Experience South Africa

Experience South Africa

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Experience South Africa

17 Days Starting in Johannesburg, South Africa and ending in Cape Town, South Africa

Visiting: Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Durban, Drakensberg, Eastern Cape, Tsitsikamma, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

csa

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Africa with the "Experience South Africa" tour. This adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Panorama Route, where you'll marvel at the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. Enjoy a thrilling game drive in Kruger National Park, home to the iconic 'Big Five'. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Eswatini, visiting local artisans at Ngwenya Glass and The Swazi Candles Centre. Discover Durban's multicultural charm with a tour along the Golden Mile and a visit to the Botanic Gardens. Explore the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains and the scenic Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the famous Cango Caves and a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn. Conclude your journey with leisure time in Cape Town, exploring its attractions and pristine beaches. With comfortable accommodations and select meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Explore the breathtaking Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, featuring the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.

  • Experience a thrilling game drive in Kruger National Park, home to the 'Big Five' and a diverse array of wildlife.

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Eswatini, with visits to Ngwenya Glass and The Swazi Candles Centre.

  • Discover the multicultural charm of Durban, with a tour along the Golden Mile and a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens.

  • Marvel at the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains and the stunning Howick Falls.

  • Walk through the scenic Tsitsikamma Forest and enjoy views of the Storms River Mouth.

  • Visit the famous Cango Caves and a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world'.

  • Enjoy leisure time in Cape Town, exploring its attractions, markets, and pristine beaches.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Johannesburg

Fly overnight to Johannesburg.

Day 2 Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to your shuttle transfer service to the hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, we will all meet at the hotel reception for a briefing on the tour and have chance to meet up with your fellow travellers.

Day 3 : Johannesburg – Mpumalanga

Location: Mpumalanga

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. We travel along the circular Panorama Route via Graskop, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels, and one of the natural wonders of Africa. Gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and finally, we visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes before heading to our accommodation.

Day 4 : Mpumalanga

Location: Kruger National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy an early morning game drive in a closed vehicle. Start the day with the 'Big Five' (rhino, buffalo, lions, leopards and elephants), in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares and supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure. Packed breakfast will be provided today.

Day 5 : Mpumalanga – Eswatini (Swaziland)

Location: Eswatini

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, we check out and depart on our journey to Eswatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. Later, we head south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of Eswatini (Swaziland) for an overnight stay.

Day 6 : Eswatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia And Surrounds

Location: Eswatini

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we journey through Eswatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of Eswatini craftsmen and women create beautiful handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive in the late afternoon for your overnight stay.

Day 7 : St Lucia And Surrounds – Durban

Location: Durban

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional open-vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront and harbour, introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.

Day 8 : Durban – Drakensberg

Location: Drakensberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps take an early morning cab ride to the bustling Umhlanga Beach for a stroll along the promenade mile; it buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. We then head to the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We proceed on a visit to the 300ft high Howick Falls, continuing through the southern Midlands Meander route and arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings! Go fishing, hiking or even horse riding and enjoy the fresh mountain air (all at own cost).

Day 9 : Drakensberg

Location: Drakensberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities at the resort.

Day 10 : Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast

Location: Eastern Cape

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we continue south to the Eastern Cape, entering the fourth of the provinces and the birth place of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En-route, we see the old traditional way of life in the homeland area known as the Transkei, and stop for lunch (at own cost) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birth place and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape coast.

Day 11 : Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma

Location: Tsitsikamma

Meals Included: Breakfast

We awake to the sounds of crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches uninterrupted for many kilometres, and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of bird life. This afternoon we set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest area.

Day 12 : Tsitsikamma – Knysna

Location: Tsitsikamma

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, our journey continues towards the Cape. We visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides incredibly scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers magnificent views of the gorge and river below. We arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, in the late afternoon to check in to our hotel.

Day 13 : Knysna – Oudtshoorn

Location: Oudtshoorn

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves. Walk around the spectacular caves with their magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. We stay overnight in the Oudtshoorn area.

Day 14 : Oudtshoorn – Cape Town

Abd Abo naser
Ilse Wiespointner

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way, we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.

Day 15 : Cape Town

Abd Abo naser
Ilse Wiespointner

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cape Town. Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town's pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 16 : Cape Town

Ilse Wiespointner
Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11:00 hrs. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International Airport.

Day 17

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive in the UK.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts and 4 dinners.

  • Game Drive

    An early morning game drive in a closed vehicle in Kruger National Park is included.

  • Cultural Experience

    An interactive cultural experience in Eswatini is included.

  • Orientation Tour of Durban

    An orientation tour of Durban, including the Golden Mile and Durban Botanic Gardens, is included.

  • Visit to Howick Falls

    A visit to the 300ft high Howick Falls is included.

  • Visit to Tsitsikamma Forest

    A visit to the Tsitsikamma Forest with scenic walking opportunities is included.

  • Visit to Cango Caves

    A visit to the famous Cango Caves is included.

  • Wine Tasting

    A stop to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp is included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Game Drive

    The optional open-vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is not included.

  • Leisure Activities

    Leisure activities such as fishing, hiking, or horse riding in the Drakensberg Mountains are at your own cost.

  • Lunch

    Lunch is not included and is at your own cost.

Accommodation

You will stay in standard rooms at 3 or 4-star hotels throughout your holiday, including one night at the Protea Hotel or Tambo, two nights at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate, and various other hotels, culminating in two nights at the Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes shuttle transfers and travel along scenic routes such as the Panorama Route and Route 62. An early morning game drive in a closed vehicle in Kruger National Park is also included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in standard rooms at 3 or 4-star hotels throughout your holiday. The accommodations include one night at the Protea Hotel or Tambo, two nights at the Hippo Hollow Country Estate, one night at the Piggs Peak Hotel, one night at the Anew Hotel Hluhluwe, one night at the Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, two nights at the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel, one night at the Crawford’s Beach Lodge, one night at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn, one night at the Premier Hotel The Moorings, one night at the Protea Hotel Riempie Estate, and two nights at the Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts and 4 dinners. Lunch is not included and is at your own cost.

  • What wildlife experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes an early morning game drive in a closed vehicle in Kruger National Park, where you can see the 'Big Five' and a diverse array of wildlife.

  • What cultural experiences are part of the tour?

    The tour includes an interactive cultural experience in Eswatini, where you will be introduced to the charming people of Eswatini and their traditions. You will also visit Ngwenya Glass and The Swazi Candles Centre to see local artisans at work.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include exploring the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, experiencing a game drive in Kruger National Park, immersing in the culture of Eswatini, discovering Durban's charm, marveling at the Drakensberg Mountains and Howick Falls, walking through Tsitsikamma Forest, visiting the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, and enjoying leisure time in Cape Town.

  • Is there an option for an open-vehicle game drive?

    Yes, there is an optional open-vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, but it is not included in the tour package and would be at your own cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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