South African Discovery (16 Days)

South African Discovery Tour Elephants

South African Discovery Tour is 16-days of exploring South Africa and Eswatini. Starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg. The scheduled tour departs on selected Saturdays – choose to join others on the scheduled departure dates. With a maximum of 14 people. Alternatively; have a private guide for just your party/family.

Or; there is also an option to drive yourselves on this tour (self-drive tour). The private and self-drive options may start on any day of the week, however; there may be slight price differences on other days. The South African Discovery Tour Rates or scheduled departure dates are bilingual with English and German-speaking guides.

Experience the Cape Winelands and journey to 2 World Heritage Sites. Celebrate various cultures’ success stories, relish in the scenery on the Panorama Route and encounter the ‘Big 5’ in the Kruger National Park.

South African Discovery Tour Map
South African Discovery Tour map reflecting the number of nights spent in each place

South African Discovery Tour Summary

DayPlace
1Cape Town
2Cape Town
3Cape Town to Wellington via Cape Winelands (±115km)
4Wellington to Oudtshoorn via Route 62 (Garden Route) (±390km)
5Oudtshoorn to Knysna via Cango Caves (±160km)
6Full-Day at Leisure in Knysna
7Knysna to Port Alfred via Eastern Garden Route (±410km)
8Port Alfred to Wild Coast (±300km)
9Full-Day at Leisure – Wild Coast
10Wild Coast to Harding (±380km)
11Harding to St Lucia (±460km)
12St Lucia to Eswatini (was called Swaziland) (±335km)
13Eswatini to Hazyview via Kruger National Park (±250km)
14A full day on safari in the Kruger National Park (±250km)
15Hazyview to Johannesburg via Panorama Route (±500km)
16Day of Departure – Morning at Leisure in Johannesburg

Skip to South African Discovery Tour Rates or Scheduled Tour Departure Dates

South African Discovery Tour Full Itinerary

Day 1, Saturday

Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional Cape Town Day Tour (own account). Visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world and take in the exceptional beauty of Table Mountain; weather permitting. Travel through the Malay Quarter, city center, Company Gardens, diamond merchants; and if time permits, the Castle of Good Hope. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and meet the tour guide for a tour briefing at 6.30 pm.

Overnight at La Splendida Hotel or similar including breakfast.

Day 2, Sunday

Cape Town is as diverse as its history. This bustling city boasts a full offering of excursions and activities. After breakfast, spend the day at leisure discovering the Mother City. We would recommend an optional full day Cape Point tour (own account); which includes Cape Point, Boulder’s Beach, and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Overnight at La Splendida Hotel or similar including breakfast.

Day 3, Monday

After breakfast, guests are collected from the hotel, and travel northeast to Wellington via the Cape Winelands. Journey into the heart of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy a craft beer tasting (own account) before arriving at the university town of Stellenbosch. Embark on a walking tour of Stellenbosch which includes the town’s historic sites and colonial Cape Dutch architecture. These structures are some of the country’s oldest buildings. Stop for lunch (own account) at one of the many wine farms and eateries near Paarl. Guests visit the town of Paarl, South Africa’s third oldest town.

Cape Winelands
Cape Winelands on South African Discovery Tour

In Paarl, visit the Afrikaanse Taal Monument; which is the Afrikaans Language Monument, and learn more about the museum. Found in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Wellington is home to Cape Dutch homesteads and beautiful gardens and wineries; as well as South Africa’s only whisky producer. Enjoy time at leisure before drinks and dinner (own account) at one of the guest house’s restaurants.

Overnight at Val du Charron Guest House or similar including breakfast.

Day 4, Tuesday

Enjoy breakfast at the guest house before departing Wellington en route to Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo; via the scenically attractive Bainskloof Pass and Route 62. The 18km Bainskloof Pass was built in 1854, an engineering masterpiece; known as the Gateway to the North. It is now a national monument and offers unsurpassed views of the area. Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing followed by a cellar tour at an estate in the Robertson wine valley; located off the world’s longest wine route, Route 62. Arrive at the guest house on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. Spend the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight at De Zeekoe Guest Farm or similar including breakfast.

Day 5, Wednesday

After breakfast, guests journey south via the Outeniqua Pass, to Knysna. Stop outside Oudtshoorn, in the Cango Valley, and discover the spectacular subterranean world of the Cango Caves. Back above ground, tour a nearby ostrich farm and learn about the ostrich-farming industry. Enjoy lunch at the ostrich farm’s restaurant (own account). The tour travels southwards to Knysna via the Outeniqua Pass. Stop in Wilderness to enjoy photo opportunities and sweeping views from the Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting); before continuing to Knysna.

Overnight at Madison Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa or similar including breakfast.

Day 6, Thursday

Following breakfast, guests spend the day at leisure, or on optional excursions in and around Knysna. Guests can board a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (own account, including lunch). The local tour guide will share tales about Knysna; while guests enjoy panoramic views onboard the ferry and a 4WD vehicle. There is an optional 2.2km guided nature walk, through the forest and along the coast. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a unique outdoor restaurant; under a canopy of milkwood trees, on the edge of the lagoon. Or take a yacht cruise to the Knysna Heads. Guests spend time at leisure before dinner (own account).

Overnight at Madison Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa or similar including breakfast.

South Africa tour to Knysna
Knysna yacht cruise

Day 7, Friday

After an early breakfast, the tour departs for the marina town of Port Alfred, via the Garden Route. Travel to the Storms River Mouth and experience unique views from a suspension bridge of the Tsitsikamma. Drive along the coastal road to Port Alfred, on the banks of the Kowie River; in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. The tour arrives late afternoon at the hotel. Guests enjoy refreshing drinks (own account) and savor the local cuisine.

Overnight at The Royal St Andrews Lodge or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 8, Saturday

Guests enjoy an early breakfast before the tour departs for the Wild Coast.
Stop for lunch en route before arriving at the quaint beach resort in the afternoon. Views from the hotel range from the stunning Wild Coast beaches to the green, lush, tropical vegetation. Guests can freshen up before dinner.

Overnight at Trennery’s Hotel or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 9, Sunday

Guests spend the day at leisure after breakfast. They can join one or more optional activities on offer such as extreme golf, a lagoon cruise, canoeing, hiking, or enjoy any of the recreational hotel facilities. Visit a traditional homestead and experience authentic, local hospitality (own account). Excursions are operated by a local guide and all funds go to the community. Enjoy pre dinner drinks (own account) and a scrumptious, fresh seafood buffet.

Overnight at Trennery’s Hotel or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 10, Monday

Guests enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and depart for Kokstad; via Mthatha sites (time permitting) on the Mandela Route. The Mandela Route takes a scenic drive on the N2 highway to Mthatha; home to the Nelson Mandela Museum. The museum hosts a display reflecting the life and times of Mandela. Visit other prominent Mthatha sites (time permitting). Lunch en route (own account). The tour arrives at the resort in the late afternoon. Guests spend the late afternoon at leisure, freshening up and dining at the hotel.

Overnight at ANEW Ingeli Forest Resort or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 11, Tuesday

After an early breakfast, guests depart for St Lucia at 7:30 am. South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province is colloquially referred to as the Elephant Coast. This region is acclaimed for its towering mountains, warm Indian Ocean, tropical vegetation, and a myriad of animal species. Lunch en route (own account). The tour arrives at the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight at Forest Lodge or similar including breakfast.

Day 12, Wednesday

Before breakfast, guests embark on an open safari vehicle and enjoy a game drive through South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park; a colloquial reference roughly translated as ‘miracle and wonder’. Observe hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birds on an Eco-friendly boat cruise on the estuary. Have lunch (own account) while taking in the lake vista.

The tour departs for the Kingdom of Eswatini entering at the Lavumisa Border post. Eswatini is culturally diverse, an absolute monarchy, and one of Africa’s smallest countries. The tour stops at the Swazi Candle Factory; where each candle is made and finished by hand using the millefiori technique. The tour arrives at the lodge in the late afternoon. Guests spend the evening at leisure, freshen up and dine at the hotel or in town (own account).

Overnight at Mantenga Lodge or similar including breakfast.

NOTE: Valid passport and visa; if required

Day 13, Thursday

Guests enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The tour exits Eswatini at the Jeppe’s Reef border post and arrives at the Kruger National Park’s Malelane Gate. Guests enjoy a guided game drive through the Kruger National Park to Hazyview. The Kruger National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Lunch (own account) in one of the park’s rest camps before continuing to Hazyview; the gateway to the spectacular Panorama Escarpment. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.

Overnight at Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 14, Friday

After an early breakfast, guests spend the day exploring the Kruger National Park. Board a closed vehicle for a guided game drive in Kruger and see Africa’s iconic mega-fauna and endemic birdlife. The tour stops at one of the park’s rest camps for lunch (own account). An optional full-day safari in an open safari vehicle is available (own account and excluding lunch). Guests exit Kruger National Park late afternoon and return to the hotel to freshen up before your dinner.

Overnight at Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort or similar including dinner and breakfast.

Day 15, Saturday

After breakfast, guests travel to Johannesburg via the scenic Panorama Route. Wonder View, the highest viewpoint on this route, is at the start of this day’s trip on the Panorama Route. The tour visits Bourke’s Luck Potholes and stops at the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels; the world’s largest green canyon. These sites are included in the country’s list of natural marvels.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes on the Panorama Route
Bourke’s Luck Potholes

The tour arrives in Johannesburg late afternoon. Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight at Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika or similar including breakfast.

Day 16, Sunday

Guests spend the day at leisure before your onward journey (own arrangement and own account).

South African Discovery Tour Rates

Scheduled* Tour Rates from 1st November 2023 until 31st October 2024:
R62 060 per person sharing.
Single Supplement: R15 515.
Children from 7-11 years pay R31 030.

*This tour is with other people so if you prefer to a private tour, these rates are just below the departure dates.

South African Discovery Tour Scheduled Departure Dates

Tour Language:Bilingual – English and German
November 202318th
December 2023
January 202413th
February 202410th
March 20242nd
April 20246th
May 202411th
June 20241st
July 202413th
August 202417th
September 202414th
October 202412th

South African Discovery Private Tour Rates

Number of travelers until 31st October 2024Per Person Rate
1 personR145 200
2 peopleR80 750
3 peopleR71 975
4 to 6 peopleR66 430
7 to 9 peopleR49 075
10 to 14 peopleR49 055
Single SupplementR9 600

South African Discovery Scheduled and Private Guided Tour Includes:

Transport as per itinerary
Accommodation: 3 and 4* hotels and guesthouses
Meals: 15 x breakfasts and 6 x dinners
Entrance Fees: Taal Monument, Garden Route National Park conservation fee at Storms River Bridge, Kruger National Park conservation fee, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Wonder View
Excursions: Cheese and wine pairing, wine cellar tour, Stellenbosch walking tour, Cango Caves heritage tour, ostrich farm tractor tour, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park open safari vehicle morning game drive, and St Lucia Estuary boat cruise
Green Seat: SANParks Honorary Rangers, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism

OR:

For the more adventurous, discover the same itinerary with a hired vehicle (not included).

South African Discovery Tour Self-drive Rates and Inclusions

South African Discovery Self Drive Tour Rates

Number of travelers until 31st October 2024Per Person Rate
1 personR36 600
2 peopleR27 950
3 – 4 peopleR27 900
5 – 7 peopleR27 825
Single SupplementR9 625

South African Discovery Self-Drive Tour Inclusions:

Accommodation: 3 and 4* hotels and guesthouses
Meals: 15 x breakfasts and 6 x dinners
Arrival English Airport Meet and Assist
Select conservation fees and excursions as per the itinerary
Green Seat: SANParks Honorary Rangers, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Trees for Tourism

Exclusions

Travel insurance, car hire, tolls, flights, 2 x airport transfers, visa fees, portage, meals not mentioned, optional excursions, gratuities, and personal expenses

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