Day 4

From our hotel in Wilderness, we travel to Knysna to embark on the Featherbed Nature Reserve ferry from the Knysna Waterfront. On arrival we take a 'Unimog' (tractor driven wagon) ride to the top of the Western Head. An optional hike can be taken through the indigenous Knysna forest to the restaurant area where lunch (included) is served. On our return to Knysna we depart for an elephant experience, where we are able to enjoy a very close encounter with these gigantic mammals. Finally we take the scenic drive back to Wilderness for drop off at your hotel.

Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

Day 5

Experience the stunning views of the Outeniqua Pass as we travel towards the Klein Karoo's capital - Oudtshoorn. Here we visit the Safari Ostrich Ranch where we are given fun and detailed information about these strange flightless birds and their magnificent plumage. After enjoying a traditional ostrich lunch (included), we proceed on to the world famous Cango Caves, where a guided tour allows us to explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. We are then introduced to some rare and endangered animals on a fully guided tour at the Cango Wildlife Ranch. The day concludes with a scenic drive back to Wilderness where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including lunch

Day 6

Leaving the quaint seaside village of Wilderness, we continue via Sedgefield to South Africa's 'Oyster Capital', Knysna. After a short refreshment stop at Knysna's East Head, continue via the 'millionaires playground' of Plettenberg Bay to the Tsitsikamma Forest area. Attractions here include the Big Tree. Remember to keep an eye out for the rare Knysna Loerie. After lunch (not included) at the scenic Storms River Mouth, gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the suspension bridge over the Storms River where photographic opportunities abound. Leaving the Garden Route via the high forests of the Tsitsikamma we arrive in Port Elizabeth for drop off at your hotel.

Protea Hotel Marine or similar - bed and breakfast basis

Day 7

Morning at leisure, semi-private transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for flight to Durban (not included). Semi-private transfer from Durban International Airport to your hotel.

Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar - bed and breakfast basis

Day 8

Optional full day tour of Shakaland. Depart Durban and travel to Eshowe and the authentic Zulu Kraal of Shakaland. Feel the pulsating rhythm of Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus. Experience the sight of assegaai wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer making ceremony. Traditional Zulu lunch will be served. For those not taking the tour, enjoy the day at leisure. Please note that this excursion is not included in the package price.

Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar - bed and breakfast basis

Day 9

Leaving Durban, drive through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard to St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Here you may see pelicans, fish eagles, hippos and crocodiles. Continue to a Maputaland Game Reserve and enjoy a late afternoon game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner served under the African sky (weather permitting).

Ubizane Game Reserve or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 1 game viewing activity

Day 10

After an early breakfast, leave your lodge and travel via the town of Pongola to enter the Kingdom of Swaziland. Drive via the Lebombo Mountains through North-Eastern Swaziland. Leave Swaziland and travel via Nelspruit to arrive at your hotel, relax and enjoy dinner in the elegant dining room.

Casa do Sol Hotel or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 11

After breakfast enter the world famous Kruger National Park established in 1898. This national park spans over two million hectares in unrivalled diversity of flora and fauna. Spend the day looking for the 'Big Five', general game and prolific bird life. Exit the park at Orpen Gate and arrive at your private game lodge for afternoon tea. Leave for your evening game drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for a diverse selection of eclectic cuisine.

Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar - dinner bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

Day 12

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Experience the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and various waterfalls. Continue with a short visit to the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, Mac Mac Waterfalls and Sabie. A superb meal complements and completes the day.

Lone Creek River Lodge (Timber Cottages) or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 13

After a hearty breakfast on the verandah overlooking the Sabie River, our journey to Johannesburg begins with a visit to the Lone Creek Waterfall. Travel over the historical Long Tom Pass to the towns of Lydenburg, Dullstroom and Witbank. Our tour ends with a drop off at your hotel.

Day 14

Enjoy a morning tour of Soweto including a fascinating glimpse of bustling neighbourhood life, two Nobel Prizewinners' previous residences, the Hector Peterson memorial and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Return to your hotel by lunchtime and continue on a private transfer to O.R. Tambo Airport in time for your homebound flight.