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Bus trip through the ‘Fascinating South Africa’

From€ 3660/ per person
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General information
Do you want to see all the highlights without having to drive yourself? Then this is the perfect tour for you! In a small group you travel through South Africa by minibus under the guidance of an expert guide. This guide will tell you everything about the places and sights you visit.
The tour consists of two parts. The first part starts and ends in Johannesburg. During this part you will see the beautiful Drakensberg, continue to St. Lucia and the Hluhluwe Park, where you will search for, among other things, rhinos. Then you drive through eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), where you learn a lot about the colorful culture of this small country, to the iconic Kruger Park. You will of course make a number of game drives here. Finally, the well-known Panorama route cannot be missed. You drive back to Johannesburg and fly to George together.

The second part of this trip starts in George. You can also visit the highlights on the Garden Route! Wilderness, Tsitsikamma and Knysna are not missing. But you also leave the coast to visit Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. In addition, there is Hermanus, the wine region where you can taste the wines that South Africa is so famous for. You end with the Cape Peninsula.

 

You travel in a small group of maximum 10 people. Everyone has a guaranteed window location. Many meals are included. In the travel schedule you can see exactly which meals are and which are not included.

Please note: you stay in comfortable lodges and camps. However, the Skukuza Restcamp in Kruger National Park is basic. Would you like to stick a stay in Cape Town on your trip? This is no problem, ask us about the possibilities!

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Specifications

7923
From€ 3660/ per person
20days
South Africa
Johannesburg
Cape Town
  • Transfer from Johannesburg airport to the first accommodation in Pretoria
  • Transport in 16 seater minibus (maximum 10 people) with air conditioning
  • Professional English or German speaking guide (depending on the departure date)
  • 19 overnight stays in the mentioned accommodations or similar
  • 19x breakfast, 4x lunch and 10x dinner
  • Activities according to program
  • Entrance fees and Conservation fees for National Parks and Game Reserves
  • Domestic flight from Johannesburg to George
  • The prices of this tour are based on a stay in double rooms. Are you going with more or fewer people? Then ask about the discount or surcharge
  • Intercontinental flights and possible visa
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Not mentioned meals
  • Drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses and fees
minibus with private driver
Lodge, Guesthouse
Comfort
Yes
Dagprogramma
Travel schedule -

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: Johannesburg – Pretoria

Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be picked up and taken to Pretoria. Please note: if you are flying with KLM, we will book an extra night prior to your trip for you. In this case this is day two of your trip.

You will be brought to your accommodation for the night and you can freshen up and relax before it is time for a city tour through Pretoria. You will visit the Union Building, the Voortrekker Monument Museum and learn more about the history of South Africa. In the evening you can dine optionally with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Avalon Guesthouse
Included activity: transfer from Johannesburg to Pretoria, city tour Pretoria
Distance: 50 km, approx. 1 hour’s drive.

Day 2: Pretoria – Drakensberg (B, D)

After breakfast and a short briefing about the tour, you are on your way. You leave Pretoria and head south. You stop in the picturesque town of Clarens for an optional lunch.

Then you drive through Golden Gate National Park, where you will catch the first glimpses of the South African mountains, to Royal Natal National Park. Your accommodation for the next two nights is close by! Enjoy the tranquility and the spectacular views!

After dinner you can sit comfortably by the roaring fire and read a book or enjoy a drink.

Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge
Included activity: visit Clarens and Golden Gate National Park
Distance: 500 km, approx. 6-7 hours’ drive.

Day 3: Drakensberg (B, L, D)
Today is all about outdoor activities. You can take various walking tours and admire the rock paintings of the San and / or try to spot the impressive Cape Vulture. This impressive animal has a wingspan of no less than 255 cm! In the wild there are only about 8,000 vultures and here you certainly have the best chance to spot them.

From the highest point you have a fantastic view over the Drakensberg and Sterkfontein Dam and even the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho. But you can also choose to go horse riding (optional). Experience is not necessary, you can make beautiful trips both as a beginner and as an experienced rider.
Accommodation: Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge
Included activity: walks
Optional activity: horse riding

 

Day 4: Drakensberg – St. Lucia (B, L)

After breakfast you leave the mountains and drive to the Battlefields and visit Blood River Monument and Ncome Museum. These sights are separated by a river where on December 16, 1838 one of the bloodiest battles in South African history was fought between the Voortrekkers and the Zulu’s.
After lunch you continue on through the rolling hills of Kwazulu Natal and finally to St. Lucia. In the evening you can optionally dine in a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Forest Lodge
Included activity: visit Blood River Monument and Ncome Museum
Distance: 600 km, 8-9 hours.

Day 5: iSimangaliso Wetland Park (B, L)
Time to go on a safari! iSimangaliso Wetland Park was until 2007 still known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. Animals that you can find here are rhinos, waterbuck, buffalo and large herds of kudu. With a little luck, you can even spot leopards here.

You stop at various viewpoints from where you have a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. If you travel during the ‘whale season’ (South African winter months), you may be lucky enough to see a whale from one of the viewpoints. You will eventually continue to Cape Vidal and end your game drive with a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

In the afternoon you take a boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary. Hippos, crocodiles and various water birds live here.

Accommodation: Forest Lodge
Included activity: game drive, boat cruise
Distance: 120 km, approx. 2 hours’ drive and game drives.

 

Day 6: St. Lucia – Hluhluwe – Pongola Game Reserve (B, D)
An early start today, because you have a busy schedule! Today’s first stop is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Southern Africa and is particularly known for the rhino project. Both black and white rhinos live here. But besides rhinos you can also meet the other four members of the Big Five here during game drives.

After an optional lunch at the Hilltop Camp, you slowly drive back to the gate. Of course you can still enjoy a game drive en route. The next destination and your final destination today is one of South Africa’s oldest game reserves, namely Pongola Game Reserve. You have the accommodation in which you stay entirely to yourself (and your fellow travelers of course). While enjoying a refreshing drink you can see the sunset and the beautiful views.

Accommodation: White Elephant Bush Camp
Included activity: game drives Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
Distance: 200 km, 3-hour drive and game drives

Day 7: Pongola Game Reserve – Mbabane (B, D)

Another early start today. You leave early in the morning for a walk through the bush. This is really an absolute must when staying at White Elephant Bush Camp! A professional guide will guide you in the bush. You start looking for wild animals and try to approach them on foot (to a safe distance of course). It is a completely different experience to approach the animals on foot than when you are in a safari vehicle. After the walk, enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. After breakfast you drive to your next destination: the small kingdom of eSwatini. Until recently the name of this small country was Swaziland. You will visit the Mantenga Cultural Village and gain more insight into the culture of the Swazis.
During dinner tonight you and your guide can look into the possibilities for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Foresters Arms
Included activity: bush walk, visit Mantenga Cultural Village
Distance: 250 km, approximately 4-5 hours’ drive.

Day 8: Mbabane and surrounding (B, D)

Today’s program depends on what you discussed with your guide during dinner last night evening. Beautiful landscapes, friendly people and a rich culture await you! Activities you can choose from include a tour through Mlilwane Wildlife Reserve by mountain bike, horse or on foot (all optional), a visit to colorful markets, a candle factory or glassmaking.
Accommodation: Foresters Arms
Optional activity: visit Mlilwane Wildlife reserve by mountain bike, horse or on foot, visit to local market, candle factory and glassworks.

Day 9: Mbabane – Kruger National Park (B, D)

After breakfast you leave eSwatini and enter South Africa again. It’s time for a safari again! You are going to the world famous Kruger National Park! In addition to large herds of elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards, you will also find 150 other animal species, more than 500 different bird species and around 100 different reptile species. In the afternoon you go on a game drive and try to spot as many animals as possible.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp (note: this camp is basic)
Comprehensive activity: game drive
Distance: 200 km, approx. 4 hours’ drive and game drives

Day 10: Kruger National Park (B, D)

The entire day is all about game drives in the Kruger National Park. Wildlife is particularly active in the early morning and at the end of the afternoon / beginning of the evening. So you get up early this day for a game drive. Then you have the rest of the day to relax. At the start of the evening there is a special activity on the program, namely an evening game drive. You will look for the nocturnal animals under the guidance of an expert ranger from the park. You suddenly experience a completely different world. You see animals that you do not see during the day and you hear sounds that you do not hear during the day. This makes an evening game drive a beautiful and exciting experience!

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp
Included activity: morning game drive and evening game drive

Day 11: Kruger National Park – Hazyview (B, D)

This morning you have the choice: you can sleep late or you can optionally join a walk through the bush. After breakfast you go on a game drive one more time before you leave the park and drive to Hazyview. After arrival at your accommodation you have the rest of the day at your leisure. You can relax in your accommodation or take a walk through the green garden.
Accommodation: Hamilton Parks Country Lodge
Included activity: game drive
Optional activity: bush walk
Distance: 70 km, approx. 1-2 hours’ drive and game drives.

 

Day 12: Panoramaroute (B, D)

You will discover the iconic Panorama Route all day long! Viewpoints such as God’s Window, from which you have a panoramic view of the lowveld and Kruger National Park in the distance, are on the program. You make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. Also enjoy the views of the impressive Blyde River Canyon. You will return to your accommodation at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Hamilton Parks Country Lodge
Included activity: full day excursion to the Panorama route
Distance: 250 km, approx. 4 hours’ drive.

Day 13: Hazyview – Johannesburg – Wilderness (B)
After a nice breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to leave Mpumalanga behind. Today you drive back to Johannesburg. You check in for your flight to George. This flight is included in the price and you fly to George together! You will be met at George Airport and taken to your accommodation in Wilderness. After you have checked in you can relax and recover from your trip. Your accommodation has direct access to a sandy beach and you can take a long beach walk this afternoon.

In the evening you can dine together with your fellow travelers and your guide in a local restaurant (optional). The restaurant offers beautiful sea views!

Accommodation: Mes Amis Guest House
Included activity: transfer, beach walk

Day 14: Wilderness (B)
Today you have the entire day at your leisure. Take another beach walk or walk one of the walking routes through the park. Your guide will be happy to accompany you! Or you can relax in the lodge, read a good book or take a refreshing dip in the sea. With a bit of luck you may see dolphins off the coast.

In the evening you can again enjoy a delicious dinner (not included).

Accommodation: Mes Amis Guest House
Included activity: walks

Day 15: Wilderness – Tsitsikamma National Park (B)
You will leave for Knysna after breakfast. Together with your guide you will explore this charming town that has a beautiful location on the lagoon. The impressive Knysna Heads protect the entrance to the tranquil lagoon of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a beautiful view of Knysna from the East Head.

Via Nature’s Valley you continue to Tsitsikamma National Park. At the Storms River Mouth you will find the popular Suspension Bridge, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. You can walk to the bridge yourself or you can walk the start of the famous Otter Trail. You will arrive at your accommodation at the end of the afternoon.
Accommodation: At the Woods Guest House
Included activity: visit Knysna and Tsitsikamma, walk Tsitsikamma
Distance: 150 km, approximately 2-3 hours.

 

Day 16: Storms River – Oudtshoorn (B, D)

After a good breakfast you will leave the coast behind for the time being. Via Route 62 you drive to Oudtshoorn, located in the Klein Karoo. You visit the famous Cango Caves. 10,000 years ago this cave system was inhabited by the San. Today you can make different tours through the caves.

Accommodation: Thabile Lodge
Included activity: visit Cango Caves

Day 17: Oudtshoorn – Hermanus (B)
Oudtshoorn is particularly known for its many ostrich farms. In the morning you make a tour at an ostrich farm and learn interesting things about the birds, but you also learn more about what these animals are bred for. Then you return to the coast. The next destination is Hermanus. There are many whales here in the months of June to November. You can even see them here from the coast! This is the only place in South Africa where it is broadcast on the coast when a whale is spotted. But even outside the whale season, it is worth visiting this place.

Accommodation: Nantucket Guest House
Included activity: ostrich farm tour
Distance: 400 km, approx. 5 hours’ drive.

Day 18: Hermanus – Stellenbosch (B)
Cliff Path is available during the whale season. You have a beautiful view of Walker Bay and are therefore a perfect place to spot the whales. You can also optionally take a boat trip. Then it’s time to explore the world-famous wine region. Stellenbosch is your next destination. Along the way you will stop at a penguin colony.

In Stellenbosch you take a city tour before driving a beautifully situated wine farm. You will of course enjoy a wine tasting. In the evening you can dine in one of the fantastic restaurants of Stellenbosch (optional).
Accommodation: Auberge Rozendal
Included activity: hike Hermanus, visit Stellenbosch, wine tasting.

 

Day 19: Stellenbosch – Cape Peninsula (B, L)

The day starts with a visit to a typical Cape farmhouse, located at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. After a few days in which you have driven a lot, it is time to get active. Walk to the viewpoint from where you have a beautiful view of False Bay and Table Mountain.

After a surprising lunch, drive along the beautiful coastline to the Cape Peninsula. You will spend the coming night in the peaceful village of Noordhoek.

Accommodation: De Noordhoek Lifestyle Hotel
Included activity: walk
Distance: 60 km, approx. 1 hours drive

Day 20: Cape Peninsula – Cape of Good Hope – Cape Town (B)

After breakfast you make a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. The rugged rocks of Cape of Good Hope used to be the first view for the skippers after the long journey from Europe. At the end of the afternoon you drive to the center of Cape Town, where your tour ends. We advise you to stay an extra few days in Cape Town. We are happy to book a hotel for you.
Departure dates -
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Prices per person based on 2 travellers

Contact us for a proposal in case you are travelling with more or less travellers and/or kids.

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