensberg Mountains on day 10. The scenery here is spectacular even by South African standards, and our lodge is located near the amphitheatre, regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on Earth. Day 11 is free to further explore this mountain landscape with guided walks, or you can simply sit back with a drink and take in your incredible surroundings.
Days 12-13 Zululand, St Lucia & Wildlife
Days 12-13 Zululand, St Lucia & Wildlife
Drakensberg - iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Day 12 sees us travelling through the Zululand region of South Africa, arriving at the small coastal town of St Lucia in the afternoon. St Lucia is the base for exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was designated as South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. And it's easy to see why.
This part of the country is renowned for its ecology and wildlife, particularly the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which we visit. On day 13 we head into the wilderness on an off-road exploration, taking in some of the many ecosystems which make up this diverse area. Travel through bush, forest, and beach in one day, and enjoy game viewing, birdwatching, and snorkelling at the coast, with possible whale-watching opportunities. Other iconic wildlife to look out for today includes hippos, rhinos, elephants and leopards!
Day 14 The Kingdom of Eswatini
Day 14 The Kingdom of Eswatini
iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini). Today we explore the second landlocked country surrounded by South African territory. Eswatini was formerly known as Swaziland until 2018. We'll be exploring Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the country's premier wildlife destination and a great example of conservation in action. Formerly a working farm, this 4,560-hectare reserve is now home to all manner of species, including hippo, hyena, zebra, and more. There are no (or very few) large predators, so the best way to explore the park is on foot or horseback, which we will have the opportunity to do. You can also opt to visit a local Swazi village, and we will stop at a Swazi market so you can shop for souvenirs.
Days 15-17 Kruger National Park
Days 15-17 Kruger National Park
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Kruger National Park (South Africa). We depart Eswatini and travel to the world-famous Kruger National Park on day 15. We go in search of the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) on a late afternoon game drive and enjoy a full day game drive on day 16, both in open 4X4 vehicles for the best game-viewing experience.
On day 17 we take in some of the landmarks in the area, along the scenic Panorama Route. See the Blyde River Canyon, enjoy the view from God's Window, and visit the Bourke's Luck Potholes, a series of geological formations which are linked by walkways and bridges.
Days 18-19 Johannesburg
Days 18-19 Johannesburg
Kruger National Park - Johannesburg. Departing Kruger National Park on day 18 we travel on to Johannesburg, arriving late afternoon. Our tour ends on day 19 with an included transfer to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
Set in a restored 19th-century prison, the unique Protea by Marriott is now a modern hotel on the V&A Waterfront, with great views of Table Mountain. The ensuite rooms feature full-length windows, TV, minibar, air-conditioning, and a chair or sofa. High-speed Wi-Fi is complimentary. Breakfast and other meals are served at the a la carte Stonebreakers restaurant, and there's also a ground floor cafe to enjoy. Guests can also make use of the onsite gym.
Knysna Hollow is a small and friendly resort located on a 3-hectare estate in some of the best scenery on the picturesque Garden Route. It's located just a 5-minute drive from Knysna itself and is open again after a 2018 refurbishment following fire damage. The 44 garden suites are all modern and stylishly decorated. Every room features air-conditioning, a patio, ensuite bathroom, and flat-screen TV. There are two outdoor swimming pools set in verdant gardens and free Wi-Fi is provided. The majority of the hotel's amenities, including bar, restaurant, reception, and sun deck are located in the Cape Country Manor House, the grand focal point of the estate.
Established in 1946, the Tsitsikamma Village Inn is a village style accommodation close to Tsitsikamma National Park. The 49 guest rooms are all individually decorated in a number of free standing buildings. All are decorated in the colonial style famous on the Garden Route. The Inn is home to the relaxed Hunter's Pub which serves a good range of refreshing beverages. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool - perfect for an early morning dip. This accommodation is well located at the end of the Garden Route, in beautiful Tsitsikamma.
Built in 1840, Die Tuishuise has been beautifully restored to their former splendour to recreate the gracious bygone era. All rooms are tastefully decorated with their own distinctive theme of antique furniture and period prints. Guests can enjoy dinner in the Manor House that serves delicious Karoo and South African cuisine. Guests can also indulge in a unique African Hum and Sun massage at the onsite spa. It is a great way to feel rejuvenated after a long day in the African sun. This accommodation is perfectly located on Market Street in Cradock.
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and spectacular mountain passes, the Malealea Lodge is a great place to base yourself when visiting the area. Guest rooms are made up of traditional Rondavels and farmhouse bedrooms - all with en suite facilities. The on site Pony Trekking Centre offers a great selections of rides - a must do when in Lesotho. The really adventurous can even head out on an overnight trek! Situated in the remote rural region of south-western Lesotho.
Named after a massive cave above the hotel, the Cavern sits within 3000 hectares of private mountain reserve. Guest rooms are beautifully designed with spacious interiors and excellent amenities. The lodge boasts a beautiful outdoor pool and some of the best views of the area. When staying at the Cavern guests can take advantage of a plethora of activities on offer including trout fishing, guided hikes and horse rides. Well located in the heart of the Drakensberg mountains just north of neighbouring Lesotho.
Spectacularly located beside the Indian Ocean and surrounded by the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the St Lucia Eco Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to 72 guests in its 29 units. Each unit has a balcony or veranda, air-conditioning, kitchenette, TV, and a tea and coffee station. There's an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi throughout the property, with a daily buffet breakfast and a braai fire is lit every night. Being so close to the biodiverse wetlands, it is not unusual to spot a hippo, or even a leopard wandering through the gardens of the lodge.
Beehive Village has grass-domed beehive huts arranged in semi-circles. Rustic simplicity makes for a fascinating stay and while most have an en-suite bathroom there are shared ablution facilities available.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate is a family-friendly hotel located on the banks of the Sabi River on the edge of the Kruger ecosystem. Accommodation is in thatched chalets and traditional standard rooms. Set amongst well-maintained gardens (often with visitors in the form of elephants and other wildlife), there are two outdoor swimming pools and an onsite restaurant with views of a popular hippo gathering spot. Outdoor patio areas and ensuite bathrooms come as standard and the constant sound of the flowing river adds a tranquil element to this charming hotel. There's free Wi-Fi in public areas.
African-themed Safari Club is a luxurious yet homely accommodation close to Johannesburg airport. With just 17 rooms all uniquely styled to represent a specific area on the continent it is easy to make yourself at home here. The hotel boasts a beautiful garden and serves fantastic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The friendly bar is the perfect place to relax in the evening whilst sipping on a tasty beverage or two. The hotel is situated just a 4 minute drive from the airport - so it is the ideal place to start, or finish, your African adventure.
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