Kruger to Cape Explored

Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Spend the morning at the Apartheid Museum, learning about South Africa's struggle for freedom, human rights and equality and the resilience and determination of those who fought for it. Depart the city for the magnificent Mpumalanga province, ending up among the spectacular panoramas of the Drakensberg Mountains. Here, you are at the gateway of the famous Kruger National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today you will experience the highlights of the Panorama Route around the town of Graskop. Ride the Graskop Gorge Lift for glorious views over the forest canopy. Head on to the Blyde River Canyon, the world's third largest canyon, to the viewpoint known as God’s Window and the Bourke's Luck Potholes, rock formations formed by centuries of swirling sand and rocks in the river. Continue to the Three Rondavels, named for their resemblances to traditional African huts. Check in to your private game lodge and, as the sun sets, set out on a dusk safari to spot wildlife.

You will spend the next two days among the wilderness of one of the largest and oldest game reserves on the African continent. Greater Kruger National Park protects an extraordinary wealth of wildlife, including the infamous Big Five, and a diverse range of habitats. You'll head out on safari in open 4x4 vehicles twice a day, at dawn and in the late afternoon, to maximise your chances of spotting some wonderful creatures, the rest of the time spent at leisure at the game lodge.

A safari in the Greater Kruger National Park is an unparalleled adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. This vast and biodiverse region offers the chance to encounter the iconic Big Five and a plethora of other magnificent creatures. With an expert guide leading game drives and walking safaris, you can explore the wilderness up close, gaining insights into the intricate ecosystems that thrive here.

Transfer back to Johannesburg and fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). On arrival, transfer to your hotel in time for dinner.

Depart Gqeberha, stopping off at the Oudebosch Protea Farm to learn more about South Africa’s national flower. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park, a beautiful stretch of wild coastline, where you can explore the untouched forest and cross the Storms River Mouth on the picturesque suspension bridge. The journey ends at Knysna, called the 'jewel of the Garden Route', a charming town set between the Knysna Heads on a beautiful lagoon.

Today will be spent on the Featherbed Eco Experience, an adventure through the beauty of Knysna. It begins with a scenic boat cruise across the lagoon, followed by a guided tractor ride up to the top of the western head, part of the Featherbed nature reserve, for panoramic views. There’ll then be a nature walk through the coastal forests to learn more about the region’s unique flora and fauna, finishing off with a delicious lunch among nature.

From the coast, head inland en route to Cape Town, stopping at the town of Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostriches. While here you’ll visit the fascinating Cango Caves for a walk through the magnificent underground chambers, and an ostrich farm where you’ll take a tractor tour to meet the resident birds and dine on ostrich delicacies for lunch. Continue to Cape Town, passing through plenty of breathtaking scenery as you go.

Today begins with an orientation tour, delving into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Drive past the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens and Houses of Parliament before stopping for lunch at Bo-Kaap Kombuis where you'll have a cooking demonstration before dining on authentic Cape Malay cuisine. Then, ascend Cape Town's most iconic landmark, Table Mountain via the cableway for amazing views over the city, along the coast and out to sea.

Start the day with an ocean safari around the Cape Peninsula's islands, spotting lazing seals, a huge variety of seabirds and dramatic coastal landscapes. Then take a spectacular drive along Chapman's Peak, a coastal road that hugs the mountains and gives sweeping views of the Atlantic. Head to Cape Point and look out over the meeting of the waters of the Indian and Atlantic oceans from the historic Cape Point Lighthouse. The final stop of the day is Boulders Beach where you can wander walkways that pass through a colony of delightful African penguins.

From Cape Town, embark on a tour of the renowned Cape Winelands, a region that is an absolute feast for the senses. Starting in Stellenbosch, tour the town before continuing to Franschhoek, where you'll spend some time at the historic Boschendal Wine Estate. Learn about the art of winemaking, taste some of their exquisite vintages and enjoy lunch at Haute Cabriere with views over the valley. Return to Cape Town and sit down to a final night dinner at Gold Restaurant, where you'll enjoy an immersive and authentic African experience.

This morning is at leisure in Cape Town, with time to shop or explore, before transferring to the airport in the afternoon. Board your overnight flight back to the Australia, arriving home the following day.