Sensational South Africa Southbound

Welcome to South Africa! You will be met at O.R. Tambo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Johannesburg - Hazyview. We depart Johannesburg at 08:00 and set off on our journey to Hazyview, gateway to Kruger National Park. Travelling along the scenic Panorama Route we stop to see the spectacular 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. We arrive at our lodge late afternoon.

Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa, home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. Day 3 is spent on safari in Kruger National Park. We have a full-day game drive in open 4x4 vehicles, meaning we will hopefully see plenty of Kruger's incredible wildlife. The following day we go in search of the Big Five again on a late afternoon game drive.

Hazyview - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini). Today we explore one of the two landlocked countries 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 - iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa). Day 6 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.

The following day we enjoy a full day, off-road excursion around this pristine (Eastern Shores) area - including an ecological overview of the area, wonderful game-viewing, bird-watching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season. Learn more about the five eco-systems that make up this unique park. Experience the Bush, Forest and Beach all in one day! Full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks included.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Drakensberg. We journey into the Drakensberg Mountains on day 8. 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. The region is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and day 9 is free to further explore this mountain landscape with guided walks. Alternatively, you can simply sit back with a drink and take in your incredible surroundings.

Drakensberg - 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 10. Our time here is free for you to explore and enjoy optional activities including village walks and pony trekking.

Lesotho - Cradock (South Africa). Today we journey back across the border into South Africa and continue 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 - Tsitsikamma. Today we begin our epic journey along the picturesque Garden Route, home to some of South Africa's best scenery. Our first stop is Tsitsikamma Forest, where 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 - Knysna. Leaving the Tsitsikamma Forest behind we continue along the world-famous Garden Route to Knysna, a small town situated on the coast and nestled among some of the world's finest scenery. Along the way, we pass lush lakes, verdant forests, and idyllic beaches. We'll stop at Plettenberg Bay en route, with time to relax on the beach. The afternoon is at leisure in Knysna.

The next day is free to 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 - Cape Town. Day 16 sees us complete our South African journey, travelling on to Cape Town, perhaps the country's most famous destination.

We have two whole days to explore the city and surrounding area. On day 17 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 18 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!

Today your tour comes to an end. Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before your included airport departure transfer.