GRAND TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA 19 nights from £7,195 per person
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of culture. Our Grand Tour celebrates this variety with an epic road trip that will take you from the action packed diversity of Cape Town and the Garden Route across the country to the laid back city of Durban and the too often overlooked wonders of the KwaZulu Natal region.
Still not quite grand enough for you? Talk to us about adding one of our Luxury Rail routes, a Victoria Falls extension, or a stay in an Indian Ocean beach resort, like Mauritius or Seychelles.
Price Includes
International flights
Private transfers
Activities and tours as mentioned
All accommodation
Car hire
24/7 support while you're away
UK airport transfers (conditions apply)
DAY 1-2
CAPE TOWN
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be transferred to the your first hotel of the trip.
Cape Town is a vibrant city where stunning natural beauty meets rich history and culture. From the iconic Table Mountain to the charming waterfront and pristine beaches, Cape Town offers unforgettable experiences for every traveller. Explore diverse landscapes, vibrant markets, and world-class dining in this dynamic coastal gem.
In the morning on your second day, you'll embark on a captivating full-day private tour of Cape Town, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in an unforgettable journey. Begin your day with a ferry ride to Robben Island, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
After returning to the mainland, continue your tour with a visit to the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with brightly coloured houses and immerse yourself in the rich Cape Malay culture.
Conclude your day with a breath-taking cable car ascent of Table Mountain. At the summit, enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery of the surrounding mountains and Atlantic Ocean before descending and returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Queen Victoria Hotel
DAY 3-4
CAPE PENINSULA
Experience the breath-taking beauty of the Cape Peninsula on a full-day private tour. Travel along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes as you make your way toward the dramatic landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Explore Cape Point, where towering sea cliffs meet the turbulent waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and enjoy panoramic views from the iconic lighthouse.
Next, head to the charming naval town of Simon’s Town and visit the famous Boulders Beach, home to a thriving colony of endangered African penguins.
Continue your journey along the False Bay coastline, passing through quaint seaside villages and lush coastal scenery, before returning to Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Day four is spent at leisure to explore the colourful neighbourhoods, markets and museums Cape Town has to offer.
Consider adding a sunset cruise or even abseiling down the side of Table Mountain onto your itinerary.
DAY 5-6
STELLENBOSCH
Your hire vehicle will be delivered to your hotel (delivery fee payable locally) where you will begin the short but beautiful drive to Stellenbosch. On arrival check into your hotel and begin exploring the beautiful wine estates set amongst the mountains.
The rest of your day will be spent at your leisure.
The next day, after breakfast you will be met by your local private driver for your private winelands tour.
This tour offers a personalised experience through South Africa's renowned wine regions. Visit top wineries in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, enjoy wine tastings and a lunch with wine pairings, and take in the scenic vineyard landscapes, all at your own pace.
Accommodation: Lanzerac Hotel and Spa
DAY 7
OUDTSHOORN
Today you will take the scenic drive to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world! You may like to visit one of the ostrich farms in the area, where you can learn more about these odd birds.
You could meet the wildlife at Cango Wildlife Ranch or visit the Cheetah Preservation Foundation, founded here in 1988 with the principal aim of ensuring the survival of the cheetah and other endangered species.
Alternatively you could visit the Cango caves, an impressive cave system with vaulted ceilings and impressive limestone formations.
Horse riding is also a very popular activity in this area, with horses for every age and ability.
Accommodation: Mooiplaas Guest House
DAY 8-10
PLETTENBERG BAY
Before breakfast, you will join a sunrise meerkat safari where you can watch these charismatic creatures emerge from their burrows as they busy themselves with their natural morning routine of basking, foraging or standing guard.
Afterwards return to your hotel for breakfast and check-out before driving onwards to Plettenberg Bay.
A great lunch stop is the town of Kynsna, famous for its oysters.
You have two days at leisure to explore this beautiful region on foot, by car, by boat or on horseback. Spot whales or take a sunset picnic on the dramatic headland of Robberg nature reserve, hike the lush forests and dramatic coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park or visit the nearby bird and wildlife sanctuaries, just some examples of what this dynamic destination has to offer.
Accommodation: The Plettenberg
DAY 11-12
DURBAN
This morning, after your final game drive leave your hotel and drop your car off at Port Elizabeth (recently renamed Gqeberha) airport in time for your flight to Durban.
On arrival in Durban collect your car and take the short drive up the coast to your hotel.
The rest of the stay in Druban is at your leisure.
You could explore the unique cultural and architecture of this laid back city, perhaps combined with a visit the botanical gardens. Alternatively you could relax on the beach, take a surfing lesson, or drive inland to a forest reserve full of many free roaming primate species.
Accommodation: The Oyster Box
DAY 13-14
KWAZULU NATAL
This morning drive up the coast before turning in to a private luxury game retreat on the edge of KwaZulu Natal's signature game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi. Known for it's healthy rhino population and diverse wildlife, including the Big 5, giraffes, hippos and abundant birdlife this lesser known game reserve is certain to captivate with it's thrilling wildlife encounters.
After check-in you are free to enjoy the lodge facilities until you depart on your afternoon game drive.
On day fourteen, you'll have morning and afternoon game drives included.
In your down time relax on your private deck with sweeping views of pristine wilderness in front of you. You'll have one eye on your book and another looking out for elephants heading down to the river for a drink. If you get too hot have a dip in the outdoor pool.
After returning from your afternoon game drives culinary delights await you at the restaurant followed by drinks at the bar or outside at the Boma.
Accommodation: mFulaWozi Mthembu Lodge
DAY 15-16
RORKES DRIFT
Leave your hotel after breakfast and drive north to the historic home of the Zulu people.
On arrival in Rorkes Drift, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
The next day, you'll spend the day visiting the pivotal battlefields of the Anglo – Zulu War on this organised tour.
In the morning depart towards the battlefield of Isandlwana. Stop along the way at the Nqutu Escarpment, the high ground from which the Zulus attacked the British positions and the first view you will have of the battlefield itself. Afterwards you will stop at the Isandlwana museum before heading to the battlefield itself where you will have time to explore the area for yourself.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out once more to the battlefield of Rorkes Drift, made famous by the 1964 movie Zulu. Just a short drive from your lodge you will once again stop at the museum. Afterwards you will visit the battlefield itself and have time to explore.
Accommodation: Fugitives' Drift Lodge
DAY 17-19
DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
Today you will drive to the Drakensberg Mountains, the highest in Southern Africa, where you will spend the next three nights at your luxury mountain farmhouse. You will have plenty of time to explore this adventurer's paradise with some of the best hiking trails in the country.
If hiking isn't your thing, horse riding, fishing, birdwatching and ancient rock art are all excellent options, or you could book a 4x4 trip up the Sani Pass, perhaps the most spectacular scenic road in the Drakensberg. Don't forget to bring your passport as you'll need it to cross the border into Lesotho near the top, the second highest border post in Africa.
Accommodation: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
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