15 day South Africa’s highlights escorted tour - beaches of Cape Town, Winelands, take a safari at Kruger National Park, and visit the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland).

Our South African Surprise Tour (Cape To Kruger) offers you the finest taste of the country, where each day presents another contrast, another opportunity, another facet of life here - from the cosmopolitan beauty of Cape Town, to an unforgettable ostrich ride in the ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’; from a hike or stroll in the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains to St Lucia’s memorable lakes and their inhabitants...both destinations are World Heritage sites. You can buy African curios at a traditional craft market in the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland), tour the cultural melting pot of Durban city, and journey through the Eastern Cape where the British settled in 1820. You’ll travel by luxury bus, you’ll walk, you’ll ride, you’ll stroll through the ancient trees in the Tsitsikamma National Park...and yes, you’ll relax in the beauty of it all. South Africa’s an extraordinary country, and in 15 glorious days, you’ll be under its skin.
Benefits of this tour:
The most Value for Money journey in South Africa – cheaper than doing exactly the same self-drive by 20% to 30% per person. It is not a budget tour – accommodation, itinerary and inclusions are excellent.
No internal flights are required (unlike a lot of other scheduled tours), making the tour about 40% cheaper.
An iconic highlights tour.
Rates:
1st January - 30th April 2023: R 34 405 per person sharing (Single Supplement: R 8 900)
This tour departs on selected Sundays. If there are a few of you traveling together, you can do this tour on a private basis so check with us for rates.
1st May - 31st July 2023: R 31 775 per person sharing (Single Supplement: R 8 830)
1st August - 31st December 2023: R 35 625 per person sharing (Single Supplement: R 9 490)Email us for more information on this This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for any other This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This is an example itinerary and we can customize your own tour to match your requirements.
Day 1: (Sun) Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: 4* Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: 4* Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar
Day 2: (Mon) Johannesburg /Hazyview

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Why not experience an exclusive el fresco bridge dinner, overlooking the magnificent Sabie River under a star-studded sky (optional and for your own account)? [Breakfast]
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Distance traveled today: 500 km
Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. For wildlife enthusiasts, an optional open vehicle safari in one of the world's most renowned game reserves, Kruger National Park is available for an additional cost.
The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and birdlife that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunchtime and your afternoon is at leisure to relax. Consider joining an African dinner feast and an evening of traditional Shangaan storytelling (optional and for your own account). [Packed Breakfast]
Accommodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Distance traveled today: 200 km
Day 4: (Wed) Hazyview / 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 introduces us to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. We travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for an overnight in Eswatini (Swaziland). [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 3* Lugogo Sun or similar
Distance traveled today: 280 km
Day 5: (Thu) eSwatini (Swaziland) / Zululand and surrounds
This morning we journey through Eswatini (Swaziland) into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon (3 hours) open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for your own account). Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park - Africa’s oldest game reserve and world-renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program. This is an opportunity to spot both white and black rhinos and revel in the beautiful Zululand scenery). [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar
Distance traveled today: 350 km
Day 6: (Fri) St Lucia and surrounds / Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning boat cruise (optional and for your own account) on Lake St Lucia, to experience Africa’s largest estuarine system, before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and the harbor introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. ). [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar
Distance traveled today: 320 km
Day 7: (Sat) Durban / Drakensberg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking, and even horse riding in clean mountain air (optional and for your own account). Sit down to an extensive dinner buffet at your hotel. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Accommodation: 3* Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar
Distance traveled today: 280 km
Day 8: (Sun) Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (R1 425 optional and for your own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialties to choose from. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Sani Pass optional 4x4 Adventure tour - up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (Passport required) which includes lunch at the Highest Pub in Africa.
Accommodation: 3* Drakensberg Gardens Resort Hotel & Spa or similar
Day 9: (Mon) Drakensberg / Eastern Cape Coast
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoiled Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious seafood buffet awaits you for dinner at your lodge. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Accommodation: 4*Crawford’s Beach Lodge or similar
Distance traveled today: 520 km
Day 10: (Tue) Eastern Cape Coast / Tsitsikamma
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches uninterrupted for many kilometers and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest. [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar
Distance traveled today: 510 km
Day 11: (Wed) Tsitskamma / Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and the river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check-in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant. [Breakfast & Dinner]
Accommodation: 3* Premier Resort The Moorings or similar
Distance traveled today: 92 km
Day 12: (Thu) Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Mossel Bay
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 3* Diaz Hotel & Resort or similar
Distance traveled today: 360 km
Day 13: (Fri) Mossel Bay / Cape Town
Today’s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way, we stop off in Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms and is still harvested in the traditional, labor-intensive way, providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester, and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [Breakfast]
Optional African Dinner & Drumming – Join a full-filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
Accommodation: 3* Sun Square Hotel – Cape Town or similar
Distance traveled today: 420 km
Day 14: (Sat) Cape Town
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain, spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full-day Winelands tour, or join a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (all optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colorful craft markets. Alternatively, relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. [Breakfast]
Accommodation: 3* Sun Square Hotel – Cape Town or similar
Day 15: (Sun) Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11 am. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport. [Breakfast]
Includes:
14 Breakfasts | 4 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodation
Hotel porterage
Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
(Please note that conservation levies are subject to increase without prior notice and are at the discretion of the game park.)
Please note:
Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 2 pm.
No child U8 allowed on tour.
Multiple Entry Visas for South Africa where applicable.
For Swaziland entry, passport and visa conditions apply.
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