South African Explorer: Highlights of South Africa - Cape Town, Garden Route, Durban, Hluhluwe, Swaziland, Kruger National Park, Panaroma Route and Johannesburg.

Price: R27 035 per person sharing and R32 710 per single room - valid till 31/10/12.

The following is a 12 day and 11 night tour using Upper 3 & 4* hotels and a private game lodge in Cape Town, the Garden Route, Durban, Hluhluwe, Swaziland, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg.

Departs on Sundays from either Cape Town or Johannesburg.

This is an example safari and tour and you can customise your own tour to meet your interests. This itinerary is reversed for the Northbound tour departing from Cape Town (also on Sundays).

DAY 1 | SUNDAY
On arrival in Johannesburg, your expert guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel (private basis). Embark on a half day city tour of Johannesburg. Highlights of this half day tour include: Johannesburg city sightseeing, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Newtown and Constitution Hill. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Crowne Plaza Rosebank or similar - bed and breakfast basis

DAY 2 | MONDAY
Depart Johannesburg and travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom, Lydenburg and over the Abel Erasmus Pass. After passing through the J.G. Strijdom Tunnel, marvel at the mountainous scenery whilst passing through a homeland, formerly known as Lebowa. Continue to your private game lodge, near the Kruger National Park. Arrive in time for afternoon tea, followed by your evening game drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for a diverse array of eclectic cuisine.
Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast + 2 game viewing activities

DAY 3 | TUESDAY
Early morning bush walk or game drive, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the smaller species of Africa’s animal kingdom. After breakfast explore the breathtaking Panorama Route, featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and various waterfalls.
Arrive at your overnight destination late afternoon.
Casa Do Sol Hotel & Resort or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast

DAY 4 | WEDNESDAY
Early start to your day, by entering the world famous Kruger National Park, unrivalled for its diversity of flora, fauna and bird life, seeking the Big Five. Exit the park and travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Visit the Ngwenya glass factory en route to your hideaway in the Mlilwane Wildlife sanctuary.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 5 | THURSDAY
Enjoy a first-hand glimpse into Swaziland’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the Esitjeni Umphakatsi bordering Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and experience this original interaction with the local people of this vibrant community, (weather depending). Leave the wonderful country of Swaziland and re-enter South Africa, making your way to the town of Hluhluwe.
Protea Hotel Hluhluwe or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 6 | FRIDAY
Early morning breakfast followed by a game drive in your closed vehicle in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Highlights include prolific wetlands bird life, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. Continue south along Indian Ocean coastline, arriving in the bustling city of Durban during the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel in Umhlanga Rocks.
Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 7 | SATURDAY
Morning at leisure. Semi-private transfer to King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, semi-private transfer to your beachfront hotel.
Protea Hotel Marine or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 8 | SUNDAY
Departing Port Elizabeth, enter the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Bloukrans and Groot River Passes. Attractions visited in the Tsitsikamma Forest area include the Big Tree. Remember to keep an eye out for the rare Knysna Loerie. Gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storm’s River, where photographic opportunities abound. After lunch (not included) continue via the “millionaire’s playground” of Plettenberg Bay to South Africa’s “oyster capital,” Knysna. Enjoy a superb dinner (not included) at one of the nearby restaurants.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 9 | MONDAY
Start the day with a scenic drive through Wildeness via Dolphin Point to George. Continue over the Outinequa Pass to Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch for a guided tour and traditional ostrich lunch (not included). After lunch, visit the Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows us to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. En route back, visit endangered animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch (optional and time permitting). After returning to the hotel, enjoy a hearty dinner (not included).
Protea Hotel Riempies or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 10 | TUESDAY
After an early breakfast, our journey to Cape Town begins. Leave the Klein Karoo; pass through the towns of Calitzdrop and Barrydale as the true diversity of landscapes is highlighted through the ever changing semi-desert areas. Over the folded sandstone mountains of the Huis River and Tradouw Passes on Route 62, arrive at the charming town of Swellendam. After travelling the plateau of expansive apple orchards in and around Grabouw, our day draws to an end with the first glimpse of Table Mountain from the top of Sir Lowry’s Pass. Drop off at your hotel in Cape Town.
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 11 | WEDNESDAY
Full day Cape Highlights tour (English only). This full day tour includes Camps Bay; Hout Bay; Chapman’s Peak (subject to the road being open); the Cape of Good Hope Reserve; Simonstown; Muizenberg; one wine tasting of South African wines at a local wine estate; the University town of Stellenbosch..
Protea Hotel Fire and Ice or similar - bed and breakfast

DAY 12 | THURSDAY
Private transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your homebound flight.

Book this This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it now.