South Africa Encompassed 2025

February 22, 2025– March 11, 2025 

Feb 22 Depart Canada for South Africa

Feb 23 Arrive Cape Town 

Welcome to South Africa! On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel with a brief overview of the city en-route. 
Accommodation: Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel Cape Town (3 nights) 

Feb 24 Full day Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula tour (B D) 

Join your guide for a full day of Cape Town sightseeing

Table Mountain 
You'll ascend to the summit (weather permitting) in the new revolving cable car. There, you'll see wildflowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day, it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. Later you descend from the Upper Cableway station to the awaiting coach.

Cape Peninsula 
Your Peninsula tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay with glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. From there you travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Stop at Hout Bay for a short cruise to Seal Island (weather permitting).

At the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve you can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world’s largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers, too, will find many fine species to observe.

You’ll be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the “Cape Doctor” for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along False Bay, you’ll return to Cape Town by way of the Simon’s Town naval base, and the Boulders Beach Penguin colony.

Dinner at Gold Restaurant 
This evening, discover GOLD in Cape Town. This unique African restaurant in Cape Town will take you on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine – from Cape Town to Timbuktu with its set 14-course menu served at your table.  Sit down at your table in one of our beautiful inner city courtyards surrounded by ancient trees and history. A set 14 course menu consisting of Cape Malay cuisine and African cuisine will be served to you by one of our beautifully adorned members of staff who will explain each dish to you and from which African country the dish originates from.  Be captivated during dinner by our tall, graceful Mali Puppets as they dance around your table with the drummers and singers. Our live entertainment is unique to South Africa and their performances will embrace you and take you into the heart of Africa.
 

Feb 25 Full Cape Winelands tour (B L) 

What is the best feature of the Cape Winelands? It’s true that it is renowned for its crisp white and classic French-style red wines, fantastic cheeses and olives; but it also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valleys. On this full day tour, we will visit and explore the Cape Winelands’ principal route. We will see the famous and renowned towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. A cheese tasting is included at the Fairview Wine estate in Paarl. Sample some amazing chocolates at Huguenots Chocolates in Franschhoek and delicious olives and oils produced at Morgenster Estate in Somerset West. We visit and tour the cellars of two prestigious wine estates and explore the quaint university town of Stellenbosch. Look forward to a day filled with fine wines, great food and beautiful scenery. Lunch is included at one of the beautiful wine estates, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. 

Feb 26 Fly Cape Town to Durban (B) 

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Durban. You’ll be met at King Shaka Airport and transfer to St. Lucia.
Accommodation: Forest Lodge St. Lucia or similar for (3 nights) 

Feb 27 Morning Game Drive & Half Day St. Lucia (B) 

Morning game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in an open vehicle.

Your safari begins with a departure at 500A. With its rolling hills, open Savannah grasslands it remains an incredibly scenic reserve and with its magnificent history it is sure to be a splendid day for a Safari.

Your day includes Conservation Levy, Breakfast, Refreshments, Lunch (Braai) and refreshments.
1,500 white rhino and 360 black rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, cheetah, hyena and 23,000 impala and 300 species of birds have been recorded. With 96000 hectares to explore we travel within the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. 

The Half Day Safari offers you a great opportunity to witness the Big 5 while in the reserve with travel from either the Hluhluwe side or the Umfolozi side. Your safari includes Conservation Levy, Breakfast and Refreshments. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest proclaimed Game Reserve in Africa. You may not only see the Big 5 but other wildlife such as Cheetah and Wild Dogs may also be encountered while out on Safari. 

This afternoon, coach to St. Lucia for an afternoon cruise. 

Lake St.Lucia started forming about 140 million years ago. There were two phases – dropping sea levels starting a mere 2 million years ago caused the most resent formation. This created the largest estuarine lake in South Africa. Stretching from the mouth in the southern part of the park, and then northwards to the Mkuze swamps. Organized tours allow visitors access to basking hippos, crocodiles and abundance of birds. Discover the lake in comfort aboard a passenger ferry. 

Return to the hotel in St. Lucia for the night. 
 

Feb 28 At Leisure (B) 

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Optional: Cape Vidal (transfers & conservation levy only – activities own account)

Activities: 

• Beach walks 
• Relatively safe but unprotected swimming in the bay 
• Snorkelling and rock pooling at low tide 
• Sport fishing (shore and boat) 
• Birding 
• Whale watching in winter, Dolphin watching all year 
• Turtle nesting guided walks

Mar 01 Transfer to Ghost Mountain (B L) 

This entire area is known as the Elephant Coast and includes the nearby Jozini Lake, the northern border of Zululand, separating Swaziland from South Africa. 

Enjoy a Jozini boat cruise. Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges abound with cycads as well as a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might have the privilege of seeing the likes of elephants, rhino, hippo and crocodile. 
Accommodation: Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights) 

Mar 02 Cultural Experience (B) 

Half Day Ghost Mountain Cultural visit  

The modern Zulus live in remote and relative comfort on the Lebombo Mountains. The Chiefs house may have a microwave tower for cell and TV service. Nguni cattle graze in the mountain grass. The elderly stroll without purpose and the enthusiastic young wave while the adolescents play soccer. Colourful murals decorate the water tank. Meet with the chief and the people of the village. If the children are out of school, there will be a chance to interact with them too. Learn the daily way of life in the village. 

Mar 03 Ghost Mountain to Kruger National Park (B D) 

Early check out this morning and transfer to Kruger national Park via Eswatini. Stop at Matsamo Customs and Tradition centre for a cultural experience and lunch. 
Accommodation: Mjejane River Lodge, standard room (private concession) 

Mar 04 Full day Game Drive to Kruger Park (B D) 

Spend the day in the world-famous Kruger National Park exploring the wonders of the African bush in the company of a qualified field guide.

The Kruger National Park has almost 2,000 km of roads and 6 permanent rivers that cross the savannah within the park. It is home to a vast number of different animals and countless species of all kinds. It is the habitat of countless species, and tourists here will have the ideal opportunity to observe at close quarters the "Big 5" - the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros, not to mention 336 types of trees, 49 species of fish, 114 types of reptiles and 507 species of birds, and innumerable giraffe, monkeys, zebras and antelopes.

Embarking on a safari in the Mjejane Concession, open to the Kruger National Park and home to Africa’s Big 5, is an unforgettable wildlife experience. The vast and unspoiled wilderness of the concession provides a natural habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, from majestic elephants and lions to agile leopards and rhinos. As you venture out on game drives, you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of the African bushveld and catch sight of some of the world’s most iconic animals in their natural environment. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures up close and personal, and the memories of your safari in Mjejane will stay with you for a lifetime.

After an exhilarating day, enjoy dinner back at the Lodge.

Mar 05 Morning Game Drive & Jane Goodall Institute (B D)

Transfer early to the entrance to the Park where you start with an exciting 4X4 open vehicle game drive. During the course of the day you will make a pit stop at a peaceful, scenic picnic spot or a Rest Camp where you can get something to eat (at your own cost) before setting off to explore more of the Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is well-known for its boundless opportunities to spot the famous African Big Five - Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and of course Lion.

Lunch is by your own arrangements.

Jane Goodall Chimp Eden Tour 

Home to rescued chimpanzees that need care refuge. The only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa.  

Mar 06 Panorama Route to Johannesburg (B L D)  

Depart early this morning (0730) to experience the beauty of the third deepest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon and visit magnificent sites that include the Three Rondavels, Gods Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the greater Sabie area. 

Stop at Rose Cottage Dullstroom enroute for lunch. Continue to the leafy suburb of Sandton and check in to your hotel. 

Dinner included at the hotel. 
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton (2 nights). 

Mar 07 Soweto & Apartheid Museum (B D) 

Many South Africans gave much; some gave all, to achieve a truly democratic South Africa. Come with us on this full day tour that shares some of the journey, pain and struggle of those heroes; witness the places, experience the diverse museums where these momentous, tumultuous years have been so well documented. Our day begins at the fascinating Regina Mundi Church, site of so many of the underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Standing in here, you can feel the tension, picture the intensity, the strain on the faces of those unthinkably brave souls, committed at any cost to changing the way of life of a nation. Our next stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum, where we start to unravel the cause of the devastating riots, before travelling to Mandela House, where you have time to visit this small museum (included). Stop for Lunch at Sakhumzi’s restaurant (at your own cost).

We then continue our journey driving past the affluent suburb of Diepkloof, which is in stark contrast to the lower income areas seen earlier in the day, en-route to the iconic Apartheid Museum. This is an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa. It’s a fascinating tour, filled with tales of bravery and sadness, but ultimately, it’s a story with the right ending.

Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square.

Mar 08 Depart Johannesburg (B) 

Morning at leisure. Store your bags and do some last-minute shopping this afternoon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight. 

OPTIONAL VICTORIA FALLS

Mar 08 Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (B) 

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. You’ll be met at the airport on arrival and assisted with your transfer to your hotel.

Late this afternoon, put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let this tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You will have the finest vantage point from which to watch the hippo, crocodiles and other animals which come down to the river's edge in the evening, to quench their thirst. You're in the first class, that's for sure, and you're sipping your cocktail and enjoying snacks - no further movement required on your part - you will be captivated by the sun's dying rays as they cast a burnt-orange glow which shimmers on the river. Take another sip in this golden setting - Cheers! 
Accommodations: The Victoria Falls Hotel, classic room, for 3 nights 

Mar 09 Morning Tour of Victoria Falls and Mpisi Village (B)
We’re exploring Victoria Falls inside, outside, and right from the top - it’s a full tour, and you’ll thrill to every aspect of the fascinating stroll through the permanent gentle rain and mist occurring alongside the Falls, stopping off at the key view sites for a photo call! Here, you’ll be bombarded by the mighty roar of tons of water crashing over the series of ledges – it’s literally breath-taking.

Experience an interactive visit to the local village, where we meet and learn more of the active roles played by both men and women in this society. Visit an actual homestead in the village, talking to those who live and work there, and watching their lifestyle and cultural norms. Make sure you’ve room in your bag because we’re visiting a small curio shop, filled with homemade items for sale, all crafted by the extended family members of this homestead.

Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. 

Mar 10 At Leisure- Boma Dinner (B D) 

Spend your day at leisure in Victoria Falls. This evening you’ll enjoy a wonderful Boma dinner. It’s a must do experience, with exuberant cultural songs, dances and an extraordinary traditional meal! This unique dining experience, couples with a feast of cultural entertainment, is a magical night out to remember. Shangaan and Ndebele dancers and singers will inspire you with their pulsating energy, and we’ll soon have to hold you back from the dance floor! You’ll also be tucking into traditional Zimbabwean delicacies for dinner...and for the brave hearts among us; we’ve a few lightly grilled Mopani worms. Yes, it’s a night you won’t forget. 

Mar 11 Departure (B) 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home (flight not included). 

Inclusions in above prices: 

• First Class hotel accommodation as per itinerary based on twin share 
• All transfers and transportation is by private, air-conditioned coach (One Group transfer meeting, one flight only on arrival and departure is included.)  
• Arrival Meet & Greet guide assistance, departure guide assistance 
• Entrances as noted below: 
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Co Ltd - Cable Way Fee (Return Ticket) - Weather Permitting 
  • Hout Bay and  Seal Island (weather permitting) 
  • Cape Point - Funicular (Return) 
  • Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) - Entrance Fee 
  • Boulders Penguin Colony - Entrance fees 
  • Full Day Winelands  
  • Fairview Wine Estate - Cheese Tasting 
  • Huguenot Fine Chocolates – Chocolate Tasting  
  • Tokara Delicatessen - Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting 
  • Lunch at Blaauwklippen 
  • Blaauwklippen Wine Estate Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour 
  • Morgenster Olive and Oil Wine Tasting 
  • Matsamo Customs & Tradition Centre 
  • Chimp Eden - Jane Goodall Institute  
  • Apartheid Museum – entrance fee  
  • Hector Pieterson Museum – entrance fee 
  • Mandela's House - Mandela House Entrance 
  • Regina Mundi Catholic Church - Regina Mundi Admission 
• Tours as noted below: 
  • Full Day Table Mountain & Peninsula  
  • Full Day Winelands  
  • Ghost Mountain Cultural Experience 
  • Panorama Route to Johannesburg  
  • Full Day Soweto & Apartheid 
  • St. Lucia boat cruise  
  • Jozini boat cruise  
  • Game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park   
• Meals as noted below: 
  • 13 x Breakfasts 
  • 2 x lunch (5 lunches if at Mjejane River Lodge) 
  • 6 x dinners 
  • Local taxes on accommodation and sightseeing tours 
  • Hotel and airport porterage (1 piece of luggage per person)  
  • 24 hour emergency assistance 
  • e-documents

Victoria Falls Extension Inclusions:  

• First Class hotel accommodation as per itinerary based on twin share 
• Round trip group coach transfers 
• Half Day Zambezi Explorer Sunset Cruise – Signature Deck  
• Half Day Tour of the Falls & Village Visit 
• Daily breakfast 
• Boma Dinner

Exclusions in above prices:  

• All airfares, departure taxes & fuel surcharges, Seat Selection 
• Additional charges will apply for extra transfers if anyone in the group is arriving or departing on different flights.  
• Any future fuel surcharges on land arrangements or additional costs due to COVID rules 
• Personal items 
• Meals unless listed in itinerary and all drinks 
• Tips & Gratuities 
• Any increases in local/government taxes 
• Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)  
• Travel Insurance 
• Visa/passport handling fees 
• FOC for Victoria Falls extension

IMPORTANT: 

Due to record number of travellers, many attractions have restricted access, restrictions of volume of visitors, and the late release of tickets. Please advise that some entrance tickets cannot be guaranteed until the group is finalized and are subject to availability at late release dates. For some visits, an earlier payment to that of our final payment date may be required for tickets. We will try our utmost to secure all tickets for your group, but please note this situation is beyond our control.

Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.

Payment Schedule:

Tour Deposit: $300.00 per person.