Home | About Us | Testimonials | Site Map | FAQ's | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Shop
  
  
Agents Login

Username:

Password:

South Africa - Explore: A World in One Country - 14 Days - 2009
Johannesburg | Pilgrim's Rest | Kruger National Park | Swaziland | Zululand | Durban | Port Elizabeth | Knysna | Oudtshoorn | Cape Town Print | Email
 
Price and Departures
Rates:
From R20765 Twin / R24895 Single

Departs:
Daily
 

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF THIS TOUR

South Africa has a varied landscape and a myriad of cultures - this tour allows visitors a glimpse of South African wildlife, scenery, traditional cultures of old as well as the dynamic South Africa of today.  From wildlife reserves that literally teem with birdlife and excite with sightings of the infamous Big Five, to modern cities, world renowned wine farms, ancient forests and the arresting beauty of rugged coastlines to long stretches of warm waters and golden sands.  This tour certainly encompasses a huge slice of South Africa hospitality, culture and sights. 

As destination specialists, we can also help you with pre and post holiday extensions to take in more of the Southern African region, from the idyllic beaches of the Mozambique Archipelago's to the adventure hub of Victoria Falls, to the slow channels of the Okavango Delta in Botswana - trust Thompsons to make your African vacation a reality.

 
Itinerary  Highlights

Day 1: (Sun) Johannesburg
Touch down at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where you will 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 Soweto Tour (own account).
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar

Day 2: (Mon) Pretoria / Mpumalanga  (BD)
Depart by 07h30 and leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. We travel via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg, passing over the famous Long Tom Pass onto the small town of Sabie. This afternoon explore living history in the form of Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village where gold was first discovered.
Accommodation: The Royal Hotel or similar

Day 3: (Tue) Kruger National Park  (BD)
This morning enjoy glorious vistas of God's Window, a boundless view of forested mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our overnight hotel in time for a welcome sundowner (own account).
Accommodation: Kruger - Rest Camp or similar

Day 4: (Wed) A full day Big Five game viewing in Kruger National Park (B)
Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wildlife sanctuary that is world renowned as pioneers in nature conservation. game capture and re-location.
Accommodation: Kruger - Rest Camp or similar

Day 5: (Thu) The Kingdom of Swaziland  (BLD)
Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.
Accommodation: Lugogo Sun or similar

Day 6: (Fri) The Kingdom of the Zulu's  (B)
Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and colour imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel St Lucia or similar
Clients have the option to purchase an exciting afternoon open safari vehicle game drive into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Hluhluwe is home to Africa's Big Five, and are credited in their conservation success of saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction. 

Day 7: (Sat) Durban  (B)
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. Check into your hotel just before lunch (own account). The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, or you may opt take an optional afternoon Durban City Tour (own account).
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar

Day 8: (Sun) Port Elizabeth / Knysna  (BD)
Morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your mid morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included). There you will be met by your new guide who will, upon everyone arriving, take you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually arresting resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route.
Accommodation: Knysna Log-Inn or similar

Day 9: (Mon) Knysna  (BL)
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 the remainder of the day at leisure, to enjoy this lovely and special town.
Accommodation: Knysna-Log Inn or similar

Day 10: (Tue) Oudtshoorn  (BL)
This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named because it is the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's most incredible natural wonders.
Accommodation: Queens Hotel or similar

Day 11: (Wed) Cape Town  (B)
A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the southern right whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will return to Cape Town along 'Route 62', South Africa's version of America's 'Route 66'.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar

Day 12: (Thu) Cape Peninsula  (B)
Today enjoy a full day touring the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to take a cruise (own account) to Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach.  We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon's Town on our way back to Cape Town.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar            

Day 13: (Fri) Cape Winelands  (B)
Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a historical perspective.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar         

Day 14: (Sat) Cape Town  (B)
This brings us to the end of our 'World in One Country'. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Optional Pre & Post Tours

Should you wish to extend your stay in Cape Town at the end of your tour, we offer a range of tours and excursions in and around Cape Town, as well as a virtual smorgasboard of hotels and guest houses to indulge the senses - Cape Town is well known for outstanding restaurants, superb wines, fabulous shopping and indulgent wellness retreats. 

Alternatively if you wish to extend your African vacation and include other destinations, like awesome Victoria Falls, or the dunes and desert landscapes of Namibia.  We can just as easily tack on a holiday to suit your requirements in these countries as well.  Thompsons Africa offer a choice of guided overland tours in Namibia.  Why not sample the Indian Ocean delights of Mozambique - the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagoes tempt with white sands, aquamarine waters, endless watersports and an ocean that teems with marine life for those who want to scuba or snorkel dive or fish.

Extend your vacation in South Africa or into her neighbouring countries and we will gladly assist with all your holiday arrangements.

Related Locations
  • South Africa
  • Garden Route
  • Cape Town
  • Kruger Park
  • Hluhluwe/Imfolozi
  • Zululand
  • Mpumalanga and Limpopo
  • Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
  • Durban
    • Explore the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest.
    • View the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.
    • Seek out the Big Five in the Kruger National Park in open safari vehicles.
    • Visit a traditional African craft market in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
    • Enjoy a Swazi cultural experience.
    • Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia - A World Heritage Site.
    • Stroll through the Tsitsikamma National Park, renowned for its age-old trees.
    • Journey via ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated at the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.
    • Discover the Cango Caves with its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
    • Enjoy an ostrich farm experience.
    • The best land-based whale watching in the world is in Hermanus.
      (Seasonal July to November only).

    At certain months of the year (breeding season) whales can be seen close off shore.

     Includes

    Transportation
    Tour in air-conditioned micro-buses or 18-seater mini-buses.

    Professionally Escorted
    Discover South Africa with our professional Tour Guides.

    Accommodation
    Rooms with private facilities, on a twin share basis.
    All accommodation is of a 3 star standard.

    Dining Inclusions
    * 13 Breakfasts  * 3 Lunches  * 4 Dinners

    Plus
    Airport transfers included.
    Hotel porterage included.
    Kruger National Park Conservation Levy included.

    Please Note
    The internal flight between Durban and Port Elizabeth is not included.  Thompsons can assist you in obtaining these flights. Clients are requested to book flight SA1336 departing 12h30 to arrive in Port Elizabeth at 13h45. Should guests arrive earlier, we will be happy to take care of them until the arrival of the scheduled flight.
    Visa conditions apply for Swaziland and passports are required.

    The Cango Caves is a network of underground caves & tunnels with fantastic dripstone formations

     Price & Departures
    Validity Currency Twin Single
    01 Nov 08-31 Oct 09 ZAR 22375 26980
    01 May 09-31 Aug 09 ZAR 20765 24895
    Land content only
    Departs Sundays

    Cruise Lake St Lucia and drink in an impossibly beautiful area, where crocs, hippo's & the African Fish Eagle call home
     Related Activities
  • Escorted Tours
  •  
         
     
    Home | About Us | Testimonials | Site Map | FAQ's | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Shop
     
    Top Destinations:
    South Africa | Namibia | Botswana | Mauritius | Zimbabwe | Kenya | Tanzania | Seychelles | Mocambique | Zambia
     
    Fly, Drive & Stay:
    Airfares
    |
    Car Hire
    |
    Accommodation
     
    Tours & Holidays:
    City Stopovers | Intriguing Getaways | Tailormade Itineraries
    Safari Getaways | Family Safaris | Self Drive Packages
    Diamond Collection | Overland Adventures | Golf Tours
    Wellness Getaways | Weddings | Honeymoons
    Luxury Game Lodges | Train Travel |