PRICED FROM ZAR 26 415 PER PERSON SHARING 15 S 2 COUNTRIES JOHANNESBURG > MPUMALANGA > SWAZILAND > ST LUCIA > DURBAN > DRAKENSBERG > EASTERN CAPE COAST > PORT ELIZABETH > KNYSNA > OUDTSHOORN > CAPE TOWN 15 Days It s an adventure unlike any other - South Africa, a vast land of unimaginable beauty and diversity of experiences, is set to take your breath away. 1 (SUN) JOHANNESBURG Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers. **Protea Hotel OR Tambo or similar**
2 (MON) JOHANNESBURG > MPUMALANGA (B) This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, 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 finally a visit to Bourke s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. **Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar** Distance travelled today: 500 kms 3 (TUE) MPUMALANGA (PB) We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure. **Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar** Distance travelled today: 200 kms 4 (WED) MPUMALANGA > SWAZILAND (B) This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture. **Lugogo Sun or similar** Distance travelled today: 280 kms 5 (THU) SWAZILAND > ST LUCIA & SURROUNDS (B) This morning we journey through 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. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay. **Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar** Distance travelled today: 350 kms 6
(FRI) ST LUCIA & SURROUNDS > DURBAN (B) Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. **Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar** Distance travelled today: 320 kms 7 (SAT) DURBAN > DRAKENSBERG (BD) This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the Promenade mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account). **Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar** Distance travelled today: 280 kms 8 (SUN) DRAKENSBERG (BD) 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. **Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar** 9 (MON) DRAKENSBERG > EASTERN CAPE COAST (BD) This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place 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 outside the capital of Umtata (own account). We continue via Nelson Mandela s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. **Crawford s Beach Lodge or similar** Distance travelled today: 520 kms 10 (TUE) EASTERN CAPE COAST > PORT ELIZABETH (B) 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 on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to Port Elizabeth. **Garden Court Kings Beach or similar**
Distance travelled today: 340 kms 11 11 (WED) PORT ELIZABETH > KNYSNA (BD) Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel. **Premier Hotel The Moorings or similar** Distance travelled today: 300 kms 12 (THU) KNYSNA > OUDTSHOORN > MOSSEL BAY (B) 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 (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay. **Diaz Hotel and Resort or similar** Distance travelled today: 360 kms 13 (FRI) MOSSEL BAY > CAPE TOWN (B) 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, labour-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. **Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar** Distance travelled today: 420 kms 14 (SAT) CAPE TOWN (UNESCORTED) (B) Enjoy a day of leisure in the Mother City where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this beautiful city. **Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar** 15
(SUN) CAPE TOWN (B) This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. PACKAGE INCLUSIONS 14 Breakfasts 4 Dinners Accommodation Transportation Porterage Sightseeing as specified and Kruger Park Conservation levy (Conservation levies are subject to increase without prior notice and are at the discretion of the game park) EXCLUSIONS Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 06h15 and ends at 22h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please inform your Travel Agent, in order to make alternative transfer arrangements. VISA REQUIREMENTS This tour travels through Swaziland and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Swaziland and Lesotho. 2019 DEPARTURE DATES All departures are in English on dates below. 13 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 14 Apr 12 May 9 Jun 7, 21 Jul 4, 18 Aug 8 Sep 6, 20 Oct 3, 17 Nov 8 Dec **OPTIONAL TOUR ACTIVITIES** While our Guided Journeys are carefully designed to cater to everyone s taste and pace, Thompsons Africa recognises that personal time is important. Relaxing around the pool in the golden sunshine, catching up with friends and family via email and social media, indulgent spa treatments or catching that highly anticipated world sporting event on television, are important to some but for others, we have a hand-picked selection of our most popular optional excursions for guests to choose from. The ability for guests to tailor their journey by including these excursions and experiences is sure to enhance their quintessential African experience while travelling with us. SOUTH AFRICAN SURPRISE OPTIONAL TOURS Rates valid 01 Jan 2019 31 Dec 2019 3 TUES KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FULL OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI PRICED FROM R 1 195 PER PERSON Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area. 5 THURS HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK AFTERNOON OPEN VEHICLE SAFARI PRICED FROM R 830 PER PERSON Enjoy an afternoon, 3 hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation programme.
6 FRI ST LUCIA GAME VIEWING BOAT CRUISE PRICED FROM R 340 PER PERSON Enjoy a game viewing boat cruise in St Lucia (depending on weather conditions), getting up close to the sights and sounds of hippos and crocodiles and marvelling at the plentiful birdlife. 8 SUN SANI PASS 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR PRICED FROM R 1 340 PER PERSON Join a 4x4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required) which includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa. 14 SATUR CAPE TOWN KAAPSE STORIES AT THE ROCKWELL DINNER THEATRE PRICED FROM R 810 PER PERSON Enjoy an evening of song, theatre and delicious Cape food that serves as a perfect welcome to the Mother City. 14 SATUR CAPE TOWN FULL CAPE PENINSULA TOUR PRICED FROM R 1 250 PER PERSON Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve (entrance fee for own account). 14 SATUR CAPE TOWN FULL CAPE WINELANDS TOUR PRICED FROM R 1 090 PER PERSON While South Africa's fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.