Sensational South Africa Southbound 2024 - 19 days

Sensational South Africa Southbound 2024 - 19 days

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19 Days From

$3785

$3681

Sensational South Africa Southbound 2024 - 19 days

19 Days Starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town

Visiting: Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Drakensberg, Malealea, Cradock, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Cape Town

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Age range:

Average age 40s - 70s but flexible age policy. Minimum age 10.If travelling with children parents need to be aware of the very long driving days (distances noted in the trip notes). Rooms for families - one child up to 17 yrs old can share a room with 2 a

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours, Small Group

Activities:

4WD

From:
$3785
$3681 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$104

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: Discover the highlights of South Africa and the kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho as you journey south from Johannesburg to Cape Town over 19 incredible days. Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park, journey along the picturesque Garden Route, and relax in the UNESCO-listed Drakensberg Mountains. Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park, ride the cable car to Table Mountain and visit the frontier town of Cradock.

Highlights

  • Kruger National Park - Search for the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife during a three-night stay in South Africa's premier national park

  • Eswatini - Discover rare wildlife on foot or horseback as we explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and visit a local Swazi market

  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Spot rhinos and hippos in this diverse wetland reserve, explore the landscape on a 4X4 safari, and enjoy snorkelling at the coast

  • Drakensberg - Spend two nights in the scenic Drakensberg Mountains, with time for guided hikes to visit the impressive amphitheatre cliff face

  • Lesotho - Explore this mountain kingdom independently, with optional village walks and pony trekking amongst the dramatic scenery

  • Cradock - Stay in a Victorian-era Tuishuise, former craftsmen's houses that are now popular with visitors to the colonial town on the edge of the Great Karoo

  • The Garden Route - Admire some of the world's most beautiful scenery as you travel along a stretch of this gorgeous coastline, taking in Knysna and Tsitsikamma

  • Cape Town - End your journey in South Africa's 'Mother City' - take in the Cape Peninsula and ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to South Africa! You will be met at O.R. Tambo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg, Hazyview

Meals Included: Breakfast

Johannesburg - Hazyview. We depart Johannesburg at 08:00 and set off on our journey to Hazyview, gateway to Kruger National Park. Travelling along the scenic Panorama Route we stop to see the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, enjoy the view from God's Window, and visit the Bourke's Luck Potholes, a series of geological formations which are linked by walkways and bridges. We arrive at our lodge late afternoon.

Day 3-4: Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa, home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. Day 3 is spent on safari in Kruger National Park. We have a full-day game drive in open 4x4 vehicles, meaning we will hopefully see plenty of Kruger's incredible wildlife. The following day we go in search of the Big Five again on a late afternoon game drive.

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Hazyview, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hazyview - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Eswatini). Today we explore one of the two landlocked countries surrounded by South African territory. Eswatini was formerly known as Swaziland until 2018. We'll be exploring Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the country's premier wildlife destination and a great example of conservation in action. Formerly a working farm, this 4,560-hectare reserve is now home to all manner of species, including hippo, hyena, zebra, and more. There are no (or very few) large predators, so the best way to explore the park is on foot or horseback, which we will have the opportunity to do. You can also opt to visit a local Swazi village, and we will stop at a Swazi market so you can shop for souvenirs.

Day 6-7: St Lucia

Location: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa). Day 6 sees us travelling through the Zululand region of South Africa, arriving at the small coastal town of St Lucia in the afternoon. St Lucia is the base for exploring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was designated as South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. And it's easy to see why.



The following day we enjoy a full day, off-road excursion around this pristine (Eastern Shores) area - including an ecological overview of the area, wonderful game-viewing, bird-watching, short walks and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season. Learn more about the five eco-systems that make up this unique park. Experience the Bush, Forest and Beach all in one day! Full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear and drinks included.

Day 8-9: Drakensberg Mountains

Location: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Drakensberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Drakensberg. We journey into the Drakensberg Mountains on day 8. The scenery here is spectacular even by South African standards, and our lodge is located near the amphitheatre, regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on Earth. The region is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and day 9 is free to further explore this mountain landscape with guided walks. Alternatively, you can simply sit back with a drink and take in your incredible surroundings.

Day 10-11: Malealea

Location: Drakensberg, Malealea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drakensberg - Lesotho. You can tick another country off your bucket list as we travel through the Eastern Cape and cross into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho on day 10. Our time here is free for you to explore and enjoy optional activities including village walks and pony trekking.

Day 12: Cradock

Location: Malealea, Cradock

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Lesotho - Cradock (South Africa). Today we journey back across the border into South Africa and continue to the historic town of Cradock. This frontier town is located on the edge of the Great Karoo desert and is best known for Die Tuishuise, a collection of around 30 colonial Victorian-era craftsmen's houses, which have now been restored and turned into guest accommodation. We will spend tonight staying at one of the Tuishuise, and there is time to walk the length of Market Street, which is crowned by the grand colonial-era Victoria Manor Hotel.

Day 13: Tsitsikamma National Park

Location: Cradock, Tsitsikamma National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cradock - Tsitsikamma. Today we begin our epic journey along the picturesque Garden Route, home to some of South Africa's best scenery. Our first stop is Tsitsikamma Forest, where there's time for walking or relaxing at our lodge. The Tsitsikamma Forest is a protected coastal reserve, known for its lush indigenous forests and impressive coastline.

Day 14-15: Knysna

Location: Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tsitsikamma - Knysna. Leaving the Tsitsikamma Forest behind we continue along the world-famous Garden Route to Knysna, a small town situated on the coast and nestled among some of the world's finest scenery. Along the way, we pass lush lakes, verdant forests, and idyllic beaches. We'll stop at Plettenberg Bay en route, with time to relax on the beach. The afternoon is at leisure in Knysna.



The next day is free to soak up the scenery or book one of the many optional activities available. You could visit Knysna Elephant Park or tuck into some fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the shore of Knysna Lagoon.

Day 16-18: Cape Town

Location: Knysna, Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Knysna - Cape Town. Day 16 sees us complete our South African journey, travelling on to Cape Town, perhaps the country's most famous destination.



We have two whole days to explore the city and surrounding area. On day 17 there's an included guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. We visit Table Mountain National Park for majestic views of this famous landmark and for an included ride on the cable car to the summit (weather permitting). We also stop off at Boulders Beach to see the giant penguin colony here, and we take in some of the region's stunning coastal scenery, including Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak.



Day 18 is at leisure to see more of the city your way. Some of the activities we recommend are a day trip to Robben Island or a wander down to the V&A Waterfront, but you can spend the day how you wish!

Day 19: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today your tour comes to an end. Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before your included airport departure transfer.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Mid-range lodges, hotels and chalets

  • 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners

  • 18 nights mid-range (3-4 star) lodges, hotels, and chalets with ensuite facilities

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers in Johannesburg and Cape Town

  • One late afternoon and one full day game drive in Kruger National Park

  • Panorama Route full day excursion

  • Full day iSimangaliso Wetland Park excursion with snorkelling

  • Cape Peninsula full day tour and Table Mountain cable car ride

  • Escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who is also your driver

  • Transportation in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle (with comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports and sliding windows)

  • Park entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

  • Optional activities, additional meals and drinks

  • Local payment - ZAR 3,500, to be paid in cash on day 1

  • Optional activities

  • Local payment - ZAR 3500, paid locally in cash

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

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

    Yes

Reviews of this Operator

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Rolly Hay hay (Google Reviewer)  

Gallipoli tour. The guide was...

28-Sep-2023

Gallipoli tour. The guide was awesome. Everything went like clockwork.. My complaint is that you expect 4 people to cramp together on the back seat of the van for 4 hours. That is poverty travel. Not really acceptable for the price paid. So uncomfortable. If was to do this trip again I'd just rent a car. Although the guide was amazing, but that's 3 hours of the trip.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Giovanni Guidi (Google Reviewer)  

I booked three tours with...

19-Aug-2023

I booked three tours with this agency. While the first two experiences were very nice, with well-thought-out itineraries and knowledgeable guides, the third tour was an absolute nightmare for us. Due to the unavailability of an hotel from the trip notes, the agency opted to replace it with another they claimed was "similar." To our dismay, this alternative was nothing short of a decrepit, filthy establishment that threatened to ruin our entire safari experience in South Africa. But the fiasco didn't end there. This so-called hotel began proposing and organizing activities starkly different from what we were promised in the trip notes, together with an awful services of their guides and vehicles. And when this disaster struck and we desperately needed their support? The agency ghosted us. It took them an entire day to respond, and when they did, they simply shrugged off our concerns, asserting it was too late to fix anything, even though three nights of our trip were still ahead. The level of unprofessionalism was staggering. Forced to salvage our experience, we took matters into our own hands, leaving that awful place to book another hotel and activities for the remainder of our trip—all at my own expense. Based on my experience, I suggest travelers to think twice before considering this agency. Seek out reputable companies known for their commitment to customer service and integrity.

Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
$3785 $3681 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$104 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Sunday

Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$3785 $3681 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$104 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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