Compare A World In One Country by Indus Travels vs 9-Day South Africa Luxventure: Wildlife + Winelands by Ker & Downey Africa

Touch down at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the magnificent suburban shopping malls or take an optional afternoon Soweto Tour.At 19h00 we all meet up at reception for a briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Overnight in Johannesburg.

Depart by 8:00 am and leave Johannesburg’s distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, we travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger National Park.

Overnight in Hazyview.

After a sumptuous early morning breakfast, we journey up the awe-inspiring Panorama Route with its forested mountains and fertile plains. After viewing the Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window we arrive back in Hazyview in the early afternoon. The free time allows for a lazy afternoon relaxing around the pool or an exciting afternoon game experience in the Kruger National Park (own account).

Overnight in Hazyview.

Set off before breakfast for a morning in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and all manner of wondrous bird and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness. We return to Hazyview around lunch time and you have the afternoon at leisure. For the animal enthusiast, an additional afternoon game drive in the park as an optional extra (own account).

Overnight in Hazyview  

Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Swaziland and their traditions. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, and on to the beautiful Ezulwini Valley for a true African shopping experience at the vibrant Ezulwini Craft Market which is packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.

Overnight in Swaziland

After breakfast, continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. There is an option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (own account) in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino.

Overnight in Umfolozi

This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. We arrive into Durban early afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, to enjoy the golden beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean or take a stroll along the lively promenade (own account).

Overnight in Durban.

Enjoy the morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included). There you’ll be met by a new tour director Tour Guide and, once everyone has arrived, set off to explore the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. Here we are treated to magnificent coastal views and soak up the beauty of the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Late this afternoon we arrive in Knysna, perhaps South Africa’s most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route.

Overnight in Knysna.

*Flights must be booked to depart Durban before 0900

Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch we have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy this lovely and special town.

Overnight in Knysna

This morning we head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa’s most incredible natural wonders and enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the ‘feather capital of the world’, so named because it’s the centre of South Africa’s ostrich industry. After lunch, which features Ostrich Steak on the menu, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm.

Overnight in Oudtshoorn

There is an option (for own account and subject to availability) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild habituated creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities (weather permitting). After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the ‘Little Karoo’ to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue to Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by spectacular vineyards, where French Huguenots settled more than 300 years ago, bringing with them their age-old French wine and food culture. From here you will be transferred to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain.

Overnight in Cape Town 

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (own account) or simply explore the city. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Enjoy an evening of delicious Cape food, captivating theatre and entertaining tales and songs about the people of the Cape.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional and for own account seal island boat cruise) and then on to Cape Point where (by tradition) it is said that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Return to Cape Town by way of Simon’s Town, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach (entrance fee for own account), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg.

Overnight in Cape Town.

Today you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for onwards flight. If you have free time, you can choose to enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing on your own account.

Day 1-4: Cape Town - Bantry Bay

Accommodation: The Clarendon (Luxury hotel located in or near Cape Town)

Meals: Breakfast

Drinks not included

Main Destination: Cape Town

After arriving in Cape Town Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Clarendon in Bantry Bay - a 5 star mix of sophistication and beach side charm.

Set in the charming and affluent area of Bantry Bay, this stunning boutique hotel overlooks the turquoise waters of the Atlantic ocean and is a wonderful location from which to explore the vibrant Cape Town.

On your second day you will be ushered to the winelands of Stellenbsoch and embark on a full day Devon Valley bicycle tour. This exhilarating eco-biking tour is for everyone and allows you to explore the scenic back roads of the valley, soak up the awe-inspiring views and indulge in a memorable wine and food experience.

Spend the rest of your time in Cape Town at your own leisure. It's an endless playground - from scenic helicopter rides over the Cape peninsula to climbing the world's renowned Table Mountain, soaking up the African sun on one of the many beautiful beaches to sipping cocktails in the luxuriant Camps Bay.

Day 5-6: Cape Town - Sabi Sands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Singita Boulders Lodge Luxury+ lodge located inside Sabi Sands

All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Main Destination: Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Greater Kruger)

After your final breakfast in Cape Town, you will transfer back to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport for your charter flight to the Singita Airstrip in the Sabi Sands.

Your safari experience will then begin with a road transfer to the absolutely beautiful Boulders Lodge, situated in Singita’s privately owned reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge, set along the banks of the Sand River, boasts magnificent suites with glass walls to allow guests to feel connected to their surroundings. The subtle layers of luxury throughout the lodge combine sensual Africa with high end design. The lodge is complete with its own fitness & spa center, pool and the Singita Boutique & Gallery.

Get up close with Africa's incredible wildlife as you explore Singita's private concession with knowledgeable guides. In the richly-diverse area you may spot leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippos, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many types of birds.

Day 7-8: Sabi Sands - Kruger National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Singita Lembobo; Luxury+ lodge located inside Kruger NP

All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Main Destination: Kruger National Park

After your last breakfast in the Sabi Sands, you will transfer back to the Singita Airstrip for your charter flight to the Satara Airstrip. After a road transfer you will arrive at your last stop, Singita's Lebombo Lodge.

Situated above the N’wanetsi River, Singita Lebombo Lodge exuberates utter luxury. Sophisticated and contemporary, the lodge was inspired by eagles who build their nests in the cliff face of the river bank, offering fantastic views from the wooden viewing decks. Step through your glass-walled suite and sleep directly under the stars with nothing but a mosquito net. This luxurious lodge comes complete with a spa and fitness center, pool and the Singita Boutique and Gallery.

Get up close with Africa's incredible wildlife as you explore Singita's private concession with knowledgeable guides. In the richly-diverse area you may spot leopard, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo, elephant, hippopotamus, cheetah and sable.

Day 9: Kruger - Johannebsurg

Meals: Breakfast

Main Destination: Johannesburg Airport

After your final breakfast in the African bush you will make your way back to Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, along with all your amazing memories and photographs, for your onward journey.