Experience the Trip of a Lifetime!

16 Day / 15 Night Classic South Africa Tour including Kruger Park, Johannesburg, Garden Route, Swaziland and Cape Town!

Depart on Select Saturdays Now thru December 03, 2016 dates via the services of South African Airways from New York, JFK or many more US Departure cities. See below for details) into Johannesburg and return to the US from Capetown, South Africa.

Don't see your departure city below? Go ahead and bid and win. We will do our best to accommodate any departure city with a quotation.

DAY 1: (Sat)  US GATEWAY TO JOHANNESBURG
Board your international flight at your chosen gateway and arrive Johannesburg the following afternoon. (times may vary and alternate airlines may be chosen based on departure city)

DAY 2 – SUNDAY JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Protea Hotel OR Tambo / similar

DAY 3 – MONDAY JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA
This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God‟s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and finally a visit to Bourke‟s Luck Potholes before heading to Hazyview. [B]
Overnight: Hippo Hollow Country Estate / similar

DAY 4 – TUESDAY MPUMALANGA
We have a bright and early start to the day in order to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Spend a morning with the Big Five in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure. [PB]

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY MPUMALANGA - SWAZILAND
This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Swaziland. We proceed south to Malalane and then onto Swaziland where this afternoon you will visit a real Chief‟s village and have the fantastic opportunity to gain an authentic knowledge of traditional Swazi culture. [BL]
Overnight: Lugogo Sun / similar

DAY 6 – THURSDAY SWAZILAND – ST LUCIA AND SURROUNDS
This morning we journey through Swaziland into Zululand. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive this afternoon in the Umfolozi area for your overnight stay. [B]
Overnight: Protea Hotel Umfolozi River / similar

DAY 7 – FRIDAY ST LUCIA AND SURROUNDS - DURBAN
Guests have the option to lie in or take an optional morning boat cruise (own account) or simply soak up the atmosphere of this tourist town St Lucia before heading off later in the morning towards Durban. An orientation tour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city before arriving at our hotel late afternoon. [B]
Overnight: Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge / similar

DAY 8 – SATURDAY DURBAN - DRAKENSBERG
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the Promenade mile which buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300 foot high Howick Falls, continuing through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or go fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (own account). [BD]
Overnight: Drakensberg Gardens / similar

DAY 9 – SUNDAY DRAKENSBERG
Full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. [BD]

DAY 10– MONDAY DRAKENSBERG – EASTERN CAPE COAST
This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Umtata. We continue via Nelson Mandela‟s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. [BD]
Overnight: Crawford‟s Beach Lodge / similar

DAY 11 – TUESDAY EASTERN CAPE COAST – PORT ELIZABETH
We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to Port Elizabeth. [B]
Overnight: Garden Court Kings Beach / similar

DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY PORT ELIZABETH - KNYSNA
Today our journey continues towards the Cape. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna late afternoon for check in at our hotel. [BD]
Overnight: Knysna Hollow Country Estate / similar

DAY 13 – THURSDAY KNYSNA – OUDTSHOORN – MOSSEL BAY
After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the „feather capital of the world‟ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk (the more adventurous may crawl!) around the famous Cango Caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Mossel Bay. [B]
Overnight: Garden Court Mossel Bay / similar

DAY 14 – FRIDAY MOSSEL BAY – CAPE TOWN
Today‟s journey ends in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to visit the famous Post Office Tree, the Bartholomeus Diaz Museum and Shell Museum. We drive via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon. [B]
Overnight: SunSquare Cape Town / similar

DAY 15 – SATURDAY CAPE TOWN (UNESCORTED)
Enjoy a day of leisure in the „Mother City‟ where a visit to the V&A Waterfront is recommended. Enjoy quality time exploring this beautiful city. [B]

DAY 16 – SUNDAY CAPE TOWN
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport. [B]

INCLUDED:

• International Air from New York-JFK. (add-ons from other gateways)
• Transfers on scheduled tour start and end dates. If you are extending air dates you may add on transfers for $50.- per car per transfer.
• Accommodation as stated or similar
• Breakfast on all days
• Lunch and dinner as noted
• Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of a professional English-speaking Tourist Guide
• Entrance fees and excursions where applicable
• Welcome pack
• Porterage.

Child Discount:
One child age 12 & under will receive a $400 discount when sharing a room with 2 adults.

Offer is based on Double Occupancy. A Single Supplement of $450 is available to those of you traveling solo. Departures may not be guaranteed as departure will not operate for 1 person only.

With the exception of children, triple accommodations are NOT permitted. 3 adults would need to book one double room and one single room (with single supplement.

Actual 2016 Land Tour Departure dates: (you must depart at least one day prior to tour dates depending on your gateway)

7, 21 Feb
6, 20 Mar
10, 24 Apr
15 May
12 Jun
3, 17 Jul
14 Aug
4, 18 Sep
9, 23 Oct
6, 20 Nov

A Tax and service charge of $595 per person is additional.

Extend your stay:
You may extend your Air ticket stay for up to 30 days free of charge before OR after the Essentially South Africa tour.  Please note transfers are NOT included on early arrivals or extended departures, however can be purchased seperately

Offer is based on availablilty. Please note that air can only be booked no more than 11 months before departure.