South African Dream

South African Dream

Day 1      
Cape Town 
Arrival in Cape Town. Sightseeing tour of the city centre, colourful malay area Bo-Kaap, Greenmarket Square, Kirstenbosh, Union Buildings. Late in the afternoon watching the most stunning sunset at Signal Hill with a panoramic view of the Mother City will conclude the tour. If the weather permits ascending by the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to admire unforgettable panoramic view of Table Bay, Robben Island, Atlantic coast and most spectacular Cape Peninsula. Afterwards we will go back to Cape Town to Waterfront for a sunset cruise (in case of a bad weather we will visit Two Oceans Aquarium). Overnight at a hotel in Cape Town

Day 2      
Cape of Good Hope
Full day excursion to the Cape of Good Hope. Scenic drive along the Western coast via small picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay where we sail to Duiker Island – seal and seabird colony. Later we continue our drive through Chapman’s Peak, a 10-km stretch blasted into the partially vertical rock considered one of the most spectacular coastal roads in South Africa. It starts at the Hout Bay and then winds up to Chapman’s Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below when the road reaches sea level again at Noordhoek.
Afterwards visit to The Cape Peninsula National Park to admire the beautiful coastal scenery, beaches, diverse plant and animal life, shipwrecks and dramatic mountains. Wildlife in the reserve includes baboons, buck of all sorts and wild cats. There is also an abundance of birdlife including ostriches and flamingos. The park is the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, and has one of the highest concentrations of different plant species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. The special vegetation of the region is called “fynbos” and includes the Protea which is a South Africa’s national flower.
We reach the Cape Point and use a funicular that leads up to the historic lighthouses that were built at the end of the Point. This is a stunning place to look out over the cliffs, rocks and endless sea. The sight of huge waves crashing into the rocks is really spectacular. In the afternoon return to Cape Town along Eastern coast and old colonial resorts of Muizenberg and Simonstown. We will also stop at the Boulders Beach with a large breeding colony of Jackass penguins. This endearing little creatures nest just above the beaches along the coast, so one can well experience an encounter with some of them whenever enjoying the excellent sunbathing or swimming anywhere along Simon’s Town’s coast.
Overnight at a hotel in Cape Town

Day 3
Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Durban 
After breakfast excursion to the famous Cape vineyards. Drive through the picturesque valleys of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. The Stellenbosch Wine Route is arguably the country’s most famous, and the Stellenbosch Wine area includes over 300 wine farms of which more than a 100 are open to the public. One will taste South African way of life by visiting one of the wine estates, touring of the farm and wine tasting. 
In the afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to Durban. Overnight at a hotel in Durban.

Day 4
Durban – St Lucia
After breakfast Durban city tour – the harbour, city centre and the diverse ethnic and Golden Mile – famous promenade with sandy beaches. Next we visit at Ushaka Marine World. Then we drive towards St Lucia – the centre of Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park which was proclaimed as the World Heritage Site in 1999. The park system extends from the Mozambique border for more than 220 km south to Cape St. Lucia and includes 5 different ecosystems: beautiful coral reefs and marine life, sub-tropical forests, highest vegetated dunes, freshwater lakes and savannah woodlands. In the afternoon we depart for a sunset cruise on the St. Lucia lake in search of hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. Overnight at a hotel in St Lucia.

Day 5
St Lucia – Swaziland – Kruger Park
After breakfast we depart towards the Kingdom of Swaziland. Stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the  country that are home to The Big Five, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country. In the afternoon we are back in South Africa and arrive to our hotel near Kruger Park. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6
Kruger Park
Departure for a full day safari in the Kruger National Park – one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa. The area covering almost 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species (almost 150 mammals, more than 500 birds, and 100 reptiles) among them the famous “Big Five”: rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo and lion. Dinner and overnight at a hotel adjoining the Kruger Park.

Day 7
Panorama Route
After breakfast we depart towards the picturesque Panorama Route, offering some of the most stunning sceneries of the surrounding area. Our first stop will be God’s Window, which owes its name to the dramatic views from various viewpoints overlooking the almost sheer 300 m drop into an indigenous forest-clad ravine. Afterwards we continue north to see Bourke’s Luck Potholes that have been carved out by water and stone falling down into Blyde River resulting in spectacular cylinders (up to six meters deep) with smooth and colourful rims. This natural feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world. It is well known for its natural beauty and the diversity of its flora and fauna. Nearby we visit another highlight of the scenic drive: Three Rondavels, three hut-shaped rock formations. We will also stop at Lisbon Falls, the highest in the area. Drive to Johannesburg. Overnight at a hotel in Johannesburg.

Day 8
Lion Park – Johannesburg – Soweto – Pretoria
In the morning we will visit a small private Lion park, where we will see a few families of lions as well as cheetah and african wild dogs. After a short safari opportunity to take photos with lion cubs and to feed a giraffe. Then sightseeing of Johannesburg – drive through the oldest colonial districts of Johannesburg  and Soweto, Houghton with Nelson Mandela’s house, Parktown and the city centre. Afterwards we will go to Pretoria – sightseeing of the city centre with its historical Church Square, the old Parliament Building, the Palace of Justice and the Paul Kruger’s statue. We also drive past the City Hall and Melrose House. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for the international flight.

Price per person sharing from US$ 1,190

Price includes:
– 7 nights of accommodation in the hotels 3-4*
– All breakfasts and dinners according to a program;
– airport transfers;
– Transportation during the whole tour in an air-conditioned vehicle/minibus
– English/multilingual speaking guide services

Price does not include:

– flight Cape Town – Johannesburg, approx. US$ 100
– entrance fees and optional activities
– international flights to/from South Africa
– Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
– lunches
– private tips and Private expenditure;
– insurance