Somak South Africa 2022-23 Brochure

South Africa has long been described as a 'World in One Country' because of its incredible mix of cultures and environments. This fully guided journey encompasses the best of South Africa at a relaxed pace. 13 Nights 1 night Johannesburg – 3 nights Mpumalanga 1 night eSwatini – 1 night Zululand – 1 night Durban – 2 nights Knysna – 1 night Oudtshoorn – 3 nights Cape Town Day 1 Saturday – Depart Depart from the UK to Johannesburg. Day 2 Sunday – Johannesburg On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you'll be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. It is also the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Rest of the day at leisure & unescorted. Why not enjoy a sightseeing tour or relax at your hotel. At 7pm we will meet at reception for a tour briefing and a chance to meet fellow travellers. Optional: Afternoon Soweto Tour: The history of struggle encapsulated in Soweto is a cornerstone of the South African story. From £52 pp. Distance travelled: 35 km Overnight: Protea Hotel Wanderers or similar Day 3 Monday – Johannesburg – Mpumalanga After breakfast head for Pretoria, South Africa's capital city, for a short orientation tour, before continuing to the Mpumalanga Province, known as "Paradise Country". Dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld, we travel via the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg. After traversing the famous Long Tom Pass, travel via Sabie and arrive late afternoon into Hazyview, the safari hub of the Kruger N.P. Distance travelled: 425 km Overnight: Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 4 Tuesday – Mpumalanga After an early morning breakfast, drive along the spectacular "Panorama Route", offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon (home to the Three Rondavels), Bourke's Luck Potholes' and historic God's Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger N.P. We arrive back in Hazyview in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. Distance travelled: 320 km Overnight: Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 5 Wednesday – Mpumalanga Early morning coffee/tea, followed by an open vehicle safari through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. Kruger is one of the world's greatest national parks, home to an array of wildlife. Search for the ‘big five’ as well as birdlife and numerous other game. Afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon open vehicle game drives are available (optional & payable locally £50 pp. Distance travelled: 120 km Overnight: Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 6 Thursday – Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland) This morning travel to eSwatini, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. A cultural experience introduces you to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. Travel via the capital city, Mbabane, to the beautiful eZulwini Valley for overnight in eSwatini. Distance travelled: 310 km Overnight: Royal Swazi Sun or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 7 Friday – eSwatini – Zululand After breakfast continue south through eSwatini, before re-entering South Africa. Travel into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. An option to enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari (payable locally £54 pp) in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which contains a huge diversity of fauna and flora and is famous for its conservation of black and white rhinos. Overnight in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi region. Distance travelled: 360 km Overnight: Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 8 Saturday – Zululand – Durban (Umhlanga) This morning join a cruise on Lake St Lucia (weather permitting) before departing for Durban. The journey takes us past traditional Zulu Kraals, eucalyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. Arrive early afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the golden beaches of the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Durban (Umhlanga). Distance travelled: 275 km Overnight: Protea Hotel Umhlanga or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 9 Sunday – Durban (Umhlanga) – Knysna Early morning transfer to Durban airport for flight to Port Elizabeth. Met by your representative and once everyone has arrived, set off to explore the magnificent beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Visit the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth (weather permitting). Arrive at hotel in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, nestling on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the Garden Route. Distance travelled: 360 km Overnight: Rex Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Day 10 Monday – Knysna After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (weather permitting), where we can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon, returning for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. Distance travelled: 15 km Overnight: Rex Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Day 11 Tuesday – Knysna – Oudtshoorn Travel through the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the "ostrich capital" and the centre of the world's ostrich farming. Visit an ostrich farm for a guided tour and light lunch, before taking a tour of the spectacular limestone caverns of the Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, in time to check in and relax before dinner (payable locally). Distance travelled: 210 km Overnight: Hlangana Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Day 12 Wednesday – Oudtshoorn – Cape Town There is an option (payable locally and subject to availability and weather permitting) to enjoy an early morning Meerkat Safari. Witness these incredible wild creatures emerging out of their burrows, in time to soak up the sun before they head about their daily activities. After this thrilling experience, head back for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the journey continues through the 'Little Karoo' to Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school, interact with the children and teachers, spend time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before travelling to Montagu, a picturesque and historic spa town. (The school visit is subject to the school being open). Continue straight through to Cape Town, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain. (The tour will travel via Franschhoek, if there are guests booked on the Franschhoek option). Optional: Early morning Meerkat Safari from £50 pp Distance travelled: 468 km Overnight: President Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 13 Thursday – Cape Town (unescorted) Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour to Table Mountain (payable locally) or simply explore the 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 many pristine beaches. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with interactive entertainment and delectable food at a local restaurant. Distance travelled: 10 km Overnight: President Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Day 14 Friday – Cape Town Enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Drive through Sea Point, the seaside village of Hout Bay (where you can enjoy an optional seal island boat cruise, payable locally) and then on to Cape Point where legend says the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, where you visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach (payable locally), Fish Hoek fishing village and Muizenberg. Distance travelled: 200 km Overnight: President Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast Day 15 Saturday – Cape Town Enjoy some last minute shopping or sightseeing (unescorted). The Robben Island Tour (payable locally & time permitting), which departs from the Victoria & AlfredWaterfront, is a fascinating excursion, or perhaps just wander through the variety of shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and budgets. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast HIGHLIGHTS > Popular tour of South Africa > Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park > Scenic Garden Route > Vibrant Cape Town Group tour size normally a maximum of 25 guests. 29 www.somak.co.uk