Journey from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park via Soweto

Soweto - The first stop is Soweto, specifically at Nelson Mandela House on Vilakazi Street. This street is unique as it once housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners. Nelson Mandela’s former home is now a museum, while Archbishop Desmond Tutu still resides there. In front of Mandela House, now a museum, stands a sculpture of two bulls. After visiting Mandela House, the journey continues to Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park - Upon arrival at Kruger National Park, guests check into the hotel for the night.

Kruger National Park Game Drive and Departure to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Kruger National Park - Located in northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It boasts a high density of wildlife, including the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. Numerous other mammals and diverse bird species, such as vultures, eagles, and storks, also inhabit the park. The landscape features mountains, bush plains, and tropical forests. Covering nearly 2 million hectares, it offers an unparalleled diversity of life forms alongside historical and archaeological sites, embodying the essence of Africa. Kruger National Park provides a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa.

A 4x4 game drive is enjoyed at Kruger National Park. Afterwards, the journey continues to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Game Drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and Departure to Durban in the Afternoon

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Recognized as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is celebrated for its exceptional natural beauty and unique global significance. This vast protected area is located along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province. Its centerpiece, Lake St. Lucia, is home to numerous hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, and flamingos.

A self-drive game drive is undertaken in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Departure is in the afternoon, heading towards Durban.

Durban Mini City Tour and Visit to Drakensberg Mountains via Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Durban - After breakfast, a mini tour of Durban is conducted. Known as South Africa’s Surf City, Durban is part of the greater eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and is renowned for its Golden Mile, a stretch of some of the safest swimming beaches in South Africa. Since 2010, the view from the Golden Mile includes the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with a brick-paved promenade stretching north to Blue Lagoon and south to Addington Beach. Durban’s beachfront promenade is frequented by early morning joggers, cyclists, pram-pushing moms, dog-walking seniors, and city dwellers who enjoy the fresh, salt-laden morning breeze.

Howick Falls - From Durban, the journey continues inland to Howick Falls en route to the Drakensberg Mountains. The view from the top of Howick Falls is particularly inspiring, with the waterfall cascading 95 meters into a restless pool, regarded by local Zulus with superstition and believed to be the dwelling place of ancestral spirits.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site - A short distance from Howick Falls, a stop is made at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick. Nelson Mandela was arrested on August 5, 1962, outside Howick, Natal, South Africa, and spent the next 27 years in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this historical moment with a visitor center and a renowned sculpture.

Drakensberg Mountains - From the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, the journey continues through the beautiful Midlands Meander area, with its stunning valleys and hills, towards the Drakensberg. Arrival at the Drakensberg is around midday, followed by hiking activities ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on fitness level and preference. The Drakensberg region is extraordinary, with its dramatically beautiful setting. This region is home to the awe-inspiring mountain range, predominantly located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Drakensberg Mountain range spans over 200 kilometers, combining rugged peaks with verdant valleys and spectacular backdrops. It forms a natural border between the kingdom of Lesotho and the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Overnight accommodation is provided in the Drakensberg Region.

Travel from Drakensberg to the South Coast for Overnight in Port Edward

Margate - A stopover for lunch is made in Margate or Port Shepstone, with an opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches before proceeding to Port Edward.

Port Edward - Port Edward is a charming resort town located on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It lies north of the Mtamvuna Gorge, which includes the Mtamvuna River and serves as the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. It is situated on the R61 road between Port Shepstone and Lusikisiki.

Port Edward to East London via Mthatha and Eastern Cape

East London - East London is renowned for its long, white sandy beaches that attract surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike. The beaches here are among the finest in the world, with Nahoon Reef being a surfer’s paradise and host to international surfing competitions. East London’s easy access to other areas, such as the Wild Coast and the Amatola Mountains, makes it a popular destination. Accommodation is checked into, and a relaxed afternoon is spent on East London’s beautiful beaches.

East London to Port Alfred to Port Elizabeth to Jeffreys Bay

Port Alfred - After breakfast, departure from East London leads to Port Alfred, one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal towns. In Port Alfred, the Kowie River is visited, with optional boat rides available. Departure from Port Alfred follows lunch, heading towards Port Elizabeth. Known as the “Friendly City,” Port Elizabeth is located on the southeastern coast, 763 km east of Cape Town.

Addo Elephant National Park - From East London, the journey continues to Addo Elephant National Park in search of the Big 5. On a good day, a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, zebra, kudu, lions, giraffes, and more, can be spotted. Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest game reserve in South Africa.

Jeffreys Bay to Bloukrans Bridge to Plettenberg Bay to Knysna

Bloukrans Bridge - Departure from Jeffreys Bay after breakfast leads to Bloukrans Bridge in the Tsitsikamma National Park area. Here, there is an opportunity to experience a bungy jump, the world’s highest jump at 216 meters. A stop is made at the viewpoint to admire this spectacular site, with an optional bungy jump available.

Plettenberg Bay - The tour continues from Bloukrans Bridge to Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett” as it is popularly known. A stopover for lunch (optional) is made in Plettenberg Bay, followed by a brief tour. The journey then proceeds to Knysna, arriving around 1 pm.

Knysna Heads - In Knysna, the Knysna Heads are visited. These sandstone cliffs separate the Knysna Lagoon from the sea beyond and are a famous landmark along the renowned Garden Route. The eastern head is easily accessible by car and offers spectacular viewpoints overlooking the channel, Indian Ocean, Knysna Lagoon and estuary, and the Outeniqua Mountains.

The Waterfront Knysna Quays - A visit to the Waterfront Knysna Quays is made to watch the sunset and enjoy drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. The Waterfront is a laid-back extension of Knysna, offering scenic views of the harbor with numerous yachts. A variety of dining options, from cafes to fine restaurants, are available, allowing for 2-3 hours of enjoyment. Boat rides on the lagoon can also be booked, and a wide selection of shops with souvenirs and trinkets is available.

Knysna to Benguela Cove Wine Estate to Hermanus

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate - After breakfast, the journey begins towards Hermanus, with a major stop at Benguela Cove Wine Estate for a world-class wine tasting experience. Each participant gets to taste five different wines.

Hermanus - From Benguela Cove Wine Estate, the journey continues to Hermanus, arriving in the afternoon. In Hermanus, the beaches and the new harbor are visited. During whale season, there are numerous opportunities to spot whales from the many vantage points along Hermanus’ elevated rocky coastline, known as the best land-based viewing point in the world for whale-watching.

Hermanus to Betty’s Bay to Cape Town along the Whale Coast

Betty’s Bay - From Hermanus, the final day’s journey travels along the Whale Coast. The first stop is in Betty’s Bay to see African Penguins. The journey then continues to Cape Town, driving along the coast. This part of the route is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, white sandy beaches, majestic mountains, rich plant diversity, and excellent wines. During whale season, there are several opportunities to spot whales from the numerous vantage points along Hermanus’ elevated rocky coastline, known as the best land-based viewing point in the world for whale-watching.

• 9 Nights Hotel/Lodge Accommodation
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Wine Tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate
• Kruger National Park Safari
• 4 x 4 Game Drive
• Visit to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site
• Encounter with African Penguins
• Daily Breakfast Included
• Exploration of the Garden Route
• Option to Experience the World’s Highest Bungy Jump

This is the best of South Africa. Experience Africa like never before on a 10-day trip that will leave you breathless. Discover the Kruger National Park, one of the biggest in Africa with the big 5. Discover the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site in the Northern KZN. Then visit Durban the most popular holiday destination for local South Africans with its warm beaches and wonderful other features such as the Victoria Market which is full of Indian spices and other local herbs. Then visit the Drakensberg Mountain Region, this is extraordinary, thanks to the dramatically beautiful setting. From the Drakensberg we head to the Wild Coast before embarking on the exhilarating Garden Route that finally takes us to Cape Town, one of 10 most beautiful cities in the world.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.