Absolute South Africa
Day 1: Arrival Johannesburg
Arrive at Oliver Tambo International Airport where you will meet your Fairfield Tours Guide. Transfer to Sandton where you check into your hotel.
Overnight: Garden Court Sandton City, Sandton (BB)
Day 2: Pretoria City Tour
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 majestic administrative headquarters of the government, the Union Buildings. From Meintjieskop it provides lovely views of the city and the surrounding gardens.
Continue to the Kruger House - the house of the man that dared to challenge the might of the British Empire - Paul Kruger. Visit the Voortrekker Monument and Museum - commemorating the Great Trek of the white pioneers into the hinterland. Return to your hotel for dinner (own account) and overnight.
Overnight: Garden Court Sandton City, Sandton (BB)
Day 3: Pretoria to Ohrigstad
After breakfast and check out you will be on your way to Cullinan, to visit the world famous Premier Diamond Mine. The largest diamond ever was found here in 1905, the Cullinan of 3 106 carats. Depart for Ohrigstad via the picturesque and scenic Eastern Transvaal, travelling through the Witbank and Middelburg area.
Continue to the Hannah Lodge Private Reserve, situated near Ohrigstad in a 7 000 hectare game reserve. The farm abounds with 28 species of antelope, including the rare Sable antelope, Tsessebe, Mountain Reedbuck, Springbok and Gemsbok to name a few.
For the avid bird watcher there are over 250 species of birds on the Reserve - do not forget to bring your binoculars! Expect to see Ostriches, Guinea fowl and if you are lucky - a Secretary Bird stalking its prey in the grass.
Depart on a one and a half hour afternoon game drive in open 4 x 4 vehicles. Return to the lodge for dinner. Meals are a lavish affair at Hannah Lodge. Weather permitting you will be treated to a traditional evening in the open-air boma, under the Milkyway, next to open fires. Alternatively enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the thatched Waterbuck Restaurant. The menu features a vast spread of South African-Malayan cuisine as well as a large variety of venison (included).
Overnight: Hannah Lodge, Ohrigstad (DBB)
Day 4: Ohrigstad to White River
Enjoy a delicious buffet style breakfast. Today you will explore the Panorama Route. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon and largest green canyon in the world, formed by rivers cutting deep into the escarpment. The canyon displays magnificent views of the well known Three Rondawels. Huge cylinders of rock with hut-like pointy 'roofs', rising out of the far wall of the canyon. Continue to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, this world-renowned landmark formed over millions of years by waterborne sand and rock that scoured huge cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. Another landmark is God's Window - so called for the panoramic views of the Lowveld (and in the distance the Kruger National Park) more than 900 meters below. From the parking area a steep footpath along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual view site where there is a Wild Nature Reserve at an altitude of 1 829 meters.
Late afternoon you will visit a Shangaan Village (Optional / Own account) where you will learn and experience the ways of the Shangaan people. Continue to your hotel in White River where you check in and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Pine Lake Inn, White River (BB)
Day 5: Kruger National Park to White River
After breakfast you will depart to one of the highlights of the tour, a visit to the Kruger National Park. The park is the largest Game Park in South Africa. Here you will enjoy the experience of seeing the animals roaming free in their natural habitat. You will have the opportunity to meet members of the “Big Five” on a Full Day Game Drive on an open 4x4 vehicle. Dinner will be enjoyed at the Camp’s restaurant. (Own account)
Overnight: Rest Camp, Kruger National Park (BB)
Day 6: Kruger National Park to Swaziland
Travel to the magnificent little Kingdom of Swaziland. Enter Swaziland at the Jeppes Reef border post and travel in the direction of Piggs Peak. Time permitting pay a visit to the Ngwenya Glass Factory (Open Monday – Friday) and experience how the talented Swazi glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, marine life and tableware from 100% recycled glass collected for Ngwenya by the children of Swaziland. Visit the Craft Market near your hotel in the Ezulwini Valley. Continue to your hotel where you check in and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner (Own Account) at your hotel or the Royal Swazi Sun where you have the opportunity to win a lot of money at the casino.
Overnight: Lugogo Sun, Swaziland (BB)
Day 7: Swaziland to KwaZulu Natal
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Before leaving Swaziland you will visit the Candle Factory in the Malkern’s Valley. Drive via Manzini and Big Bend to the border post at Lavumisa where you will leave Swaziland and cross into South Africa again. Continue to your lodge, situated close to Hluhluwe where you will check in and refresh before dinner. (Own account)
Overnight: Bayala Game Lodge, close to Hluhluwe in Bayala (BB)
Day 8: Zululand
Today you will wake up at the crack of dawn and embark on a game drive in the Hluhluwe National Park (Optional / Own Account). The Game Reserve is acclaimed internationally for its conservation efforts. Besides the Big Five – rhino, elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo, there is an astonishing variety of wildlife to ensure a fascinating encounter for the visitor. The Park is home to the largest population of the southern white rhino. Visit a Cultural Village for an African Cultural experience. Learn about traditional weapons, jewellery and be entertained by their dancing. Return to the Lodge where you can enjoy a light lunch (Own Account) after which you can enjoy a relaxing time at the pool or go on a hike. In the evening, you can enjoy a typical South African braai at the Boma (Optional / Own Account).
Overnight: Bayala Game Lodge, Hluhluwe (BB)
Day 9: Zululand to Durban
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Today you will spend time in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park previously known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which was proclaimed a natural Wold Heritage Site. It is one of the only areas in the world that encompasses five ecosystems. It has marine systems such as coral reefs, beach and coastal forests, salt and freshwater marshes, open estuarine waters, lush coastal plains and the drier woodland areas. It is also home to the largest, most southern population of hippos and more than a 1000 crocodiles, a wealth of plant and animal life and rich bird life. Being a fairly shallow lake, there is much movement in the water and is a perfect habitat for birds and fish alike. Enjoy a sightseeing boat trip (Optional / Own Account) on the 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. Continue towards Durban, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: The Riverside Hotel, Durban (BB)
Day 10: Durban
After breakfast you will depart on a Durban City Tou, one of South Africa’s most popular seaside resorts. Durban has a cultural mix of East, West and African. Appropriately enough, the Zulu name for Durban is e’Thekwini, meaning “The Place where the Earth and Ocean Meet.” The golden beaches attract pleasure seekers all year round. Visit the Durban City Hall. The style is Edwardian neo-baroque architecture. The Durban City Hall houses the Natural Science Museum and the Durban Art Gallery. See the Portuguese Clock Tower. Stop for a short visit at the Indian market. Visit the Botanical Gardens regarded by many as one of South Africa’s most beautiful gardens, abundant with bird life, boasting an orchid house and cycad collection among other plant species. Here you can enjoy lunch (Optional / Own Account).
Pay a visit to uShaka Marine World which boasts fresh and sea water attractions from shipwrecks to an aquarium and dolphinarium, from water slides to amusement parks (remember to take your bathingsuit with). uShaka is the largest ocean park in Africa and the fifth biggest in the world! Take a stroll along uShaka Village Walk, the perfect opportunity to snap up that perfect gift or spoil yourself with a special memento, or enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The splendor of yesteryear is restored with the use of maritime artifacts. Having run aground on the Natal coast line, sharks has inhabited part of the Phantom Ship. This is where the Cargo Hold Restaurant is located. Patrons can see the sharks in a tank that forms a backdrop to their dining experience.
Continue to your hotel situated outside of the city noise, on the banks of the Umgeni River Mouth. You can enjoy dinner on the terrace at the pool (Own Account).
Overnight: The Riverside Hotel, Durban (BB)
Day 11: Durban to Umtata
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Travel along the N2 toward Umtata which was the capital of the old Transkei. Today you will enter “Mandela Country”. Your tour guide will relate to the history of Nelson Mandel, the former president of South Africa who was born and raised in this region. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at the restaurant. (Own account).
Overnight: Garden Court Umtata, Umtata (BB)
Day 12: Umtata to East London
After breakfast you will check out and continue through Transkei to East London. On your way your will pass Nelson Mandela’s retirement home where he returns to regularly. East London is South Africa’s only river port. Here you can enjoy a short city tour passing the Old Town hall with a statue of the well-known Steve Biko and the Colonial Division Memorial. Travel to your hotel, the HIGC East London, situated along the rugged and unspoilt coastline of the Eastern Cape. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (Own account).
Overnight: Garden Court East London, East London (BB)
Day 13: East London to Grahamstown to Port Elizabeth
After breakfast you will check out and enjoy a short city tour passing the Old Town Hall with a statue of the well-known Steve Biko and the Colonial Division Memorial. On your way to Port Elizabeth you will drive through King Williams Town and Grahams Town, a busy commercial, cultural and educational centre. The Observatory Museum in Grahams Town was originally built in the 19th century by a watchmaker and jeweler, to use as a jeweler’s shop and family home. In the topmost tower of the museum, is the only Victorian Camera Obscura in the Southern Hemisphere through which you can view the city of Grahams Town.
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. It is believed that the “Spekboom” which is found in this region and eaten by the elephants make these animals very fertile.
Travel to Port Elizabeth, the “Friendly City”. Check in at your hotel where you will enjoy panoramic sea views over Algoa Bay. You will have a short time to freshen up before you depart on an optional Shebeen Tour. These previously outlawed establishments are the vibrant, throbbing heart of the community where locals meet for a drink and often music and dancing too. The township version of the pub is an essential part of social life where people gather to enjoy themselves. Enjoy a fun evening out and meet the local people when we take you to our pick of exciting venues where the pulsing music and entertainment is the best of Africa. Experience Xhosa hospitality at its finest as you tuck into a traditional dinner, enjoy the laid-back vibe (Optional / Own Account).
Overnight: Summerstrand Hotel, Port Elizabeth (BB)
Day 14: Port Elizabeth to Knysna
You will start discovering the Garden Route, and en-route you will experience 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 1 000 years old are still reaching for the sky. Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park, and at Storms River Mouth, walk the short “Hanging Bridge” trail across the river.
Continue to Knysna. Nestling on the banks of a shimmering lagoon, Knysna is a natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafe’s beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. Knysna is synonymous with fine indigenous timbers, and famed for the craftsmanship of its furniture and timber products. The area is a veritable Garden of Eden: home to the only forest elephant in South Africa, the unique Knysna seahorse and the Pansy shell, the brilliantly coloured Knysna Loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales. Check into your hotel & freshen up before dinner (Own Account).
Overnight: Graywood Hotel, Knysna (BB)
Day 15: Knysna to Oudtshoorn
After breakfast you will have the opportunity to browse through the many arts and craft stores before departing for Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the “feather capital of the world”. Visit the world famous Cango Caves, in the belly of the Swartberg Mountains, described as one of the great natural wonders of the world. Sculpted by nature through the ages the fascinating limestone foundation occurs in a variety of colours.
Visit the Cango Ostrich Farm, see the whole farming process and learn all about the largest birds on earth. Continue to your hotel, where you will enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Oudtshoorn Inn, Oudtshoorn (BB)
Day 16: Oudtshoorn to Stellenbosch
Enjoy an early breakfast and check out. Travel on the "Route 62", one of the most beautiful travel routes in South Africa. The country road meanders through the fertile valleys of the Klein Karoo, past rugged rock formations. Time and again the road leads over steep passes, which open up to spectacular views of wide land. From Ashton, turn in the direction of Swellendam, then take the first turnoff to Bonnievale. Continue to Van Loveren for a wine tasting (Optional / Own Account / Saturdays until lunch time, closed on Sundays). Their borders are lined by bright red cannas which are ablaze with colour for eight months of the year. The white cellar with its characteristic four modern gables are in stark contrast with the vine green and red of the cannas. An oil painting of the cellar with the beautiful cannas was used for the popular eye-catching labels.
Continue to the town of Robertson. Home to Klipdrift Brandy and main town of the BAR (Bonnievale, Ashton & Robertson) Valley famous for race horce breeding and excellent wines. The town is nestled in the heart of the Breede River Valley, bounded by the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains with the river as a lifeline running through the picturesque valley. Jacaranda lined streets complement interesting historical buildings with a wide variety of architectural styles.
Continue to Worcester and the spectacular Du Toitskloof Pass, past Paarl to Stellenbosch where you will check into your hotel.
Overnight: Stellenbosch Hotel, Stellenbosch (BB)
Day 17: Winelands
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 18: 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. 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 19: Cape Town City Tour
After breakfast travel to at the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the third most popular tourist attraction in the Western Cape. Kirstenbosch is the oldest and largest botanical garden in South Africa, and was established on 01 July 1913 through an act of Parliament as a result of a bequest of Cecil Rhodes to the peoples of a unified South Africa (camphor and fig trees planted on his request are still to be seen as well as an almond hedge planted by 150 French shipwrecked people who were given food and shelter by Dutch Governor Jan Van Riebeeck some 340 years ago). Today, over 22,000 indigenous plants, and a research unit and library, attract researchers and botanists from all over the world. The gardens are magnificent, glorying in lush shrubs and exuberant blooms, which trail off into fynbos, covering a huge expanse of the rugged eastern slopes and wooded ravines of Table Mountain. The setting is quite breathtaking – this is a great place to have tea/coffee (own account) and stroll along the many paths, which meander along the eastern slopes. Opportunity to see some of the bird life of the Western Cape.
Depart on a Cape Town City Tour. Visit the “Castle of Good Hope”, oldest building in South Africa, built between 1666 – 1679 by Governor Wagenaer and “die Burgers”. Travel via Darling, Adderley & Queen Victoria Streets. View the City Hall, Old Mutual building, the Groote Kerk building as well as the St George’s Cathedral where Desmond Tutu, Nobel peace award-winner, was Archbishop for 10 years. Enjoy a walking tour of:
- “Kompanjiestuin”
Oldest garden in South Africa – est. 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck and “die Burgers” to grow fruit and vegetables to supply the ships passing from Europe to the Far East. - SA Museum
Natural history displayed in this secret adventure destination. The display of the Bushmen and the whale skeletons are some of the many highlights. - Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The transformation of a section of the old Table Bay Docks area into the magnificent Waterfront has brought new life to the heart of Cape Town.
Overnight: Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town (BB)
Day 20: Departure
Spend the day at leisure, suggested optional excursions are (all transfer are for own account):
- Shark Cage Diving
- Aquila Private Game Reserve
- Shopping Tour
- Hermanus & The Whale Route
- City Sightseeing Tour on Open Top Bus
- Helicopter Flip Over Peninsula
- Specialist Gourmet Cheese & Wine Tours
- Peninsula Tour on Harley Davidson Motorcycles
- Half Day Township Cultural Experience
- Harbour Champagne Cruise (1 hour)
- Visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned
Ask your tour guide regarding the selection of day tours available through Fairfield Tours. In the late afternoon transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your outbound flight.
Contact Us for a quotation or to tailor make this tour.
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