South Africa Odyssey

Kruger National Park  Big 5 Safari • Eswatini  • Zululand • The Garden Route • Cape Winelands • Cape Town

Tour Overview

Explore some of South Africa’s highlights including Kruger National Park, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zululand, the Garden Route and Cape Winelands, finishing with a leisurely stay in Cape Town.

Enjoy 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners.

Includes/Excludes

Includes: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, accommodation, porterage, transport, open vehicle safaris and sightseeing as specified.

Excludes: Flight and departure tax between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.

Visa Requirements

This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland). Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities
may require visas to travel through eSwatini

Rates

Starting from $3,899 (land tour only).

Optional Extras

Enhance your journey with optional excursions, available for pre-booking, subject to a minimum of 2 adults travelling.

FRANSCHOEK WINELANDS OPTION

Spend an optional night in Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by vineyards. Also included is a tour of Paarl and Stellenbosch Winelands, two tastings and a cellar tour. A night in Franschhoek replaces night 11 in Cape Town.

DAY 11 OUDTSHOORN – FRANSCHOEK 
Travel to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards. Overnight in Franschhoek.

DAY 12 | FRANSCHHOEK » CAPE TOWN
After breakfast, tour Winelands of Paarl and Stellenbosch. Enjoy two tastings and a cellar tour before continuing to Cape Town, where you’ll re-join the main tour for an authentic dinner.

DAY 1 – AFTERNOON SOWETO TOUR

 

DAY 4 – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE GAME SAFARI

 

DAY 6 – HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE GAME DRIVE

 

DAY 11 – EARLY MORNING MEERKAT SAFARI

 

DAY 12 – MORNING TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE TOWN CITY TOUR (excl. cable car ticket)

 

DAY 12 – MARINE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE

 

Day to Day Itinerary

Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg, you’ll be met by your representative and transferred from the airport to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure (unescorted). Meet in the evening  for a tour briefing and meet fellow travellers.

 

About Accommodation

Experience the exceptional service of the Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers while discovering Johannesburg and its many popular attractions. The hotel’s prominent location in Sandton and the Illovo suburb and is nearby Rosebank and the Melrose Arch, offering some of the area’s finest shopping and dining experiences. On-site, guests can enjoy fine cuisine in The Big Apple Restaurant, relax poolside, enjoy a cocktail in the 24-hour coffee bar or take advantage of our in-house gym. Our well-appointed guest rooms are all en-suite with separate bath and shower, each featuring a LCD TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air-conditioning and an electronic safe.

Johannesburg to Mpumalanga 

After breakfast, depart Johannesburg for a short tour of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, before continuing to Mpumalanga. Driving through the lush Lowveld, travel to Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park. You’ll spend the next three nights here. 

Day 3: After an early breakfast, drive along the Panorama Route and enjoy spectacular scenery including the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window with its views of the escarpment (weather permitting). Return to Hazyview to relax.

Day 4: Enjoy an early morning game drive (in open safari vehicle) in the Kruger Park with a packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world’s greatest national parks, home to the Big 5 (rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant) as well as prolific birdlife and other game. The afternoon is at leisure. Late afternoon game drives are available (optional & for own account).

About Accommodation

Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel is set among beautiful indigenous gardens. the Hotel is designed to bring a sense of being outdoors while settling into the comforts of modern-day luxury. Bespoke furnishings celebrate old-world African charm and accentuate the leafy surrounds to plunge guests into a bygone era of elegant quality. Inside and outside showers add to a refreshing Africa experience. Evenings bring their own adventure with a visit to the Shangaan River Club where guests can experience African culture under the vibrant night sky. Air-conditioners, satellite television, tea and coffee making facilities and mini-fridges are just some of the amenities which add to your convenience.

Meals: All Breakfasts

Highlights

  • Hazyview Town
  • Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window
  • Safari drive in the Great Kruger National Park

Mpumalanga to Eswatini (Swaziland) 

This morning, travel to Eswatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa. As one of only three remaining monarchies in Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini (also known as Swaziland), is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, King Mswati III, invites you to experience the majestic wonder of his country and the warm hospitality of all its people. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the people and traditions of Eswatini. We travel to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Overnight in Eswatini.

About Accommodation

Set in the tranquil surrounds of the Ezulwini Valley, the Royal Swazi Spa Valley Resort, which comprises the Lugogo Sun and the Royal Swazi Spa hotel, is your best option when looking for luxury Swaziland accommodation. The two hotels are situated alongside each other making it the ideal venue for family holidays, conferences and group golf championships.

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Highlights

  • Visit the Kingdom of Eswatini and experience the culture and traditions of its people.

Eswatini (Swaziland) to Zululand 

After breakfast, continue south through Eswatini (Swaziland) before re-entering South Africa. Travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari with an English speaking game ranger (optional & for own account)

About Accomodation

Set on the magnificent Elephant Coast, you’ll get to experience spectacular accommodation near South Africa’s oldest Game Reserve, the  ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe – the ultimate South African holiday destination. The Idyllic African hotel is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Here you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels.

Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

  • Enjoy an optional Safari drive in Hluhluwe.

Zululand to Durban (Umhlanga) 

Join a morning cruise on Lake St Lucia (weather permitting) before departing for Durban. Your journey takes you past traditional Zulu kraals,

Eucalyptus plantations and sugarcane fields. Arrive early afternoon to explore golden Indian Ocean beaches at leisure. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga).

About Accommodation

This comfortable hotel in Durban is your gateway to golden beaches, lush surroundings and the exhilaration of holidaying in an idyllic part of South Africa. If you want stunning views overlooking the KwaZulu-Natal coast, look no further than Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Our modern hotel in centrally located in the heart of uMhlanga Rocks, just a few minutes from the beach and 10 minutes to Durban city center. The hotel offers friendly service, comfortable accommodations and most of the hotel’s 260 modern rooms feature breath-taking sea views and are all elegantly and stylishly furnished.

Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

  • Lake St. Lucia Boat Safari – Enjoy a morning boat safari and get a chance to see the majestic Hippos in their natural habitat.

Durban to Knysna

After breakfast, transfer to Durban Airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth, where our representative will meet us and, once everyone has arrived, we set off to visit the spectacular Tsitsikamma Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Overnight in Knysna.

Day 9: After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, where we can take a trailer ride up the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views, returning for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for further explorations.

 About Accomodation

The aha Rex Hotel located on the world-famous Garden Route, aha The Rex Hotel is a celebration of urban style, making it one of the most exhilarating getaway destinations in its class. Expect an eclectic mix of modern and classic comforts that capture the essence of 4-star luxury. The O Bar & Eatery serves Buffet Breakfast daily in a contemporary setting with cuisine that is beautifully presented and prepared using only the freshest ingredients that Knysna has to offer.

Meals: Day 8 – Breakfast, Dinner. Day 9 – Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights

  • Storms River Mouth
  • Tsitsikamma National Park

Knysna to Oudshoorn

Travel via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the centre of the world’s ostrich farming industry. We’ll visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before touring the limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world’s great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

 About Accomodation

Touted as the finest small luxury hotel in Oudtshoorn, the Hlangana Lodge offers comfortable accommodations in a lovely setting. Just a short walk into town where you’ll find some lovely restaurants. A champagne buffet english breakfast is served in a sunny breakfast room – or outside on the patio. All rooms come with a  fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee facilities, entrances onto verandah, 24hr room service, free wireless internet access, full amenities in bathroom, satellite television, DVD player, air conditioning / heating & personal electronic safe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights

  • Cango Caves – situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. 
  • Ostrich farm visit – learn more about these remarkable birds and their fascinating nature.

Oudtshoorn to Cape Town

There is an option (for own account & subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. After breakfast, continue through the ‛Little Karoo’ to Barrydale to visit a local farm school and interact with the children and teachers (subject to the school being open) before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque spa town. Continue to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain.

 About Accomodation

Located in Bantry Bay between the vibrant city and the Atlantic Ocean, the President Hotel welcomes you to Cape Town and all its breathtaking sights, thrilling activities and inspiring moments. Sophisticated luxury and personal service come standard, while local style, authentic artwork and innovative design set us apart. Relax in this 5 star light, bright and spacious hotel rooms and enjoy an array of luxury facilities, smart technology and stylish design.

Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

  • Barrydale Farm visitget a chance to meet with a local farm community and interact with teachers and children at Barrydale farm school.

Cape Town

Full day at leisure. Get ready for a fun-filled evening and an authentic African experience at dinner. So much more than just an African restaurant, a night at GOLD is an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste-safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment.

TESTIMONIAL

From the moment I stepped off the plane, South Africa inspired me, humbled me, excited me and floored me! I travelled with an incredible group of people who seemed to share all my emotions, that was truly a highlight – travelling with like-minded people. If I ever got separated from the group all I had to do was listen out for loud laughter and there they were! Loved it!

I went through a wide range of emotions and feelings during the two weeks. I was awestruck by the natural beauty – Blyde’s Canyon, Table Mountain, Cape Point and the list goes on.

Our guides and drivers were professional and our bus was comfortable and always on time. We sipped fine wines, saw an incredible range of wildlife, visited a township, savoured the barbequed meat at a local Braii (BBQ) and met local South Africans. The infrastructure is incredible in South Africa and we felt welcome wherever we went.

Kendria H.

TESTIMONIAL

I would like to take this opportunity to thank for the wonderful way you organized, co-ordinated and facilitated my recent trip to South Africa. Your professionalism was unsurpassed. You went above and beyond what I expected and for that I am truly appreciative.

South Africa was a wonderful experience and a beautiful country. I learned so much about the country, the people and the culture. As a Canadian of Jamaican heritage this trip meant a lot to me as I always wanted to visit the motherland. There could not have been a better place to start than in South Africa.

I was especially moved by my visit to Robben Island and the Apartheid museum. I was equally impressed with the magnificence that is Table Mountain. I would be remised not to mention the visits we had to the wine vineyards. The wines of South Africa are just so delectable.

Kruger National Park was exciting and exhilarating. The abundance of wild life in their natural habitat can never be equalled by a trip to any zoo in the world. I will be encouraging all my friends who are contemplating a vacation to someplace special to get in touch with Ramie of Travelead, as I know they will be looked after in the most hospitable way.

Charles G.

TESTIMONIAL

What a great experience it was to go to South Africa with Travelead!

Everything was well organized and we had a wide variety of things to stimulate our senses: Jazz performances, English high tea, the mist and the roar of the ocean at the Cape of Good Hope, the peaceful rustle of the grass at sunrise as the Big Five animals moved about on the plains on our safaris, the spectacular views from Table Mountain in Cape Town, and a wide variety of traditional and exotic food!

The guides and drivers were friendly and knowledgeable about present day life and the history of South Africa and gave us personal perspectives. We learned a great deal about Mandela and apartheid by visiting museums and historical areas. We found the people to be genuinely happy and welcoming. The children, at the school that we visited, performed for us by singing and dancing, were quick to smile, and wanted to visit with us afterwards. Since we were in a small group, we were able to do some additional things with our guides during our free time.

There is so much more that I will treasure in my memories and I have only given you a taste of what I have experienced. I would highly recommend this trip!

Louise B.

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