Tour members depart from their respective home cities by domestic flight to Sydney, where they will join their international flight to Johannesburg. After clearing customs and immigration we make our way to Pilanesberg National Park. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and we arrive early evening.
Bakubung Lodge (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we visit Sun City and the "Lost City". Afternoon ranger escorted game drive in Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to the Big 5 . The park is set in a large extinct volcano and houses an excellent variety of mammals and birds.
Bakubung Lodge (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we return to Johannesburg Airport for our domestic flight to Cape Town, where we arrive early afternoon. Upon arrival we make our way to the cable car station for a spectacular ride up Table Mountain. After sightseeing we descend and make our way to our hotel, which is located 10 minutes drive from the city..
City Lodge Pinelands (Breakfast)
Today we drive along the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Point. We stop at the interesting fishing port of Hout Bay before continuing along Chapmans Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. After lunch we return to Cape Town along the Indian Ocean side stopping at the Rhodes Memorial scenically situated against the slopes of Table Mountain.
City Lodge Pinelands (Breakfast)
This morning we make our way to Tableview to photograph the famous view of Table Mountain. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the water is icy cold and from here we continue to Stellenbosch . This Cape Dutch town was founded in 1688. After sightseeing we make our way to Kalk Bay and the Brass Bell restaurant for lunch. The restaurant is famous for its seafood and overlooks the Indian Ocean.
City Lodge Pinelands (Breakfast)
After an orientation tour of Cape Town the balance of the day will be free. You may wish to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens scenically situated against the slopes of Table Mountain or the Waterfront complex consisting of shops, entertainment area and more than 50 restaurants.
City Lodge Pinelands (Breakfast)
After breakfast we depart for Sir Lowry's Pass which will take us to the fruit and wheat growing areas of the Western Cape. We stop at the pretty town of Swellendam before crossing the Grabouw Pass to Barrydale. From here we continue through dry ostrich farming country to Oudtshoorn for an overnight stay
Riempie Estate (Dinner & Breakfast)
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world and we visit a show farm for an interesting guided tour. There will be an opportunity to ride an ostrich and after our visit we cross the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains to George. From here we continue along the Garden Route to Knysna for a two-night stay.
Russel Hotel (Breakfast)
After breakfast we take a short tour of Knysna, including the Knysna Heads. Balance of day free. Knysna is a pleasant holiday town, well known for its handicrafts and local restaurants.
Russel Hotel (Breakfast)
After breakfast we continue along the Garden Route, stopping at Bloukrans Bridge, site of the world's highest bungee jump. We also stop at the famous surf resort of Jeffries Bay before continuing to Port Elizabeth, where we arrive mid afternoon. Our hotel is scenically situated on the beachfront.
Brookes Hill Suites (Breakfast)
This morning we depart for Addo Elephant Reserve . This unique game reserve contains some of the largest and most southern elephants found in Africa. After lunch we depart for East London, where our hotel is located near the beach. We arrive late afternoon for an overnight stay.
Holiday Inn (Breakfast)
After breakfast we depart on a scenic drive through the former black homelands of Ciskei and Transkei, where Nelson Mandela grew up and attended university. We travel through rolling countryside, and in the afternoon through forests, to the Kwa Zulu Natal coastal town of Margate. Overnight accommodation is at a holiday resort located on a lagoon 10 kms south of the town.
Hotel St Michael's on Sea (Breakfast)
After breakfast we continue north via the city of Durban to the sugarcane growing centre of Eshowe and on to Shakaland. Built as a traditional Zulu village and the site of a number of films, the accommodation is in large beehive huts with private facilities. Upon arrival there will be a cultural tour of the village, and in the evening there will be a spectacular dance display.
Shakaland (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we say goodbye to our Zulu friends and make our way to the sugarcane farming community of Eshowe, where we visit the Dlinza Forest Reserve, which features bird viewing, walking trails and an aerial boardwalk. From here we continue to Richards Bay and north to Hluhluwe to a private game lodge situated on the edge of the Greater St Lucia Wetlands area. In the afternoon we take a river cruise with an opportunity to view crocodile and hippo.
Bonamanzi Lodge (Dinner & Breakfast)
Early morning departure for Hluhluwe National Park, famous for its large rhino population. Other mammals which can be seen in the park include zebra, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and nyala. The scenery consists of rolling hills and valleys, and after lunch we make our way back to our lodge where we arrive late afternoon.
Bonamanzi Lodge (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we continue our drive through Zululand. We stop for lunch at Piet Retief before crossing the border and continuing to the capital Mbabane. En route we visit the famous Swaziland craft market.
Mantenga Lodge (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we make our way to the South African border and Kruger National Park which we enter through the Malelane Gate. Lunch is at a Rest Camp in the park and we depart mid-afternoon for the small town of Hazyview. Our accommodation is situated on the Sabie River with its own resident hippo population.
Sanbonani Resort (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we commence a tour of the drakensberg Escarpment, where we visit Pilgrims Rest, a historic goldmining town; Bourkes Luck Potholes, a unique geological formation; and Blyde River Canyon , renowned for its spectacular views. Lunch is in the town of Sabie, and we return to our lodge mid-afternoon.
Sanbonani Resort (Dinner & Breakfast)
Early morning departure for Kruger National Park. The hotel provides a breakfast box, which we will enjoy at Skukuza rest Camp before continuing on our game drive. Lunch is at another rest camp before returning to our resort mid-afternoon. Kruger National Park, which is one of the oldest in Africa, has a wide variety of species and is considered the best managed park in Africa..
Sanbonani Resort (Dinner & Breakfast)
After breakfast we drive through a forested area to the town of Sabie, from where we continue to Lydenburg. We cross the Long Tom Pass at an altitude higer than that of Mount Kosciusko, and after lunch we travel via Pretoria to Centurion. Our hotel is situated on a lake and close to a shopping centre. .
Centurion Lake Hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
For tour members not travelling to Zimbabwe or Botswana, an optional tour of Soweto is available. This fascinating tour of Africa's largest township also includes a visit to downtown Johannesburg. Alternatively, you may have a free morning or visit the local shopping centre and restaurant complex which is a short walk from your hotel. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Australia.
In flight
Upon arrival in Australia you will connect to your home destination by domestic flight.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
VICTORIA FALLS SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
A magnificent 12-minute flight over Victoria Falls operates from the Zambian side of the river. The helicopters are purpose built for scenic flights and offer wonderful photo opportunities. The cost of a Zambian visa is included.
Cost: $ 130.00