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Day 1    –Johannesburg – Pretoria

Pretoria, situated in the fertile valley of the Apies River, at the foot of the Magaliesberg range, is the administrative capital of South Africa and the seat of the government for six months of the year. The Ndebele originally occupied the area around Pretoria.  The first Voortrekkers arrived in the area, then sparsely populated, in 1827.  Boer general M. W. Pretorius founded Pretoria in 1855 and named it after his father Andries Pretorius, whose victory in the battle of Blood River had made possible the establishment of an independent white settlement in the Transvaal.

Dive into the rich South African history during a city orientation tour including a visit to the Paul Kruger Museum, the former home of Paul Kruger, President of the Boer Republics. Other highlights in the city are the Unions Buildings (the former house of parliament where the Apartheid laws came into act) and Church Square.

Your guide will lively picture the history of the Voortrekker Boers at the Voortrekker Monument.

The Voortrekker Monument was built in 1949 to commemorate the Voortrekkers, the Boers who during the mid 19^th Century pushed northward into unknown territory.  An imposing square granite structure 40 m high, stands on a base 40 m square. Steps lead up to the Hall of Heroes, with 27 reliefs depicting the Great Trek of 1838.  A wall depicting ox-wagons representing the trek wagons, which the Boers drew up in a circle to form a defensive laager, surrounds the monument.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the PREMIER HOTEL PRETORIA

Day 2     – Pretoria – Soweto - Pretoria

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

The morning excursion takes you back to pre-historical times in the Sterkfontein Valley where hominid fossils dating back to 3.5 millions years have been discovered. The Sterkfontein Valley environs; proclaimed as South Africa’s first World heritage Site, includes internationally important fossil sites such as Swartkrans, Ploverslake, Drimolen and Gladysvale, each generating a wealth of fossils crucial to current palaeo-anthropological research. Situated in beautiful and unspoilt wilderness, at a mere 45 minutes drive from Johannesburg, the sites visited are some of the richest fossil sites in Africa. Sterkfontein is the most famous site in the region. This is where the first adult apeman was discovered in 1936 by Dr Robert Broom. The visit is lead by qualified guides, in a refreshing and understandable way, focusing on the fascinating complexities of human evolution.

Back to modern times…afternoon Soweto Tour.

Soweto played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid. Soweto was in a virtual state of war from 1976, when the first protesting school students were killed, until the 1994 elections. During that time many thousands died. Today, visitors who want to see Soweto can do so safely by taking a guided tour. It may seem grotesque treating these places as just another tourist attraction, but to get any kind of appreciation for South African reality, one has to visit them.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the PREMIER HOTEL PRETORIA

Day 3    – Pretoria – Blyde River

The province of Mpumalanga is located in the northeastern part of South Africa and is bordered by Mozambique to the east and the Kingdom of Swaziland to the southeast. The economy of the region (as a whole) is supported principally by manufacturing, mining, agriculture, forestry, power generation and tourism. Nelspruit is the capital city of the province.

The topography of Mpumalanga matches its diverse cultures. Visit to the Botshabelo Ndebele Village in Middelburg. Botshabelo – ‘Place of Refuge’ is home to the Ndebele tribe, famous for their colourful symmetric paintings on the houses and beautiful traditional dressing.

Continue via Lydenburg, where ancient archaeological artifacts were found to the Blydepoort, situated on the edge of the World’s third largest canyon: the Blyde River Canyon. From the lodge you will have the unique opportunity to see sunset over the enormous canyon and the ‘Three Rondavels’ three mountain formations in the shape of a traditional hut.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard chalet at the FOREVER RESORT BLYDE RIVER CANYON

Day 4    – Panorama Route  - Pilgrims Rest

The northern section of the Drakensberg Mountains stretches through the province of Mpumalanga. The road that joins the towns of Sabie and Graskop constitutes the spectacular Panoramic Route through the Blyde River Canyon section of the Drakensberg.

After the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, the 30 kilometre long Blyde River Canyon occupies third place on the world’s list of canyons and is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in South Africa. The canyon is dominated by three similarly shaped peaks (the Three Rondavels) and by Mariepskop (the highest point of this section of the Drakensberg Mountain Range). The road continues through a rugged landscape where fruit, vegetables and tobacco are grown in reddish soil before entering Pilgrim’s Rest.

The Pinnacle, Jock’s View, God’s Window and Wonderview are some of the most famous scenic lookouts where a stop is highly recommended. These stops offer lookouts over sheer cliffs and unique geologic features over the expanse of the Lowveld. Further north are Lisbon Falls and the Berlin Falls, just before reaching Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Here, paths and footbridges take visitors to viewing sites overlooking extraordinary samples of river erosion. Northwards, the Blyde River has carved a magnificent gorge through the mountains.

To finalize a splendid day, enjoy a walk in the historical mining town of Pelgrim’s Rest, a former gold mining town which is declared in its whole a National Monument. Overnight in a historical hotel.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at THE ROYAL HOTEL PELGRIMS REST

Day 5   – Pilgrims Rest – Kruger National Park

Until the arrival of “Westernised men” in the late 19th century, the area covered by the Kruger Park probably looked much like it does now, vast and relatively undisturbed. In the 19th century, farmers settled and white hunters brought their formidable firepower to bear on the herds, taking a devastating toll on the buffalo, wildebeest and other species. The situation worsened during the Anglo-Boer war as the English hunted to supplement rations and the hungry black population scoured the countryside for food. It was in May 1926 that this enormous slice of territory was formally proclaimed a National Park and named in honour of Paul Kruger, who gave impetus to the creation of wildlife sanctuaries in the 1890s.

Majestic in extent, rich in game, grand in its scenic splendour, the Kruger National Park is now the pride of South Africa. With an almost 2,000,000 hectare expanse of savannah and bush, the Kruger Park is big game country. Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and tens of thousands of antelope roam the sunlit plains. Leopards stalk during the night; shy bushbuck hide in the riverine bush; giraffe browse on the sweet-scented acacias and vultures wheel overhead, alert for kills and carcass. The Park counts 137 mammal species, about 500 bird species and more than 100 reptile varieties.

The best way to experience the African bush is in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Get your camera ready and ‘shoot’ the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion).

This itinerary includes entrance fee into Kruger National Park.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard chalet at PHABENI TENTED LODGE

Day 6    – Kruger National Park – Swaziland

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. There after continue exploring the magnificent world of the bush until continue to Swaziland.

This small kingdom is completely surrounded by its big neighbour South Africa and share more or less the same cultural background and traditions.

Interact with the friendly Swazi people on a local market, visit the glass and candle factory, both products typical for this exiting country.

Experience these traditions during a visit to a typical Swazi cultural visit where the people will host you with a lunch buffet, singing and dancing.

Overnight will be in a traditional Swazi hut in combination with modern materials and comfort.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard chalet at HAWANE RESORT

Day 7    – Swaziland – Hluhluwe

The rolling hills of Swaziland in the north and west change into a typical African savanna landscape in the southeast before crossing again the border back into South Africa.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a natural treasure trove of fascinating fauna and flora, with species including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, cheetah, hyena, African wild dog and a wide variety of antelope species and many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. A number of picnic sites are scattered at key points around the park, and three self-guided walks with magnificent views can be enjoyed by visitors. Guided walks into “Big 5” country are also available on a daily basis. Imfolozi lies in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, where ancient trails lead through the thornveld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established Wilderness area. Once the exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka, this rich tapestry of natural and cultural history still beats with the rhythms of Africa. “Operation White Rhino” in the 1950’s won the park world recognition for its white rhino conservation and its specialist Game Capture Unit.

Experience the natural wealth of this game reserve during a 4x4 safari including entrance fee into the reserve.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard rondavel at ZULULAND  SAFARI LODGE

Day 8    – Hluhluwe – St. Lucia – Durban

Breakfast at the lodge and on to the iSimangaliso National Park, another natural treasure and declared World Heritage by the UNESCO.

Known as the jewel of KwaZulu Natal, with five distinct ecosystems and a unique biodiversity found nowhere else, it is not hard to see why the earliest name for St. Lucia, given by Portuguese explorers, was “River of the Sands of Gold.”

To go hand in hand with St. Lucia’s 300 sun-filled days a year, the area boasts magnificent self-guided walking trails through sub-tropical forests, grasslands and lily-covered pans which abound in animal life.

Lake St. Lucia, the largest estuarine water body in Africa, and will be explored by means of a boat safari, bringing the you into close proximity with hippo lazing in the waters and crocodiles basking in the sun on the estuary’s banks. Pelicans and Goliath Herons are prolific along the shores. The natural unspoiled coastline is bounded by the world’s highest vegetated sand dunes.

Continue to Durban, South Africa’s third largest city, Durban, is also an industrial centre of major significance and the country’s principal port for general cargo. Durban was founded in the year 1823 as a tiny trading settlement. It was named “Durban” in 1835 in honour of the governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin d’Urban. Factors contributing to the city’s popularity as a holiday venue include its subtropical climate that ensures a year-round season, as well as its glorious shoreline stretching away to the north and south with splendid beaches backed by lush indigenous vegetation.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the TROPICANA HOTEL***+

Day 9   – Durban – Drakensberg

Standing on top of the world in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, surrounded by craggy peaks, sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, crystal streams, rocky paths, caves and sweeping grasslands, you can salute the sunrise with the world at your feet. Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, now a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s premier eco-tourism destinations, provides an awe inspiring arena of mountains and clean air where one can savour the uncluttered freedom that only great open spaces provide. The attractions of these mountains, which rise to altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres, are astonishing. The scenic splendour of the southern Drakensberg at Cobham and Loteni and the San rock art which richly decorates more than 500 coves throughout the mountains giving testament to a vanished people are just some of the attractions.

Overnight in a very cozy mountain resort at the back slopes of the famous and spectacular Sani Pass.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the DRAKENSBERG GARDENS HOTEL***+

Day 10    – Drakensberg

The Sani Pass, over 2300 m high, is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa’s Natal Drakensberg Park. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. The Sani Pass is the only border post between Kwazulu-Natal and Lesotho. A 4X4 vehicle is necessary for this road especially if the weather is bad and will take you to the top. Never underestimate the changeability of the weather in Lesotho. A common truth is that you can have four seasons in one day, so be prepared. Have lunch (included) at the top of the Sani pass at the highest pub in Southern Africa.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the DRAKENSBERG GARDENS HOTEL***+

Day 11    – Drakensberg - Umtata

After breakfast, we make our way to the former homeland of Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in a village named Qunu near Umtata in the Transkei on the 18 July 1918. His father was the principal councillor to the Acting Paramount Chief of Thembuland. After his father s death, the young Rolihlahla became the Paramount Chief’s ward to be groomed to assume high office. However, influenced by the cases that came before the Chief s court, he determined to become a lawyer. Hearing the elders stories of his ancestors valour during the wars of resistance in defence of their fatherland, he dreamed also of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle of his people.

Visit to the famous Nelson Mandela Museum in the centre of Umtata and a not to be missed visit to his rural hometown of Qunu, the place where the Mandela family lives and will be put to rest, just like his family members and ancestors.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the SOUTHERN SUN GARDEN COURT UMTATA***

Day 12    – Umtata – East London

Exploring the Eastern Cape Province after breakfast.

The Eastern Cape is a diverse and largely undeveloped area in comparison with its neighbour, the Western Cape. It includes the former homelands of both Ciskei and Transkei and most of its population is Xhosa-speaking. This province has a long coastline stretching from the Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route, to the spectacular subtropical Wild Coast of the old Transkei. Inland the green hills around Grahamstown are referred to as "Settler Country", after the British settlers who inhabited the area in the early 19th Century, needing its fine grasslands, the 'Zuurveld' for their cattle.

East London, affectionately called Buffalo City by the locals, is situated 1000 kilometres from Cape town on the South East coast of South Africa. Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo river to the south it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with its sub-tropical climate is a sought after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourist alike.

Long before written history the banks of the now Buffalo River and the seashore were inhabited by early man, the Nahoon footprints have been dated at been 200 000 years old, the oldest fossilized human footprints found in the world. In more recent history the area was home to the Khoisan or Bushman tribe who were pushed out of the region by the later white settlers.

The East London Museum is proud owner of the Nahoon Foot Prints and the Coelacanth ‘dino’ fish. This fish species was caught in 1938 being assumed to have been extinct for many millions of years. Enjoy your visit in this interesting museum!

It was in the area around East London that the Xhosa and white setters met for the first time and a century long battle ensured for the right to the prime grazing lands of the Eastern Cape. A British fort, Fort Glamorgan was constructed in 1847 around which present day East London developed, this was to protect the vital river port which was essential in supplying the army's and settlers in the region.

Former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, have their roots in the Eastern Cape. Thabo Mbeki attend high school in Lovedale until been expelled for his participation in the struggle for freedom.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the PREMIER HOTEL EAST LONDON****

Day 13    – East London – Grahamstown

We continue traveling in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela after breakfast.

Today we make our way to Grahamstown, another bastion of the former Apartheid struggle.

Steve Biko apartheid struggle heroe in the pantheon was born in Grahamstown and murdered by the police on 11 September 1977. Many books are written about this icon as well as a famous movie.

Biko saw the struggle to restore African consciousness as having two stages, "Psychological liberation" and "Physical liberation". The non-violent influence of Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. upon Biko is then suspect, as Biko knew that for his struggle to give rise to physical liberation, it was necessary that it exist within the political realities of the apartheid regime, and Biko's non-violence may be seen more as a tactic than a personal conviction. You will visit the grave of this famous heroe.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the GRAHAM HOTEL***

Day 14    – Grahamstown – Addo

Breakfast and travel to another natural icon on the crown of South Africa.

Addo Elephant National Park opened in 1931 when there were a mere 11 elephants surviving in the Eastern Cape; now there are a total of more than 200 elephants roaming its terrain, accompanied by the other 4 of Africa’s “Big 5” (buffalo, black rhino, leopard and lion) and a variety of antelope species. Addo is also rich in bird life, ranging from ostriches to eagles, and sunbirds to secretary birds. The Spekboom Day trail allows visitors to see the flora of the park in the safety of a botanical reserve. Horse trails are available for those seeking a close encounter with wildlife. The Park is situated 72 kilometres outside of Port Elizabeth, in the Sundays River Valley and the Zuurberg Mountain range.

Entrance fee and 4x4 game drive in the reserve are included.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the ADDO ZUURBERG HOTEL***+

Day 15    – Addo – Tsitsikamma National Park

Breakfast and travel via Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma. Port Elizabeth, also known as the Nelson Mandela Bay, is the capital of the province has the reputation of being the 'friendly city', and visitors to the area will enjoy both the hospitality and the fine scenery of this province.

We continue to the Tsitsikamma National Park is situated on a narrow strip of the southern coastline, stretching for 80 kilometer from the lagoon at Nature's Valley in the west to the mouth of the Groot River in the east. Tsitsikamma was the first marine national park in Africa. It has a diverse natural beauty, with scenery comprising white sandy beaches, dense forests and fynbos. Beautiful, indigenous, state-protected forest is home to ancient trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood, Hard Pear, Ironwood, Kamassi and many others. You will be visiting one of those forest giants.

 Over time, rivers have cut awesome gorges through the coastal plateau. The area is famous for its fantastic walks, and has areas that have been allocated to fishing and diving. Enjoy a walk to the suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth during your two hours stay in the reserve.

Check-in at the hotel. Those wanting to make a beautiful walk in the dense rainforest can do so, within walking distance from the hotel.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the PROTEA HOTEL TSITSIKAMMA

Day 16    – Tsitsikamma – Outshoorn

We make our way to Oudtshoorn via Knysna after breakfast.

Knysna is known as the "pearl" of the Garden Route. The attractiveness of the town is thanks to its geographic location. Knysna is situated on the banks of a lagoon measuring 13 square kilometres, which joins the sea through a narrow strait bordered by two shoulders of rock known as "The Heads". Water sports form the main activity on the lagoon. The area is also well known for its oysters. The area surrounding the lagoon is covered with pine forests and some indigenous forests. This scenery helps to create a tranquil setting for the picturesque town.

Enjoy a boat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon and a visit to the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve, situated on one of the Knysna Heads. The visit to the reserve includes a tractor ride and guide walk before returning to the Knysna Waterfront.

We continue traveling, via the scenic Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the OUDE MEUL HOTEL****

Day 17    – Outshoorn

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo semi-desert, flanked by the Swartberg Mountains.

Oudtshoorn is without any doubt the ostrich capital of the world. The town started booming at the end of the 19^th century when ostrich feathers were in high demand in Europe and the USA as a fashionable item. Today the feathers are still popular as well as the healthy ostrich meat.

Visit to the Cango Caves, one of the largest lime caves of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Thereafter a memorable scenic drive in smaller vehicles (including lunch) over the spectacular Swartberg Pass via the historical town of Prince Albert to the Rust. We continue over the spectacular Meiringspoort Pass back to Oudsthoorn.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the OUDE MEUL HOTEL****

Day 18    – Outshoorn – Route 62 – Cape Town

Leaving the hotel after breakfast for a scenic drive via Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, to Cape Town.

Towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladysmith and Robertson are famous for its port (ruby and vintage) as well as for the excellent muscatel wines. Visit to a wine farm including tasting, known for its trees, each one of them planted in occasion of an important happening in the world. Once of these trees is planted to honour the release of Nelson Mandela out of prison in 1990.

On arrival in Cape Town, weather permitting, with the 360° revolving cable way to the summit of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s biggest icon. Before driving to the hotel a short city orientation.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE HOTEL****

Day 19    – Cape Town – Cape Peninsula

“The fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the Earth”, the great navigator Francis Drake exclaimed when he sailed into Table Bay in 1580. Through the centuries, it has been called many names of which "The Cape of Storms" (by Bartholomeu Dias) and "The Cape of Good Hope" (by the King of Portugal) are but two examples. During the 17th and 18th Centuries, sailors called it the "Tavern of the Seas" because fresh produce was grown locally and also shipped in, and later sold, to passing merchant ships. Nowadays, South Africans simply call it “the Cape”, an acknowledgement of its status as the Mother City of South Africa.

Highlights for the day are a visit to the fishermen harbour of Hout Bay including a boat cruise to the Cape Fur seal colony at Duiker Island, a scenic drive over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive (weather permitting), a magnificent view from one of the highest cliffs in the world at Cape Point, the legendary Cape of Good Hope, the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE HOTEL****

Day 20    – Cape Town – Cape Wineland

Today the Cape’s wine industry as well as the historic estate homesteads is one of the country’s most highly treasured assets. The first consignment of vines from German, French, Spanish and Bohemian vineyards arrived in the Cape in 1655. A great boost was given to wine production in South Africa by the arrival of Huguenot refugees from France, who settled around Franschhoek (“French Corner”), to the east of Paarl and Stellenbosch, between 1688 and 1690, and developed what is still an important wine-growing region.

Highlights for the day are a visit to the Stellenbosch Dorp Museum (a cluster of historical Cape Dutch homesteads), the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and the Language Monument where you can enjoy an unforgettable view over the entire Cape Winelands. Naturally a wine tasting and cellar tour cannot be missed!

You will have a short stop in front of the Drakenstein Prison (the former Victor Verster Prison) where Nelson Mandela ended his ‘long walk to freedom’

On Feb 11, 2009 – It is nineteen years since Mr Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

On February 11, 1990, after 27 years of incarceration, Mr Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison outside Paarl, following the relaxation of South Africa’s apartheid laws by the then ruling National Party and President FW de Klerk.

Mr Mandela was accompanied by his wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and was greeted at the gates of the prison by thousands of waiting supporters. From there, Mr Mandela was taken in a motorcade to Cape Town City Hall, where he addressed a 50 000-strong crowd and millions of television viewers in South Africa and worldwide from the balcony. Before he began his speech, Mr Mandela greeted the world with “Amandla!” (“Power!”), an expression used as a rallying cry by activists and organisations through the decades of racist policies and persecution by the apartheid government.

In the speech, Mr Mandela described himself as a servant of the people, and placed the remaining years of his life in their hands.

Return to the hotel in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Overnight including breakfast in a standard room at the HOLLOW ON THE SQUARE HOTEL****

Day 21    – Cape Town

Enjoy the 3 ½ - 4 hour excursion to the notorious Robben Island, once a prison, today a symbol of freedom. Situated in Cape Town’s Table Bay, Robben Island covers approximately 575 hectares, is 5.4 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide and is separated from the mainland by 9 kilometer of ocean. In January 1997 the prison was closed, but re-opened as the Robben Island Museum.

Included in the excursion are a 45 minute bus drive on the island and a guided tour inside the prison where you can see Madiba’s (Nelson Mandela as we call him) cell!

Rest of the day at leisure and the opportunity to explore the ‘Mother City’, hang around in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or shop around.

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

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