In the arranging and operating of variable sized tours in Southern Africa, with set itineraries and frequent departures, Thompsons Africa leads the field. These packaged holidays offer something special, unique and memorable. Our tours have been operating since 1997 and we proudly claim that our service cannot be beaten.
Our signature product, ‘fully guided’ means what it says: we do all the work, you relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that you are in capable and experienced hands.
A World In One Country
14 Days | 2 Countries
From: ZAR 41 500 per person sharing
Johannesburg > Mpumalanga > Eswatini > Zululand > Durban > Port Elizabeth > Knysna > Oudtshoorn > Franschhoek > Cape Town
Journey Inclusions:
13 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 3 Dinners
Accommodation | Transportation
Porterage | Sightseeing as specified
Journey Exclusions:
Flight cost: Durban (Umhlanga) > Port Elizabeth
(DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8. Please book flights to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09h00.
Tour departs from Port Elizabeth between 10h00 – 10h30 on Day 8.
NOTES
INDULGE IN THE FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION
See itinerary for details.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through Swaziland. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Swaziland.
2020 ENGLISH DEPARTURE DATES:
All departures are in English on dates below.
5,12,19,26 Jan
2,9,16,23 Feb
1,8,15,22,29 Mar
5,12,19,26 Apr
3,10,17,24,31 May
7,14,21,28 Jun
5,12,19,26 Jul
2,9,16,23,30 Aug
6,13,20,27 Sep
4,11,18,25 Oct
1,8,15,22,29 Nov
6,13 Dec
Day 1 (Sunday) Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure & unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or simply relax at your hotel. At 19h00 we will meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travellers.
Protea Hotel Wanderers (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 35 kms
Day 2 (Monday) Johannesburg > Mpumalanga [B]
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as ‘Paradise Country’. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 425 kms
Day 3 (Tuesday) Mpumalanga [B]
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax.
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 320 kms
Day 4 (Wednesday) Mpumalanga [PB]
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle safari (with English speaking game ranger) through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game. The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional & for own account).
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 120 kms
Day 5 (Thursday) Mpumalanga > ESWATINI (Swaziland) [BLD]
This morning we travel to Eswatini, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for overnight in Eswatini.
Royal Swazi Sun (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 310 kms
Day 6 (Friday) ESWATINI (Swaziland) > Zululand [B]
After breakfast we will continue south through Eswatini, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (optional and for own account with an English speaking game ranger) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region.
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
Day 7 (Saturday) Zululand > Durban [B]
This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favourable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga).
Protea Hotel Umhlanga (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 275 kms
Day 8 (Sunday) Durban (Umhlanga) > Knysna [BD]
After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where we will be met by our representative and once everyone has arrived, we set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). We’ll arrive at our hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Overnight in Knysna.
Rex Hotel (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 360 kms
Day 9 (Monday) Knysna [BL]
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where we can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch under the milkwood trees. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon.
Rex Hotel (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 15 kms
Day 10 (Tuesday) Knysna > Oudtshoorn [BL]
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘ostrich capital’ and the centre of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. We’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (for own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Hlangana Lodge (standard room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 210 kms
DAY 11 (Wednesday) OUDTSHOORN > CAPE TOWN [B]
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue straight through to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. (The tour will travel via Franschhoek, if there are guests booked on the Franschhoek option) . Overnight in Cape Town.
President Hotel (standard mountain facing room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 468 kms
Day 12 (Thursday) Cape Town [BD]
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at a local restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town.
President Hotel (standard mountain facing room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 10 kms
Day 13 (Friday) Cape Town [B]
Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We’ll return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Overnight in Cape Town.
President Hotel (standard mountain facing room) or similar
Distance travelled today: 200 kms
Day 14 (Saturday) Cape Town [B]
Enjoy some last minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for own account and time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbour or railway station for your onward journey.
If you’ve always dreamed of experiencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will have the opportunity to maximise your experience at picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality and fine wines.
FRANSCHHOEK WINELANDS OPTION
From ZAR 3 995 per person sharing twin/double accommodation and R 5 025 per single person.
Rates are valid 01 Jan ‘20 – 31 Dec ‘20 as a supplement to the tour price: Accommodation based on Protea Hotel Franschhoek or similar (the option is subject to availability at the time of booking)
DAY 11 (Wednesday) OUDTSHOORN > FRANSCHHOEK [B]
There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Overnight in Franschhoek.
Protea Hotel Franschhoek or similar
DAY 12 (Thursday) FRANSCHHOEK > CAPE TOWN [B]
After a leisurely breakfast, your story telling guide will take you through Franschhoek village, sharing with you the fascinating history of the French Huguenots and the Huguenot Memorial Museum. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll be rejoining the main tour.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Enhance the journey with optional excursions on the tour, available for pre-booking, subject to minimum of 2 people travelling:
Rates valid 01 Jan 2020 – 31 Dec 2020
Day 1 – Sunday – Johannesburg – Afternoon Soweto Tour – Priced from R 840 per person
Soweto is unlike any suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African story.
Day 4 – Wednesday – Kruger National Park – Afternoon Open Vehicle Safari – Priced from R 840 per person
For the wildlife enthusiasts a second open vehicle safari in one of the world’s most renowned game reserves.
Day 6 – Friday – Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park – Afternoon Open Vehicle – Priced from R 870 per person
Enjoy an afternoon, 3 hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
Day 11 – Wednesday – Oudtshoorn – Early Morning Meerkat Safari – Priced from R 800 per person
There is an option to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting & subject to availability at the time of booking).
Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today to make a booking.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za
Tel: +27 31 275 3500
https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us
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