South Africa: from wilderness to winelands

Johannesburg

Day 1: Welcome to Johannesburg!

Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your private driver, waiting to assist you with your luggage before taking you into the city. 

From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can check in and freshen up before a half-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto, and Newtown.

Your tour begins with a vibrant and intoxicating visit to the Newtown Cultural Precinct. A hotbed of protest-theatre, poetry and music during the apartheid era has turned into the heart and soul of Johannesburg’s cultural landscape. Embrace artistic expression from all walks of life.

Your Jozi adventure then moves to Soweto for a thought-provoking tour through the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial. Opened in 2002, the museum retraces the events that culminated in the student riots and the beginning of the collapse of the apartheid era.

Ohrigstad

Day 2: Discover the Beauty of South Africa Landscapes

Make your way towards the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes this morning. The seemingly endless river canyon offers some of the most beautifully scenic vistas in South Africa. 

The Bourke's Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and include intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. The canyon itself is 3rd largest in the world, covered in lush sub-tropical vegetation with an average depth of 750 m and a length of 25 km. 

It mostly consists of red sandstone and has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.

Makalali

Day 3: Game Drive through the Makalali Conservancy

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Makalali Conservancy. 

Ready to indulge your every wild whim, the Makalali Conservancy encourages guests to make the most of their time close to wildlife. Offering undulating hills and incredible viewpoints with panoramic scenes across the Lowveld acacia bush and savannah grassland. The name means ‘place of rest’. 

Makalali is a location to take a breather where guests can get closer to nature through wilderness walks, sleep-outs, and outdoor bush baths. 

On your afternoon game drive, you’ll look out for wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and rhinos.

Kruger

Day 4: Immerse Yourself in the African Bush

Rise for an early morning game drive and be excited by the prospect of not knowing what you will encounter. Each day will bring new sightings and this is the most exciting part.

Later, leave Makalali for Kruger National Park - synonymous with safari and globally renowned for the spectacular game viewing on offer.

Kruger National Park is one of few accessible regions where it’s possible to see the Big 5 - leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Beyond the Big 5 though, there are plenty of other animals to keep you entertained. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars and camera for the safari to capture the rare experience. 

Swaziland

Day 5: Bathe in the Culture of Swaziland

Today, you'll visit Matsamo Cultural Park, an educational cultural village offering visitors an introduction to the Swazi people, their culture and traditions.

The tour combines singing and dancing shows with an educational experience, highlighting the differences between Swazi and Western lifestyles and revealing why these differences have come about. 

Then, you'll traverse the mountains towards Piggs Peak, whose beautiful mountainous landscape is filled with sparkling waterfalls, three of the highest peaks in the Kingdom of Swaziland, Bushmen paintings, nature reserves, and picturesque indigenous bushland. 

Your final stop is the Ngwenya Glass Factory where you can see glassware masters at work. The village is also home to numerous other arts and crafts outlets, restaurants, cafés, and a children’s playground area, making for an ideal family outing.

Hluhluwe

Day 6: Discover the Majesty of Lavuisma

Embrace eco-tourism on a guided nature and wildlife walk at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

The reserve may be small but is considered a pioneer conservation area where diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Due to the relative absence of dangerous game, the sanctuary is ideal for walking safaris, where visitors can pass by herds of grazing antelope and soak up the distant views of the Nyonyane Mountain.

Then, you'll travel to Hluhluwe, admiring the contrasting landscape of Lavumisa while traversing Swaziland. Near the southern border post of Lavumisa, the Lubombo Mountains loom majestically in the near distance. This sweeping mountain range covers practically the entire eastern side of the country and forms the natural border between Swaziland and Mozambique.

Durban North Coast

Day 7: Head to the Durban North Coast

This morning, you'll embark on a 4x4 game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.

This 96 000 hectare reserve is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and boasts a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. The reserve is well-known for its black and white rhino conservation efforts and is also well stocked with a variety of antelope species.

This picturesque reserve has a number of excellent viewing hides that overlook the watering holes, allowing visitors the opportunity of close-up wildlife viewing.

Then, you'll continue to take in the beat of Zulu drums at the DumaZulu Cultural Village. Experience the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of Africa, taste Zulu beer, and discover the rich cultural significance of the tribe's famous beadwork, weaving and pottery at this informative and authentic cultural village in Hluhluwe.

Cape Town

Day 8: Immerse Yourself in the Atmosphere of Cape Town

What should you get up to upon arrival in Cape Town? Why not go up the Table Mountain by cable car to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. Visit the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or take in some African Art at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. 

If you’re wanting to stay outdoors, you should hike Lion’s Head or have a beach day on one of Clifton’s 5 beaches. If retail therapy is more your thing, do some shopping at the Old Biscuit Mill or Waterfront.

In the afternoon, climb aboard a hydrofoil and look for marine life in the ecosystem of Table Bay on a 2-hour eco-tour from Cape Town. See species in their natural surroundings. Admire humpback and southern right whales, depending on the season. Get the chance to watch pods of dolphins breaching close to the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays.

Cape Town

Day 9: Taste the Flavours of Stellenbosch

Evoke unique flavor sensations with a chocolate and wine tasting at Waterford Wine Estate, nestled within the scenic Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch.

This relatively young vineyard has already been noted for its exciting wines and the 120-hectare property is dotted with fragrant citrus groves and lavender fields as well as its flagship vineyards. Your wine and chocolate tasting is guaranteed to be a heavenly affair.

Then, wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture, and historic buildings. The town with its many sidewalk cafés, and a buzzy student vibe is perfect to explore on foot.

Cape Town

Day 10: Marvel at the Majesty of the Region

Embark on a boat cruise to Duiker Island this morning, an island that is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals as well as a variety of seabirds including gannets, cormorants and seagulls.

Then, head for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognized globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora, a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs.

Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach, one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans.

End with a mind-blowing gastronomic experience at the GOLD Restaurant. This Pan-African experience melds African culinary traditions with modern flavors, serving up a sophisticated African feast that changes seasonally. 

Cape Town

Day 11: Say Farewell to South Africa

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this region of South Africa has to offer. 

The luxury and comfort of its lodgings and the majesty of its natural beauty as well as the people and their hospitality that make the country that it is.

At an arranged time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg before your international flight home.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!