Day 1 - Sunday: Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in one of this city's green suburbs. The economic heart of South Africa, Johannesburg has a wonderful energy, and is also one of the greenest - more trees have been planted here than anywhere else in the world. This evening, your group will all meet up with your guide for a welcome dinner. Overnight at Melrose Lodge (or similar) (D).

Day 2 - Monday: Mpumalanga
This morning after breakfast we head south for Soweto, heart of the struggle against apartheid. There is much history here, including the houses where Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu lived, as well as the monument to the Soweto uprisings of 1976. But there is also a very warm and friendly people, whom we will meet during a lunch stop at one of the local shebeens (pubs). From here, we head east, traveling via Nelspruit, before stopping for overnight in one of the towns near the escarpment, which will be revealed to us tomorrow. Overnight at Victoria Farm Guest House (or similar) (BL).

Day 3 - Tuesday: Kruger National Park
We set off this morning to discover the scenic splendor of this region. First stop is the little gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, discovered at the turn of the century during a short lived gold rush, and perfectly preserved, before we join the Panorama Route, taking in the strange rock formations at Bourke's Luck Potholes, the impressive Lisbon Falls, and the highlight - Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world. Dinner and overnight on the edge of the Kruger National Park at Needles Lodge (or similar) (BD)

Day 4 - Wednesday: Kruger National Park
An early start this morning as you join your ranger in an open vehicle for your safari into the Kruger National Park. A full day here will allow you the opportunity to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as a host of other animals in this huge wilderness. Return to your lodge for dinner and a chance to discuss today's sightings! (BD)

Day 5- Thursday: Swaziland - Zululand
Depart after an early breakfast and enter the independent kingdom of Swaziland. With its green hills and indigenous forests, it is known as the Switzerland of Africa - and it is equally well known for its excellent markets where craft and curio sellers from all over Africa bring their goods for sale. You will have the opportunity to stop at one of these markets en route, before entering northern Zululand. Here we will check into our lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight at White Elephant Bush Lodge (or similar) (BD).

Day 6 - Friday: Zululand
This morning you will embark on a boat cruise on one of Zululand's most scenic lakes, giving you the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. Return to your lodge early this afternoon, with an optional activity available to you - either a game drive in open vehicle, or a walking safari, both accompanied by your expert ranger. This area is rich in elephant and rhinoceros as well as being one of the most pristine areas in South Africa. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. (BD)

Day 7 - Saturday: Durban/Cape Town
We follow the sugar cane fields of KwaZulu Natal south after breakfast, stopping en route to experience traditional Zulu dancing and culture, accompanied by lunch. Taking the coastal road, with its views of the Indian Ocean, we arrive in Durban. Time for a short orientation tour, including the city center and harbor, before you transfer to Durban International for your onward flight to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your overnight accommodation, the Cape Town Hollow. (BL)

Day 8 - Sunday: Winelands
Your guide will collect you this morning at 09h00 and you will set off for Stellenbosch, the second oldest settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. Its oak lined streets and famed Cape Dutch architecture make it one of the most charming towns in the country. We continue from here to Paarl, where we stop at the impressive Afrikaans Language Monument, that offers awe inspiring views of the Winelands and the Hottentots Holland Mountains, before enjoying lunch and a wine tasting at one of the nearby wine estates. We continue to Franschhoek, where we enjoy another wine tasting, before checking in to our accommodation, Maison Chablis (or similar) and giving you an opportunity to explore this French Huguenot town with its charming pavement cafes on your own. Overnight at Cape Town Hollow. (BL)

Day 9 - Monday: Oudtshoorn
We join Route 62 today - an inland road that travels through the stark beauty of the Little Karoo, a semi desert region, passing towns such as Barrydale and Montagu. We stop at the little village of Calitzdorp, famous for its Haanepoort grapes for a port tasting, before arriving at Oudtshoorn, the ostrich farming capital of the world. We have lunch and a tour of an ostrich farm before visiting the Cango Caves, the largest accessible caverns in Africa. Overnight in Oudtshoorn at De Opstal (or similar). (BL)

Day 10 - Tuesday: Knysna
This morning we travel over the Outeniqua mountains, leaving behind the dry Little Karoo and entering the lush greenery of the Garden Route. At George, you board a steam train to travel the coastal route in nostalgic fashion (seasonal September - April), before joining up with your guide at Sedgefield. This whole area is characterised by sweeping white beaches, deep rivers and indigenous forest. Travel on to Knysna where we join the ferry on Knysna and set off for Featherbed Nature Reserve, where we are met by all terrain vehicles that will take us up to the top of the cliffs for breathtaking views of the area. Lunch is served on the edge of the lagoon before we check into Guinea Fowl Lodge (or similar) for overnight. (BL)

Day 11 - Wednesday: Knysna
We drive east after breakfast to the thick indigenous Forest of Tsitsikamma, where we head towards the coast at Storm's River Mouth. Here the Storm's River meets the Indian Ocean amidst dramatic cliffs and gorges, bordered by the forest - an inspiring sight. Our tour continues with a stop at a monkey sanctuary, where rescued apes and monkeys run wild in a protected area of the forest, before we drive to the holiday village of Plettenberg Bay, and famed Lookout Beach. We return to Knysna, with time at leisure this afternoon to enjoy the artistic shops and crafts of the town. Dinner and overnight in Knysna. Guinea Fowl Lodge (or similar) (BD)

Day 12 - Thursday: Cape Town
After breakfast, we head west via the historic town of Swellendam, with its 18th century architecture, to the coastal town of Hermanus, world famous for its excellent land based whale watching. Whales are in the bay between May and November, but even out of whale season, the location and views makes this a special place to visit. We enjoy lunch here at the Relais and Chateaux hotel, the Marine, a beacon of elegance on the coast. This afternoon, we continue to Cape Town via Sir Lowry's Pass. The next three nights are in Cape Town at Cape Town Hollow (or similar) (BL).

Day 13 - Friday: Cape Town
This morning you will discover Cape Town - or the "Mother City" as it is affectionately known and indeed it is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. Rich in history - you will visit the Castle, and the historic city center, it is also the Parliamentary capital of South Africa - you will visit the Houses of Parliament and Company Gardens, and rich in European and Cape Malay culture - you will stop at the colorful Malay Quarter and also the bustling market at Greenmarket Square. Weather permitting, we will ascend Table Mountain (own cost) for spectacular views over the entire Cape Peninsula. At the end of the tour, you may choose to be dropped off at your accommodation or at the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a working harbor, with many shops, restaurants and outdoor performers. This evening we dine at one of the historic restaurants in the city. Overnight at Cape Town Hollow (or similar) (BD).

Day 14 - Saturday: Cape Town
Set off this morning after breakfast for the Cape of Good Hope - a drive that takes you along the incredible Atlantic seaboard, through exclusive areas such as Clifton and Camp's Bay, and the little fishing harbor of Hout Bay, where we will stop for a cruise to Seal Island to see the Cape Fur Seals. If the pass is open, we will travel along Chapman's Peak Drive to the Cape Peninsula. Here we will go by funicular to the top for the spectacular view, and to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We return via Simon's Town and the breeding Colony of African Penguins on the beach there. Dinner this evening is a special arrangement with friends in the township of Langa, where will enjoy traditional African food, and the most talented young African musicians. Overnight at Cape Town Hollow (or similar) (BD).

Day 15 - Sunday: Cape Town
A day to say farewell to your fellow travelers and guide and to a country that has been your home for a short while. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your outbound international flight with many happy memories and stories to tell those at home. (B)

2010 PRICE PER PERSON SHARING:

• INCLUDES:
  Accommodation, meals as specified, land transportation, escort guide, safari activities and tours as specified, airport transfers and park fees.

• EXCLUDES:
  Any airfare, airport taxes, optional tours, beverages, insurance, tips and gratuities and all items of a personal nature.

• DEPARTURES:
  Sundays with a minimum of 2 people

• NOTES:
  Children under 12 sharing with two adults pay 50% of the adult rate
  B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  Prices are quoted in USD

©2008 African Horizons. All rights reserved

Website design & hosting by:
LAlink, Inc.