Explore South Africa on a Two-Week Guided Holiday

Day 1 - Arrive Johannesburg

Your seamless South African journey begins with an airport transfer from O.R Tambo International Airport to your hotel. Settle in to the pace of Africa's most energetic city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

MEAL(S) - Welcome Reception

HOTEL - The Maslow

Day 2 - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park area

The golden Highveld gives way to rolling green hills as we travel to South Africa's Lowveld. We admire the iconic sights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route - the Blyde River Canyon, the heavenly landscapes of God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Before evening falls, we venture to our hotel near the famous Kruger National Park, our home for two nights.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL - Sabi River Sun Resort or Protea Hotel Hazyview(2 nights)

Day 3 - Kruger National Park - Safari Game Drive

Connect with nature and explore South Africa's oldest national park in the company of a Local Specialist. Uncover the secrets of the bushveld - the magnificent and iconic Big 5, the Little 5 and everything in between. See the glistening yellow Golden-orb spider waiting on her web, smell the damp scent of acacia trees in the early morning and keep your head down in search of animal spoor. Spend your afternoon at leisure.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Kruger National Park area - Mbabane (Eswatini)

Travel to landlocked eSwatini. 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to a Swazi Chief's village and gain insights into the community's way of life, sampling some of the local pap and stew, and admiring their striking crimson traditional dress.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner

HOTEL - Royal Swazi Spa

Day 5 - Mbabane (Eswatini) - Hluhluwe

We venture to 'garden of province' of KwaZulu Natal and its northern wilderness. Traversing rolling sugarcane fields and lush valleys, we arrive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park where there is an opportunity to embark on an optional 4x4 game drive. This evening enjoy a delicious South African braai - a perfect way to end the day.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL - Anew

Day 6 - Hluhluwe - Djurban (Umhlanga Rocks)

Board an optional morning cruise on Lake St. Lucia and get up close to the hippos, crocodiles and birdlife residing in the estuary. Alternatively explore the town of St Lucia. We continue south to Durban for an effortless encounter with this tropical east coast hub, which begins with a delicious Curry Buffet at the Oyster Box Hotel, one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - a seaside hotel that captures the nostalgia of a bygone era.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL - The Oyster Box

Day 7 - Durban (Umhlanga Rocks) - Southern Drakensberg Mountains

Venture through the scenic Valley of 1000 Hills bound for the spectacular escarpment that winds north from the Eastern Cape to Mpumalanga. The Underberg's vibrant arts and crafts scene and stunning setting provide a beautiful backdrop for a morning drive. You'll continue to the foothills of the iconic Sani Pass where you'll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure and stay overnight .

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL - Premier Resort Sani Pass (2 nights)

Day 8 - Drakensberg Mountains (Free day or Sani Pass Excursion to Lesotho)

Indulge in the freedom of a day spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your terms. Consider joining an optional 4x4 Sani Pass drive, ascending to a heavenly height of 2,876 metres for lunch at Africa's highest pub in Lesotho, or alternatively relax down here on earth amidst the Drakensberg's lofty peaks.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Southern Drakensberg Mountains - Eastern Cape Beaches

From enigmatic mountain landscapes to South Africa's untamed coastline, we venture through the Eastern Cape and the green hills of the Transkei, dotted with Xhosa kraals and homesteads. Discover the legacy of Nelson Mandela, at his birthplace in Xunu, then enjoy the unspoiled Wild Coast beaches of Chintsa, where the only footprints in the sand will be yours.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Dinner

HOTEL - Crawfords Beach Lodge

Day 10 - Eastern Cape Beaches - Port Elizabeth

Wake to the sound of the ocean and spend time admiring pristine natural surrounds before we begin our journey to Port Elizabeth. Once a British settlement, this port city holds the distinction of being South Africa's friendliest city, which you'll encounter first-hand as you explore it on your own terms this evening.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast

HOTEL - Radisson Blu

Day 11 - Port Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma National Park - Knysna

Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma's giant and ancient Yellowwoods, arriving at Storms River Mouth to peer into the depths of the gorge. Walk beneath the tranquil canopy of Tsitsikamma's giant and ancient Yellowwoods, arriving at Storms River Mouth to peer into the depths of the gorge. 'Connect With Locals' during a 'Be My Guest' experience at a township in Knysna, where you'll learn a few key Xhosa phrases, how to drum and gain insights into Xhosa culture. Host Ella will share her life story and reveal the meaning behind some of the local songs that will accompany your traditional Xhosa meal. Our final stop today is the picturesque lagoon setting of Knysna, known as South Africa's own Garden of Eden. Famed for its indigenous forests, fresh oysters and the two landmark Knysna Heads that stand as sentinels at the edge of the lagoon which shield the town from the Indian Ocean.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Be My Guest

HOTEL - Premier Resort The Moorings (2 nights)

Day 12 - Knysna Free Day

You'll have a free day to explore the jewel of the Garden Route. Start your day with a leisurely coffee in the Knysna Quays overlooking the lagoon, then consider an Optional Experience to Featherbed Nature Reserve including a drive through the reserve to the top of the lagoon's Western Head. This evening, why not join an Optional Experience sunset cruise to the Knysna Heads and see where the Indian Ocean crashes against their towering sandstone cliffs?

MEAL(S) - Breakfast

Day 13 - Knysna - Cape Town

Leave the Garden Route behind bound for the Mother City. You'll pass through vibrant coastal towns and the Cape Winelands, winding your way along South Africa's southern Cape coastline. Arriving in Cape Town later this afternoon, you'll have some time to freshen up before embarking on a visit to the iconic Table Mountain by cable car this evening (weather permitting).

MEAL(S) - Breakfast

HOTEL - Southern Sun The Cullinan (2 nights)

Day 14 - Cape Town (Free Day)

Capture the cosmopolitan energy of South Africa's Mother City. Spend the day exploring its streets and squares in search of a tucked-away restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Consider an Optional Experience tour around the Cape Peninsula to visit Cape Point and see the penguins of Boulder's Beach, or sample the Cape's finest wines in the Cape Winelands. Spend your final evening at a Farewell Dinner with your travelling companions indulging in delicious Cape Malay speciality dishes.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 15 - Depart Cape Town

We bid a fond farewell to Cape Town after breakfast. Explore the city on your terms before your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.

MEAL(S) - Breakfast

The following prices should be used a as a guide.Call our experienced travel team on 1300 414 198 for the latest up to date information and pricing on this guided journey through South Africa.

2023 Departures:

• January- from $7,695 per person twin share
• February - from $7,695 per person twin share
• March - from $6,926* per person twin share
• April - from $7,395 per person twin share
• May - from $7,175 per person twin share
• June - from $7,395 per person twin share
• July - from $7,395 per person twin share
• August - from $7,395 per person twin share
• September - from $7,725 per person twin share
• October - from $7,725 per person twin share
• November - from $7,725 per person twin share
• December - from $7,950 per person twin share

* denotes advertised from price.

Table Mountain: The Aerial Cableway closes for annual maintenance usually during late July to early August time. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden will be the alternative inclusion on departures where it is not possible to visit Table Mountain.

Why not extend your stay in Africa and discover more of this amazing continent? Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for the best airfares and other touring and accommodation options.

Your tour includes 14 nights accommodation staying at:

• The Maslow, Johannesburg
• Sabi River Sun Resort or Protea Hotel Hazyview
• Royal Swazi Spa, Mbabane
• Anew, Hluhluwe
• The Oyster Box, Durban
• Premier Resort Sani Pass
• Crawfords Beach Lodge,
• Boardwalk, Port Elizabeth
• Knysna Hollow Country Estate, Knysna
• Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cape Town

Table Mountain: The Aerial Cableway closes for annual maintenance usually during late July to early August time. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden will be the alternative inclusion on departures where it is not possible to visit Table Mountain.

Airport Transfers

All guests benefit from complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the arrival and departure day of their guided holiday. Guests arriving before or leaving after the scheduled holiday may also book a transfer, providing they also purchase the additional pre-and/or post-holiday hotel accommodation from Trafalgar. Transfers are always included in conjunction with pre and/or post hotel nights on all itineraries.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that all guests have a travel insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and while travelling. It's important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellations, an interruption for any reason, baggage delays or loss of baggage and medical expenses.

Will I need a passport?

Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Will I need any vaccinations?

This will depend on the destinations you are travelling and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak to your doctor to find out if vaccinations are required. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing for your holiday.

Will I need electrical adaptors?

Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor that’s suitable for the countries you are travelling to.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”) and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

Is luggage handling provided?

All luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.

Are tips included?

We’ll check you in, look after your luggage and take care of all hotel porterage, tips and gratuities – whether it is for restaurant staff, chambermaids or porters. Please note that Travel Director and Drivers gratuities are not included in the trip cost. You do have the option to add pre-paid gratuities on booking.

Will I need to pack formal clothes?

This will depend on not only your personal preference, but the destinations you’re visiting and the time of year you’ll be travelling. We’d recommend bringing at least one smart outfit for special evenings. In Africa, it is best to pack neutral/pale colours to wear when on game drives.

Will I be able to get laundry done?

Most hotels do offer a laundry service. However, it’s sensible to try and pack enough clothing to avoid having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly or inconvenient.

What if I become ill on my trip and am unable to continue?

Your Travel Director will assist you with a doctor’s visit or hospitalisation should you require. Trafalgar has a dedicated Guest Support Department in Europe, or our Operations Department in the relevant country will contact you to offer assistance and advice, coordinate with your travel insurance company and keep in touch until you are able to re-join the trip or return home. This service is included in the cost of your trip; however it is not a replacement for travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to purchase.