15 Day South Africa EssentialsTour
This 15 day escorted coach tour takes you east and south from Johannesburg all the way to Cape Town taking in some of the best natural attractions South Africa has to offer.
You will depart the highveld from Johannesburg and travel through some spectacular countryside to the lowveld and one of the most famous wildlife reserves on the planet, Kruger National Park. You will spend a full day in the park taking in the flora and fauna of one of the premier wilderness reserves in the world.
The tour then takes you south through Swaziland and into the province of Kwazulu Natal, home to the once feared Zulu warriors. You will travel through the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park before arriving in Durban, the holiday capital of South Africa.
From Durban you will head into the Southern Drakensberg Mountains and its spectacular scenery and spend a couple of days travelling through & experiencing its beauty. The tour will then travel through Port Elizabeth en-route to the splendour of the Garden Route before arriving in one of the cities of the world, Cape Town.
Package Details
Price | Twin share | $2,285 | |
| Single Supplement | $545 | |
Number of Days: 15
Note:
1. Price is valid until 31 October 2012. If travelling after this date please contact us for revised prices
2. Tour departs on selected Mondays (see below for exact dates)
4. Accommodation may be different from properties listed due to availability but will be of a similar standard
5. Minimum of 2 & maximum of 25 people on tour
6. Vehicle for tour a 7 seater microbus, 18 seater mini coach or 28 seater luxury coach (all air-conditioned)
Tour Includes:
- 14 nights accommodation with buffet breakfast
- 1 dinner
- English speaking guide
- 1 x full day game drive in Kruger National Park
- Guided tour of Cango Caves
- All sightseeing specified in the itinerary
- All transfers & transportation specified in the itinerary
- Porterage
Tour Departure Dates:
14 May 2012
18 June 2012
16 July 2012
6, 20 Aug 2012
10, 24 Sep 2012
15, 29 Oct 2012
Itinerary
Day 1 - Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
This morning you will be collected from your Sandton hotel and depart Johannesburg and travel via Witbank, Belfast and Lydenburg, cross over the Long Tom Pass into the small town of Pilgrim's Rest where the richest alluvial gold deposits in South Africa were discovered, we reach our destination, Ohrigstadt in time for dinner.
Day 2 - Mpumalanga
We depart the lodge travelling along the Panoramic route visiting sites of the Blyde River Canyon, (one of the natural wonders of Africa), Mac Mac Falls, Gods Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes before arriving at your destination on the outskirts of Hazyview.
Day 3 - Mpumalanga
Today you will spend a full day in Kruger National Park, looking for the wonderful flora and fauna. This park was proclaimed in 1926 and covers an area of about 21 500 km². The topography of the park is consistent except in the northern reaches. From mammals, predators, reptiles and birds, there are many opportunities for you to see the Big Five and capture your experience on camera. Optional full day game drive in an open safari vehicle is available
Day 4 - Swaziland & Zululand
After breakfast you will travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland, one of the three remaining monarchs in Africa which amazingly withstood brutal advances from the Boers, British and Zulu's. Travel through Swaziland visiting the Ngwenya Glass factory and stopping for some traditional curios and souvenirs. Enjoy the views of the local population and their ways of living. Continue on through the border into Kwazulu Natal to your overnight hotel.
Day 5 - Zululand
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or an Optional Boat Cruise in the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. Optional Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park is also available. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site, and this piece of paradise was recently renamed the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Park's location between sub-tropical and tropical Africa as well as its coastal setting has resulted in exceptional biodiversity including some 521 bird species. Arrive in Durban late afternoon after a short orientation city tour.
Day 6 - Drakensberg Mountain Range
Leaving the coastal City of Kwazulu Natal we head into the Great Drakensberg mountains. The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) are a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho. The only road access to the Drakensberg is via Sani Pass, which at the top, boasts the highest pub on Africa, 3 000 metres above sea level. This route is extremely scenic and passes many sights of magnificent beauty. Visit the Himeville Museum which was built in 1900 and was still housing prisoners until 1972.
Day 7 - Drakensberg Mountain Range
Full day at leisure to enjoy the wonderful views of the magnificent southern Drakensberg mountains. Optional 4x4 adventure tour up Sani Pass and into Lesotho is available (passport required).
Day 8 - Lesotho & Transkei
An early departure leaves you with a view of the beautiful Sani Pass region that for a long time was the only way for the people to transport products such as mohair, wool and peas from Lesotho to Natal.
Day 9 - Eastern Cape
This morning we visit the Nelson Mandela Museum, which was officially opened on the 11 February 2000, at a function to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the release from prison of Nelson Mandela in 1990. The birthplace / museum is situated at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Umtata in the Eastern Cape. The Museum offers visitors an inspiring journey through the life of Nelson Mandela. This great leader has insisted that the Museum should not be a tribute dedicated to him, but should rather serve as a catalyst and springboard for the upliftment and development of the local community. Arriving at your hotel in Port Elizabeth late afternoon.
Day 10 - Garden Route
Our journey continues onto the Garden Route where we visit the Storms River Mouth and Tsitsikamma National Park before we arrive in Plettenberg Bay, originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay, and at night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants.
Day 11 - Garden Route
Day at Leisure: Spend the day next to the pool or take a walk on the beach. Optional Knysna Full Day Tour available.
Day 12 - Garden Route
This morning after breakfast we will travel to Oudtshoorn and to one of the large ostrich farms in the area where you will be taken on a guided tour, learning more about the workings of the farm.
Day 13 - Garden Route & Cape Town
This morning after breakfast you will be taken for a tour of the limestone Cango Caves. Named after the Khoesaan word for ‘a wet place' the Cango Caves are located 30km's from Oudtshoorn and are one of the major tourist attractions of the region. We will then travel via Route 62, driving through the Little Karoo to Montagu, Robertson and Worcester on our way to Cape Town. Lunch en route (not included)
Day 14 - Cape Town
Today you have a day at leisure in the "Mother City". Optional full day Cape Point Tour available. Highlights of this full day tour includes: Cape of Good Hope Reserve; the funicular (optional extra) to reach the hillcrest at Cape of Good Hope; the penguin colony at Boulders Beach; Chapman's Peak (subject to the road being open) and a tour of the Historic Tow of Stellenbosch as well as a Wine Tasting at a local Wine Estate.
Day 15 - Cape Town
This morning you have some more free time in one of the cities of the world. Optional morning Table Mountain and City Tour available. Transfer to Cape Town Airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodations
Hanna Lodge Ohrigstad
This beautiful Private Nature Reserve embraces more than 8000 hectares of Malaria - free, unspoiled African Bushveld. Hannah offers a Bushveld experience at affordable and realistic rates.
Hannah Game Lodge has 68 standard lodge rooms, each with a balcony overlooking the reserve. The standard rooms comprises of one double- or two single beds, en suite bathroom with either a shower or a bath. All the rooms are serviced daily with clean towels and linen. For your comfort each room is equipped with a mobile heater and ceiling fan. Coffee and tea making facilities are provided and a laundry service is also available. With comfort and hospitality in mind each room was carefully designed and decorated. For ultimate tranquillity and peace no televisions are present in the rooms. For security, each room is equipped with a wall safe.
Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort
Situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region, Casa do Sol is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and lush flower gardens.
Coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere, Casa do Sol is the true epitome of luxury and elegance.
The hotel is made up of Casa's, Villa's, Twin and Double Suites and one "Casa Grande". All rooms cater for double occupancies and have bathrooms en-suite. The Casa's lead out to the gardens whilst the Villa's have private gardens or terraces overlooking the valley. The Twin and Double Suites each have entrance halls, spacious sitting rooms, luxury bathrooms with separate showers and toilets plus private patios with breathtaking views of the valley.
The crystal waters of two swimming pools are surrounded by luscious tropical gardens which have won awards for their vibrant colours and serene beauty - an environment sure to lull you into a state of gentle euphoria.
Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris
Rich in natural ambience and with a distinctively African rhythm, Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris treats guests to luxurious accommodation, tantalising cuisine, and a world-class service with friendly staff who live the motto "hospitality is our game".
The Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris encourages visitors to leave the modern world behind and to embark on a discovery ... the untamed beauty of Kwazulu Natal's Elephant coast and the neighbouring wildlife and marine reserves have created a vibrant eco-system of unrivalled diversity.
Protea Hotel Hluhluwe, a hotel accommodation in Zululand has 76 rooms that are spacious, clean and family friendly. With high quality linen and soft colours and décor, you will be left completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The standard rooms have a number of modern facilities for guests to enjoy. They include tea and coffee making facilities, en-suite facilities, satellite TV, telephone and individual climate control.
Balmoral Hotel
Located on Durban's "Golden Mile' With the beach on its doorstep The Balmoral hotel is a short walk away from the shopping and business district, the International Convention Centre and the uShaka Marine World which features the largest Dolphinarium in Africa.
Fully renovated, The Balmoral still reflects its historic and stately façade to make it one of Durban's most elegant venues along the Golden Mile Beachfront.
The fully licensed Waterfront Restaurant leads out onto The Waterfront Terrace where you can relax and enjoy sundowners whilst overlooking the vibrant Golden Mil.
The Balmoral boasts 95 elegantly appointed, fully equipped large bedrooms being categorised as Executive Sea facing; Superior Sea facing; Standard Double Sea facing ,Disabled; Standard Twin Non Sea facing; Studio Non Sea facing
Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
In the foothills of the scenic southern Drakensberg, which forms part of the uKhahlamba World Heritage site, is the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel.
The resort is conveniently located on an 860-acre estate bordering KwaZulu Natal Wildlife land, allowing access to spectacular walks and hikes - the most strenuous being a 9 hour hike up the Rhino Horn 9842.4 ft (3000 metres) above sea level.
This Drakensberg accommodation resort offers rooms in 3 categrories: Standard, Superior and Deluxe. All of the rooms provide space and comfort. All of the rooms offers a private bathroom, television, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities and heaters for those cold winter nights.
Dining options include The Eagles Roost (buffet), The Bistro (a ‘la carte), The Bergview Restaurant & Bar (a 'la carte), VineKnot Restaurant (Table d'Hote) and the Glengarry Country Club Restaurant & Bar (light meals). A lounge and two additional bars are also available in the main hotel.
Mbotyi River Lodge
Situated in the rural village of Mbotyi, bounded by a lush indigenous forest and the warm Indian Ocean, lies Mbotyi River Lodge - the ideal venue from which to explore the idyllic beauty of the Wild Coast. This highly recommended, 3 star lodge consists of 48 upmarket and comfortable thatch and wooden chalets which overlook the sea, lagoon and forest. Fine cuisine is the order of the day and a warm welcome awaits. Guests can enjoy beach activities, stunning hikes, brilliant birding, horse riding, rock, surf and fly fishing, canoeing and at the correct time of the year, whales and dolphins are a common occurrence.
Kelway Hotel
Set on the embankment next to Bayworld Oceanarium with breathtaking views of Nelson Mandela Bay, The Kelway Hotel is ideally situated within walking distance of local attractions and ‘Blue Flag' beaches. Elegant in style, the overall tone of the hotel is warm and inviting with care given to ensure guests are as comfortable as possible. The hotel compromises of 61 rooms. Dark wood finishes complement exquisite white silk percale linen. All rooms are air-conditioned, offer satellite television, en suite bathrooms, safes and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Dunes Hotel & Resort
Flanked by the waters of the Indian Ocean, and an 8km stretch of beach, The Dunes Resort represents a delicate balance between comfort and luxury. Surrounded by the scenic splendour of the celebrated Garden Route, guests can redefine their holiday and enjoy privacy and style in these beautifully appointed, self-contained duplex units. These delightful and attractive duplex units provide spacious, relaxed self-catering accommodation in secure garden surroundings.
Each of these units is equipped with a full kitchen and with their own barbeque facilities and carport.
Protea Hotel Riempe Estate
Situated in a farm-like setting on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, the Protea Hotel Riempie Estate is a charming hotel with well-appointed thatched rondavels, only 20 minutes away from the Cango Caves and moments away from the crocodile and ostrich farms for which Oudtshoorn is famed. The stylishly decorated thatched roof units have their own private entrance and consist of the usual every day comforts. All rooms are en suite with bath and/or shower, air-conditioning, TV with eTV/SABC1/SABC2/SABC3/M-Net/Movie Magic/Sky News and tea and coffee facilities and a hairdryer.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice
This Cape Town hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cape Town's entertainment area, a stone's throw away from the best of Cape Town's vibrant nightlife, cafés, restaurants and entertainment. Each of the 189 bedrooms has a full complement of features including an extra-length king-size bed or two single beds, Bose alarm clock radio, a large executive desk with international electrical points, complimentary limited wireless internet, LCD flat screen television, Tea/Coffee making facilities, air conditioning, telephone, Laptop-friendly safe with charger and 24-hour room service.
Other recommendations
This tour gives you a great overview of South Africa as it takes in many of its major attractions. If you are looking for more game viewing and lodge activity an extension back into Kruger National Park or into Pilanesberg National Park for some concentrated game activity would be a good option. You may want to travel further north into Botswana, Zambia or Namibia to experience other regions of southern Africa. Or you may wish to relax on a beach in Mozambique before heading home.
Please contact us for these other options.
Flights
Wild Africa Travel Company has excellent airfares from Australia to Johannesburg and return flights from Cape Town to Australia.
Prices for economy class flights with South African Airways start from:
Ex Perth $1,435
Ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide $1,485
Taxes approximately $395
Actual prices and taxes will depend on dates of travel. Please contact our office on free-call 1800 615 524 or by email for an exact quote
Our preferred airline to Africa
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended on the 15 Day Essentials Tour to cover for irrecoverable prepaid travel costs incurred as a result of unforeseen circumstances. For example, if the passenger becomes unexpectedly ill and is unable to travel then the passenger will be able to recover the total costs of their 15 Day Essentials Tour package.
Please note every year Wild Africa Travel Company have passengers needing to cancel for many unforeseen reasons. Unfortunately Wild Africa Travel Company is helpless if the passenger has not taken out the appropriate travel insurance.
Travel Insurance is also very important for passengers on their travels as there can be situations where things may go wrong and travellers find themselves needing urgent medical assistance, help with replacing lost luggage, or assistance in making an urgent trip home. Travel insurance can provide coverage for these unforeseen circumstances and also provide peace of mind for the traveller.
Cover can be purchased at time of booking. Please contact for a quote.
Note: Pre-existing conditions are not automatically covered, please make sure the Travel Insurance Policy wording is read and fully understood.
