Sensational South Africa Southbound - 19 days

Sensational South Africa Southbound - 19 days

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19 Days From

$3785

Sensational South Africa Southbound - 19 days

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

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

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

10-

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $3785

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on a 19-day adventure through the heart of South Africa with the "Sensational South Africa Southbound" tour. Begin your journey in Johannesburg, exploring the breathtaking Panorama Route before delving into the wilds of Kruger National Park for thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five. Discover the cultural richness of Eswatini at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and marvel at the biodiversity of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Experience the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and the unique landscapes of Lesotho. Wander through the historic town of Cradock and traverse the stunning Garden Route, visiting Tsitsikamma and Knysna. Conclude your journey in vibrant Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain and scenic Cape Peninsula. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and unforgettable experiences in this small group safari tour.

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.

  • 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.

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation Name: hotel

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: Hazyview

Accommodation Name: 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

Accommodation Name: Hazyview

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: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation Name: camp

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: St Lucia

Accommodation Name: St Lucia

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: Drakensberg Mountains

Accommodation Name: Drakensberg Mountains

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

Accommodation Name: Lesotho

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: Cradock

Accommodation Name: Tuishuise

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: Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation Name: lodge

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: Knysna

Accommodation Name: 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

Ilse Wiespointner
Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: 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

Ilse Wiespointner
Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: hotel

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

    Enjoy 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners during your tour.

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

    Stay in mid-range lodges, hotels, and chalets with ensuite facilities for 18 nights.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers in Johannesburg and Cape Town

    Airport transfers are included upon arrival in Johannesburg and departure from Cape Town.

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

    Experience a late afternoon and a full day game drive in Kruger National Park.

  • Panorama Route full day excursion

    Enjoy a full day excursion along the scenic Panorama Route.

  • Full day iSimangaliso Wetland Park excursion with snorkelling

    Participate in a full day excursion to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, including snorkelling.

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

    Take a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula and ride the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain.

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

    The tour is escorted by a licensed African tour guide, who also serves as your driver.

  • Transportation in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle

    Travel in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle with comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports, and sliding windows.

  • Park entrance fees

    All park entrance fees are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour package.

  • Local payment - ZAR 3500, paid locally in cash

    A local payment of ZAR 3500 is required and must be paid in cash.

Age Policy

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 adults. We have child rates for 12 and under. Children 13 + pay full price.     IMPORTANT: South Africa and Botswana regulations aimed at fighting child trafficking:'All parents travelling with children into or out of SA and/or Botswana may be asked to show the child’s unabridged (full) birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, parental or legal consent for the child to travel (eg an affidavit from the other parent, a court order or – if applicable – a death certificate). Tell pax they must contact the South African High Commission, South African Department of Home Affairs and/or the Botswana High Commission for the most up to date information.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with airport transfers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and explore the region in a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter vehicle equipped with comfortable reclining seats, air-conditioning, USB ports, and sliding windows.

Accommodation

Enjoy 18 nights in mid-range (3-4 star) lodges, hotels, and chalets with ensuite facilities, offering comfort and convenience throughout your South African adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can we expect to see in Kruger National Park?

    In Kruger National Park, you can expect to see the Big Five, which includes lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora.

  • What activities are available at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Eswatini?

    At Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, you can explore the park on foot or horseback due to the absence of large predators. There is also an opportunity to visit a local Swazi village and shop at a Swazi market.

  • What is included in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park excursion?

    The iSimangaliso Wetland Park excursion includes an off-road tour with game-viewing, bird-watching, short walks, and a visit to Cape Vidal for snorkeling and whale-watching in season. A full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included.

  • What can we do during our stay in the Drakensberg Mountains?

    During your stay in the Drakensberg Mountains, you can explore the mountain landscape with guided walks or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery near the amphitheatre cliff face.

  • What optional activities are available in Lesotho?

    In Lesotho, you can enjoy optional activities such as village walks and pony trekking among the dramatic mountain scenery.

  • What is unique about the accommodation in Cradock?

    In Cradock, you will stay in Die Tuishuise, which are restored colonial Victorian-era craftsmen's houses that have been turned into guest accommodations.

  • What can we expect to see and do along the Garden Route?

    Along the Garden Route, you will experience some of South Africa's most beautiful scenery, including lush lakes, verdant forests, and idyllic beaches. You will visit places like Tsitsikamma Forest and Knysna, with opportunities for beach relaxation and optional activities like visiting Knysna Elephant Park.

  • What are the highlights of the Cape Peninsula tour in Cape Town?

    The Cape Peninsula tour includes a visit to Table Mountain National Park with a cable car ride to the summit, a stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony, and views of stunning coastal scenery including Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak.

  • 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

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

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

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

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.

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Sunday

Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$3785

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD 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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