From mountain peaks soaring through the leftover wisps in a cloudless sky, to the spindles of tall desert grasses, concealing a herd of stoic antelope, South Africa straddles the boundaries between bustling urban territory, desert calm, dizzying sierra and tropical beach heat. Traverse through varying climates and degrees of altitude and peer over the edge of majestic plateaus. You'll be able to spy on rambling hippos, lanky giraffes and slews of other fascinating creatures while on safari, and experience African coastal life juxtaposed with the richly textured cultures and traditions of the Zulu and Swazi natives.

Day 1 - Depart for Johannesburg

Day 2 - Johannesburg (Protea Hotel, Tambo or similar - 1 Night)

Day 3 - Johannesburg-Hazyview (Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar - 2 Nights)

Day 4 - Kruger National Park

Day 5 - Hazyview-Swaziland (Lugogo Sun or similar - 1 Night)

Day 6 - Swaziland-St Lucia (Protea Hotel Umfolozi or similar - 1 Night)

Day 7 - St Lucia-Durban (Docklands Hotel or similar - 1 Night)

Day 8 - Durban-Drakensberg (Drakensberg Gardens Hotel or similar - 2 Nights)

Day 9 - Drakensberg

Day 10 - Drakensberg-East London (Kennaway Hotel or similar - 1 Night)

Day 11 - East London-Port Elizabeth (Paxton Hotel or similar - 1 Night)

Day 12 - Port Elizabeth-Knysna (Knysna Hollow Country Estate or similar - 2 Nights)

Day 13 -  Knysna-Oudtshoorn-Knysna

Day 14 - Knysna-Cape Town (Protea Hotel Sea Point or similar - 2 Nights)

Day 15 - Cape Town

Day 16 - Depart to Canada

The Places You'll Go

Your camera lens won't know what hit it as you ramble through the glorious Blyde River Canyon, a natural wonder that will have you perched to overlook the subtropical Lowveld region, teeming with greenery. Discover African curiosities and trinkets at a roadside market as you bustle through Swaziland and Zululand, engaging with traditional bush culture. Marvel at the high flying Drakensberg mountain range en route to the coast of South Africa and Port Elizabeth, a port town touted for its spectacular beaches.

Wander through Kruger National Park, an immense game reserve that will have you trekking among flora and fauna of all shapes, colours and species. You'll dip southward, below the equator, to Knysna, a city bordering the cape and located on the edge of a rainforest. Enjoy an escapade through Tsitsikamma Forest, on the lookout for the elusive forest elephant. Conclude your journey in Cape Town, once a hub of Dutch trading ships, now a populated city sparkling on the ocean's edge.

Inclusions

Your adventurous gallivant through South Africa is a complete experience, including certain delicious meals like breakfast on 14 of your mornings and dinner on five of the evenings. Roll along in comfort and style in an air conditioned coach with a knowledgeable English speaking guide as expert accompaniment. You accommodations will range from sprawling scenic estates like Knysna Hollow Country Estate, to city skyline haunts like Protea Hotel Sea Point.

Optional Excursions

You'll truck through the African wilderness, creating your own desert breeze on an open vehicle safari in Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Explore watering holes and grazing grounds you wouldn't typically have access to with the regular tour. Drift through the St Lucia estuary on a morning boat cruise, keeping your eyes sharp for lounging hippos and wily crocodiles. Wind your way through tantalizing vineyards, rekindling memories of luxurious soirees accompanied by robust South African wines.