South African Hotels

The South African Explorer Tour

14 Days

Get to know the beautiful country of South Africa on a guided tour which includes visits of major attractions and scenic landscapes ranging from the lush Cape Winelands, the endless sandy beaches in the tropical province of KwaZulu-Natal to the untamed African bush in the Kruger National Park.

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The South African Explorer Tour Overview

DAY 1: Cape Town: Be met on arrival at Cape Town International Airport by a professional guide and private transfer to the hotel in Tamboerskloof. Afternoon at leisure. Protea Hotel Fire and Ice or similar – bed and breakfast basis


DAY 2: CAMPS BAY – HOUT BAY – CHAPMAN’S PEAK – CAPE OF GOOD HOPE RESERVE – SIMONSTOWN – MUIZENBERG – WINE TASTING - STELLENBOSCH
Full-Day Cape Highlights tour (English Only). This full-day tour includes Camps Bay; Hout Bay; Chapman's Peak (subject to the road being open); the Cape of Good Hope Reserve; Simonstown; Muizenberg; one wine tasting of South African wines at a local wine estate; the University town of Stellenbosch.

DAY 3: WINE TASTING – ROUTE 62 - MOSSEL BAY
Depart Cape Town driving over Du Toit’s Kloof Pass to the town of Robertson. Pass Montagu, a quaint country village and enjoy a wine tasting en-route. This is followed by a traditional South African lunch (not included). After lunch, our journey to the beautiful Wilderness area continues, visiting the Diaz Museum in Mossel Bay. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the nearby restaurants.

DAY 4: FEATHERBED – KNYSNA ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
After Breakfast, you take a walk to the Knysna Waterfront and embark on the Featherbed Nature Reserve ferry. On arrival, we take a ‘Unimog’ (tractor-driven wagon) ride to the top of the Western Head. An optional hike can be guided through the indigenous Knysna forest to the restaurant area where lunch (not included) is served. Upon returning to Knysna, enjoy an interactive elephant experience. Return to the hotel via a scenic sightseeing drive in the late afternoon. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the many restaurants on the waterfront.
Protea Hotel Knysna Quays or similar - bed and breakfast basis

DAY 5: OSTRICH FARM – CANGO CAVES – CANGO WILDLIFE RANCH
Experience the stunning views of the Outeniqua Pass as we travel towards the Klein Karoo’s capital - Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch for a guided tour and traditional ostrich lunch (not included). After lunch, visit the Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows us to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. En route back to Knysna, visit endangered animals at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. Dinner (not included) is available at one of the many restaurants on the waterfront.

DAY 6: WILDERNESS – TSITSIKAMMA – PORT ELIZABETH
Leaving the Garden Route, passing through Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley. Marvel at the beauty of the Tsitsikamma Forest where photographic opportunities abound. The daring might attempt the suspension bridge spanning the spectacular Storms River. After lunch (not included) continue to Port Elizabeth with an afternoon drop off at your hotel.

DAY 7: PORT ELIZABETH - DURBAN
Morning at leisure, semi-private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Durban (not included). A semi-private transfer from King Shaka International Airport to your hotel.

DAY 8: SHAKALAND
Optional full-day tour of Shakaland. Depart Durban and travel to Eshowe and the authentic Zulu Kraal of Shakaland. Feel the pulsating rhythm of Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus. Experience the sight of assegai wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-making ceremony. Traditional Zulu lunch will be served. For those not taking the tour, enjoy the day at leisure.

DAY 9 Departing from Durban: DURBAN - ST LUCIA - SAFARI
Morning departure from your hotel in Durban, travelling north through KwaZulu Natal towards St. Lucia, visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (previously known as The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park). Enjoy a river cruise on the estuary and view productive wetlands birdlife, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. Enjoy a safari drive in your closed vehicle through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon.

DAY 10: SWAZILAND - HAZYVIEW
After an early breakfast, travel via the town of Mkuze and enter the Kingdom of Swaziland. Travel via the Lebombo Mountains through North-Eastern Swaziland. Re-enter South Africa and go through Kruger National Park to arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy dinner in the elegant dining room.

DAY 11: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – LIMPOPO – SAFARI
Breakfast early and enter the world-famous Kruger National Park established in 1898. This national park spans over two million hectares in the unique diversity of flora and fauna. Spend the day in search of the Big 5, general wildlife and prolific birdlife. Exit the park at Orpen Gate and arrive at your private safari lodge for afternoon tea. Enjoy an evening safari drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for dinner.

DAY 12: SAFARI - PANORAMA ROUTE - PILGRIMS REST - SABI
Early morning safari drive followed by breakfast. Experience the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window. Continue to the quaint mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, Mac Mac Waterfalls and Sabie.

DAY 13: SABI – LYDENBURG - DULLSTROOM - JOHANNESBURG
After a hearty breakfast on the verandah overlooking the Sabi River, our journey to Johannesburg begins with a visit to the Lone Creek Waterfall. Travel over the famous Long Tom Pass to the towns of Lydenburg, Dullstroom and Witbank. Drop off at your hotel.

DAY 14: SOWETO
Enjoy a morning tour of Soweto (English Only), including a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighbourhood life, two Nobel Prizewinners' previous residences, the Hector Peterson memorial and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Return to your hotel by lunchtime and continue on a private transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in time for your homebound flight.

Highlights of the South African Explorer Tour:

  • Cape Peninsula, Western Cape
  • Cape Town, Western Cape
  • Garden Route, Western Cape
  • Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
  • Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Shakaland, KwaZulu-Natal
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Great St Lucia Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Hluhluwe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Swaziland
  • Kruger National Park
  • Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
  • Mpumalanga
  • Johannesburg, Gauteng

Tour information: The South African Explorer Tour

  • Days: 14 days and 13 nights
  • Departure: Fridays from Cape Town International Airport
  • Accommodation: Upper 3 star hotels & private lodges
  • Flights: No flights included between Durban and Port Elizabeth
  • Vehicle: Luxury Sedan/ Luxury Microbus/ Luxury Mini Coach
  • Driver/ Guide: Services of THETA registered driver/ guide throughout tour and Safari drives with an experienced ranger
  • Languages Available: English – German
  • Other language guides available on request if booked on a private basis
  • Visas/ Passports: Multiple entry visas for South Africa where applicable; for Swaziland entry, passport and visa conditions apply