Embark on a 14-day adventure and discover South Africa: explore the scenic Panorama Route, experience a Kruger Safari, immerse yourself in eSwatini's culture, and enjoy another Big Five safari in Mkhuze Game Reserve. Relax on Umhlanga’s beaches, discover Gqeberha, and travel along the Garden Route. Finally, savour Cape Town's beauty, taking in Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Cape Winelands.
Highlights of the Grand Tour
4* star accommodation
All transfers in between locations
Breakfasts daily, 7 Dinners, 1 Lunch
English speaking tour guide
Luxury air-conditioned vehicle
Panorama Route -Blyde River Canyon,Bourke Luck Potholes and God's Window • Full day Kruger National Park game drive in an open safari vehicle • Swaziland Cultural Village experience, including lunch •
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International & Domestic Flights
Pre-trip accommodation & transfer in Johannesburg
Post-trip accommodation & transfer to Cape Town International Airport
This morning, your tourist guide for the tour will meet you at the Radisson Hotel OR Tambo Airport at 07.30 for pre-tour formalities, to depart at 08.00. Embark on an unforgettable journey from Johannesburg to the enchanting Mpumalanga, the "Land of the Rising Sun."
Traveling along the breathtaking Panorama Route, you'll encounter the stunning Blyde River Canyon. Take in the awe-inspiring views from various vantage points, starting at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and culminating at the iconic Three Rondavels. If time and weather permit, we won’t miss the chance to stop at God’s Window for a panoramic vista.
Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, check in, and take some time to freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation: Radisson Safari Hotel (standard room)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Prepare for an early morning adventure as you transfer to the renowned Kruger National Park for an open-vehicle safari. This wildlife sanctuary, covering nearly 2 million hectares, offers one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa, showcasing a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
After your morning safari, return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax before dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, set off for the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland, a captivating land steeped in rich African traditions and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a vibrant showcase of Swazi culture, followed by a delightful traditional lunch at Matsamo Cultural Village.
Next, visit the Ngwenya Glass Works, where talented artisans craft exquisite sculptures from molten glass. After exploring local craft markets, you'll arrive at your hotel in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley. Dinner arrangements for the evening will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: Foresters Arms (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart for a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory, where each unique candle is crafted by hand using the traditional “millefiore” technique. No two candles are alike, showcasing a mesmerizing array of patterns and designs. Continue your journey via Big Bend into KwaZulu Natal, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon.
Take an exhilarating scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, where breathtaking views of Lake Jozini await. As the sun sets, stop for sundowners and enjoy a visit to an authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into contemporary Zulu life before returning for dinner at your hotel.
• Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy a game drive in the uMkhuze Game Reserve. uMkhuze harbours an astonishing diversity of habitats ranging from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains to stretches of rolling acacia savannah, swamps, woodlands, and riverine forest. Wildlife includes black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, and a multitude of plains game. Lions were reintroduced to the park in 2013, making it a Big 5 reserve. The birding is exceptional – 420 species recorded. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and savour a delightful dinner at the hotel to conclude your day.
Accommodation: Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Following an early breakfast, depart along the stunning Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal toward St Lucia, located at the southern tip of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, embark on an estuarine boat trip, offering a unique chance to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a plethora of bird species, including the elusive African Fish Eagle.
Continue your journey to Umhlanga, where you’ll check into your hotel in the afternoon. Dinner arrangements for the evening are left to your choice.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning city tour of Durban, a melting pot of cultural and historical contrasts. Drive along the iconic Golden Mile, passing art-deco buildings and uShaka Marine World, before heading to Victoria Embankment and exploring the city’s historical landmarks like the Natal Museum and City Hall.
Afterward, make your way to King Shaka International Airport to check in for your domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (flight not included). Upon arrival, a travel representative will be ready to transfer you to your hotel, leaving you the rest of the day to relax at your leisure.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Port Elizabeth and travel along the picturesque coastline to the breathtaking Tsitsikamma part of the Garden Route National Park, often referred to as the "garden of the Garden Route." Stroll along the suspension bridge that spans the Storms River mouth gorge, offering spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities.
After your exploration, head to Plettenberg Bay for dinner and overnight accommodations, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Accommodation: Plett Quarters Hotel (luxury room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, experience the magic of nature at Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight bird aviary, where you can observe a diverse collection of African birds in a serene setting. Also, visit Monkeyland - the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Afternoon visit to the Knysna Waterfront for some time to explore before an early dinner at a waterside restaurant.
Accommodation: Plett Quarters Hotel (luxury room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast and check-out, travel to Oudtshoorn, the "feather capital" of the world. Here, you’ll visit a working ostrich farm for an insightful guided tour before checking into your accommodation in the late afternoon and enjoying dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Surval Boutique Olive Estate (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast and check-out, set out for a morning tour of the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world. Afterward, travel along Route 62 to Barrydale for lunch (on your account).
You’ll arrive in Cape Town around 5 pm, concluding a day filled with remarkable experiences. Dinner arrangements for the evening are at your discretion.
Accommodation: Pullman Hotel Cape Town (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, you’ll be collected for a full-day Cape Point and Peninsula tour. Travel along the stunning Atlantic Seaboard, passing through Sea Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay, with a stop at a scenic lookout point in Llandudno. Continue to Hout Bay, a charming fishing harbor, where you may opt for a boat trip to Seal Island (additional cost).
Next, journey along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. After lunch at a nearby restaurant (not included), visit historic Simon’s Town, known for its Victorian architecture and large penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: The Pullman Hotel Cape Town (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a delightful full-day Cape Winelands tour. This scenic drive takes you through stunning mountain ranges, vineyards, and Cape Dutch homesteads, heading to Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa's wine industry. Here, enjoy your first wine tasting among the picturesque estates.
Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek, the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, where you can savour another wine tasting and indulge in a culinary experience at one of the area’s acclaimed restaurants (lunch on your account). The day ends with a visit to a wine estate in the Paarl region to round off a delightful day before returning to Cape Town.
Accommodation: The Pullman Hotel Cape Town (standard room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a morning city tour that highlights Cape Town's rich history and vibrant culture. Weather permitting, begin with a trip up Table Mountain (cable car fee not included). Explore the Company Gardens, the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope, and the bustling Greenmarket Square.
Discover the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, home to the Cape Muslim community, and learn about their contributions to the city’s tapestry.
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel by 12:30pm
Meals: Breakfast
Thank you for joining us on this trip! See you next time.
Themba Travel is a UK-based tour operator and offers Southern African journeys that inspire hope. Conscious of our footprint on the planet and people, we advocate for dignity, celebrate humanity and respect the environment we travel to.
We showcase the heart of the country through diverse, colourful and collaborative journeys that positively impact and empower. We specialise in Volunteering holidays for grown-ups, Leisure holidays that benefit both traveller and destination and Educational expeditions for curious student groups.
Get in touch:
Email: chantal@thembatravel.com
Call: +44 793 9379 636
