Highlights of South Africa

Highlights of South Africa

This escorted tour blends a selection of South Africa’s quintessential experiences into a well-paced itinerary for lovers of wildlife, walks, and wine. Go on safari in a private Big-Five reserve, ascend Table Mountain by cable car, tour and taste your way around Cape Wineland vineyards, and admire the renowned scenery along Route 62.

What's Included:

• 4-star accommodation
• Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Small group size - average 10 people (max 18)
• International flights
• Internal flights as specified
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicle
• Experienced local tour manager
• 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 10 dinners
• Welcome drink to meet the group & guide
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Safari experiences included, as well as wine tasting

Day 1: Fly to Port Elizabeth

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg. (N)

Day 2: Port Elizabeth

Arrive in Port Elizabeth and stay overnight at The Beach Hotel (or similar). (D)

Day 3: Kariega Game Reserve (or similar)

Transfer to the Kariega Game Reserve. After lunch, join a late-afternoon safari drive within the reserve, rounded off with sundowners. Overnight at Kariega River Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 4: Kariega Game Reserve (or similar)

Board specialist safari vehicles for morning and late afternoon wildlife drives in the Kariega Game Reserve. Overnight at Kariega River Lodge or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Tsitsikamma & Knysna

After an early morning wildlife drive, head to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you can take a scenic walk and cross the suspension bridge that spans the gorge at the Storms River mouth. Then continue west to the coastal town of Knysna. Overnight at Knysna Hollow. (B, D)

Day 6: Knysna

Cruise across a stunning lagoon to the Knysna Heads aboard the John Benn, a classic boat named after a legendary harbour pilot. Then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Spend the following day at leisure, relaxing or joining an optional excursion. Overnight at Knysna Hollow (or similar). (B, D)

Day 7: Knysna

Day at leisure, relaxing or joining an optional excursion.

Day 8: Oudtshoorn

Drive to Oudtshoorn, known as the 'ostrich capital of the world'. Take a guided tour of the Cango Caves, one of Africa's most spectacular natural rock formations. Its vast network of tunnels and chambers, which extends for over 4 km, is adorned with delicate stalagmites and stalactites. Then enjoy lunch and an informative excursion to a working ostrich farm, where you will come face to face with the world's largest birds. Overnight at Swartberg Country Manor (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 9: Cape Winelands

Head out on an optional early morning meerkat adventure, continue along the scenic Route 62. Stop at the quirky town of Barrydale for lunch (payable locally). Stay 2 nights in the Winelands at the Devon Valley Hotel (or similar). (B, D)

Day 10: Cape Winelands

Spend a full day touring the Cape Winelands. After exploring the vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads, join a 4x4 wine-tasting safari, sampling the 'Big Five' grape varieties. Overnight at Devon Valley Hotel (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 11: Cape Winelands & Cape Town

Take a guided morning walk around Stellenbosch, including a visit to the village museum, which charts the history of the region. Transfer to Cape Town for an afternoon at leisure, followed by dinner at a local home in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, tasting authentic Cape Malay cuisine. Stay 2 nights at The Cape Milner (or similar). (B, D)

Day 12: Cape Town

Spend the day at leisure or join an optional full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Gold Restaurant this evening, accompanied by an interactive drumming experience. (B, D)

Day 13: Cape Town

Begin your final morning in spectacular fashion: ascending to the top of Table Mountain via cable car (weather permitting; excursion may take place on Day 11). Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, or extend your journey - perhaps with a visit to Victoria Falls or a beach stay in Mauritius. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London