South Africa

Tour members from across Canada gather to fly to Amsterdam before connecting to South Africa.

After our late arrival in Cape Town, we will be transferred directly to our hotel in vibrant Bantry Bay, located on the slopes of Lion’s Head. 

The President Hotel (4 nights)

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the heights of Table Mountain (weather permitting). This unique landmark rises over 1,000 metres above the city and spreads horizontally across the skyline. Following lunch at the waterfront, enjoy some leisure time exploring.     

Today, enjoy a guided city tour of Cape Town, including the Government Gardens, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter. After a leisurely afternoon, an optional visit to Robben Island is available (additional cost). In the evening, gather for our welcome dinner.

Enjoy a guided walk through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a 528-hectare natural area on the slopes of Table Mountain, with over 10,000 native flowers and plants. Following a lunch break, we will visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Delight in the magnificent scenery as we drive to Cape Point, on the tip of the Cape of Good Hope.   

We depart in the morning for Stellenbosch, a charming university town with oak-lined streets and stately mansions. The area was first settled in 1680, and many buildings here date from the late 18th century. Continue to Grand Provence Estate for a cellar tour, wine tasting, and lunch. Explore Franschhoek, situated in a beautiful valley, where we shall see the Huguenot Monument before continuing to Montagu. 

Monte Vista Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Our journey east follows the route of early settlers over rolling farmlands and through spectacular scenery. We will pass through Barrydale into the Little Karoo, stopping at De Krans Estate for a glass of port after lunch. We then head to our hotel in the historic town of Oudtshoorn, made wealthy by ostrich feather trading.

Surval Olive Estate (1 night)

Begin with a visit to the impressive Cango Caves. Then, stop at an ostrich farm to learn about these unique birds and enjoy a lunch featuring ostrich eggs and lean meat. In the afternoon, travel down Outeniqua Pass and through the scenic Garden Route Lakes District to the resort town of Knysna.

Protea Knysna Quays (2 nights)

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing or exploring on your own (members can take a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon). Our afternoon is highlighted by a reception at Theodora Creche, hosted by the local community, followed by a visit to Birds of Eden. Enjoy a short nature walk on Robberg Nature Reserve, followed by a glass of bubbly. Later, we return to Knysna for dinner. 

Departing early, we follow the scenic route from Tsitsikamma to Port Elizabeth, known for its sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches. From there, we fly to Durban, where we will overnight by the northern beaches.

Protea Hotel Umhlanga (1 night)

Start the day with a leisurely stroll along the beach or opt for an early panoramic tour of Durban. Drive through Zululand to Lake St. Lucia, an area renowned for its exceptional birdlife, where we will embark on a cruise. Continue into the land of the Zulu and our delightful country inn. 

Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights)    

Today we are taken on our first game drive, exploring the Mkuze Game Reserve in open 4x4 vehicles, with opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife. This afternoon we can relax at our resort or join an optional excursion to explore the mountainous countryside of the traditional Zulu homelands, highlighted by a visit to a Zulu compound where we will be introduced to their unique lifestyle. This evening, weather permitting, we are treated to a BBQ dinner and a presentation of Zulu war dances.

Our morning drive takes us to neighbouring Eswatini, an independent kingdom. We follow the Ezulwini Valley, known as the 'Place of Heaven,' to the capital, Mbabane. Lunch will be in the Ezulwini Valley. Along the way, we will visit the Swazi Market, Swazi Candle Factory, and a craft centre. 

Piggs Peak Hotel (1 night)   

Enjoy spectacular scenery as we drive over Piggs Peak and enter eastern Mpumalanga en route to Kruger National Park. Enjoy game viewing from our coach as we drive across the park. 

Kruger Gate Hotel (2 nights)

Enjoy a full-day game drive through the heart of Kruger National Park in open game-viewing vehicles. Keep an eye out for sightings of the "Big Five," which include elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards. This evening, relax in our delightful lodge. 

We will take a scenic driving tour from the plains of Kruger to the Highveld, following its crest for magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. Enjoy the stunning scenery along the escarpment before we continue to our hotel. 

Protea Nelspruit Hotel (1 night)

Today, we travel to Pretoria, crossing the rolling farmlands of the Highveld. Pretoria is the picturesque capital of South Africa. Explore this gracious city known for its broad avenues bordered by flowering trees and its impressive public buildings and monuments. 

Fire & Ice Melrose Arch (2 nights)

Enjoy a morning drive through Johannesburg, a city created from the wealth of gold and diamonds, before visiting the engaging Apartheid Museum. We’ll have a special lunch at Chez Alina before heading off to explore the township of Soweto, home of Bishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

Our flight today brings us to Victoria Falls. First documented by David Livingstone in 1855, the falls are this region’s most spectacular natural sight. Enjoy a guided walk along the falls, with an optional helicopter ride available (weather permitting). At 353 feet high and over a mile wide, they are the largest in Africa. Enjoy the sights of the main falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Danger Point. 

Victoria Falls Hotel (1 night)

This morning, we drive across the border into northern Botswana and the gateway to Chobe National Park. Home to superb game viewing, Chobe covers over 11,000 sq. kilometres and has a large variety of wildlife, including herds of buffalo and elephants, plus hippos and lions. Relax by the pool, then enjoy a dinner under the stars with the sounds of Africa surrounding you. 

Chobe Game Lodge (2 nights)    

Enjoy a full day in the park with morning and afternoon excursions in open land rovers and by boat to view the wildlife that frequent the fertile floodplains of the Zambezi. A highlight of our stay will be a boat visit to the natural hippo pool, a short distance from the lodge. 

Relax and enjoy the amenities of our beautiful resort, or join an early morning game drive before checking out after breakfast. Later today, we catch our return flights to Canada.