A World in One Country

13 Nights from $3420

Highlights

Destinations
Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Swaziland, St. Lucia, Durban, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town

Your Itinerary Includes

Services of a professional Tour Director
Extensive fully escorted sightseeing
Round trip airport transfers
1 night Johannesburg
1 night Mpumalanga
2 nights Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park game viewing
1 night Swaziland
1 night St. Lucia
1 night Durban
2 nights Knysna
1 night Oudtshoorn
3 nights Cape Town
13 breakfasts 4 lunches 4 dinners

Begins in Johannesburg on Sundays

>> Back to the Top

Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

Day 1 Fly USA to Johannesburg

Day 2 Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa
Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Depending on the time you arrive, you may have time to explore the magnificent suburban shopping malls or take in an optional Johannesburg City Tour (own expense).

A city of astonishing contrasts, a huge metropolis where opulent wealth and desperate poverty live side by side: Johannesburg is the intriguing, dynamic heart of this turbulent country. If you want to see the real South Africa - and try to understand it - Jo'burg has to be on your itinerary.
Jo'burg, Jozi, eGoli or 'the city of gold' (never Johannesburg) is by far the largest city in South Africa. It's brash, fast-growing and often ugly, but it's got wealth, energy and a beautiful climate. If you take reasonable precautions and listen to the locals, you can enjoy it in safety.

Day 3 Travel Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
Leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa's capital city. Marvel at this country's miraculous transformation while visiting the Voortrekker Monument, regarded as a shrine to the Afrikaaner community.

On to the world famous Premier Diamond Mines, which produced Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullinan, from which the Great Star of Africa was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels. After lunch we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.

Mpumalanga in South Africa often referred to as "Big Game Country" is the setting for dozens of sanctuaries teeming with wildlife and birds. The entire area of Mpumalanga offers exceptional opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, horse-riding and fishing. Streams once panned for gold have become the haunts of eager anglers and lazy trout.

Mpumalanga is steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns abound. Barberton and Pilgrim's Rest are among the most famous. A special, additional dimension occurs in the Middleveld region which is inhabited by Ndebele people, notable for their traditional costumes and attractively decorated houses.

Day 4 Mpumalanga to Kruger National Park
Explore the living history of Pilgrim's Rest, the old gold mining village where gold was first discovered, gasp at the glory of God's Window, a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our Kruger National Park camp in time for a welcome sundowner in the African bushveld.

As well as being one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world, Kruger National Park is among the biggest and oldest. You can see the 'big five' here (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, all sorts of antelope species and smaller animals.

Although most people will have seen African animals in zoos, it's hard to exaggerate how extraordinary and completely different it is to see these animals in their natural environment. That said, Kruger is not quite a wilderness experience: it's highly developed, organized, accessible and popular.

Day 5 At leisure, Kruger National Park
Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the area on a game viewing safari. Set off before breakfast in open safari vehicles in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savor the magic of this enormous wilderness.

Day 6 Kruger National Park to Swaziland
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 Works to see Master Craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass.

Our next stop is the capital city Mbabane, known for it's vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings.

Swaziland is the smallest country in Africa is also one of the most easy going - laid-back Swazis are more likely to celebrate for fun than demonstrate for reform. A progressive and hands-on attitude towards wildlife preservation has endowed it with a striking bunch of national parks.

Black and white rhino, elephant, and more recently, lion, have been reintroduced into the collection of national parks and game reserves. You can trek, horse ride, raft on wild rivers or cycle through many of the parks and get surprisingly close to a huge variety of wildlife.

Day 7 Swaziland to St. Lucia
Today you will travel to St. Lucia. Along the way you’ll visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teaming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and color imaginable. Then on to Zululand, passing the 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.

St. Lucia is known as the gateway to the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and therefore ideally positioned as an accommodation base for further exploration. Cape Vidal, one of the best snorkeling and spear fishing venues on the coast, is 32 Km north of St Lucia. Access is through a nature reserve containing 4 of the Big 5, Lion being absent for the safety of beach users. The world renowned Hluluwe/ Umfolozi game reserve is a mere 35 minutes drive away - close enough for a day trip.

Day 8 St. Lucia to Durban
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. You will be dropped off at your accommodation before lunch time.

Durban is a big subtropical city in the northeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlor with a happening nightlife.

The weather (and the water) stays warm year-round drawing the crowds to Durban's surf beaches. Apart from the waves, 'Durbs' has much to offer. The city hall houses a gallery with a good collection of contemporary South African art and a natural science museum.

Day 9 Fly Durban to Port Elizabeth
Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met transferred to your accommodation in Knysna. Along the way you will travel through the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest towards the romantic seaside resort of Knysna in the heart of the famous Garden Route, with scenic stops along the way.

A place of "People, Beauty and Mystery" is what comes to mind when describing Knysna. The exceptionally equitable climate with rain falling throughout the year ensures it remains perennially green. The town nestles between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. At the heart of Knysna is the 21 ha lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" - silent sentinels down the centuries of the rich history of this unique part of "paradise on earth".

Day 10 Knysna
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 is at leisure to enjoy this lovely and special town.

Day 11 Knysna to Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 34 miles from the large coastal town of George. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country!

This town with its wide open spaces and broad streets is the capital of the Klein Karoo. The town is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Oliphant's River, and its fertile valleys are encompassed by the Swartberg Mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Warm, dry summers and sunny winter days make it the ideal breeding ground for the most majestic of flightless birds - synonymous with Oudtshoorn - the ostrich.

Day 12 Oudtshoorn to Cape Town
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 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'.

Sir Francis Drake once described this area as 'the fairest Cape in all the world'. Cape Town's location is spectacular; the city is dominated by a 3 280ft-high, flat topped mountain with virtually sheer cliffs and surrounded by mountain walks, vineyards and beaches.

There is a variety of things to do and see. Wander around the cosmopolitan Green Market Square located in center city, or sail on the harbor to gain a very different perspective on the beauty of Cape Town, enjoy a meal or shop at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront's working port; or visit Cape Town's new aquarium to see the myriad of sea life that the Cape is home to. In Cape Town, there is something for everyone.

Day 13 Cape Peninsula tour
See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the ‘Fairest Cape’. The tour begins with a stroll through the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Then drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno – currently the hottest real estate in the world – to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting).

Drive along the breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, around the Atlantic Seaboard. After a stop for lunch (own expense), it’s on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and its scenic viewing point. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 66km trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora.

Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Our last stop is the naval port of Simon’s Town, the country’s third oldest European settlement.

Day 14 Winelands tour
Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands.
Our first stop is the Afrikaans Language Monument, perched on Paarl Rock, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area.

We then continue onto wineries of well-known estates, to sample wines of merit, before visiting the Huguenot Monument and Museum in Franschhoek, to discover the origins of this world renowned wine producing region.

Lunch in one of the many fine restaurants in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch (own expense). Don’t miss the world-famous 19th century-style general dealer in Stellenbosch’s Dorp Street - Oom Samie se Winkel.

Day 15 Fly Cape Town to USA (Via Johannesburg)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights back to the USA.

Day 16 Arrive USA

>> Back to the Top

Hotels

For more information about the hotels visited in this itinerary please click the hotel name below.

City	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

Johannesburg	Protea Hotel Wanderers (or similar)	-	-	-

Mpumalanga	The Royal Hotel (or similar)	-	-	-

Kruger Nat. Park	Pretoriuskop (or similar)	-	-	-

Swaziland	Lugogo Sun (or similar)	-	-	-

St. Lucia	Protea Hotel St Lucia (or similar)	-	-	-

Durban	Protea Hotel Edward (or similar)	-	-	-

Knysna	Knysna Log Inn (or similar)	-	-	-

Oudtshoorn	Queen’s Hotel (or similar)	-	-	-

Cape Town	Protea Hotel President (or similar)	-	-	-

>> Back to the Top

Pricing

To determine pricing for your tour select the appropriate travel season and desired accommodation level from the table below.

	Twin Share	Single Share
Standard

11/1/09-4/30/10	$3,685	$4,445

5/1/10-8/31/10	$3,420	$4,100

9/1/10-10/31/10	$3,685	$4,445


Add International Airfare Pricing
Routing: JFK or IAD-JNB-CPT/JNB-JFK or IAD

5/1/10-6/30/10; 8/11/10-9/10/10; 12/24/09-1/6/10		$1,700

7/1/10-8/10/10; 12/10/10-12/23/10		$2,125

9/11/09-12/9/09; 1/7/10-4/30/10		$1,415

Add Internal Africa Air
Routing: DUR-PLZ

11/1/09-12/23/10		$150

>> Back to the Top

Terms & Conditions

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 60 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. CST #2012413-20 See our Complete Terms and Conditions.

>> Back to the Top

Find out More

Please read our Privacy Policy

>> Back to the Top