An expedition of surprise, this South African Surprise Tour is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes. A thrill seekers paradise. A wildlife enthusiast dream. And a photographer’s canvas.
Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never seizes to amaze. And the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand. Two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains forms a great part of this package. Where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary. And the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town.
The South African Surprise tour departs on selected Sundays from Johannesburg. It finishes in Cape Town on a Sunday, 15 days later.
Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing Orientation tour of Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall Overnight in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoiled Eastern Cape Coast Travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth Overnight in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn Explore the small towns long the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn Sample top quality Port style wines in Calitzdorp, a town well known for its fortified wines Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain Enjoy a variety of carefully chosen optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that positively impact our travelers and the communities we visit.
Day
South African Surprise Tour Routing
Distance in kilometers
1
Johannesburg
0
2
Johannesburg – Mpumalanga
500
3
Mpumalanga
200
4
Mpumalanga – Eswatini (Swaziland)
200
5
Eswatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia And Surrounds
375
6
St Lucia And Surrounds – Durban
320
7
Durban – Drakensberg
280
8
Drakensberg
0
9
Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast
520
10
Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma
510
11
Tsitsikamma – Knysna
92
12
Knysna – Oudtshoorn
180
13
Oudtshoorn – Cape Town
420
14
Cape Town
0
15
Cape Town
0
15 Days South African Surprise Tour Full Itinerary
Please note all hotels / lodges are subject to availability so a similar property will be used if not available.
Day 1 – Sunday, Johannesburg
On arrival in Johannesburg, you’ll be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (driver only) to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 7 pm. When we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour. And a chance to meet your fellow travelers.
Overnight: 4* Protea Hotel OR Tambo
Day 2 – Monday, Johannesburg – Mpumalanga
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Overnight: 4* Hippo Hollow Country Estate on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 3 – Tuesday, Mpumalanga
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park? (optional and for own account*). The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds.
Leopard
We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.
*Optional Full Day Open Vehicle Game Safari: 2024: R 1 360 / 2025: R 1 470 per person Join a full day open vehicle safari with a highly qualified field guide who is eager to share their knowledge and passion for this unique wilderness area. OR: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This is a full day open vehicle game safari including an introduction to the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit: 2024: R 1 585 / 2025: R 1 695 per person As above but the safari includes an introduction to the KNP Anti-Poaching Dog Unit (Project Watchdog). It was established because of the increase in rhino poaching. Learn about the dogs that are trained to track poachers in the field. Detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through the Kruger National Park gates. A portion of the trip price of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience goes towards ensuring that these dogs receive the best possible care in support of the vital work they do. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
Overnight: 4* Hippo Hollow Country Estate on a Bed & packed breakfast basis
Day 4 – Wednesday Mpumalanga – Eswatini (Swaziland)
This morning we travel to eSwatini, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colorful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini for overnight.
Swazi culture
Overnight: 3* Piggs Peak Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 5 – Thursday Eswatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia And Surrounds
After breakfast we journey through eSwatini, visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautifully handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colorful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Overnight: 3* Anew Hotel Hluhluwe on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 6 – Friday St Lucia And Surrounds – Durban
Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account*), before heading off to Durban.
Elephant on safari
An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbor introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
*Morning Open Vehicle Game Safari – 2024: R 1 065 / 2025: R 1 115 per person Enjoy a morning, 3 hour open vehicle safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Africa’s oldest game reserve and world renowned for its highly successful white rhino conservation program.
Overnight: 4* Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 7 – Saturday Durban – Drakensberg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground.
Durban
Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300 foot high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: 3* Drakensberg Gardens Hotel including Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 – Sunday, Drakensberg
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4×4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account*). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialties to choose from.
*Sani Pass 4×4 Adventure Tour: 2024: R 1 670 / 2025: R 1 850 per person Join a 4×4 tour up Sani Pass and into the tiny mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (passport required). This includes lunch at the highest pub in Africa!
Overnight: 3* Drakensberg Gardens Hotel including Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 – Monday, Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoiled Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge.
Overnight: 4* Crawford’s Beach Lodge including Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 – Tuesday, Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometers and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Overnight: 3* Tsitsikamma Village Inn on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 11 – Wednesday, Tsitsikamma – Knysna
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.
Overnight: 4* The Rex Hotel including Breakfast & Dinner
Knysna Heads
Day 12 – Thursday, Knysna – Oudtshoorn
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight: 3* Protea Hotel Riempie Estate on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 13 – Friday, Oudtshoorn – Cape Town
Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Optional for day 13 or 14: African Dinner & Drumming: 2024: R 1 010 / 2025: R 1 265 per person Join a full filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant.
Overnight: 3* SunSquare Cape Town Gardens on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 14 – Saturday, Cape Town (Optional tours)
Enjoy a full day at leisure for optional tours*. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colorful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.
Cape Town Food Markets
2024 Optional Cape Town Day Tours
Morning Table Mountain & Cape Town City Tour excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket. R 745 per person. Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to further explore the city.
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour: R 1 575 per person Join this full day tour that explores the dramatic coastline of the Cape Peninsula. Including a visit to Boulders Beach penguin colony (entrance fee for own account) and Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Boulders Beach
Full Day Cape Winelands Tour: R 1 415 per person While South Africa’s fertile valleys are world famous for their crisp white and classic French-style red wines, the area is also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Visit the country’s principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Marine Big Five Safari Experience: R 3 500 per person Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2 hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research program to protect the biodiversity of the marine Eco-system surrounding Dyer Island. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 14: Life below Water.
2025 Optional Cape Town Day Tours
Morning Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens excluding the cost of the Table Mountain cable way ticket: R 1 230 per person Travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), then descend to explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world.
Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula & Constantia Winelands: R 1 575 per person Your local guide will show you where to snap the best photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain (cable way ticket for own account). Followed by Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach. One of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colorful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the vineyards.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Marine Big Five Safari Experience: R 4 235 per person Join us for a marine safari where you may see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals and a variety of seabirds. On a 2 hour cruise from Gansbaai, Marine Biologists will be on hand to explain more about the amazing animals that visit our shores. A portion of the monies paid by guests for this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience go towards the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that delivers conservation and research program to protect the biodiversity of the marine Eco-system surrounding Dyer Island. The experience directly advances UN Global Goal 14: Life below Water.
Overnight: 3* SunSquare Cape Town Gardens on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 15 – Sunday, Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11 am. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [Breakfast]
South African Surprise Tour Rates
2024 South African Surprise Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single
1st January – 30th April 2024
R 37 470
R 46 910
1st May – 31st July 2024
R 34 500
R 43 330
1st August – 31st December 2024
R 38 460
R 48 370
2025 South African Surprise Rates
Per Person Sharing
Single
1st January – 30th April 2024
R 37 605
R 46 815
1st May – 31st July 2024
R 40 360
R 50 870
1st August – 31st December 2024
R 41 920
R 52 940
South African Surprise Tour Includes:
18 Meals: 14 x breakfasts, 4 x dinners including gratuities 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles Services of a professional English speaking tour guide Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
South African Surprise Tour Departure Dates
October 2024: 6th November 2024: 3rd December 2024: 1st
May 2025: 4th June 2025: 1st July 2025: 6th August 2025: 3rd, 31st
October 2025: 5th
Book this affordable 15 day South Africa Tour by clicking the ‘Get Quote Now’ button.
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