Overview:
Our ‘Ladies Only South African Surprise’ is a collection of unique experiences spanning three countries in one land. This area of Africa is full of stark contrasts and landscapes; a thrill-seeker’s paradise; a wildlife enthusiast’s dream; and a photographer’s canvas. Beginning in Johannesburg, trip highlights include a visit to The Kruger National Park, where wildlife is the drawcard, continuing onto the geological wonder of the Panorama Route and its scenic viewpoints. Its then on to Eswatini and Zululand, both steeped in ancient culture and tradition. Our visit to the beautiful Southern Drakensberg Mountains will rejuvenate the soul; the area is flooded by dramatic landscapes and panoramic vistas. The last leg includes a trip to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, with a final journey along the famed Garden Route to Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit the spectacular scenic Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window
- Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
- Meet the friendly people of eSwatini (Swaziland) and experience their culture through singing and dancing
- Orientation tour of Durban including a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens
- Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
- Overnight in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains and experience the unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast
- Travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house
- Visit Tsitsikamma National Park and the scenic Storms River Mouth
- Overnight in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa
- Guided tour of the Cango Caves and a guided tour of a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn
- Visit a well-known Aloe factory and learn more about the locally grown Cape Aloe
- Two overnights in Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain
Contact us for more information on this safari.
Itinerary:
2 June 2024 – Johannesburg
Welcome to the ‘Rainbow Nation’ and the start of your ‘Ladies Only South Africa Surprise’!
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be greeted by a private Meet & Greet before heading to your nearby hotel for some time to relax.
Later this evening, you will meet with your Tour Escort and fellow travellers for a briefing and get-together.
3 June 2024 – Hazyview
This morning, we leave for Mpumalanga – regarded as one of the most landscape-diverse and beautiful regions of South Africa, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.
Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the many scenic vistas of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels outcrop and one of the natural wonders of Africa. At God’s Window, observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes – a natural geological formation caused by water erosion. Overnight in hotel comfort surrounded by indigenous gardens on the banks of the Sabie River.
4 June 2024 – Hazyview
We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park on closed vehicle safari. This internationally renowned game reserve supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent.
Spend the morning searching for the ‘Big Five’ and keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and birdlife that abounds. Return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure.
5 June 2024 – Lobamba
From South Africa proper, travel over the border to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), an independent Kingdom encircled by South Africa. Known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture, experience an interactive visit to Matsamo Cultural Village; a great introduction to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. We then continue south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of Ezulwini Valley.
6 June 2024 – Hluhluwe
This morning we journey through Eswatini into Zululand the small Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. Ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined, living in peace and harmony. Set on the magnificent Elephant Coast, your overnight accommodation is located near South Africa’s oldest game reserve.
7 June 2024 – Umhlanga
Before getting to the lively beachscape of Durban, we stop of at the town of St Lucia – home of South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may like to join an optional boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary – the oldest conservation area of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Or simply soak up the atmosphere of the tourist town of St Lucia.
Once in Durban, an orientation tour will familiarise you with this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. Travel along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, the Point Waterfront, and harbour.
8 June 2024 – Southern Drakensberg
Before heading off to the Southern Drakensberg Mountains, spend the morning at leisure or perhaps make your way to the bustling Umhlanga Beach. A stroll along the Promenade mile is always abuzz with surfers, joggers and cyclists.
The tour visits the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our luxury resort mid-afternoon. Soak up the stunning views of the picturesque surroundings and overdose on the clean mountain air. Your hotel will host a sumptuous dinner later this evening.
9 June 2024 – Southern Drakensberg
Spend a full day at leisure, further experiencing the resort and the many optional activities on offer around the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. Later this evening, choose from a wide variety of local specialities for dinner.
Take an optional tour to Lesotho (own account).
10 June 2024 – East London
This morning, we continue south to the Eastern Cape before arriving at the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route, we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch outside the capital of Mthata.
After travelling via Nelson Mandela’s home, arrive late afternoon at our award-winning hotel in East London – inspired by the home of American journalist Ernest Hemingway. An old-world charm of an era long passed will make for a very comfortable stay.
11 June 2024 – Stormsriver
From our coastal base in East London, we make our way to the official start point of the Garden Route at Tsitsikamma and Stormsriver. Today’s journey features dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers and lush forest – home of delicate Fynbos (an indigenous plant species and largely endemic). This region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park.
Tucked away in the lush Tsitsikamma forest, our overnight stop is at a heritage hotel that has served as a stop-over for travellers for more than a century. Many of the different buildings reflect a style adopted during the Cape Colony era of the 1800s.
12 June 2024 – Knysna
Journey towards the Western Cape with a visit to the Tsitsikamma Forest. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers great views of the gorge and river below.
Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa due to its premium indigenous rock oysters. Your hotel has private ‘guest only’ access to The Knysna Lagoon, which is flanked by The Knysna Heads. These pair of sandstone cliffs separate the lagoon from The Indian Ocean. Dinner will be served at the cosmopolitan hotel restaurant.
13 June 2024 – Mossel Bay
After breakfast, travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. The boom of the ostrich industry in the early 1900s dubbed it the ‘feather capital of the world’. Visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the Cango Caves – the largest show cave system in Africa. The 20 million year-old chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. A walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites will take your breath away!
The journey heads back down to the Garden Route coast, which officially ends in Mossel Bay. Before getting to our ocean-view hotel, we stop at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex – featuring maritime memorabilia of Mossel Bay’s role as a key player in the era of European explorers and sailors from as far back as the 1500s. The complex houses the 500 year old ‘Post Office Tree’ – a Milkwood Tree regarded as South Africa’s first post office. It was used by Portuguese sailors to leave messages for other explorers.
14 June 2024 – Cape Town
Today’s journey ends in ‘The Mother City’ – Cape Town. On the way, we stop off in the Western Cape province town of Albertinia to visit a well-known aloe factory. In this area, the Cape Aloe grows wild on many farms and is still harvested in the traditional, labour-intensive way – providing a livelihood for unskilled, independent tappers. Our final drive heads along the inland pass via Swellendam, Worcester and through the Huguenot Tunnel before arriving at the foot of Table Mountain, where your hotel is located.
Optional touring in Cape Town available (own account).
15 June 2024 – Cape Town
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.
Optional touring in Cape Town available (own account).
16 June 2024 – Cape Town
Following breakfast and check out, spend the remainder of the day relaxing until your airport transfer.
| Ladies Only South Africa | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Twin Share | from $3,395 |
| Single Supplement | from $995 |
Departure Date: 2 June 2024
Price Includes:
- Meet & Greet service at Airports as specified
- 14-nights’ accommodation, including porterage
- Accommodation, transfers, meals, entrance fees and activities as specified
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Hotel and airport porterage for the main tour
- Transportation (including toll fees) in a luxury, air-conditioned coach
- Accompanied…
