South Africa

Our journey begins as travellers from across Canada fly overnight with KLM to Amsterdam for our connecting flight to Cape Town. 

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in the city’s exclusive Bantry Bay neighbourhood. 

The President Hotel (4 nights)
 

After a relaxing morning, we meet for lunch on the city's waterfront. Weather permitting, we ascend Table Mountain by cable car. This incredible sandstone formation rises over 1,000 metres from the city floor and is defined by its distinctive, level plateau. From the top, we will take in magnificent views of Cape Town and the surrounding ocean before enjoying a free evening at leisure. 

Today we discover the historic heart of Cape Town. Our tour begins with a walk through the Company's Garden, the city's green lung, before visiting St. George’s Cathedral, known for its role in the resistance against apartheid. We then explore the vibrant Bo-Kaap district, famous for its colourful homes and unique Cape Malay culture. Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Our exploration of the Cape Peninsula begins at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO site on the slopes of Table Mountain showcasing diverse native flora. Next, we visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, watching these adorable creatures waddle along between granite boulders. The journey continues with a breathtaking coastal drive to Cape Point, the dramatic tip of Cape of Good Hope. 

We begin in the heart of the Winelands, in charming Stellenbosch, where oak-lined streets and elegant Cape Dutch architecture set the tone for a warm introduction to this historic university town. We visit a local wine estate for a cellar tour, tasting and lunch. Our route continues to beautiful Franschhoek to see the Huguenot Monument, a tribute to the valley's French founders, before we arrive in Montagu.

Monte Vista Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Our drive east traces the historic route of early settlers, taking us through the spectacular scenery of Little Karoo via Barrydale. Following a stop for lunch, we visit the award-winning De Krans Estate to sample their renowned port wine. Our day concludes in Oudtshoorn, a town whose grand 'feather palaces' rose from the wealth of the 19th-century ostrich trade. 

Surval Boutique Olive Estate (1 night)

This morning, we explore the fascinating Cango Caves, a remarkable subterranean wonder. At a local ostrich farm we learn about these intriguing birds and enjoy a special lunch featuring ostrich meat and vegetables. Our journey then takes us down the scenic Outeniqua Pass and through the Lake District to the resort centre of Knysna. 

Protea Hotel Knysna Quays (2 nights)

After a leisurely morning, we visit Theodora Crèche to learn about the school and enjoy refreshments. We then stop at Birds of Eden, a remarkable free flight sanctuary home to 220 bird species. We enjoy a walk in the Robberg Nature Reserve, complete with a glass of bubbly, before ending the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

We head east along the coast, following the scenic route from Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth, a city known for its sunshine and relaxed coastal vibe. From there, we fly to Durban and spend the night near the city’s northern shoreline. 

Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga (1 night)

Our day begins with a short orientation tour of the vibrant coastal city of Durban. We then travel north to St Lucia, the gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This estuary is celebrated for its concentration of birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles. After lunch, we embark on a boat cruise to experience this unique wetland ecosystem up close. Our drive continues into the heart of Zululand, a region rich in the culture of the Zulu people. 

Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights)

Our first game drive takes us into the Mkuze Game Reserve, exploring in open 4x4 vehicles with opportunities to see zebras, wildebeest, baboons and elephants. This afternoon we have free time to relax at our resort, and dinner tonight includes a presentation of Zulu dances.

Our journey continues as we cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. We enjoy a scenic drive through its countryside, stopping at a roadside market. We then continue to the Ezulwini Valley for lunch. 

Piggs Peak Hotel (1 night)    

We set off early, crossing the border en route to Kruger National Park. This world-renowned sanctuary is one of Africa's largest game reserves, famed for its density of wildlife, including the "Big Five." After free time for lunch, we enjoy our first introduction to this vast wilderness, looking out for wildlife as we cross the park by coach. 

Kruger Gate Hotel (2 nights)

Enjoy a full day game drive through the heart of Kruger National Park in open game-viewing vehicles. We'll be searching for Africa's most iconic wildlife, keeping a special watch for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards. Tonight, we enjoy a special dinner under the stars.

We set off on a scenic drive from the plains of Kruger to the Highveld today. Following its crest, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons. Take in the stunning scenery along this famed Panorama Route before continuing to our hotel. 

Protea Hotel Nelspruit (1 night)

We explore Pretoria, South Africa’s picturesque administrative capital, wandering its broad, tree-lined avenues and admiring its impressive public buildings and monuments. We continue to Melrose Arch, located in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. 

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch (2 nights)

This day is dedicated to exploring Johannesburg, a city founded on the wealth of gold and diamonds, followed by a visit to the powerful Apartheid Museum. After a special lunch at Chez Alina, we tour Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships), once home to Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. This sprawling, vibrant urban centre was a focal point of the anti-apartheid movement. 

A short flight brings us to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in Africa at 108 metres high and nearly 1.7 kilometres wide. Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the falls are the region’s most spectacular natural sight. After checking into our hotel, we set out on an afternoon guided walk to experience the falls, taking in views of the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Danger Point. 

The Victoria Falls Hotel (1 night)

Our journey takes us across the border into northern Botswana, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Home to superb game viewing, Chobe covers over 11,000 sq. kilometres and hosts a remarkable variety of wildlife, including vast herds of buffalo, elephants, hippos and lions. After check-in and lunch, enjoy some time to relax before embarking on our first game viewing activity. 

Chobe Game Lodge (2 nights)

Enjoy a full day in the park with game viewing excursions by both land and water, allowing us to see the diverse wildlife that frequents the fertile floodplains. Between adventures, take advantage of the lodge's amenities, perhaps relaxing on the boardwalk deck overlooking the river or cooling off in the large swimming pool.

Relax and enjoy the amenities of our resort, or join one last early morning game drive. Later, we transfer to the Kasane Airport for our KLM flights to Canada via Johannesburg.    

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