Explore South Africa

Hotel Features

Day 1: Cape Town 

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport be met by our English-speaking representative for the transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure discovering some of the delights of Cape Town, and of your hotel.    

Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. This vibrant multicultural city is a healthy mix of city and suburban living, outdoor recreational activities and relaxation. Ride the revolving cable car to the sky on Table Mountain. Shop at the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier shopping destinations. Stand on the edge of the world at Cape Point or delve into South Africa’s past at Robben Island, the prison that once held anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. 

Stay at Queen Victoria Hotel in a deluxe room on a bed and breakfast basis for one night. The hotel has more than a touch of regal grace and occupies a prime spot on the V&A Waterfront. Five star elements include marble-clad walls, crystal chandeliers, white marble and wooden parquet flooring, dramatic spiral staircase and a glass lift. Facilities include a gym with a personal trainer and a designer spa with hot tub and pool. Breakfast is an outdoor affair with a spread that has views to match. 

Day 2: Cape Town to Franschhoek 

After breakfast, an English-speaking driver will take you from Cape Town to Mont Rochelle and  Mountain Vineyards in Franschhoek.  

Encompassing a huge region across the Western Cape, the Cape Winelands is a profoundly special area. Quaint Cape Dutch houses, trees, vineyards and majestic mountain form the backdrop to this Bordeaux-like region of South Africa. The country’s famed and best-known wine regions are Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. The numerous wine farms offer something for every taste and style and usually include a wide range of activities. Excellent wine is plentiful, as are delicious culinary experiences. 

Stay at Mont Rochelle and Mountain Vineyards in a Merlot room on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights. This stylish, luxury venue boasts elegant decor and incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The hotel is known for high quality personal service and upscale amenities and facilities. These include a well-equipped gym, and wellness centre at which you can make use of the Jacuzzi and sauna. An outdoor swimming pool provides refreshing respite on hot summer days and it’s possible from the property to go exploring on mountain bikes or horses. There are plenty of biking and hiking trails nearby. A highlight of a stay here are the dining experiences. Superb cuisine is  served in a variety of locations from al fresco picnics  to the elegance of the Colonial Bar 

Day 3: Cape Winelands

Enjoy a full day wine-tasting tour of the Cape Winelands with an English-speaking driver guide. The region is renowned for its crisp white and classic French-style red wines, fantastic cheeses and olives.  It also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valleys. 

Day 4: Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn

Travel with an English-speaking driver-guide from Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn along The Garden Route, one of the most popular travel routes in South Africa. This coastal corridor stretches along both Western and Eastern Capes and boasts stunning coastal towns and numerous glorious beaches. This culturally rich part of South Africa has its own unique flavour with many different activities. 

Stay at La Plume Guest House in a superior suite on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights. Set on on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm, this property enjoys the most inspiring views of the Swartberg Mountains. The guest house itself is a charming 1902 Victorian Homestead that exudes an old world elegance and grace. The owner of La Plume has poured her passion and creativity into the decor of this beautiful guesthouse, something evident in the antiques that adorn the property. English style buffet breakfasts are a great way to start the day and dinners are held in the candlelit dining room where traditional home-cooked cuisine is served. Every detail at La Plume Boutique Guest House has been lovingly tended too. 

Day 5: Cango Caves Heritage Tour and Ostrich Farm

Explore one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural formations: The Cango Caves. Twenty million years in the making, this enchanting subterranean world is home to vast caverns, beautiful, delicate and sometimes majestic stalagmites and stalactites, and haunting dripstone caverns. Duck, crawl and manoeuvre your way through this limestone wonderland. It is one of the Garden Route's most beautiful attractions. 

Enjoy a tractor tour at Safari Ostrich Farm, followed by a relaxing three course lunch beneath the trees in the garden, allowing you to enjoy the birdsong and wildlife chatter amongst the other sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo.  

Day 6: Oudtshoorn to Knysna 

After breakfast travel from Oudtshoorn to Knysna. Knysna is a frequent winner of the most favoured destination award in South African tourism and is one of the most charismatic towns of the Garden Route. 

Stay at Head Over Hills in an Elephant suite on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights. Head Over Hills Luxury Retreat is a unique five star escape that is on the edge of the iconic Knysna Heads. The views are nothing short of spectacular from here, spreading from the vast Indian Ocean to the famous Knysna Lagoon. The retreat is small and intimate and features a rim flow swimming pool,  wooden sundeck, fully stocked bar and  walk-in wine cellar. Breakfasts are served either in the elegant dining room or on the deck and the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Knysna Oyster Tour

The coastal town of Knysna and oysters go together like champagne and caviar.  Enjoy the ultimate oyster experience on the spectacular Knysna Lagoon. Board your Oyster Boat to cruise the lagoon and learn all about one of the world's finest delicacies; taste the difference between wild and cultivated oysters.  Ask questions, take photos, and excite your taste buds. The cruise includes complimentary local white wine and oysters for tasting. Extra oysters are available on pre-order to enjoy on the boat.

Day 8: Knysna to Tsitsikamma

After breakfast, travel from Knysna to Tsitsikamma. The Eastern Cape is a vast landscape that features everything from semi-arid grasslands to thick rainforests. The luscious green coastline boasts spectacular raw beauty, with numerous beaches and cliffs. In the midlands are the glorious Drakensberg - Dragon Mountains - home to some of the best South African views and trails. From amazing safaris to surfing, sandboarding and bungee jumping there is no shortage of adventure in this beautiful part of the world.

Stay at The Fernery Lodge & Chalets in a sea view premier suite on a bed and breakfast basis for one night. This property is located on the rugged coastline of the Tsitsikamma with stunning views of the surrounding landscape of plantations, forests and ocean. It is perched above a 30-metre cascading waterfall. The Fernery features an outdoor jacuzzi, swimming pool and sauna.   All rooms are superbly and tastefully furnished with great attention to detail.  

Day 9: Tsitsikamma to Johannesburg, Sandton

After breakfast transfer to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at O R Tambo International Airport be met by our English-speaking guide for your transfer to Sandton.

Johannesburg’s urban forest is home to more than 10 million trees, and as such is the largest of its kind in the world. The city is also the economic powerhouse of South Africa, and as a result has some of the most high-end shops and restaurants in the country. This urban sophistication stands in stark contrast with the many local street vendors and more informal African shops. The city has a surprisingly diverse range of attractions: the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Nelson Mandela Square, and Sandton City. Townships tours are recommended, as is the fast-growing creative hub, the Maboneng Precinct: an inspiring place for urban artists.  There are great restaurants, entertainment and art galleries in a neighbourhood which celebrates many arts. 

Stay at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in a Courtyard Suite on a bed and breakfast basis for two nights. The hotel was once a private residence consisting of 11 acres of stables and beautiful rolling lawns. The combination of nature and birdlife make for an ideal city centre setting. In keeping with the natural ambience, the Balinese Spa Garden promotes the principles of holistic healing.  Hydrotherapy treatments, dining pavilions and outdoor massage areas are some of the highlights. Fine dining options are plentiful from the Terrace Restaurant to the Colonial Bar. Depending on the season, dining maybe fireside, on the lawns, under the stars or close to the beautifully lit fountains. 

Day 10: Pretoria

Enjoy a private half day tour of Pretoria, informally known as Jacaranda City, owing to the beautiful purple blooms of its tree-lined avenues. A city built on passion and determination, here the buildings are architecturally significant, and a nation congregates around statues of past leaders. Highlights include Paul Kruger House, Church Square, Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings and City Hall.

Days 11 to 13: Johannesburg, Sandton to Kruger National Park

After breakfast transfer with an English-speaking driver-guide from your hotel to O R Tambo International Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit Airport.  On arrival an English-speaking driver will transfer you to Kapama Karula in the Kruger National Park. 

One of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park is a bucket-list destination for those who love experiencing wildlife and adventure. Approximately the same size as Wales , the park is particularly special because of the easy access and viewing opportunities it affords visitors. Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo take centre stage. There is also  a huge supporting cast of more than 135 mammals and 500 varieties of birds. 

Stay at Kampana Karula in a villa on a fully inclusive basis for three nights. One of the most prestigious safari camps in the region, Kapama Karula is set on the banks of the Klaserie River and offers luxurious accommodation. The main lodge, with its elegant African finishings, epitomises true comfort.  It features an open-plan lounge and bar area with viewing decks and dining rooms where you will enjoy superb cuisine and fine wines. Activities on offer include day and night game drives, guided bush walks, clay pigeon shooting and river cruises. The swimming pool offers respite from the heat of the day and at night, the campfire beckons as does the prospect of stargazing

Day 14: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg, Sandton

After breakfast transfer with English-speaking driver from Kapama Karula to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg and your onward transfer to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, where you will spend one night in a Courtyard Suite on a bed and breakfast basis. 

 

Day 15: Johannesburg, Sandton

After breakfast transfer with English-speaking driver from your hotel to O R Tambo International Airport for your return flight or onward travel to your next destination.