National Parks
Day 1: Arrival Johannesburg
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport where you will be met by your Fairfield Tours tourguide. Continue to your hotel where you check in and overnight.
Overnight: Airport Grand Hotel, Johannesburg (BB)
Day 2: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
After an early breakfast depart on a Pretoria City Tour: Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It is called the “Jacaranda City”, renowned for its colourful gardens, shrubs and trees, particularly in spring when the more than 80 000 Jacaranda trees are blooming. Visit the Kruger House – the house of Paul Kruger, the man that dared to challenge the might of the British Empire. Driving around Church Square will reflect a variety of architectural styles of Pretoria from the turn of the century. Visit the Voortrekker Monument and Museum – commemorating the Great Trek of the white pioneers into the hinterland. Visit the majestic administrative headquarters of the government, the Union Buildings.
Depart for Mpumalanga via Witbank and Middelburg. Continue to Misty Mountain, a 280 hectare South African Natural Heritage Site situated on the spectacular Long Tom Pass (31 kilometres from Lydenburg and 24 kilometres from Sabie). Perched at an altitude of 1700 metres above sea level in a malaria free area, Misty Mountain is uniquely set in mountainous countryside with majestic views across the escarpment and into the lowveld.
Overnight: Misty Mountain, Long Tom Pass (BB)
Day 3: Long Tom Pass to Kruger National Park
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Transfer to the Kruger National Park, the largest Game Park in South Africa. The Kruger National Park stretches north to south for about 350 kilometres, and is bordered by Mozambique to the east and Zimbabwe to the north. Its two million hectares of territory teem with life, including 147 mammal, 507 bird, 114 reptile, 34 amphibian, 336 tree and 49 fish species. You will have great opportunities to see some of the African wildlife while traveling through the park in the luxury of your air-conditioned coach. Tonight you can enjoy a leisurely South African Braai under the stars (Optional / Own Account).
Overnight: Southern Rest Camp in KNP, Kruger National Park (BB)
Day 4: Kruger National Park to Mozambique
Early check out before you continue to the Crocodile Bridge Gate, close to the Crocodile River which is the oldest entrance gate to the Kruger National Park. Exit the Kruger National Park and continue via the Komatipoort border post into Mozambique. Please keep in mind that this is quite a popular entrance point into Mozambique and you will have to be patient when waiting to enter into the country, especially during the high season.
Cross into Mozambique, a country known for its hospitality. A place where you can see how communities are working together to uplift and unite after this third world country was left impoverished during a war for independence. Mozambique is also world-renowned for its beaches, World Heritage sites, colonial architecture and colourful local culture. The major activity is agriculture and the country is a leading producer of cashew nuts. Continue to Maputo, the capital city and home to the main port. A local guide is taken on board to tell you about the history of the city. Sit back, and enjoy a short Maputo city sightseeing tour. Visit the beautiful building of the Nature History Museum, pass through the Polana area and the fish market towards the Costa do Sol beach. Continue along the Marginal street to downtown. You will also have the opportunity to see the Town Library and the Post Office built in the 1930’s. Continue past the Maputo Railway station, designed by Gustav Eiffel and built in 1910, and the Workers Monument built by the Portuguese in memory to those lost in the First World War. Visit the Central Market and have the opportunity to buy some handcrafts, cashew nuts and experience the busy vegetable market. You will also view the Catholic Cathedral, located on the Praça da Independência, an imposing white building with a beautiful tower. Transfer to your hotel situated on the beachfront. Take a walk along the beach or laze at the swimming pool while you enjoy a drink. Enjoy dinner (Optional / Own Account).
Overnight: Holiday Inn Maputo, Maputo (BB)
Day 5: Mozabique (Maputo)
Spend the day at leisure. Your options include the following (Optional / Own Account):
Enjoy your day relaxing next to the hotel’s pool deck, surrounded by palm trees and only a few steps away from the beach. Walk down the jetty leading into the ocean which can be compared to a huge, quiet dam of water.
Depart by boat from the harbour to Inhaca Island. En route you will stop at the Portuguese Island which is a National Park. Stroll down this deserted, tranquil stretch of island or bask in the sun, the lukewarm sea water is also a haven for swimmers. Return to your boat and continue for 3km to the Inhaca Island, a true African Island and the place where you can do some souvenir hunting. Enjoy lunch on the island before returning to Maputo.
You have the option of enjoying a Maputo city sightseeing tour. Visit the Catholic Cathedral, located on the Praça da Independência, is an imposing white building with a beautiful tower. City Council Chambers. A neo-classical building, also on the Praça da Independência. Tunduro Gardens. Located off Avenue Samora Machel, where you can admire the fine cycad collection and other indigenous and exotic plants. Railway Station. Built in 1910, this green and white building has a metal dome on the top designed by Mr. Eiffel. It is on the Praça dos Trabalhadores
Please keep in mind that the above excursions do not include a transfer to and from the excursion point and this can be arranged with the Hotel directly.
Return to your hotel where you will spend your last evening in Mozambique (Maputo)
Overnight: Holiday Inn Maputo, Maputo (BB)
Day 6: Mozambique (Maputo) via Swaziland to Ithala Nature Reserve
Today you will leave Mozambique behind to cross through the Namaacha border post into the Kingdom of Swaziland. Continue along the Lebombo mountain range, at an altitude of around 600 meters. The mountains are broken by the gorges of three rivers, the Ngwavuma, the Usutu and the Mbuluzi. You will now drive past sugar cane areas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Continue via Big Bend, to the Golela border post where you will exit the country and enter into South African again.
Continue to Ithala Game Reserve overlooking the Pongola river valley in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu Natal. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back 3 000 million years. After arrival depart on an open vehicle game drive in this magnificent reserve (subject to availability, this game drive can also take place in the morning of day 9). Ithala’s big game species include white- and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and giraffe. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed atmosphere amongst the animals. Ithala is also the ideal haven for a large variety of birds, such as Black Eagles, lappet faced and Whitebacked Vultures, Ostriches and Secretary birds.
Overnight: Ntshondwe Camp, Ithala Nature Reserve (BB)
Day 7: Ithala Nature Reserve to Bayala
After breakfast you will continue from Ithala Nature Reserve further into the Kingdom of the Zulu. Visit a Zulu Cultural Village for a true African Cultural experience (Optional / Own Account). Learn about traditional weapons, jewellery and be entertained by their dancing. Continue to your hotel where you check in and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Bayala Game Lodge, Bayala (BB)
DAY 8: St Lucia
Spend the day in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park area, previously known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which was recently proclaimed a natural World Heritage Site. It is one of the only areas in the world that encompasses five ecosystems. It has marine systems such as coral reefs, beaches and coastal forests; salt and fresh water marshes, open estuarine waters, lush coastal plains and the drier woodland areas. It is also home to the largest, southern most population of hippos and over one thousand crocodiles, a wealth of plant and animal life and rich birdlife. The enormous lake, 350 square kilometers in extent supports a variety of aquatic creatures both large and small and is part of the marine food chain. Being a fairly shallow lake there is much movement in the water and is the perfect habitat for birds and fish alike. You have the opportunity to enjoy a sight-seeing boat trip on the St Lucia estuary which will bring you in close proximity to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, such as the Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and Kingfisher.
Overnight: Bayala Game Lodge, Bayala (BB)
Day 9: Bayala to Giants Castle
Enjoy early breakfast and check out. Depart via the N2 and N3 and The Valley of 1000 hills to the historic Giant’s Castle, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lying in the Central Berg region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Time permitting, you will drive through the city of Pietermaritzburg, a city that carried its proud past into the present. Pietermaritzburg was named after the Voortrekker Leaders, Piet Retief and Gerrit Maritz. Here you will view the Voortrekker Museum, Church of Vow as well as the City Hall. The original City Hall was built in 1893, but this modest two storey building was destroyed by fire in 1898. In 1902 it was rebuilt and opened in that August. Today the City Hall is declares a National Monument and the organ within the City Hall, is one of the largest pipe organs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Experience the charm and authenticity of the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that the British Colonial style stamped on the former Boer settlement. This city is the administrative capital of Kwa Zulu Natal and is also world famous as the start or the end of the Comrades Marathon. The start of the 82 kilometre race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban alternates annually between the two cities.
Continue to the Giant's Castle Camp, which is situated on a grassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg. You have the option of visiting the Main Caves Museum for fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the San people. This area is well-known for its rock art. Spend the night in your chalet nestled in the Central Berg area.
Overnight: Giants Castle, Drakensberg Park (BB)
Day 10: Giants Castle to Golden Gate National Park
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Continue to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Visit the Royal Natal National Park situated in the Northern Drakensberg, and behold the Amphitheatre, a rock wall of around 5 kilometres in length, and approximately 500 metres in height. Continue with your local guide to the rocks in the area bearing Bushman (San) paintings and view this fascinating historic art.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This is true highlands habitat, home to a variety of mammals - black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare bearded vulture and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed in the ledges of the sandstone cliff. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock. You have time to enjoy the long hiking paths that lead through the quiet mountain world.
Overnight: Brandwag Rest Camp, Golden Gate National Park (BB)
Day 11: Golden Gate National Park to Bloemfontein
After breakfast, you will visit the village of Clarens en route to Golden Gate (time permitting). The village has become known as the “Jewel of the Free State” - rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity. The town is known for the many Art and Craft shops which offer the visitor a wide range of curios and original artwork. Another feature which adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings. The town was named after the town Clarens in Switzerland where Paul Kruger spent his last days
Depart to Ficksburg, cherry capital of South Africa where you should indulge in the delicious pastries and tarts prepared by Sunette Monk and her team of Proudly Ficksburg. Taste of the Cherry Liqueur or Cherry brandy produced on the different estates of the area and decide what is worth taking home to the family.
Continue to Bloemfontein, the sixth largest city in South Africa, Capital City of the Free State and also The Judicial Capital of South Africa. Visit the Women’s Memorial, the only monument in the world commemorating women and children’s suffering in a war. Depart on an orientation tour of the city and view historical buildings such as the City Hall, Old Presidency, buildings of judicial implication, the Anglican Cathedral, Railway Station and the Dutch Reformed Church. Continue to your hotel where you check in and spend the night.
Overnight: City Lodge Bloemfontein, Bloemfontein (BB)
Day 12: Bloemfontein to Cradock
Enjoy breakfast and early check out. Travel towards the Eastern Cape Province. Enter the Mountain Zebra National Park. The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Park's Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and have become an entrancing preserve for the Cape mountain zebra. The proclamation of the park in 1937 saved these animals from extinction, and currently their population stands at 300. Other mammals found here include Cape buffalo, black rhino, eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and gemsbok, while mountain reedbuck and grey rhebok frequent the higher areas. The park contains a rich variety of plant species and in spring the veld is covered with flowers. Fynbos and renosterveld bush flourish in the temperate climate where the rains come mainly during early summer and winter.
Continue to the beautiful and tranquil town of Cradock. Cradock today is a thriving agricultural community which specializes in the production of wool, mohair and cattle farming.
Check into your hotel. Die Tuishuise consist of 25 refurbished Karoo style cottages ideally located in Market Street, Cradock. Each house is decorated in its own distinctive theme of period prints and antique furniture, to reflect an atmosphere of understated elegance, reminiscent of the lifestyles of the English and Dutch Settlers at the turn of last century. In the evening you will enjoy a singing performance of traditional folk songs by young South Africans while having dinner (Optional / Own account).
Overnight: Tuishuise / Victoria Manor, Cradock (BB)
Day 13: Cradock to Addo Elephant National Park
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey giants of the bush now roam in peace. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo (and known as nature’s fertilize spreader).
You have the option of joining an open vehicle game drive. Check into the rest camp for your overnight in the Addo Elephant National Park, surrounded by the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape.
Overnight: Rest Camp, Addo Elephant National Park (BB)
Day 14: Addo National Park to Wilderness
After breakfast and check-out you will continue via Port Elizabeth to the heart of the Garden Route. On your route there is an endless natural garden of mountains, cliffs, forest, lakes, rivers and varying seashores, the spectacular scenery and majestic landscape marred only by the almost continuous ribbon of development along the coast. Do a walking trail to the Big Tree where trees of nearly 1000 years old are still reaching for the sky.
Continue to the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park, one of the country’s longest, narrowest and most spectacular parks, encompassing nearly 80 kilometres of the Cape’s coastal strip. Much of the fascination of this park lies in its wealth of both terrestrial and aquatic animals and plants, and their interaction. Roughly in the middle of the park is the mouth of the Storm’s River. A hiking trail takes you to the hanging bridge across the river, affording superb views of the sea.
Continue to the Wilderness National Park, a charming world of lakes, rivers, fens, estuaries and beaches which gently unfold against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains, all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. Tonight you will overnight in the beauty of this wetland, surrounded by lakes.
Overnight: Rest Camp, Wilderness National Park (BB)
Day 15: Wilderness to Stellenbosch
Check out and enjoy breakfast in town. Travel along the Garden Route to Mossel Bay. Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to set foot on South African soil at Mossel Bay. The Museum grounds are situated at the very site where he came ashore and made contact with the indigenous people. The Dias Museum Complex encompasses a wealth of places of historical interest. The most famous is the Old Post Office Tree. Pay a visit to the Maritime Museum. This building was erected in 1901 to serve as a grain saw mill. In 1987 it was adapted to serve as a unique maritime museum. A life size relplica of Dias’s ship is on display together with all aspects of the maritime history of the early Portuguese, Dutch and English navigators.
Travel via the striking Tradouws Pass to Barrydale. From there you will drive through towns such as Montagu, Robertson and Worcester where you will visit the KWV Brandy Cellar (closed on weekends). This modern complex is the largest distillery of its kind in the world. Experience at first-hand the art of brandy making. The tour includes an audio visual presentation, viewing of 120 copper potstills, a visit to the operational cooperage and the maturation cellars where brandy mellows to perfection in oak barrels. The tour concludes with a tasting which demonstrates the versatility of brandy.
Continue along the Du Toitskloof Pass via Paart to Stellenbosch. Check into your hotel where you freshen up before dinner (Own Account).
Overnight: Stellenbosch Lodge, Stellenbosch (BB)
Day 16: Stellenbosch to Cape Town
Start the tour with a visit to Stellenbosch; second oldest town in South Africa in the heart of the winelands. Drive through the university and historic sections of town. Stroll down Dorp Street, which boasts the longest row of restored historic buildings in South Africa. Visit Oom Samie se Winkel, famous historic curiosity selling everything from traditional food to baskets and antiques and will also export wine.
Travel to the beautiful town of Franschhoek, a village with real French charm, originated in 1688 when land was allocated to some 200 Huguenots who fled persecution in France. It was originally known as 'Olifantshoek', after elephants took to calving in the sheltered valley of plentiful food and water. Most of the farms in the area still carry the original French names. Spend some time in this charming village, browsing through the many art, craft and antique stores and visit the Huguenot Museum & Monument, depicting the history of the French Huguenots.
Visit the “Afrikaans Taal Monument”, the only monument in the world dedicated to a language. Learn about the origin of this beautiful and dynamic young language, so dear to the hearts of the Afrikaans community. The monument is situated in the Paarl Rock Nature Reserve. Continue to a nearby Wine Estate situated in the heart of the beautiful and fertile Paarl winelands, for a wine tasting session. Continue to Cape Town where you check into your hotel. You will overnight in the Mother City.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (BB)
Day 17: Cape Peninsula Tour
Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city and was founded by the first Dutch settlers who, led by Jan van Riebeeck, landed on the tip of Africa in April 1652. Set beneath the grandeur of Table Mountain, the area was described by English circumnavigator Francis Drake as “the fairest Cape in all the circumference of the earth”, though later, as a busy and hospitable port on the sea route to India, the town earned the name “tavern of the seas”. Your first excursion for today is a visit to Table Mountain (Optional / Own Account / Weather permitting). Make the ascent by cable car. The mountain rises 1 086 metres above sea level and there are magnificent views from its distinctively flat-topped summit.
Continue to the “Republic of Hout Bay”. Embark on a boat trip to Duiker Island to view the seal colony frolicking in the sea around the island and various sea birds (Optional / Own Account). View the sentinel from where guards watched the horizon for approaching enemy war ships in the early days of the Cape Colony. Proceed to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which encloses more than 4500 plant species (fynbos) (the highest concentration of different species in such a small area anywhere in the world). As the funicular take you to the Lighthouse at Cape Point, imagine for a moment what it must have been like to sail round this point in the days of Dutch and Portuguese seafarers, in their small sailing ships, bringing spices and silk to Europe from the Far East. This is where the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean supposedly meet.
The tour then takes you to Simon's Town to visit the Jackass Penguin colony (also known as African Penguins), one of the only two breeding colonies on the mainland, at Boulders.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (BB)
Day 18: Day at Leisure and Departure
You have the day at leisure. Please consult your tour guide for day tours on offer. Transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your return flight.
Contact Us for a quotation or to tailor make this tour.
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