This extraordinary journey will take you deep into the heart of some of Africa’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, including the legendary Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Chobe National Park in Botswana. Immerse yourself in the thrill of game viewing as you encounter the 'Big Five' and other iconic African wildlife in their natural habitats. In Chobe, marvel at the sight of herds of elephants gathering by the river, and enjoy boat cruises that bring you close to hippos and crocodiles.
Witness the region’s stunning scenery, rich cultural history, and vibrant cities, including the picturesque Garden Route and the dynamic Cape Town. And no trip to Southern Africa would be complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
Home pickup and return within the Auckland metropolitan area (if applicable).
MON 15 SEP - AUCKLAND/SYDNEY D
Depart on Qantas at 4.05pm, arrive Sydney 5.50pm. Stay Rydges Sydney Airport (1 night).
TUE 16 SEP - SYDNEY/JOHANNESBURG B,D
Depart on Qantas at 9.35am to Johannesburg. Arrive in Johannesburg at 4.10 pm. You are close to Sandton’s famous mall and Mandela Square. Stay Garden Court Sandton City Hotel (1 night).
WED 17 SEP - JOHANNESBURG/ HAZYVIEW B,D
Depart Johannesburg by road to Hazyview in Mpumalanga Province. En route visit the scenic Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on earth. Be amazed at the spectacular view of Kruger National Park & the low veld. Transfer to hotel near Kruger gate that lies on the Sabie river. Stay at Kruger Gate Hotel (2 nights).
THU 18 SEP - KRUGER PARK Game Drive B,L,D
Today a game drive experience in the world-famous Kruger National Park. One of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa. Search for the Big Five and enjoy prolific birdlife and wildlife viewing with a highly experienced Ranger in an open safari vehicle.
FRI 19 SEP – HAZYVIEW/ SWAZILAND B,D
Enjoy a short morning game drive in Kruger National Park before travelling overland to Swaziland, one of the smallest countries in Africa and a mountainous wonderland. Stay Happy Valley Hotel Ezulwini (1 night).
SAT 20 SEP – SWAZILAND/ HLUHLUWE B,D
This morning drive across the border to Hluhluwe. An afternoon game drive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.
Stay Anew Hotel & Lodge, Hluhluwe (2 nights).
SUN 21 SEP - HLUHLUWE NATIONAL PARK B,D
This afternoon enjoy a game viewing drive in Hluhluwe National Park where the Big Five roam freely in the bush.
MON 22 SEP – HLUHLUWE/ DURBAN B,D
Travel to Durban and the afternoon is at leisure. Stay Protea by Marriott Hotel, Umhlanga. (1 night).
TUE 23 SEP - DURBAN/PORT ELIZABETH B,D
Day at leisure in Durban until transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Port Elizabeth. Arrive 5.45pm. Stay Southern Sun Marine Hotel, Port Elizabeth (1 night).
WED 24 SEP - PORT ELIZABETH/KNYSNA B,D
Today, begin your journey along the famous Garden Route coastal corridor and visit Tsitsikamma National Park and Storm’s River Mouth en route to Knysna. A place of lush indigenous and commercial forests, deep river gorges and abundance of magnificent birds and nature walks. Arrive at charming seaside Knysna. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stay Knysna Log-Inn (2 nights).
THU 25 SEP – KNYSNA SIGHTSEEING B,L
Enjoy a lagoon cruise to Knysna’s famous Featherbed Nature Reserve. An abundance of plant, bird and small wildlife, followed by a trailer ride to the top of Western Head. Walk 2.2km back through milkwood trees for a lunch at the restaurant set on the edge of the lagoon.
FRI 26 SEP – KNYSNA/ OUDTSHOORN B,D
Depart Knysna, travel over the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. Tour the Oudtshoorn’s famous Cango Caves, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural rock formations. A Game Drive this afternoon. Stay in a luxury tent at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge near Oudtshoorn (1 night).
SAT 27 SEP – OUDTSHOORN/ STELLENBOSCH B
Today enjoy an early morning meerkat safari (weather permitting). Continue to the famous wine region of Stellenbosch. Your hotel is walking distance to coffee shops, bars, museums, galleries and restaurants. Stay PH by Marriott Stellenbosch Hotel or similar (2 nights).
SUN 28 SEP – STELLENBOSCH B,L
Enjoy a Cape Winelands experience featuring historic and modern architecture, fabulous cuisine and world-class wines. The tour includes the principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoeck stopping along the way for lunch and wine/cheese tasting at the prestigious Fairview Wine Estate.
MON 29 SEP – STELLENBOSCH/CAPE TOWN B,D
A short drive to Cape Town, voted as the best place in the World to visit by the New York Times. Dinner tonight at Gold Restaurant - an evening of wining and dining in scintillating African style, with its 14 course set menu. Stay The Portswood Hotel (4 nights).
TUE 30 SEP – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING B,L
A full day Cape Peninsula Tour seeing the working harbour of Hout Bay, an authentic fishing village experience. The famous drive between Hout Bay & Noordhoek on Cape Town’s stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline. Enter Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a world heritage site. Ride the Funicular to the old lighthouse lookout point for spectacular views. The return journey includes visits to Boulders Beach for penguin viewing and Kirtenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain. Lunch included today.
WED 1 OCT – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING B
A local city tour including the Table Mountain aerial cableway (weather permitting) for stunning views of the city below and surrounding oceans. Continue with a guided tour of the historical and cultural sights of Cape Town including key monuments and places of interest featuring the Castle of Good Hope, St George’s Cathedral, the Lush Company Gardens and Cape Malay Quarter. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
THU 2 OCT – CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING B
Today a tour to Robben Island, one of the most famous prisons in the world. This is where South Africa's father of the nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela. The tour guides inside the prison today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience. This tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela's cell.
FRI 3 OCT – CAPE TOWN/ VICTORIA FALLS B
Fly from Cape Town in the morning and arrive in Victoria Falls at 12.40pm. The hotel is located a short distance from the legendary Victoria Falls. The lodge is situated on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River boasting impressive views of the amazing waterfall. This afternoon transfer to the landing for a relaxing two-hour sunset cruise down the Zambezi River. Enjoy canapes and drinks on board and an opportunity to do some last-minute game viewing.
Stay Elephant Hills Resort Hotel (3 nights).
SAT 4 OCT – VICTORIA FALLS SIGHTSEEING B,L
A guided tour of the “Smoke that Thunders” – Victoria Falls. One of the seven natural wonders of the world. A truly spectacular sight. Take time to observe the amazing vegetation and bird life in the rainforest. Lunch at the Lookout Cafe. After this great experience, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
SUN 05 OCT – CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA) B,L
(Visa cost additonal)
An exciting day trip over the border into Botswana to explore one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, the Chobe National Park. Cruise down the Chobe River and enjoy wildlife viewing and lunch on the rivers edge.
MON 06 OCT – VICTORIA FALLS/ JOHANNESBURG/ AUCKLAND B
Morning at leisure in Victoria Falls until transfer to your South African Airways flight at 2.05pm to Johannesburg. Arrive Johannesburg and connect with Qantas Airways flight at 6.40pm to Auckland via Sydney.
TUE 7 OCT - SYDNEY/AUCKLAND
Arrive in Sydney at 3.35pm and depart for Auckland at 5.50 pm. Arrive in Auckland at 10.55pm.
