ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa draws more visitors than anywhere else in sub-Saharan Africa. Excellent wildlifewatching, cosmopolitan cities like the great big beating heart of Johannesburg, stunning natural panoramas from Table Mountain National Park and vibrant cultures make the country appealing to almost every taste and budget. Geographically, its extremes include the arid semi desert of the Karoo, the snow capped peaks of the Drakensberg Range, the lush subtropical coast of KwaZulu- Natal and the fertile temperate valleys of Western Cape. Within the space of a day, you can journey from vineyard-clad hillsides in the Western Cape to the vast open spaces of the Kalahari; from waterfront chic in Cape Town to isolated Zulu villages; from elephant spotting in Kruger National Park to the sublime seascapes of the coast.

CLIMATE

South Africa stretches between the 22nd and 34th degrees of southern latitude and hence is part of the subtropical zone. Compared to other regions at that latitude, temperatures in many areas of South Africa are rather lower. The cold Benguela current causes moderate temperatures on the West Coast, and on the central plateau, the altitude (Jo'burg lies at 1753m) keeps the average temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius. In winter, also due to altitude, temperatures drop to the freezing point and in places even lower.

Time Difference 3½ hours behind IST

ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN
Welcome to South Africa! Arrive Cape Town “the Mother city”, you will be met by our local representative who will assist and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening explore the city on your own. Overnight in Cape town.

Day 2: CAPE TOWN – CAPE POINT TOUR
This morning after breakfast enjoy a half-day Mother City tour. You will go for a scenic coastal drive through Clifton & Sea Point & later pass the Houses of Parliament, the Castle, the SA Museum, and a few other historical sights – District Six, Bo-Kaap, Slave Lodge & ending at the bustling Greenmarket Square. A cable car ride (ticket not included), takes you up the Table Mountain (weather permitting otherwise Signal Hill) for a breathtaking view over the city (entrance is included) Return to your hotel. Overnight in Cape town

Day 3: CAPE TOWN
After breakfast proceed on a full day Peninsula tour This comprehensive tour shows you the best of the spectacular Cape Peninsula and why it is it's called the Fairest Cape. Travel past Sea Point and Camps Bay, past the famous beaches of Clifton and Llandudno towards Hout Bay. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard. Pass through Noordhoek and Scarborough. Later you will take to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Enjoy an optional funicular ride aboard the “Flying Dutchman” and enjoy the unforgettable spectacular views. Return to the hotel. Eveniing is at leisure. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 4: Cape Town – Knysna (Approx driving time 6hrs)
Check out of your hotel after breakfast. You will be met by your driver/guide for your tour of the Garden Route. The Garden Route has a mysterious allure. In a province dominated by a Mediterranean climate and vegetation, the sheer extravagance of its tropical forests, brilliantly hued birds, multitudinous exotic plant species, tranquil inland lakes, densely wooded mountains, pristine beaches and meandering, reed-banked rivers is overwhelming. Arrive in Knysna in the afternoon and enjoy a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Overnight in Knysna.

Day 5: Day tour of Oudtshoorn
After breakfast depart on an exciting journey over the Outeniqua Pass into the semi-desert Klein Karoo and onto the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Proceed to the Highgate Ostrich Ranch where you will come face to face with the biggest bird in the world. Afterwards visit the Cango Caves, international renowned as one of the world’s great natural wonders sculpted by nature through the ages, their fascinating limestone formation occurs in a variety of ways. Last stop before returning back to your hotel includes a visit to the cheetah and crocodile farm (Cango Wildlife Ranch), where over 300 crocodiles, ranging from 50 cm to four metres in length, inhabit the ranch. Overnight in Knysna.

Day 6: Knysna - George (Approx driving time 1hrs) – Johannesburg
After breakfast you drive to George airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Arrive Johannesburg, Southern Africa’s largest most vibrant city where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Day 7: Depart Johannesburg
Today you will be transferred to Johannesburg airport for your flight back home.