South Africa
Extensive fossil remains have been recovered from a series of caves in Gauteng Province, SOUTH AFRICA which is one of the oldest archaeological and human fossil sites in the world. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been termed the 'Cradle of Humankind'.
But modern South Africa began emerging with colonization in the mid-seventeenth century. The Dutch in the mid 1650’s and later the Boers (original Dutch, Flemish, German, and French) were the first settlers in South Africa. In the 1800’s the British arrived and fought a few wars with the Boers for control over various provinces. Together with the local Zulu and Matabele people, all of these settlers shaped South Africa to what it is today. A pot pouri of different races, languages and cultures. Of course the discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1884 in the interior regions of South Africa changed the economics of the country for ever.
Beyond the history (and in South Africa’s case – tumultuous), every country in the world displays abundant diversity. But South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes the cake. It befits its position at the southern end of the world’s most epic continent, with more types of terrain than photographers can shake their zoom lens at.
From the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers and the iconic Table Mountain to Cape Point, Kruger National Park’s wildlife-stalked savannah (scene of the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile battle watched more than 40 million times on YouTube) that runs through the east of the country into Lesotho and the Drakensberg, South Africa tells you a story so diverse that you’ll never want to leave. KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins.
South Africa. You must see it at least once in your lifetime.
SOUTH AFRICA - 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
CAPE TOWN
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, our tour representative will meet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Cape Town is one of the most popular long haul destinations in the world. Due to its unique topography, it is also one of the easiest places in which to orientate oneself as long as you remember that with Table Mountain behind you and Robben Island before you, you are facing north, looking across Table Bay and up the west coast of Africa... Overnight at hotel.
CAPE TOWN
After breakfast leave on a half-day City tour of Cape Town, that will take you on a scenic coastal drive through Clifton and Sea Point. Later the tour passes the Houses of Parliament, the Castle, South African Museum and a few other historical sights that includes District Six, Bo-Kaap, Slave Lodge and ending at the bustling Greenmarket Square. A cable car ride, takes you up the Table Mountain (weather permitting, otherwise Signal Hill) for a breathtaking view over the city (entry fee is included). Return and stay overnight at hotel.
CAPE TOWN - PENINSULA TOUR
Post breakfast at the hotel depart on a full day Peninsula tour.
This comprehensive tour shows you the best of the spectacular Cape Peninsula and why it is called the Fairest Cape. Travel past Sea Point and Camps Bay, past the famous beaches of Clifton and Llandudno towards Hout Bay. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard. Pass through Noordhoek and Scarborough. Later visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Enjoy the funicular ride aboard the “Flying Dutchman” and enjoy the unforgettable views. After this get the photo opportunity to take some pictures at the second southernmost tip of the African continent. Visit the beautiful Boulders Beach, and have the option to sit among the famous colony of Jackass Penguins. Thereafter enjoy a short stop at the naval port of Simon’s Town and know about the legend of “Able Seaman Just Nuisance” the Great Dane Dog that was inducted into the Royal Navy. Return and stay overnight at your hotel.
CAPE TOWN – OUDTSHOORN
After breakfast leave for Oudtshoorn. It is known as the ‘Feather Capital of the World’ thanks to its huge Ostrich industry. On the way you will visit Crocodile Park where you will have opportunity to take pictures with Cheetahs. In Oudtshoorn go underground to marvel at the icy formations in the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. Check into hotel and spend rest of evening and overnight in the comfort of your hotel.
OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA
After breakfast you leave for Knysna. Arrive in Knysna and go on a cruise on the waters of the vast Knysna Lagoon. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches surrounding it. After lunch (own account) spend the rest of the day discovering the joys of the town’s many art galleries, craft shops and coffee bars. In the evening, check-in and stay overnight at your hotel.
KNYSNA – GEORGE - JOHANNESBURG - SUN CITY
After breakfast leave for George on a flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at George you will be met by our tour representative and transferred to Sun City. The Sun City complex is surrounded by two championship golf courses, numerous swimming pools and a huge man-made lake offering various water sports. Optional activities include Hot Air Ballooning. Enjoy lunch at the Raj Indian Restaurant (own account). Then you could relax at the Valley of the Waves, or take a walk through the gardens of the Lost City. This magical city knows no limits - you have the chance to win a fortune at the Casino and Entertainment Centre. There are lavish extravaganzas and a multitude of restaurants to cater to every taste. Overnight at hotel.
SUN CITY
After breakfast you’ll enjoy your day at leisure. You also have the option of going on a game drive to Pilannesberg Nature Reserve to see the Big Five. Overnight at hotel.
JOHANNESBURG
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Johannesburg. On arrival you will leave for the Gold Reef City tour (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), where you will see the reconstruction of Johannesburg during the Gold Rush era, built around a mine. Activities include a Victorian fun fair, miners’ houses, brewery, pubs, restaurants and stock exchange. You can and take a trip down an old mine shaft and watch molten gold being poured. Tribal dancing adds to the fun. After the tour you will check-in and stay overnight at your hotel.
JOHANNESBURG
After breakfast, transfer to the Johannesburg International Airport for your flight back home.