The South Africa Odyssey tour is an exceptional, long wandering journey through South Africa. South Africa is a premier travel destination. From city life to adventure, wildlife to culture, and breath-taking scenery to sun-soaked coasts.
Our Odyssey begins in Johannesburg and travels through Mpumalanga. With visits along the Panorama Route as well as the Kruger National Park, a safari extravaganza. Once you have encountered the wildlife of the country, you will then travel to the Kingdom of eSwatini. Where a vibrant cultural journey inspires. Zululand is where ancient kings once hunted, and where the Big Five now roam. Conserved, and protected. The last leg of the odyssey is a Garden Route journey. Ending off with a few days in the city of Cape Town.
South Africa Odyssey Tour Itinerary Overview
Day
Routing
Day 1, Sunday
Johannesburg
Day 2, Monday
Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
Day 3, Tuesday
Mpumalanga
Day 4, Wednesday
Mpumalanga
Day 5, Thursday
Mpumalanga to Eswatini (Swaziland)
Day 6, Friday
Eswatini (Swaziland) to Zululand
Day 7, Saturday
Zululand to Durban (Umhlanga)
Day 8, Sunday
Durban (Umhlanga) to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Knysna
Traverse the famous Long Tom Pass en route from Johannesburg to Mpumalanga Visit the spectacularly scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window Experience an open vehicle game safari in the Kruger National Park including an introduction to the KNP anti-poaching Dog Unit Meet the friendly people of Eswatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing Boat game cruise on Lake St Lucia Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth Enjoy a delicious dinner at a delightful lagoon side restaurant in Knysna An immersive journey into the mythical Knysna Forests. Discovering the legends around woodcutters, elephants, steam trains, and gold miners Visit the ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint in Wilderness, a unique sight that is quite literally a Map of Africa Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn Visit a rural farm school in the Barrydale area with the opportunity to interact with the children. This visit supports our Barrydale Farm School Development Fund that encourages local education of underprivileged children in rural communities Explore the small towns along the well-known Route 62 between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town Authentic African dinner experience with a 14-dish taste safari paired with entertainment Three overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain Full-Day Cape Peninsula Tour including the Cape of Good Hope, ‘the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth’ Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travelers. And the communities we visit.
South Africa Odyssey Full Itinerary
Day 1: (Sunday) Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade. Due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure and unescorted. Why not enjoy an optional (own account) sightseeing tour of Soweto. And learn more about the struggle for freedom in South Africa. Or simply relax at your hotel? At 7 pm we will meet for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet fellow travelers.
Distance traveled today: 35 km
Day 2: (Monday) Johannesburg / Mpumalanga
Depart Johannesburg after breakfast and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour. Continue on to the Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie. Arrive late afternoon in Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 425 km
Day 3: (Tuesday) Panorama Route
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll drive along the spectacular ‘Panorama Route’, offering views of amazing scenery. Including the 26-kilometer long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and historic God’s Window. A breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park.
We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 320 km
Day 4: (Wednesday) A morning ‘Big Five’ safari in Kruger National Park
The day begins with early morning coffee or tea. Followed by a thrilling open vehicle game safari (with English speaking game ranger) through the Kruger National Park. With a pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to a stunning array of wildlife. Search for the ‘Big Five’ (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant). As well as prolific birdlife and numerous other game species.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: The game safari includes an introduction to the Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog). Which was established because of the increase in rhino poaching worldwide. Learn about the dogs and their training. To track poachers in the field, detect firearms, ammunition, and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Park gates. A portion of the trip price goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
The afternoon is at leisure at your hotel. An afternoon open vehicle game drive is available as an extension to the morning game drive. (optional and for your own account). [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 120 km
Kruger Safari
Day 5: (Thursday) Eswatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa. Known for its lovely scenery, crafts, and colorful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience inclusive of lunch introduces us to the charming people of Eswatini (Swaziland) and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane. To the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for an overnight in eSwatini (Swaziland) and a sumptuous dinner at your hotel. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance traveled today: 310 km
Day 6: (Friday) The Kingdom of the Zulu’s – Eswatini to Zululand
After breakfast, we will continue south through eSwatini (Swaziland), before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle game safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. (optional and for own account with an English speaking game ranger). Which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. It is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Overnight in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region. [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 360 km
Day 7: (Saturday) Durban
This morning we will join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (depending on favorable weather conditions) before departing for Durban. Our journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, Eucalyptus plantations, and sugar cane fields. We arrive early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 275 km
Day 8: (Sunday) Port Elizabeth / Knysna
After breakfast, transfer to Durban (Umhlanga) airport for the short southward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Where we will be met by our representative. Once everyone has arrived, we set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). We’ll arrive at our hotel in Knysna, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. In the heart of the Garden Route. Knysna is known as the oyster box of South Africa. Overnight in Knysna. [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 360 km
Day 9: (Monday) Knysna
After breakfast, journey into the magical Knysna Forests, the stamping ground of the elusive Knysna elephants. Discover the stories of the woodcutters who worked the forests. The elephants that were hunted to extinction. And the discovery of gold. Our expedition into the forest starts with a visit to the Dalene Matthee Big Tree Memorial. The enormous Yellowwood tree of over 880 years was named after Matthee. Who is the best-known author of four books on the Knysna Forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch, in the forest, of traditional cuisine and local treats at the Diepwalle Tea Garden.
The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Forest Legends Museum. Which exhibits tools and household items used by the woodcutters, the colorful Old Suzie steam engine. And the stately Old Forester’s House. Home of forester David Ernest Hutchins, who was the first person to manage the indigenous forest in a sustainable manner. Overnight in Knysna with dinner at Drydock Restaurant. Renowned for dishes with glorious aromas and flavors. Using the finest local ingredients and freshly picked herbs from the region. [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Distance traveled today: 100 km
Day 10: (Tuesday) Oudtshoorn
Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Known as the ‘ostrich capital’ and the center of the world’s Ostrich farming industry. Along the way, visit the ‘Map of Africa’, an extraordinary viewpoint in the small town of Wilderness. In Oudtshoorn, we’ll visit an Ostrich Farm for a fun-filled interactive tour. A light lunch includes local specialties such as Ostrich Steak. Before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. One of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon to check in. Relax before dinner (for your own account). Overnight in Oudtshoorn. [Breakfast & Lunch]
Distance traveled today: 210 km
Day 11: (Wednesday) Oudtshoorn – Cape Town (or Franschhoek if Wineland’s option is chosen)
There is an option (for your own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows. In time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards the Buffelsdrift Foundation. Which focuses on Wildlife conservation in the Klein Karoo region, habitat conservation, and the local community. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land. After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale. Where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school. Interact with the children and teachers, spend time with them in the classroom, learning more about this rural community. A portion of the trip monies goes towards the Barrydale Farm School Development Fund. Which supports local education of underprivileged children in rural communities. (The school visit is subject to the school being open).
Continue to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast] (The tour will travel via Franschhoek if there are guests booked on the Franschhoek Winelands Option)
Distance traveled today: 468 km
Day 12: (Thursday) Cape Town (Unescorted)
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (own account). Or join us for a Marine Big Five Safari (own account). Where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals. And a variety of seabirds on a 2-hour boat cruise. A marine biologist is on hand to explain more about these amazing animals that visit our shores. Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafés, and restaurants as well as colorful craft markets. Enjoy a fun filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Distance traveled today: 10 km
Day 13: (Friday) Cape Town
Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, to the seaside village of Hout Bay. You can enjoy an optional and for your own account seal island boat cruise. And then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. We’ll return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town. Where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account) and Fish Hoek fishing village. Overnight in Cape Town. [Breakfast]
Distance traveled today: 200 km
Day 14: (Saturday) Cape Town
Enjoy some last-minute shopping (unescorted) or sightseeing (own account). The Robben Island Tour (for your own account & time permitting), departs from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offers a fascinating excursion. Or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport, harbor, or railway station for your onward journey. [Breakfast]
Franschhoek Winelands Option
Day 11: (Wednesday) Oudtshoorn – Franschhoek If you’ve always dreamed of experiencing an overnight in the scenic Cape Winelands, then this option is for you. You will have the opportunity to maximize your experience of picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and fine wines. Thereafter, re-joining the tour with minimum disruption. Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago. Bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. Overnight in Franschhoek. [Breakfast]
Day 12: For Franschhoek Winelands Option After a leisurely breakfast, meet your tour guide and set out to the picturesque Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch. Both are surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. With extraordinary wine estates and fascinating historical landmarks to explore, your knowledgeable guide will create a memorable Winelands experience. Enjoy two wine tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll re-join the main tour. [Breakfast & Dinner]Cape Winelands Tour
2024 South Africa Odyssey Departure Dates
January – 7, 14 February – 18, 25 March – 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April – 7, 14, 21, 28 May – 5, 19 June – 2, 16 July – 7, 21 August – 4, 11, 18, 25 September – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October – 6, 13, 20, 27 November – 3, 10, 17, 24 December – 1, 8
South Africa Odyssey Tour Rates
Per person sharing a twin/double room
Single supplement
1st January until 30th April 2024
R 56 265
R 11 655
1st May until 31st July 2024
R 53 175
R 10 210
1st August until 31st December 2024
R 57 530
R 12 290
Franschhoek Winelands Option Costs (see full itinerary):
Rates are valid from 1st January until 31st December 2024 as a supplement to the tour price: Accommodation is based on Protea Hotel Franschhoek or similar (the option is subject to availability at the time of booking) R 3 220 per person sharing a twin/double room R 195 single supplement
Includes 22 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners including gratuities 13 Nights’ accommodation including porterage Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary Bottled water in Eco-friendly packaging
Excludes Flight: Durban (Umhlanga) – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (DUR/PLZ) and departure tax on Day 8. Recommended flight – FA421 departing Durban at 2.05 pm, arriving at Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) at 3.35 pm.
Visa Requirements This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland).
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