Sensational South Africa - 19 days
Sensational South Africa - 19 days
Sensational South Africa - 19 days
19 Days Starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: Cape Town, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park , Cradock, Malealea, Drakensberg Mountains, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Average age 40s - 70s but flexible age policy. Minimum age 10.If travelling with children parents need to be aware of the very long driving days (distances noted in the trip notes). Rooms for families - one child up to 17 yrs old can share a room with 2 a
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
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'.
Day 2-3: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Cape Town (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 4-5: Knysna
Location: Knysna
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Knysna (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Cradock
Location: Cradock
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8-9: Malealea
Location: Malealea
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lesotho (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10-11: Drakensberg Mountains
Location: Drakensberg Mountains
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Drakensberg Mountains (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 12-13: Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Location: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: St Lucia (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 15-17: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Hazyview (3)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 18-19: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Johannesburg (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Mid-range lodges, hotels & chalets -
18 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
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18 nights mid-range (3-4 star) lodges, hotels, and chalets with ensuite facilities
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Airport arrival and departure transfers in Cape Town and Johannesburg
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Cape Peninsula full day tour and Table Mountain cable car ride
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Full day iSimangaliso Wetland Park excursion with snorkelling
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One late afternoon and one full day game drive in Kruger National Park
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Panorama Route full day excursion
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Escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who is also your driver
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Transportation in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle (with comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports and sliding windows)
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Park entrance fees
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Optional activities
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Local payment - ZAR 3500, paid locally in cash
Age Policy
Average age 40s - 70s but flexible age policy. Minimum age 10.If travelling with children parents need to be aware of the very long driving days (distances noted in the trip notes). Rooms for families - one child up to 17 yrs old can share a room with 2 adults. We have child rates for 12 and under. Children 13 + pay full price. IMPORTANT: South Africa and Botswana regulations aimed at fighting child trafficking:'All parents travelling with children into or out of SA and/or Botswana may be asked to show the child’s unabridged (full) birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, parental or legal consent for the child to travel (eg an affidavit from the other parent, a court order or – if applicable – a death certificate). Tell pax they must contact the South African High Commission, South African Department of Home Affairs and/or the Botswana High Commission for the most up to date information.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.