Spectacular South Africa Featuring Swaziland

 For details on availability, departure dates and additional tour information, contact 01943 605999 or info@simplygroups.co.uk

Day 1: Sandton, South Africa- One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience. Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centre of greater Johannesburg.

Day 2: Sandton - Soweto – Sandton- Today you visit the Apartheid Museum which commemorates the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. A guided tour of Soweto – South West Township – showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the former centre of the liberation movement and the site of the police raid that led to Nelson Mandela’s lifetime prison sentence. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Panoramic Route - Kruger National Park- Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa's greatest natural wonders. Along this magnificent route, stop at God's Window and stand at what seems like the edge of creation. On clear days, you can see as far as Mozambique. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma dinner where you may sample some local game meat!

Day 4: Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive- Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the "Big 5" – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully – you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by giraffe in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.

Day 5: Kruger National Park - Mbabane, Swaziland- Journey to Swaziland, officially known as the Kingdom of eSwatini, an independent nation landlocked by South Africa and Mozambique. Small and peaceful, Swaziland boasts some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in southern Africa. Visit Ngwenya Glass, a success story for Swaziland and the environment, employing local residents to create spectacular glassworks made from 100% recycled glass. Watch the artisans blow their glass and create beautiful pieces before your eyes.

Day 6: Mbabane - Mkuze, South Africa -This morning, immerse yourself in the local Swazi culture during a visit to the Mbabane Market. This bustling market is home to vendors selling items from local crafts, textiles and handmade masks to herbs, fruits and vegetables. Return to South Africa this afternoon as you cross into the KwaZulu-Natal region. The land of the Zulu people is iconic to the traditions of South Africa.

Day 7: Mkuze Game Reserve - Safari Game Drive- Depart early this morning for a full-day safari game drive in Mkuze Game Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeest, eland, kudu and several other species in this diverse landscape, especially around the waterholes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing on your game drive. The reserve is home to over 420 species of birds. Return to the hotel for time to relax before dinner.

Day 8: Mkuze - Durban - George – Knysna- Travel to Durban and board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay.

Day 9: Knysna- Today we visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees – so called because of their white latex sap – before your return cruise. This afternoon, it's your choice! Visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as “Bahia Formosa” (or “Beautiful Bay”); witness views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons –OR enjoy your afternoon at leisure in Knysna, with time to independently explore the charming waterfront.

Day 10: Knysna - Oudtshoorn – Knysna- This morning’s township tour will highlight the diversity of this community, followed by a touching experience as you visit a school.* Learn about the efforts of the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area, after which you can catch a glimpse of ostriches big and small while on a tractor safari through the Lucerne fields. An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. This evening you may choose to join an optional excursion to Thesen Islands.

Day 11: Knysna - Stellenbosch - Cape Town- Continue to the beautiful winelands region, known for its colourful mountains and endless vineyards, where you will enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard. Later this afternoon, arrive in the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town.

Day 12: Cape Town- Enjoy a panoramic tour of this lovely city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named – and flat-topped – Table Mountain.** The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lion’s Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse.

Day 13: Cape Town- Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums before a communal African dining experience with dishes from all over the continent!

Day 14: Cape Town- Tour Ends

All Long Haul destination tours are operated by The Big Journey Company a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and ATOL number T7282. Financial Protection: The flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please request this and check to ensure that everything you have booked (flights, hotels and other services) are detailed. Please see The Big Journey Company  booking conditions for further information or go to  WWW.ATOL.ORG.UK for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate.