Grand Tour of South Africa

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL SOUTH AFRICA

On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Protea Hotel Wanderers for your overnight accommodation including breakfast.

DAY 2 - JOHANNESBURG - THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Depart Johannesburg and travel across the Gauteng Highveld descending into the subtropical Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, towards the world famous Kruger National Park. Overnight at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate Lodge including breakfast and dinner. (BD)

DAY 3 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Begin the day with an early morning game drive into the Kruger National Park. Optional 4x4 open safari vehicles for your game drives are available. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon in good time for sundowner drinks and dinner. Overnight at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate Lodge including breakfast and dinner. (BD)

DAY 4 - KRUGER - SWAZILAND

Today drive to the independent and majestic Kingdom of Swaziland. Overnight at Forresters Arms Hotel including breakfast and dinner. (BD)

DAY 5 - SWAZILAND - ST LUCIA

Today visit one of the local markets and the Swazi Candle factory and meet the artisans. Continue through the small land -locked country before re-entering South Africa where the warm welcome of the locals awaits you in the Kingdom of the Zulus in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. Travel on to your hotel situated near the entrance to Isimangiliso, South Africa's first World Heritage Site (the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park). Overnight at the Elephant Lake Hotel including breakfast. (B)

DAY 6 - ST LUCIA - HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE

Today there is a choice of optional activities including morning or afternoon game drives in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, an Eco cruise on Lake St Lucia, guided nature walks or a visit to the Crocodile & Snake Park. Overnight at the Elephant Lake Hotel including breakfast. (B)

DAY 7 - ST LUCIA - DURBAN

The tour continues to Shakaland, an authentic Zulu Village. Experience the rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa and witness traditional customs as you re-live the excitement of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal with assegai-wielding warriors and the Sangomas (witch doctors). Lunch is included here before heading off to the bustling harbour city of Durban. Overnight at the Protea Hotel Edward including breakfast and lunch. (BL)

DAY 8 - DURBAN - THE WILD COAST

Depart the city of Durban and travel to the rural area along the Eastern Cape coast, known as the Wild Coast. This is a land that has been lost in time where the modern world has passed it by - a combination of history, geography and politics has left it largely undeveloped and unexplored. Most roads are still gravelled and the population still live as they have done for centuries. You will arrive late in the afternoon at your hotel, at Coffee Bay, in the heart of the old Transkei. Overnight at the Ocean View Hotel including breakfast and dinner. (BD)

DAY 9 - THE WILD COAST

This morning with a local guide you are given some insight into the Xhosa tribe,Aeos customs and traditions and visit the nearby village where you can meet the local people. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Ocean View Hotel including breakfast and dinner. (BD)

DAY 10 - COFFEE BAY - PORT ELIZABETH

Today travel south and enter 1820 Settler Country. After a long journey the tour arrives late afternoon in Port Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay and known as the Friendly City! Overnight at the Protea Marine Hotel including breakfast. (B)

DAY 11 - PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA

Travel along the Garden Route, one of the country's most beautiful and scenic locations. The journey will take you through dense indigenous forests, woodlands, lakes and lagoons to Knysna, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna is situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - and offers a wide variety of activities. Overnight at the Protea Knysna Quays Hotel including breakfast. (B)

DAY 12 - GARDEN ROUTE

After breakfast board a ferry for a tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, including lunch. The Nature Reserve is a unique 150 hectares of private reserve, encompassing the whole of the Western Head of Knysna and is one of South Africa's Natural Heritage Sites. Overnight at the Protea Knysna Quays Hotel including breakfast and lunch. (BL)

DAY 13 - KNYSNA VIA OUDTSHOORN - CAPE TOWN

Depart early morning and travel inland along the winding Outeniqua Pass, to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, and visit a working ostrich ranch. Those daring enough may even get the chance to ride an Ostrich! Continue along the famous Route 62 through the semi-desert, and winelands region and on to Cape Town. Your journey will take you through the towns of Robertson and Worcester before arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Protea Hotel Sea Point including breakfast. (B)

DAY 14 - CAPE TOWN

Day at leisure to take in the sights and sounds of Cape Town or join one of many optional tours such as a City and Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Winelands, Township & Robben Island Tour or take the opportunity to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the Protea Hotel Sea Point including breakfast. (B)

DAY 15 - DEPARTURE

Today is at leisure before transferring to the airport, or better still - stay on for a few more days and really get to know Cape Town. (B)

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