South Africa… Rainbow Nation

Culture, wildlife and dramatic scenery dominate this wonderful tour with too many inclusions to list.

Big five game drives • Table Mountain • The Panorama Route • The Garden Route

Days 1 & 2 Fly overnight from the UK to Johannesburg, meet guide and head east to the quaint country town of Dullstroomfor lunch before arriving in Ohrigstad where we overnight at Hannah Lodge. The lodge consists of various bungalow type units nestled in savanna vegetation typical of the 'bushveld' of this region.

Day 3 Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God's Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke's Luck Potholes. Overnight at Casterbridge Hollow.

Day 4 Travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. Overnight at Foresters Arms Hotel.

Day 5 Travel to Hluhluwe and the Dumazulu Cultural Village for a tour and traditional lunch before arriving at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe for an overnight stay.

Day 6 Early morning open-vehicle safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Then overland to St Lucia. St Lucia lies on the edge of the St Lucia Estuary, an international heritage sight, well known for the abundance of hippos, crocodiles and bird life. Overnight at the Bon Elephant Lake Hotel.

Day 7 Travel to Umhlanga Rocks. The village square or promenade and mall close to the hotel boasts many shops and restaurants. Not far away and within walking distance or a quick taxi journey, are pristine beaches to enjoy walking along admiring the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Garden Court Hotel Umhlanga.

Day 8 Depart for Durban's King Shaka International Airport and take a domestic flight to Port Elizabeth. Transfer to Kariega Private Game Reserve for a 4x4 big five game drive followed by a sumptuous South African barbeque round the camp fire.

Day 9 Today is a full day safari experience at Kariega Private Game Reserve. This includes morning and evening game drives with the rangers.

Day 10 Depart for Knysna past the The Tsitsikamma National Park and forests and Plettenberg Bay. A brief en route stop is made at the world's highest Bungee Jumping Bridge, Bloukrans Bridge. We may be lucky and see someone attempt this feat! Arrive for a two night stay at the Rex Hotel.

Day 11 Meet the Knysna Featherbed Company for a lagoon cruise towards the estuary heads. Disembark and continue on a tractor wagon trail up towards 'The Heads' with full commentary of the region, vegetation, animal life and history of Knysna. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch before returning by boat to Knysna.

Day 12 Travel to Oudtshoorn via the coastal route to Sedgefield, Wilderness and George, the 'capital of the Garden Route'. Continue into the hinterland and cross the Outeniqua Mountains via the panoramic Outeniqua Pass to the 'Klein Karoo. Onto the famous Cango Caves for a one-hour heritage tour. Overnight at the Thorn Tree Country Lodge.

Day 13 Depart Oudtshoorn along Route 62 between the mountain ranges of the Outeniqua and Black (Swart) Mountains past towns such as Calitzdorp, the Port capital of South Africa, Ladismith and Barrydale. The route offers ever changing panoramic views varying from semi-arid regions to greener pastures with an abundance of fruit (including grapes and the winelands). Arrive in Cape Town at our hotel, located within Cape Town's famous Waterfront Complex, The Portswood Hotel, for a six nights stay.

Day 14 Full day city tour. From the historic and popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront complex travel along the Atlantic coast through the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point. Continue to the jet set beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Visit Signal Hill and Lion's Head for some breath-taking views of the city. Drive through the city past museums, historical buildings including the 'Bo-Kaap' or Upper Cape (Malay Quarter), the 'Company Gardens', the Cape of Good Hope Castle, Parliament, the Grand Parade and Green Market Square. Weather permitting, also visit Table Mountain via the cable car.

Day 15 Morning winelands tour including a visit to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town after Cape Town. Here we enjoy some wine tasting at a one of the many wine cellars.

Day 16 Full day Cape Peninsula tour. Travel along the Atlantic Coast to Hout Bay before proceeding to the Cape of Good Hope via Chapman's Peak. Ride the funicular at Cape Point with its breath-taking views. Return to Cape Town via the sleepy shores of False Bay. En route visit the Boulders Beach African Tropical Penguin Colony. In the afternoon, visit the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens located on the slopes of Table Mountain.

Days 17 & 18 Time at leisure before transferring to the airport for an overnight flight to the UK.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Your Hotels

We will carefully select hotels to match your requirements. Full details will be provided along with our tailored quotation.

Your tour includes:

• Return flights from the UK to and within South Africa

• 15 nights accommodation with:
15 breakfasts
6 dinners
9 lunches
Porter service

• Coach travel/excursions/admissions with many extras not stated in the itinerary (full details available on request)

• English speaking guides

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.