Sensational South Africa

On your arrival in Cape Town, there is an included transfer to the hotel. At 18:00 there will be a pre-departure meeting in the lobby, and the rest of today is free to head out and explore South Africa's 'Mother City'.

Cape Town is South Africa's most famous destination, and we'll have two whole days to explore the city and surrounding area. On day 2 there's an included guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. We visit Table Mountain National Park for majestic views of this famous landmark and for an included ride on the cable car to the summit (weather permitting). We also stop off at Boulders Beach to see the giant penguin colony here, and we take in some of the region's stunning coastal scenery, including Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak.

Day 3 is at leisure to see more of the city your way. Some of the activities we recommend are a day trip to Robben Island or a wander down to the V&A Waterfront, but you can spend the day how you wish!

Cape Town - Knysna. Leaving Cape Town on the morning of day 4 we travel to the lush Garden Route. Passing many lakes, beaches and forests we drive to Knysna – the coastal town located on the shores of Knysna Lagoon. The afternoon is free to stroll around the town or book a sunset boat cruise on the lagoon.

Spend the next day at leisure. Soak up the scenery or book one of the many optional activities available. You could visit Knysna Elephant Park or tuck into some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the shore of Knysna Lagoon.

Knysna - Tsitsikamma. Our scenic journey along the Garden Route continues today, stopping at attractions along the way and visiting Plettenberg Bay with its beautiful beaches. Arriving in the picturesque Tsitsikamma Forest, there's time for walking or relaxing at our lodge. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a protected coastal reserve, known for its lush indigenous forests and impressive coastline.

Tsitsikamma - Cradock. Today we travel onwards to the historic town of Cradock. This frontier town is located on the edge of the Great Karoo desert and is best known for Die Tuishuise, a collection of around 30 colonial Victorian-era craftsmen's houses, which have now been restored and turned into guest accommodation. We will spend tonight staying at one of the Tuishuise, and there is time to walk the length of Market Street, which is crowned by the grand colonial-era Victoria Manor Hotel.

Cradock - Lesotho. You can tick another country off your bucket list as we travel through the Eastern Cape and cross into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho on day 8. The following day is free for you to explore and enjoy optional activities including village walks and pony trekking.

Lesotho - Drakensberg (South Africa). Crossing back into South Africa, we journey into the Drakensberg Mountains on day 10. The scenery here is spectacular even by South African standards, and our lodge is located near the amphitheatre, regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on Earth. Day 11 is free to further explore this mountain landscape with guided walks, or you can simply sit back with a drink and take in your incredible surroundings.

Drakensberg - iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Day 12 sees us travelling through the Zululand region of South Africa, arriving at the small coastal town of St Lucia in the afternoon. St Lucia is the base for exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was designated as South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. And it's easy to see why.

This part of the country is renowned for its ecology and wildlife, particularly the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which we visit. On day 13 we head into the wilderness on an off-road exploration, taking in some of the many ecosystems which make up this diverse area. Travel through bush, forest, and beach in one day, and enjoy game viewing, birdwatching, and snorkelling at the coast, with possible whale-watching opportunities. Other iconic wildlife to look out for today includes hippos, rhinos, elephants and leopards!

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini). Today we explore the second landlocked country surrounded by South African territory. Eswatini was formerly known as Swaziland until 2018. We'll be exploring Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the country's premier wildlife destination and a great example of conservation in action. Formerly a working farm, this 4,560-hectare reserve is now home to all manner of species, including hippo, hyena, zebra, and more. There are no (or very few) large predators, so the best way to explore the park is on foot or horseback, which we will have the opportunity to do. You can also opt to visit a local Swazi village, and we will stop at a Swazi market so you can shop for souvenirs.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Kruger National Park (South Africa). We depart Eswatini and travel to the world-famous Kruger National Park on day 15. We go in search of the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) on a late afternoon game drive and enjoy a full day game drive on day 16, both in open 4X4 vehicles for the best game-viewing experience.

On day 17 we take in some of the landmarks in the area, along the scenic Panorama Route. See the Blyde River Canyon, enjoy the view from God's Window, and visit the Bourke's Luck Potholes, a series of geological formations which are linked by walkways and bridges.

Kruger National Park - Johannesburg. Departing Kruger National Park on day 18 we travel on to Johannesburg, arriving late afternoon. Our tour ends on day 19 with an included transfer to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport.