The Very Best of South Africa Tours 2012

South Africa Escorted Tour - 16/19 Days

You see lions, elephants, seals and whales, oysters and ostriches, fine wines and waterfalls, rugged mountain peaks and pristine beaches. Few places on earth have a greater variety of natural beauty or more to offer.

Tour highlights
• Enjoy city tours of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
• Stay in some of Africa’s most luxurious hotels including the landmark Mount Nelson and the Kapama River Lodge.
• Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and experience breathtaking views over South Africa’s Western Cape.
• Boulders Beach offers you an enchanting visit to the protected colony of African Penguins.
• Our journey over Helshoogte Pass is the most beautiful as it winds its way down to Stellenbosch.
• Explore South Africa’s wine estates with a lesson in the art of wine tasting.
• Taste some of South Africa’s excellent cuisine, with seafood fresh from the ocean, succulent steaks and more.
• Enjoy the coastal towns of George and Knysna on the picturesque Garden Route.
• Visit one of Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and the Cango Caves.
• Board the ferry for an enchanting day at Featherbed Nature Reserve and Knysna Lagoon.
• Experience a three-night safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve - encountering South Africa’s ‘Big Five’.
• Experience the spectacular Victoria Falls at Livingstone

Extend Your Holiday

Mozambique Beach Resort
Day 1
Stay at the Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg for 1 night. On the Very Best of South Africa you will fly from Kapama to Johannesburg and stay the night.

Day 2
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Vilanculos on the Mozambique coast. You will be met by a representative from the lodge and transfer by helicopter to the Nyati Beach Lodge. Stay for 4 nights in a beach chalet on a full board basis.
Day 3 - 5

Spend your days relaxing and enjoying the facilities available at the lodge, not forgetting the beautiful coastline. Included in your stay are three meals daily, non-motorised watersports, a sunset dhow cruise and a visit to a local fishing village.
Day 6

Helicopter transfer to Vilanculos to connect with your flight to Johannesburg. Take the overnight flight to London Heathrow.
From £1,745 per person Single supplement £380

Looking for a 2012/2013 holiday?

If you're looking for a later date in 2012 or in 2013 please visit our new season South Africa escorted tours

Day 1 - Depart from London Heathrow
Join your Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager in London Heathrow’s executive lounge before boarding your overnight flight with South African Airways
Meals: In-flight

Day 2 - Cape Town
On arrival transfer to the historic Mount Nelson Hotel here in Cape Town. Settle into your elegant guestroom before joining your Tour Manager and fellow travel companions in the hotel’s decadent lounge for afternoon tea. The Mount Nelson Hotel is world renowned for its extravagant High Teas, presented and served from the impressive Windsor Table.
Meals: Afternoon tea
Hotel: Mount Nelson

Day 3 - Cape Town
The city of Cape Town is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, incorporating many cultural influences and architectural styles along with some of the region’s most outstanding scenery between the mountains and the coast. There is no better place to capture the panoramic views over the city and to the mountains and ocean beyond than on a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. The mountain is a prominent landmark of the Western Cape that dramatically dominates the region’s skyline. you into the heart of the city with a visit to the Malay Quarter also known as the ‘Bo-Kaap’. Our drive then passes the Houses of Parliament, which displays a beautiful central dome, Corinthian porticos and pavilions. City Hall is our next viewpoint before driving onto the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, The Castle of Good Hope, built between 1666 and 1679. We then head to the working harbour and entertainment area of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The area is scattered with pretty buildings including the quaint Clock Tower and here our final visit of the day is an insight into the techniques of diamond cutting and the art of creating jewellery at the city’s Diamond Works.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mount Nelson

Day 4 - Cape Town
Our scenic drive today leads through the rocky Cape coastline en route to Hout Bay harbour. Our coastal journey passes through some of the region’s most beautiful white sandy beaches and inlets, including Bantry Bay, Camp’s Bay, Clifton and Llandudno. On arrival at Hout Bay we take a boat trip on the beautiful False Bay to Seal Island, and see the large colony of Cape fur seals. Back on land, we head to the wild Cape Peninsula and Cape Point. This area is often described as the romantic meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and the spectacular cliffs form the south western tip of Africa. After lunch our exploration continues on to Boulders Beach, home to a variety of wildlife and birds including the protected colony of African penguins that settled here in 1982.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Mount Nelson

Day 5 - Cape Town
A day at leisure. You may wish to take an optional excursion – perhaps a trip to the famous Robben Island prison or a visit to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Your Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager is on hand with advice and information if needed.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mount Nelson

Day 6 - Cape Town to Stellenbosch
This morning we say farewell to Cape Town as our journey leads us into the rich green fertile valleys and hills of South Africa’s winelands. The Franschhoek valley is named after the French Huguenot settlers, and renowned for its exceptional wine and fine restaurants, as well as the historic Huguenot Memorial Museum. The museum is in the rebuilt Saasveld building, which now displays a large collection of furniture, silverware and artefacts charting Huguenot history. Before leaving the valley we take a visit to one of Franschhoek’s premier wine estates for a wine tasting. We then head over Helshoogte Pass, the stretch of road which winds between the Simonsberg and Stellenbosch mountains before descending into the university town of Stellenbosch. This route is often described as one of the Western Cape’s most striking, capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and winelands. Before we head over to the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa in Stellenbosch we are invited to the second of our visits to one of South Africa’s wine estates including a delicious lunch and a guided tour of the impressive wine cellars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

Day 7 - Stellenbosch to George
Our journey continues today as we drive east along South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route arriving in the coastal village of Mossel Bay. Here is where we settle for lunch before taking a nostalgic visit to the old Post Office Tree, which has a charming history as it was used to pass messages between sailors in the days of discovery. Later in the day we arrive in the pretty town of George, known as ‘The Gateway to the Garden Route’.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Oubaii Resort & Spa

Day 8 - George
Our adventure today leads you to the principal town of Little Karoo called Oudtshoorn, located on the edge of the Garden Route between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. On the drive inland we stop of at some of the welcoming craft and food shops in the area, which is noted for its small producers of cheese, chocolate and even liqueurs. The Oudtshoorn region is renowned for its many ostrich farms rich in heritage and we’ll visit a working farm, where you can hold one of the huge eggs, feed or even sit one of these magnificent birds! After lunch we take to the road once more to visit a place of great natural beauty, the Cango Caves. These caves started to form over 20 million years ago and lie in the Swartberg Mountain Range.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Oubaii

Day 9 - George
Today our journey on the Garden Route takes you to the scenic town of Knysna, famous for its beautiful lagoon that supports an oyster hatchery, reputedly among the tastiest oysters in the world. The ferry ride over to Featherbed Nature Reserve is followed by a trailer ride to the Western Head for great views of Knysna Bay and its lagoon. Featherbed Nature Reserve is a protected wilderness of flora, birds and marine life. This nature reserve has a passionate commitment to its breeding program of rare species including blue duiker and the endangered Knysna sea horse. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Featherbed Reserve before taking the return ferry back across the waters to Knysna mainland. Here you have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy this lively little town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Oubaii Resort & Spa

Day 10 - George to Johannesburg
It is almost time to leave the southern coast of Africa as we drive along the Garden Route towards Port Elizabeth for the flight up to Johannesburg. Along the way we have time to visit the Garden Route Botanical Gardens nestled at the foot of George Peak, an important area of conservation to protect the diverse and unique plant life of the Cape. Later in the day we arrive at the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg set on the Highveld plateau. This evening you are invited to dinner in The Westcliff Hotel’s stylish restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Westcliff Hotel

Day 11 - Johannesburg
This morning we take the short drive to leafy Pretoria, visiting the Voortrekker Monument, the museum of the former President Paul Kruger’s home and the grand architecture of the imposing Union Buildings, the seat of South Africa's government. This afternoon we head back to Johannesburg to the bustling neighbourhood of Soweto where we visit the former home of Nelson Mandela, now a fascinating museum of interesting artefacts including Mandela’s original memoirs, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and museum, which highlights the struggle against apartheid.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Westcliff Hotel

Day 12 - Johannesburg to Kapama
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hoedspruit located in the northeastern corner in Limpopo province. On arrival you will be transferred to Kapama River Lodge in open safari vehicles, keeping our eyes open for glimpses of big game and other wildlife, ready for the start of your extraordinary bush adventure. There will be plenty of time over the next few days to relax in the peaceful and beautiful natural surroundings. Later this afternoon you have the opportunity to venture out on the first of our game drives over the rambling landscape of Kapama Private Game Reserve, with the promise of a glimpse of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – the African elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard – in their natural surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Kapama River Lodge

Day 13 - Kapama
There is plenty of time to relax and unwind in the beautiful and natural surroundings of the lodge between morning and evening guided exploration and game drives into the African bush, to see wildlife including giraffes, colourful birds and antelopes. The evening drive offers the most beautiful sunsets as their light cast a warm glow over the countryside, whilst you enjoy a refreshing sundowner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Kapama River Lodge

Day 14 - Kapama
It is an early morning call as we venture out once more on a dawn game drive, to see the wildlife when it is at its most active. Later, relax in Kapama River Lodge’s open surroundings, where monkeys and nyala antelope happily wanderer around the grounds and birds are in full song. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive, and you may be able to see big cats hunting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Kapama River Lodge

Day 15 - Kapama to Victoria Falls
This morning we continue our journey to the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zambia. We fly to Livingstone and transfer to the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel for the next three nights which boasts a prime position being right on the Zambezi River with grounds extending up to the falls themselves. Rest of the day is at leisure. Those who have not chosen the Victoria Falls option and are returning to the UK today, will transfer to a different airport for their flight to Johannesburg and onwards connection to London Heathrow, arriving the following morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Day 16 - Victoria Falls
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the falls from the Zambezi side. This is a spectacular experience as you see the physical size of the falls, and witness both the sights and the sounds. If you travel when the falls are in full flow, this will be particularly exhilarating and you should be sure to pack some waterproofs just in case! The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish until our leisurely sundowner river cruise which offers relaxing views, and includes drinks and snacks to complete the experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Day 17 - Victoria Falls
Today is a completely free day for you to do just as much or as little you wish. A range of exciting sightseeing options are available to you including a helicopter flight over the falls. These options tend to be very popular and can get booked up so your Tour Manager will discuss and confirm these for you in Cape Town. This evening we meet for our farewell dinner which we will have in our beautiful colonial hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Day 18 - Victoria Falls to Johannesburg and inflight
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Livingstone Airport to fly to Johannesburg and our onward connection to London Heathrow.
Meals: Breakfast, Inflight

Day 19 - London Heathrow
Morning arrival at London Heathrow.

Looking for a 2012/2013 holiday?

If you're looking for a date in 2012/2013 please visit our new pre-launch South Africa escorted tours