South Africa: A World in One Country

Experience breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife on this 18-day journey through South Africa.

Overview

South Africa is one of the most diverse and spectacular destinations in the world. With landscapes ranging from vast savannahs and lush Winelands to dramatic mountain ranges and rugged coastlines, this tour takes you through its most iconic sites.

• Explore the Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five
• Visit the historic Zulu battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
• Travel along the scenic Garden Route, including Oudtshoorn and Hermanus
• Discover the Cape Winelands with a wine tasting in Stellenbosch
• Explore the Cape Peninsula, including the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach
• Enjoy free time in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities
• Experience the luxury of Rovos Rail, travelling from Cape Town to Pretoria

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Departure

Depart for an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2: Arrival in Johannesburg

• Transfer to the four-star Indaba Hotel.
• Visit the Apartheid Museum, an insightful and moving exhibition on South Africa’s history.
• Free afternoon to explore the nearby Montecasino shopping mall.

Day 3: Kruger National Park

• Travel along the Panorama Route, passing the Blyde River Canyon with its stunning rock formations.
• Arrive at Hippo Hollow Country Estate, a three-star superior lodge near Kruger.
• Enjoy dinner at the hotel, overlooking the river where hippos can often be seen.

Day 4: Kruger National Park Safari

• Full-day game drive in Kruger National Park in specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles.
• Spot the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Free Day in Kruger

• Relax at the hotel or take part in optional activities such as:
  • Sunset or night safaris
  • Helicopter flights
  • River rafting

Day 6: Swaziland & KwaZulu Natal

• Drive through the small but scenic Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland).
• Cross back into South Africa, staying at Battlefields Lodge for two nights.

Day 7: Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift

• Visit the historic Zulu battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
• Expert Zulu guides bring the history to life with fascinating storytelling.
• Lunch included.

Day 8: Mossel Bay & the Garden Route

• Fly from Johannesburg to George, gateway to the Garden Route.
• Short drive to Mossel Bay and check in at Diaz Hotel & Resort, with sea-view rooms.
• Dinner included at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Cango Caves & Oudtshoorn

• Visit the spectacular Cango Caves, a system of limestone caverns.
• Tour a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn.
• Lunch included before returning to Mossel Bay.

Day 10: Hermanus & the Cape Winelands

• Drive through the Cape Winelands, stopping in Hermanus (best time for whale watching: July–November).
• Arrive in Stellenbosch and check in at Devon Valley Hotel.

Day 11: Winelands Tour & Wine Tasting

• Visit the historic town of Stellenbosch.
• Enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting at Neethlingshof Wine Estate.
• Visit Franschhoek, known for its French influence.
• Dinner included at the hotel with a traditional South African BBQ or Cape Malay buffet.

Day 12: Cape Town & Kirstenbosch Gardens

• Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, set against the slopes of Table Mountain.
• Arrive in Cape Town and check in at Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel.
• Free afternoon to explore.

Day 13: Cape of Good Hope & Penguins

• Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive.
• Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and see the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
• Stop at Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguin colony.
• Return to Cape Town in the afternoon.

Day 14: Free Day in Cape Town

• Explore Cape Town at your leisure:
  • Cable car up Table Mountain
  • Robben Island tour (weather permitting)
  • Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for shopping and dining

Day 15: Board Rovos Rail

• Transfer to Cape Town railway station to board the luxurious Rovos Rail.
• Settle into your private Pullman or Deluxe cabin.
• Enjoy afternoon tea as the train passes through the Winelands.
• Stop in Matjiesfontein, a preserved Victorian town, for a short tour.
• Traditional fine dining experience onboard the train.

Day 16: Kimberley

• Wake to stunning views of the African landscape.
• Afternoon tour of Kimberley, home to the Big Hole and the Diamond Museum.
• Afternoon tea before the final sumptuous dinner onboard.

Day 17: Pretoria & Return Flight

• Travel through Johannesburg and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand.
• Arrive at Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria.
• Enjoy lunch and a short city tour of Pretoria.
• Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

Day 18: Arrive Home

• Arrive back in the UK after a truly remarkable tour of South Africa.

Accommodation Highlights

Indaba Hotel (4-star), Johannesburg

• Located in a tranquil suburb, perfect for a relaxing stay.

Hippo Hollow Country Estate (3-star superior), Kruger National Park

• Set in lush gardens on the banks of the Sabie River, ideal for wildlife spotting.

Battlefields Lodge (3-star), KwaZulu Natal

• A simple but comfortable base for exploring the Zulu battlefields.

Diaz Hotel & Resort (3-star superior), Mossel Bay

• Beachfront location with stunning sea views.

Devon Valley Hotel (4-star), Stellenbosch

• Charming boutique hotel in the Cape Winelands.

Southern Sun Waterfront (4-star), Cape Town

• Excellent location near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Rovos Rail (Luxury Train)

• A five-star train journey with luxurious private cabins and fine dining.

Special Offers & Extras

• Save up to £500 per person on select departures.
• Group booking discounts available.
• Optional glamping experience in Kruger National Park, including a guided bushwalk.
• Additional wine tastings and Cape Malay cooking experiences available.