DEPART NORTH AMERICA

Your tour to fascinating South Africa begins as you board your South African Airways overnight flight for Johannesburg.

ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG

This afternoon arrive in Johannesburg, standing on the southern slopes of the Witwatersrand, a rich gold-mining region that serves as South Africa's industrial heartland. You will be welcomed upon arrival and escorted to your Hotel in Sandston.

PRETORIA AND MPUMALANGA

Depart Johannesburg for an excursion to Pretoria, capital of South Africa. Visit some of the historical sights, the Union Building, Voortrekkers Monument, the City Hall, Kruger House and Church Square, the world famous Premier Diamond Mine. The Great Star of Africa cut from Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond (mined here) is now in the scepter of the British Crown Jewels. After lunch continue towards Mpumalanga in the lush subtropical region of South Africa, known as the Lowveld.

THE LOWVELD AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Tour the old mining village of Pilgrim's Rest where gold was first discovered, God's Window, a bound-less view, stretching across the thickly forested mountains and fertile plains and one of the natural wonders of Africa, the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Continue to Kruger Park, arriving at our camp in time for a traditional sundowner in the African Bushveld.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Roam the reserve today in an open land rover, led by experienced rangers and trackers using radio alerts, in search of elephant, leopard, cheetah, kudu, giraffe, Cape buffalo, hippo and other species. Private viewing and photo opportunities abound as huge herds of animals and hundreds of species of birds participate in this incredible procession of wildlife. Find inspiration in nature, tracking wildlife in the pre-dawn, or even by moonlight, learning the names of trees, the habits of 350 birds.

KRUGER/SWAZILAND

A scenic drive takes you to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British High Commission territory, now ruled by King Motswati III. Visit the Ngwenya Glass Works for a demonstration of handmade glass artifacts before stopping in the Capital Mbabane and its colorful markets known for their woven baskets, beadwork and carvings.

SWAZILAND/ZULULAND

This morning visit the Swazi Candle making factory to view some of its colorful artworks, before continuing south into Zululand through rugged country. During the first quarter of the 19th century the Zulu, ruled by Shaka, dominated southern Africa almost from the Zambezi River to the Cape Colony. Zulu huts dot the rugged landscape. Lunch is in traditional Zulu style, enjoying a true Kraal experience, with tribal dancing, beer making and many other aspects of Zulu life.

ZULULAND/DURBAN

Travel past the sugar estates and the rolling hills of the North Coast to Durban, a city where the sun never sets. It is a melting pot of African, European and Asian influences which have led to a myriad of styles in the city. Explore the temples, churches, architecture and sights and sounds unique to this beautiful city on your tour this afternoon.

KNYSNA

Your full day tour includes a ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and a cruise on the Knysna lagoon with a visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Admire the view of The Heads; the two majestic rock cliffs at the lagoon's entrance to the Indian Ocean, time permitting you will have an opportunity for oyster tasting.

CANGO CAVES AND OUDTSHOORN

Drive through the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the feather capital of the world because of its large ostrich industry. Enjoy a tour of an ostrich farm. Visit the Cango Caves, regarded as one of South Africa's foremost natural wonders. QUEENS HOTEL.

HERMANUS & CAPE TOWN

Travel to Calitzdorp and visit Bop lass, an award winning port producing wine farm. Continue to the seaside village of Hermanus, world famous as breeding site of the Southern Right Whales (seasonal). Our exploration of the garden route continues through scenic Betty's Bay and False Bay arriving in Cape Town, South Africa's oldest City also known as the "Mother City".

CAPE PENINSULA TOUR

Your tour of Cape Peninsula includes the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous plants of Southern Africa. Drive along the False Bay coastline, through Muizenberg & Fishhoek. Continue to Simonstown where 21 buildings along the main street are over 150 years old, and have been restored to their original Victorian splendor. Nearby, the sheltered beach is home to a thriving colony of some 700-jackass penguins. Return to Cape Town via the scenic Atlantic Coastline over Chapman's Peak Drive, carved into solid rock.

CAPE WINELANDS TOUR

Today we set out on an exciting journey of the beautiful Cape Wine lands. Visit Paarl and Stellenbosch and stop for wine tasting at two well-known estates. Also visit the Huguenot Memorial and the Afrikaans Language Monument. Your afternoon is at leisure.

CAPE TOWN

Tour of the Mother City, takes you on a drive to the Bo Kaap also known as the Cape Malay Quarters. Next visit the SA Museum where man is depicted from his early stages of development in Africa. Famous especially for displays of ethnic groups, including life-sized casts of Bushmen, Khoikhooi and other tribes of Southern Africa. Visit via cable car to the top of one of the world's most famous landmarks - Table Mountain (weather permitting.) This evening bid South Africa goodbye as you board your homeward flight.

ARRIVE HOME

Arrive home today, eager to share the excitement of your African adventure.