Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival Johannesburg

   • Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, an English-speaking representative will meet and escort you to your awaiting transfer vehicle.
   • Transfer to your hotel, embarking on a Soweto tour en route. Soweto, whose name was created from the acronym South Western Townships, has made its mark on the psyche of New South Africa. It played a crucial historical role in the early days of resistance when the ANC (African National Congress) took a more vocal and visible stand against apartheid.
   • Soweto rose to meet the challenge, embracing a more political, dynamic, and also violent attitude during the uprisings on 16 June 1976 against apartheid and many more injustices towards non-Europeans in old South Africa. Today, it is a muddled mix of poverty and wealth – a sprawl of shanties, mass-produced shoebox houses, and more solid, middle-class homes.
   • The tour to Soweto includes visiting legendary Vilakazi Street, once home to TWO Nobel Peace Prize Winners – Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Tata Nelson Mandela. See Mandela House Museum and Hector Peterson Memorial, enjoy dancing and local performances along the street, and purchase souvenirs. Visit the Apartheid Museum.
   • In the evening, get to know your guide and fellow travel companions better during a welcome dinner at a restaurant near or at your hotel.

2. Day 2: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga

   • After breakfast, check out and travel with your English, Mandarin, and/or German-speaking guide to the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' Mpumalanga Province (approximately a 5-6 hour drive).
   • En route to your overnight hotel, explore part of the famous and scenic Panorama Route. This great escarpment is where brochures and guidebooks run out of original adjectives to describe the fresh mountain scenery and magnificent panoramic views.
   • See the spectacular Blyde River Canyon with its three sisters guarding over you. Witness the meeting point of the Blyde River ('river of joy') and the Treur River ('river of sorrow'), where water erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as 'Bourke's Luck Potholes.' Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water have formed a series of dark pools, contrasting artfully with the streaked white and yellow lichen-covered rocks.
   • Continuing along the road and the Treur River south, there are further viewpoints: Berlin Falls and God's Window.
   • In the late afternoon, arrive at your overnight hotel in Graskop, formerly a famous timber town and today a popular stopover with interesting little souvenir shops catering to tourists. Check-in and freshen up for dinner in a local restaurant.

3. Day 3: Mpumalanga & Kruger National Park

   • After a hearty breakfast, depart for the famous Kruger National Park.
   • Enter at Kruger Gate on the park's western border, engaging in "game watching," a South African term for searching for the famous BIG FIVE, namely, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo.
   • Upon arrival at the lodge, spend leisure time around the swimming pool with an island bar for refreshments.
   • Accommodation in luxury air-conditioned tents.
   • Dinner in the lodge restaurant or open-air Boma/Lapa.

4. Day 4: Mpumalanga - Kruger Park

   • Early morning, embark on a full-day safari in Kruger National Park with a pre-packed breakfast.
   • An English-speaking game ranger will guide you through the bush in an open safari vehicle, searching for the 'Big 5' and other unique African animals in their natural habitat.
   • A lunch stop is included at one of the various rest camps inside the park (for your account).
   • After returning to the lodge in the late afternoon, spend leisure time until dinner in the lodge restaurant or open-air Boma.

5. Day 5: Mpumalanga - Swaziland

   • Early morning breakfast before check-out.
   • Enjoy a scenic drive to the Kingdom of Swaziland, ruled by King Mswati III.
   • Witness a Swazi cultural experience at the Matsamo Cultural Village.
   • Visit the famous Ngwenya Glass Works to see master artisans creating art from molten glass.
   • Explore Mbabane's capital city, known for its vibrant markets with woven baskets, beadwork, and carvings.
   • Hotel accommodation in Manzini or adjacent to Swaziland.

6. Day 6: Swaziland - St Lucia Zululand IN KwaZulu Natal (KZN)

   • After breakfast, travel to Zululand, known for its bushveld and sugarcane fields.
   • Arrive in St Lucia, a famous holiday town on the eastern coast with South Africa’s largest inland body of water.
   • St Lucia Wetland Park is a World Heritage site with five ecosystems.
   • Spend the day at leisure exploring the small town with its shops and restaurants.

7. Day 7: Zululand St Lucia - Hluhluwe

   • Enjoy a late breakfast before transferring to Lake St Lucia for a boat safari guided by a ranger.
   • Explore the waterways and spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
   • In the afternoon, visit Dumazulu Village for a cultural experience.
   • Take a guided tour to learn about Zulu traditions, including crafts, dancing, and more.
   • The village serves as a "living museum" with over 50 Zulu residents.
   • Conclude the tour with a meal, tea or coffee, and a visit to the Curio shop.
   • Optionally, explore the snake and crocodile park featuring various reptiles.

8. Day 8: St Lucia - Bergville (Northern and Central Drakensberg Mountains)

   • Check out after breakfast and travel inland towards the Drakensberg Mountains.
   • Embark on a battlefield tour, visiting two famous Anglo-Zulu War sites – Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
   • Isandlwana: Explore the site where, on January 22, 1879, an entire British army was defeated by Zulu warriors.
   • Rorke’s Drift: Visit the location where 100 British soldiers defended against 4,000 Zulu warriors, earning 11 Victoria Crosses.
   • Arrive at your overnight resort near Bergville in the late afternoon.
   • Check in and have leisure time until dinner at the resort restaurant.

9. Day 9: Bergville (Northern and Central Drakensberg Mountains)

   • Enjoy a day at your leisure at Sanford Park Country Hotel.
   • Sanford Park, established in 1852, is located at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • The hotel's 41 hectares offer scenic views of the Drakensberg Mountains, and the property features a dam with bass for fishing enthusiasts.
   • Explore hiking trails along natural springs and streams within the hotel's surroundings.
   • Take advantage of the amenities and historical charm of Sanford Park Country Hotel.

10. Day 10: Durban Tour

    • Depart for Durban, the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, the Drakensberg Mountains, and South Africa's wildlife parks.
    • Durban, known as eThekweni in Zulu, translates to "where the Earth and Ocean meet," reflecting its coastal location.
    • Durban is a subtropical city with a golden beach, often called South Africa's playground, offering a carnival atmosphere and family-friendly holidays.
    • The city is also a bustling deep-sea harbour and international conferencing destination.
    • Check into the hotel upon arrival and enjoy leisure time.
    • Consider an optional visit to uShaka Marine World, a world-class facility featuring an oceanarium, dolphinarium, water park, and retail area.
    • The uShaka Oceanarium is the seventh largest aquarium globally, replacing the old SeaWorld.
    • Overnight in a hotel on the beachfront or adjacent to the beach.

11. Day 11: Durban at Own Leisure.

    • Enjoy a stroll down the beachfront, exploring the various shops offering souvenirs.
    • Take advantage of the beautiful beaches to relax and work on your tan.

    Overnight in the hotel located on the beachfront.

12. Day 12: Durban - Golden Gate Highlands Park

    • After breakfast, embark on a journey to Golden Gate Highlands Park in the northern Drakensberg region.
    • Overnight at Golden Gate Brandwag Hotel, which is approximately halfway to Johannesburg.
    • Explore the park nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, known for the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on its sandstone cliffs.
    • Witness the imposing Brandwag Rock keeping vigil over the main rest camp.
    • Discover the unique environment of the 11,600-hectare highland habitat, providing a home to various mammals and birds.
    • Enjoy the breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow, and purple hues during the evening at Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park.

13. Day 13: Golden Gate - Johannesburg

    • Breakfast at the hotel.
    • Begin the journey back to Johannesburg.
    • Visit the Maboneng Art & Taste of Africa Food Tour.
    • Conclude your African tour with a farewell dinner included in the tour cost.

    Overnight stay in a hotel in Johannesburg.

14. Day 14: Johannesburg

    • After breakfast, check out and bring your luggage with you.
    • Tour to Sandton – Mandela Square for shopping and sightseeing.
    • Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in the evening.
    • Board your flight to your destination.