South Africa

Tour members from across Canada gather to fly to Amsterdam before connecting to South Africa.

After our late arrival in Cape Town, we will be transferred directly to our hotel in vibrant Bantry Bay on the slopes of Lion’s Head. 

The President Hotel (4 nights)

Our day begins with a cable car ride  to the heights of Table Mountain (weather permitting). This unique landmark rises over 1,000 metres above the city and spreads horizontally across the skyline. Following a lunch at the waterfront, enjoy some leisure time exploring.

Take in the sights as we drive through the city centre and visit the Government Garden, Bo-Kapp Malay Quarter, and St. George’s Cathedral. Dating from 1824, the church has been the pillar of the Anglican Church in South Africa and was a major centre against apartheid led by Bishop Desmond Tutu. At an additional cost, you may wish to explore Robben Island before we enjoy a welcome dinner together at Gold Restaurant.

Enjoy a guided walk through the National Botanical Garden in Kirstenbosch, a 528 hectare natural area set on the slopes of Table Mountain with over 10,000 different native flowers and plants. Following a lunch break, we will visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Delight in the magnificent scenery as we drive to Cape Point, on the tip of the Cape of Good Hope. 

This morning we depart for the long established university town of Stellenbosch, with its oak lined streets and stately mansions. The area was first settled in 1680 and many buildings date from the late 18th century. Continue to Grand Provence Estate to appreciate a cellar tour, wine tasting and lunch. Explore Franschhoek, situated in a beautiful valley of its own, where we shall see the Huguenot Monument before we continue to Montagu.

Montagu Country Hotel (1 night)

Our journey east follows the route of the early settlers over rolling farmlands and past spectacular scenery. Our travels will take us through Barrydale into the Little Karoo. Following lunch, we continue to De Krans Estate where we will enjoy a glass of port wine. We then head to our hotel in the old fashioned town of Oudtshoorn, made wealthy by the feathers of the flightless Ostrich.

Surval Olive Estate (1 night)

This morning we shall explore the fascinating Cango Caves followed by a visit to an ostrich farm to learn more about these fascinating birds and to enjoy a lunch featuring its eggs and very lean meat. This afternoon we descend the Outeniqua Pass and drive through the Garden Route Lakes District to the resort centre of Knysna.

Protea Knysna Quays (2 nights)

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing or exploring on your own (members can take a cruise on the Lagoon). Our afternoon is highlighted by a reception at Theodora Creche, hosted by the local community and a visit to a local soup kitchen. With your help, we support both of these operations financially. Enjoy a short nature walk on Robberg Nature Reserve followed by a glass of champagne. Following this we will share a homemade dinner with South Africans in aid of the soup kitchen.

Departing early, we head east along the coast following the scenic route from Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth which is known for its sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches. From there, we fly to Durban, where we will overnight by the northern beaches.
 

Protea Hotel Umhlanga (1 night)

Relax this morning with opportunities to stroll along the beach or join an optional early morning panoramic tour of Durban. Drive through Zululand to Lake St. Lucia, an area known for its exceptional bird life, where we will enjoy a luncheon cruise. Continue into the land of Zulu and our delightful country inn.

Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights)

This morning we are taken on our first game drive, exploring the Mkuze Game Reserve in open 4x4 vehicles, with opportunities to see a wide variety of game. This afternoon we can relax at our resort or join an optional excursion to explore the mountainous countryside of the traditional Zulu homelands, highlighted by a visit to a Zulu compound where we will be introduced to their unique lifestyle. This evening, weather permitting, we are treated to a BBQ dinner and a presentation of Zulu war dances. 

Our morning drive takes us to neighbouring Swaziland, an independent kingdom. Follow the Ezulwini Valley, known as the “Place of Heaven”, to the capital of Mbabane. Lunch is in the Ezulwini Valley. Along the way we will visit the Swazi Market, Swazi Candle Factory and a craft centre.

Piggs Peak Hotel (1 night) 

Enjoy spectacular scenery as we drive over Piggs Peak and enter eastern Mpumalanga en route to Kruger National Park. Enjoy game viewing from our coach as we drive across the park.

Kruger Gate Hotel (2 nights)  

Enjoy a full day game drive through the heart of Kruger National Park in open game-viewing vehicles. Keep an eye out for sightings of the “Big Five” which includes elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions and leopards. This evening, relax in our delightful lodge. 

This morning we drive from the plain of Kruger to the Highveld and follow along its crest for magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. Enjoy the wonderful scenery along the escarpment before we continue to the hotel for the night.

Protea Nelspruit Hotel (1 night). 

This morning we travel to Pretoria crossing the rolling farmlands of the Highveld. Pretoria is the picturesque capital of South Africa. Explore this gracious city known for its broad avenues bordered by flowering trees and its impressive public buildings and monuments.

Fire & Ice Melrose Arch (2 nights)

Enjoy a morning drive through Johannesburg, a city created from the wealth of gold and diamonds, before a visit to the engaging Apartheid Museum. We enjoy a special lunch at Chez Alina before heading off to explore the township of Soweto, home of Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

Our flight today brings us to Victoria Falls. Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the falls are this region’s most spectacular natural sight. Enjoy a guided walk along the falls. Weather permitting, there will also be an optional helicopter ride. At 353 feet high and over a mile wide, they are the largest in Africa. Enjoy the sights of the main falls, Devil’s Cataract and Danger Point.

Victoria Falls Hotel (1 night)

This morning we drive across the border and into the north of Botswana and the gateway to Chobe National Park. Home to superb game viewing, Chobe covers over 11,000 sq. kilometres and has a large variety of wildlife including large herds of buffalo and elephant plus hippos and lions. Enjoy free time to relax by the pool and appreciate a dinner under the stars accompanied by the unique sounds of Africa.

Chobe Game Lodge (2 nights)

Enjoy a full day in the park with morning and afternoon excursions in open land rovers and by boat to view the game that frequent the fertile flood plains of the Zambesi. A highlight of our stay will be the visit by boat to the natural hippo pool, a short distance from the lodge. 

Relax and enjoy the amenities of our beautiful resort or join an early morning game drive before checking out after breakfast. Later today we catch our return flights to Canada. 

On arrival in Toronto, we catch our continuing flights to our homes across Canada.