Best of South Africa

Best of South Africa Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Cape Town

  Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Cape Town.

• Day 2: Cape Town

  On arrival the following day, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

• Day 3: Cape Town

  Wake this morning to embark on a full-day tour around the Cape Peninsula. Leaving Cape Town behind, join one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world; Chapmans Peak Drive, affording exquisite panoramic views. Next, visit Boulders Beach in Simons Town; part of a marine protected area and home to a breeding colony of over 2,000 endangered African penguins. The Cape Point Nature Reserve awaits at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula. A declared world heritage site, the area affords dramatic scenery and extensive views where the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean meet in harmony. Lastly, stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Unveiling sounds, colours, and aromas of the natural environment, the meticulously maintained gardens trace the history of the region and celebrate the botanical diversity of the Western Cape. Arrive back in Cape Town in time for dinner.

• Day 4: Cape Town

  This morning, enjoy a tour of Cape Town. Alongside high-rise office blocks, a harmonious blend of architectural styles has been meticulously preserved, including Edwardian, Victorian and Cape Dutch. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic character of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan ambience. During the tour you will see the Castle of Good Hope – this pentagon-shaped fort is the oldest surviving building in South Africa, and the Company’s Garden. The tour of this beautiful city introduces you to a rich culture and history. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, or take an optional excursion (payable locally) including a helicopter ride over Cape Town and Table Mountain, or visit Robben Island (payable locally) where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, or take the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and enjoy some magnificent views!

• Day 5: Cape Town

  Today, tour the breathtaking Cape Winelands, first stopping at the town of Franschhoek, then onto Stellenbosch. South Africa’s wine industry was first developed by French Huguenots who bought their wines with them and settled in Franschhoek in the 17th century. The reputation of South African wines flourished across the globe in the centuries that followed, even Napoleon had wine shipped to him during his exile in the 19th century. Take some time to explore these delightful towns before enjoying a wine tasting of ‘new-world’ wines.

• Day 6: Cape Town to Knysna

  Take a scenic drive into the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route. Stop of at Hermanus, a popular fishing and holiday village, and Swellendam, a colourful agricultural town surrounded by mountains. Drive further along the coastline and arrive at the picturesque coastal, Knysna. This historic logging town is hemmed in between the Knysna Lagoon and the mountainous Knysna Forest.

• Day 7: Knysna

  This morning, take a ferry across Knysna lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve taking in views of the imposing Knysna Heads. Explore the nature reserve with a guided walk and 4x4 trailer drive seeking out Blue Duiker, Knysna Loerie and the rare African Oyster Catcher.

• Day 8: Knysna to Port Elizabeth

  Depart for Tsitsikamma National Park, a breathtaking section of South Africa’s famed Garden Route, renowned for its lush indigenous forests, rugged mountains, and dramatic coastline where the Indian Ocean meets sheer cliffs. Wander beneath towering yellowwood trees, listen to the calls of exotic birdlife, and take in panoramic views from suspension bridges over the Storms River. After a day immersed in this unspoiled natural wonder, travel to Port Elizabeth for your afternoon flight to Johannesburg, continuing on to your hotel in Centurion.

• Day 9: Port Elizabeth to Kruger

  After breakfast, enjoy a guided orientation tour of Pretoria, fondly known as the Jacaranda City, and discover its rich blend of Afrikaans and African heritage. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Voortrekker Monument, Church Square, and the historic Paul Kruger House, each offering a glimpse into South Africa’s past and present. Admire the grandeur of the Union Buildings, the official seat of government, with their sweeping city views, terraced indigenous gardens, and striking statue of Nelson Mandela. In the afternoon, travel to Kruger National Park, where you’ll settle in at Hippo Hollow Country Estate for dinner and the night.

• Day 10: Kruger National Park

  An early morning start allows you to take advantage of the best time to enter the national park on what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. Kruger is one of the biggest, oldest and quite simply one of the best wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of more than 19 square kilometres, Kruger boasts vast landscapes and the greatest variety of animals including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as giraffe, cheetah, hippos and many species of antelope and smaller animals. Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, you will tour specific areas of the park in an open-sided vehicle offering the very best safari experience with a clear view of the game from an elevated position.

• Day 11: Kruger National Park

  Today is at leisure alternatively, or alternately take part in one of our optional excursions (at a fee) including a second 4x4 experience into Kruger.

• Day 12: Kruger to Johannesburg

  Today, travel along the magnificent Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most stunning scenic drives. Climbing high into the cliff tops witness the fresh mountain scenery and sweeping views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment at the start of one of the world’s largest canyons; the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon. With awe-inspiring vistas, the route passes natural landmarks such as the spectacular peaks of the Three Rondavels. Continue to Johannesburg for your overnight stay.

• Day 13: Johannesburg to UK

  Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city, with a stop at the Apartheid Museum for a fascinating insight into South Africa's cultural struggles. Later in the afternoon, head to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK.