14 Day South Africa Tour - A World In One Country

This comprehensive 14-day tour of South Africa is ideal for travelers visiting Africa or South Africa for the first time. The tour operates on a scheduled basis and covers a diverse spectrum of South Africa’s most exciting and popular highlights, there is also plenty of free time to unwind and see the sights at your leisure. This tour also journeys through the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini, a country bursting with terrific activities for its tiny size.

We commence in Johannesburg in the Highveld province of Gauteng before meandering east, via Pretoria, to scenic Mpumalanga. After some game spotting in the Kruger National Park, the tour heads south through Eswatini, Zululand, and Durban on the east coast of South Africa and continues west along the Garden Route to its finale in Cape Town. This extensive tour will leave you with the feeling that you have experienced a world in one country!

Highlights of this tour include:

• Enjoy stunning vistas from God’s Window and of the lush, green Blyde River Canyon.
• Game viewing in the Kruger National Park in open safari vehicles.
• An enlightening Swazi cultural experience.
• A walk through Tsitsikamma Forest.
• A sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
• A tour of the fascinating Cango Caves near the Swartberg Mountains.
• A visit to an ostrich farm typical of the Oudtshoorn area.
• An opportunity for some land-based whale watching at Hermanus (seasonal - July to November).

Day 1 - Johannesburg

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you are greeted and transferred to your hotel to settle in and refresh. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure. There is a host of nearby sights and activities to keep you occupied - bargain hunting at some of the nearby shopping malls, riding on the Gautrain, or taking an optional Soweto Tour (own account). Accommodation - Southern Sun Sandton or similar.

Day 2 - Pretoria / Mpumalanga

We depart your hotel in Johannesburg at 07h30 and head north to Pretoria, South Africa’s capital city, for a brief orientation tour. Continuing east to the province of Mpumalanga we pass through the quaint country town of Dullstroom, one of the fly fishing Mecca of South Africa, and Lydenburg in the foothills of the Long Tom Pass.

A little further along in the heart of the infamous Long Tom Pass, we arrive at your accommodation for the evening. The afternoon is at leisure to soak up the tranquillity whilst admiring the views of the Lowveld across the escarpment or partake in one of the many activities on offer at the hotel including mountain biking, hiking or trout fishing (activity costs for own account). Accommodation - Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar.

Day 3 - Tour Mpumalanga Escarpment

Be sure to have your camera batteries recharged for this morning, as we explore some of the breathtaking vistas of the Panorama Route. God’s Window, a seemingly never-ending view of indigenous forested mountains and fertile plains, and the Blyde River Canyon may leave you a little lost for words.

Immerse yourselves in the magnitude of these natural wonders of Africa. We then take a look at the charming village of Graskop, an industrious gold mining camp in years gone by, nestled on the edge of the escarpment. From our starting point in Johannesburg, we have now gradually descended several hundred feet into the luxuriant subtropical region of the Lowveld, and by mid-afternoon, we arrive at our overnight hotel in the area of Hazyview. Accommodation - Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar.

Day 4 - Kruger National Park

Today, have your wildlife checklists at the ready for an exciting half-day ‘Five’ game viewing experience in the world-famous Kruger National Park. We set off early before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and a multitude of other captivating wildlife, birds and plant species.

Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, naturally bordered by the Limpopo and Crocodile Rivers and the Lebombo Mountains to the east. During your game drive you will have a short presentation about Project Watchdog – the Anti Poaching Unit in the area, learn about what animals they protect and how they do it.  After your drive we return to the hotel where the afternoon is spent at your leisure. Accommodation - Hazyview Sun Hotel or similar.

Day 5 - The Kingdom of Eswatini  

Sit back and relax for an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Eswatini, a former British Protection Territory currently ruled by King Mswati III. Culture and heritage are deeply embedded in all aspects of Swazi life, and we gain an insight into these traditions by way of a Swazi cultural experience. We continue through Eswatini’s capital Mbabane on the Mbabane River, and onto the picturesque rolling hills of the Ezulwini Valley for an authentic African shopping experience at the colourful Ezulwini Craft Market. Swazi artisans have a well-deserved reputation for their skills in creating fine handcrafts and some have reached ‘Master’ status, so be sure to leave some space in your suitcase. Our overnight lodging is in the Ezulwini Valley. Accommodation - The Royal Villas or similar.

Day 6 - The Kingdom of the Zulu’s

We begin our day with a leisurely breakfast before resuming our journey south through Eswatini to Zululand in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, passing traditional round huts in a peaceful rural setting. We arrive mid-afternoon at our hotel in the Umfolozi area. This region is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, in particular with the White Rhinoceros, and is a prime birding destination. Accommodation - Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar.

Day 7 - Tsitsikamma

The morning is we will enjoy an early breakfast before travelling to King Shaka Airport in Durban for a mid-morning flight to the Eastern Cape city of Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) (cost of flight not included). ‘PE’ as the city is affectionately known, on Algoa Bay, is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Once everyone’s flight has arrived, you will be greeted by a new guide who will take you on this next part of your journey through South Africa to the Tsitsikamma National Park. This magnificent wilderness, with its deep gorges, cliffs, tidal pools and evergreen indigenous forests will leave you spellbound. Accommodation - Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar.

Day 8 - Knysna

This morning, we will visit the Tsitsikamma National Park and the Storms River Mouth, both are stunning destinations incorporating around 80km of coastline with some of the most incredible views. Continuing into the Western Cape, we reach our overnight resting place, Knysna, a popular holiday destination in the heart of the famous Garden Route. This evening you will head out towards the Knysna Heads for a sunset cruise followed by dinner. Accommodation - The Rex Hotel or similar.

Day 9 - Oudtshoorn

We spend the morning taking in the spectacular views of the coastal plateau from Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo region. Known as the ‘feather capital of the world’, Oudtshoorn is the heart of South Africa’s ostrich industry dating back to the mid-1800s.
After lunch, we learn more about these inquisitive, flightless birds during a tour of an ostrich farm followed by a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves. This elaborate underground fairyland, one of South Africa’s unique natural landmarks, is truly a sight to behold. Accommodation - Hlangana Lodge or similar. 

Day 10 - Hermanus

This morning you will have the chance (option extra for your own account) to spend some time with a group of habituated meerkats, learning about their world and watching their morning routine of emerging from their burrows.  After this experience you will head back to your lodge for breakfast before hitting the road for the gorgeous seaside town of Hermanus. If you choose to travel between the months of August to November there is a high chance of whale watching right from the shore. Accommodation - Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel or similar.

Day 11 - Cape Town

Enjoy a day of incredible vistas and a kaleidoscope of scenery as we make our way to the effervescent city of Cape Town.  Today’s drive is a picturesque drive that meanders through mountain passes, by rivers and past fruit orchards and world-class vineyards, visiting the towns of Somerset West, and Stellenbosch.  Here you will have a chance to visit the boutique shops and cafes before we continue on to the Mother City (Cape Town). Accommodation - President Hotel or similar.

Day 12 - Cape Town

Today is a day of leisure for you to relax or to explore Cape Town and the surrounds (at your own account).  You could take a trip up the iconic Table Mountain, go on a marine safari to do some whale watching or shark cage diving, or take a stroll around the V&A Waterfront and visit the boutique shops and restaurants, maybe even the Aquarium.  This evening we embark on an interactive dining experience at the Gold Restaurant. Accommodation - President Hotel or similar.

Day 13 - Cape Peninsula

A full day touring Cape Town’s rugged Cape Peninsula along the stunning Atlantic seaboard enveloped by the glistening Atlantic Ocean and the indomitable slopes of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. We take a breather at the attractive fishing village of Hout Bay, where you may opt to join a cruise (own account) to Seal Island to be entertained by the crazy antics of the local seals or just sit back and enjoy the authentic harbour-side ambience.

We continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve before stopping off to see the affable penguins of Boulders Beach. On returning to Cape Town, we pass through the quaint naval village of Simon’s Town overlooking beautiful False Bay. Accommodation - President Hotel or similar.

Day 14 - Cape Town

This brings us to the end of our ‘World in One Country’ tour. After breakfast, the hotel will assist you with checking out before you transfer to the airport for your flight home. If your flight is later in the afternoon maybe go on a short inner city tour before heading to the airport.

Prices (quoted in ZAR)

2024
Peak Season: 01 Aug - 31 Dec 2024
R57,530 per person sharing
R12,290 single-room supplement

2025
High Season:  01 Jan - 30 Apr 2025
R60,760 per person sharing
R12,970 single-room supplement

Low Season:  01 May – 30 Sep 2025
R58,370 per person sharing
R11,830 single-room supplement

Peak Season: 01 Oct - 31 Dec 2025
R62,340 per person sharing
R13,910 single-room supplement

** This tour departs Johannesburg weekly, on a Sunday

Tour Price Includes
Transportation in an air-conditioned sedan (2 pax) or a 13 seater minivan (3 to 10 pax)
Professional guides that escort the tour
Twin accommodation (3 to 4 stars) with private facilities
The following meals: 13 breakfasts / 2 lunches / 6 dinners
Airport transfers
Hotel porterage fees
Entrance fees for included activities

Please Note
* * The internal flight between Durban and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) on day 08 is excluded. African Travel Gateway can assist in booking this. The flight needed is to depart Durban (Umhlanga) before 09h00. The tour will continue from Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) between 10h00-10h30.

* Visa conditions apply for Eswatini and passports are required.