South Africa

South Africa

Firstly, a more naturally beautiful country would be difficult to find - from the serrated peaks of the Drakensberg mountains, to the contorted and timeless semi-desert landscapes of the Karoo and the forested sea-shores and mirror-like lakes of the Garden Route, the enchanting temperate valleys of the Winelands, the rare proximity to nature found in the national parks and the instantly recognizable symbol of the country, Table Mountain - all under an endless azure-blue sky.

This wonderful 16-day tour is designed to highlight South Africa’s truly amazing diversity of cultures, its curious blend of old and new, and its phenomenal scenery and wildlife. You leave with the feeling that the new South Africa, open to the world after years of isolation, is a land of superlatives which cannot fail to impress the welcome visitor!

What's Included:

• 15 nights in three to four-star accommodation
• Return flights & transfers
• 15 included experiences
• Daily Breakfast, 2 lunches & 4 dinners
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Highlights:

• Tour the legendary Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift with a specialist guide and stay in the heart of the gorgeous Western Cape’s Winelands, enjoying a cellar tour and tasting at a 300-year-old wine estate.
• Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, a real must in understanding contemporary South Africa, enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful small country of Eswatini and take an internal flight to the stunning Garden Route.
• Visit Hermanus for the world’s finest on-shore whale watching, dependent on season and have a full-day guided safari in the Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most outstanding game reserves.
• Stay three nights in cosmopolitan Cape Town, one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities, dominated by the instantly recognisable Table Mountain.
• Explore legendary Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and gaze at the awe-inspiring Blyde River canyon, the third largest in the world.

Day 1: Departure

Take your overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2: Arrival in Johannesburg

Spend your morning exploring the Apartheid Museum and then enjoy a free afternoon in Johannesburg.

After our morning arrival, we visit the Apartheid Museum, taking us on a fascinating, horrifying, humbling and ultimately inspiring journey from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. It’s a truly fascinating exhibition charting the apartheid years and the struggle against it, culminating in the first democratic elections. It is a superbly presented walk through contemporary history using original material, riveting eyewitness accounts, photographs and film.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

• Visit the Apartheid Museum
• Free afternoon in Johannesburg

Day 3: Panorama Route

Depart for the open spaces and farmlands of the Highveld following the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park.

After breakfast we depart for the open spaces and farmlands of the Highveld, following the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, one of the most scenic drives in South Africa. We follow the spectacular rim of the Blyde River Canyon, an amazing 20-mile long and 2,300-foot-deep gorge cutting a vast swathe through the Great Escarpment separating the temperate grasslands of the highveld and the drier savannah beyond. Deep circular rock formations created by years of erosion and many excellent vantage points offer superb photo opportunities for some of the most breath-taking views in Africa.

Our hotel for the next three nights is beautifully located in the midst of lush forest on the banks of the Sabie River on the edge of the National Park. Dinner is included tonight.

• Scenic drive along the Panorama Route

Day 4: Kruger Game Drive

Look out for the elusive cheetah on a guided safari through Kruger National Park, in specially adapted 10 seat 4x4 vehicles.

Today we have a full day’s game drive in specially adapted 10 seat 4x4 vehicles. Experience areas of sweeping savannah, bisected by rivers full of hippos, muddy waterholes lined with animals quenching their thirst, and the bush itself, studded by biscuit-coloured termite mounds. There is simply nothing to beat that rising feeling of anticipation and excitement as we enter the nearby park in the half-light of the spectacular African dawn, surrounded by the noise of a unique ‘dawn chorus.'

Which animal shall we spot first? Perhaps an elephant, a family of warthogs or possibly even the elusive cheetah. The experienced game rangers know the best tracks and waterholes whilst their stories will amuse, inform and fascinate you. Most have lived here all their lives, accumulating a vast wealth of knowledge.

• A guided safari through Kruger National Park

Day 5: Kruger Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore at leisure.

This is a day at leisure for anyone who just wants to take it easy by one of the pools at the hotel or do some hippo-spotting from the lovely lawn overlooking the river.

Alternatively, you could try river rafting (subject to weather conditions), as well as sunset safaris or night safaris where you can experience the unique thrill of an open 4x4 vehicle game drive by spotlight. Exclusively for Riviera Travel guests, there are also a limited number of places available to stay the night at a tented camp and go on a bushwalk.

Our camp provides a ‘glamping’ experience with comfortable beds, electricity and en-suite shower with WC. Our chef will create excellent wholesome cuisine and you can listen out for any nocturnal visitors whilst sitting around the campfire!

You re-join the main tour on the morning of day 6.

• Free time in Kruger

Day 6: Eswatini & Kwazulu Natal

Relax for a scenic drive through the beautiful country of Eswatini on our way to the battlefields of Zululand.

Eswatini

Today we leave Kruger and embark on a long coach journey to the historic battlefields in Kwa Zulu Natal – a journey that takes us through the small but scenically beautiful country of Eswatini. As the road climbs past the interestingly named Piggs Peak we descend through lush green fields and rolling hills interspersed with small farms and drive through the country’s small capital Mbabane, passing the parliament house and Royal Palace en route.

Kwazulu Natal

We cross back into South Africa in the afternoon entering Kwazulu Natal. This area is more remote and less populated, and as a result the accommodation here is more modest than what you will experience in other towns and cities on this tour. It is the history of this area that will truly enhance your visit to South Africa.

• Scenic drive through Eswatini

Day 7: Isandlwana & Rorke's Drift

Visit the battlefields of the Zulu Wars, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

Isandlwana

After breakfast we visit the battlefields of the Zulu Wars, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift – one a crushing British defeat sending shock waves throughout the Empire, the other a valiant stand of just 140 against 4,000 Zulus. Brilliantly dramatised in the films Zulu Dawn and Zulu, these two battles, just a day apart, became a defining moment for the British Empire.

In 1879 at Isandlwana, a depleted force of 1,300 were surprised and outmanoeuvred by a 20,000-strong Zulu army armed with cowhide shields and spears. Only a handful survived.

Rorke’s Drift

The next day just 9 miles away, about 140 British soldiers, some wounded, held off 4,000 Zulus for over ten hours at Rorke’s Drift, an action earning eleven Victoria Crosses, the largest number ever awarded in a single engagement. Isandlwana particularly, remains a haunting and lonely place, with mass graves marked by simple white stones. Our specialist Zulu guide will really make those desperate encounters come alive.

We return to our hotel in the afternoon. Lunch is included today.

• Visit the battlefields of the Zulu Wars
• Visit Isandlwana
• Visit Rorke’s Drift

Day 8: Knysna

Fly to George in the Western Cape and transfer to the coastal town of Knysna.

After breakfast we'll return to Johannesburg airport, flying to George in the Western Cape and at the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route, before the short drive to the Jewel of the Garden Route, Knysna.

Knysna sits within the unmatched beauty of the indigenous forests, miles of sandy beaches, rivers and lakes that border the town. There's also a picturesque lagoon which opens between two massive cliffs called The Heads. Standing on either head offers panoramic views over the lagoon to the mountains and out towards the ocean. The small but spirited town has a lovely harbour front lined with galleries, restaurants, cafés and shops. This evening, dinner is included.

• Fly to the Western Cape
• Stay at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays

Day 9: Featherbed Nature Reserve

Drive through Featherbed Nature Reserve in 4x4 vehicles and explore Knysna at leisure.

Featherbed Nature Reserve

Leaving our hotel this morning, we'll drive to Knysna where we'll take a ferry across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve - a privately-owned reserve in the middle of a scenic lagoon. We'll board 4x4 vehicles to explore the area.

Stopping at some magnificent viewpoints, our guide will describe the area’s fauna, flora, history and shipwrecks before an easy downhill guided walk and delicious buffet lunch under the canopy of the milkwood trees. (Note: Due to weather conditions over the winter period, departures between May and Aug will have lunch at a restaurant in Knysna).

Free time in Knysna

After taking the ferry back to Knysna, you will have some free time to explore this small town, with its numerous art galleries, craft shops and the Knysna Quays marina shopping complex.

Day 10: Hermanus

Take a scenic drive to the Cape’s Winelands before continuing to Hermanus. This morning, we take the long scenic drive to the Cape’s beautiful Winelands before continuing to Hermanus, a lovely town that’s also the world’s best spot for on-shore whale watching, usually between July and November. These gentle giants move in seemingly permanent slow motion and are a truly amazing sight as they playfully cavort in the water.

We stay two nights at the four-star Le Franschhoek hotel.

Day 11: Winelands

Tour the picturesque Winelands.

Winelands

Today we tour the awesomely beautiful Winelands. Set in a valley backed by majestic mountains, rows of manicured vines and orchards stretch into a distance studded by lime-washed, often thatched, 300-year-old wineries built in the unique Cape Dutch style, seemingly mirroring the undulations of the surrounding countryside.

Our first stop is elegant Stellenbosch, established 300 years ago and home of South Africa’s most prestigious university. Period buildings and historic streets reinforce the town’s dignified atmosphere. We have time to explore this delightful town before enjoying a fascinating cellar tour and tasting at the award-winning Neethlingshof Wine Estate.

Franschoek

After that, we visit the small town of Franschoek, set at the head of a valley. Tonight, we’ll enjoy an included Cape Malay buffet dinner at our hotel.

Day 12: Cape Town

Wander through the exotic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy some free time in Cape Town.

This morning we visit the amazing Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located just outside Cape Town and set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. These incredible gardens are some of the best in South Africa, with numerous and fascinating endemic flora and orchid varieties.

We soon arrive in Cape Town and our hotel, the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, staying three nights on bed-and-breakfast. It is located right in the centre of this bustling city within walking distance of the V&A waterfront.

The afternoon is spent at leisure when you can start to explore this beautiful city.

• Visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Free time in Cape Town
• Stay at Southern Sun Waterfront

Day 13: Cape of Good Hope

Discover Cape Point and the legendary Cape of Good Hope, then finish off with a visit to Boulders Beach.

This morning, we visit Cape Point and the legendary Cape of Good Hope, firstly driving past pristine beaches to the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay.

We continue along the breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, full of rugged seascapes, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, then on to Cape Point itself. We see the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents and the treacherous promontory of rocks and swells, the scourge of mariners for centuries.

Finally, we visit Boulders Beach and its penguin colony, returning to the city during the afternoon.

• Visit Cape Point
• Visit Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Visit Boulders Beach

Day 14: Free Day in Cape Town

Enjoy some free time in Cape Town - one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities.

Cape Town, featuring British, Dutch and Cape Malay influences, is simply one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities with so much to offer the visitor! You could do some bargain shopping at the Waterfront, followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch. Or maybe go peoplewatching at fashionable Camps Bay?

Obviously, no visit to Cape Town is complete without taking a revolving cable car ride to the top of iconic Table Mountain which has announced the city to generations of seafarers. The views are fabulous. You should also visit Robben Island (weather permitting and based on availability), where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27- year incarceration, and whose visitors since its opening have included Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates and even Nelson Mandela himself.

Perhaps though, simply wander where your feet take you, or relax a little, taking afternoon tea in beautiful colonial splendour at the Mount Nelson hotel – the choice is yours.

• Free time in Cape Town

Day 15: Journey home

Say goodbye and start your journey home.

Journey home details

Depending on your travel date and airline schedule, your flight home will either be via Johannesburg with an aircraft change or a direct flight from Cape Town.

Day 16: Arrive Home