A land of cultural and scenic diversity, South Africa offers a wealth of spectacular sights. This journey incorporates the finest, combining the thrill of a safari in a private game reserve with the rugged scenery of Mpumalanga and the historic battlefields of Zululand. The tour continues with a journey along the spectacular Garden Route and concludes with stays in the Cape Winelands and cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Itinerary...

Day 1 To Johannesburg: Fly from London to Johannesburg with British Airways. (N)

Day 2 To Kruger: Arrive in Johannesburg and fly to Kruger Mpumalanga international airport. Stay 3 nights at Manyatta Rock Camp in Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve. Afternoon safari drive in open 4 x 4 vehicles. (L, D)

Day 3 Kruger: Morning game drive into Kruger National Park. Afternoon game drive in Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve, followed by dinner under the stars. (B, L, D)

Day 4 To Mpumalanga: After an early morning game drive, depart by road for a full day exploration of Mpumalanga, a spectacular region of mountains and waterfalls. Visits include God’s Window (weather permitting), the Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Mac Mac Falls. (B, L, D)

Day 5 To Isandlwana: Drive south into Swaziland, one of the few kingdoms surviving in Africa. This rugged country is characterised by mist-shrouded peaks, which are the inspiration for many ancient Swazi legends. Visit one of the famous craft markets before continuing to Isandlwana, where the Zulus famously defeated the British army. Stay 2 nights at Isandlwana Lodge, overlooking the battlefields. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Isandlwana: Morning tour of Isandlwana with a historian, who will explain the story of Britain’s military defeat. Afternoon departure for Rorke’s Drift, where more Victoria Cross medals were awarded than at any other battle in history. (B, L, D)

Day 7 To Durban: Drive south through Zululand, stopping at Shakaland for lunch and a cultural show. Continue along the coast to Durban and stay overnight at Elangeni Hotel. (B, L)

Day 8 To Knysna: Morning flight to Port Elizabeth. Drive along the Garden Route via the Tzitzikamma Forest and Stormsriver to Knysna. Stay 2 nights at Belvidere Manor, overlooking a picturesque lagoon. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Day 9 Knysna: Morning at leisure. Midday departure by ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Heads. Guided nature walk through forests and along the scenic coast, ending with an outdoor buffet lunch. Return by ferry to the Knysna Waterfront. Optional dinner on board a Paddle Cruiser that travels to the Knysna Heads and back (payable locally). (B, L)

Day 10 To Franschhoek: Drive along the Garden Route to George. Board the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, a historic stream train that travels between George and Mossel Bay. From Mossel Bay, drive to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, a chic village backed by beautiful mountains. Stay 2 nights at Le Franschhoek Hotel. (B)

Day 11 Winelands: Full day tour of the winegrowing region. This area of rolling hills and fertile valleys is renowned for the excellent quality of its vineyards. Visits include Stellenbosch, with its blend of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and Franschhoek, famous for the cultural and agricultural influences brought by French Huguenot settlers in the 17th century. There will be two wine tastings, a cellar tour and lunch at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. (B, L)

Day 12 To Cape Town: Early morning at leisure in Stellenbosch before driving to Cape Town and taking the cable car ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Stay 2 nights at The Cape Grace. Afternoon cultural tour including the Malay Quarter, District Six Museum and Khayelitsha Township. Visit a ‘shebeen’ (tavern) and meet the local community. (B)

Day 13 Cape Peninsula: Full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Travel through the pretty seaside suburbs of Camps Bay and Hout Bay, with an optional cruise to Seal Island. Continue to the southern tip of the peninsula and visit Cape Point, returning via the penguin colony at the old British Naval Base in Simon’s Town and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. (B)

Day 14 To London: Those extending their holiday will depart this morning. Those returning home can spend the day at leisure, or take an optional excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for three decades. Evening transfer to the airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)

Day 15 London: Early morning arrival. (N)

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Extensions: If you would like to design your own tailor-made extension to Namibia, Botswana or Mozambique. Please speak to an Africa specialist for recommendations

Departure dates and prices...

Departure-Return date	Original Price (£)	Single Supp
16 Jan 2009-30 Jan 2009	3895	645
13 Feb 2009-27 Feb 2009	3895	645
06 Mar 2009-20 Mar 2009	3895	645
03 Apr 2009-17 Apr 2009	3795	645
07 Aug 2009-21 Aug 2009	3795	645
16 Oct 2009-30 Oct 2009	3845	645
13 Nov 2009-27 Nov 2009	3895	645
08 Jan 2010-22 Jan 2010	3995	645
12 Feb 2010-26 Feb 2010	3995	645
26 Mar 2010-09 Apr 2010	3995	645

Pre and Post tour extensions...

Cape Town Extension, 5 Days / 3 Nights, from £ 595

Cape Town is one of the world’s most spectacularly situated cities and extending your stay provides the opportunity to explore it at a leisurely pace. Relax beside the beach at Camps Bay, visit the markets on the waterfront and enjoy the excellent value food and wines of the Cape region.

Day 14 To Cape Town: Tonight you will return to Cape Town and stay at the Cape Grace for 3 nights. (B)

Days 15 & 16 Cape Town: Days at leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 17 To London: Afternoon transfer to the airport. Fly from Cape Town to London with British Airways. (B)

Day 18 London: Early morning arrival. (N)

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Note: This extension is available as a pre-tour at the same cost.

Victoria Falls Extension, 4 Days / 2 Nights, from £ 960

The beaches of Mauritius are considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. This extension offers a relaxing end to your tour, with an opportunity to enjoy the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Day 14 To The Victoria Falls: Transfer to the airport and fly to Livingstone, via Johannesburg. Transfer to The Royal Livingstone Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

Day 15 Victoria Falls: At leisure or optional excursions. (B)

Day 16 To London: Transfer to the airport. Fly from Livingstone to London, via Johannesburg. (B)

Day 17 London: Early morning arrival. (N)

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Mauritius Extension, 5 Days / 4 Nights, from £ 745

Day 14 To Mauritius: Late morning transfer to the airport and fly to Mauritius. Stay at the elegant The Residence for 4 nights. (B).

Days 15 -17 Mauritius: At leisure. (B)

Day 18 To London: Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals

Flight details
Please contact us regarding flight upgrades

Hotels

Cape Grace, Cape Town
The luxurious Cape Grace is set on its own private quay on the V&A Waterfront. Cape Grace's charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and personalised hospitality. Experience beauty treatments in your own room, or relax by the swimming pool. The "one.waterfront" restaurant offers regional cuisine and Bascule Bar, set on the water's edge, overlooks the yacht marina. The hotel are replacing the television cabinets in all rooms with a free standing table and LCD television. This is due to be completed by the end of 2007. The second phase of refurbishment will start in 2008 and last for four to five months. Dates for this work are still to be confirmed.

Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, Durban
The Elangeni Hotel has breathtaking views of Durban's Golden Mile and the warm Indian Ocean. The light, spacious lobby is the focal point and friendly, efficient staff provide a warm welcome. All air-conditioned rooms are well furnished and offer every amenity including hairdryer and trouser press. The hotel has three superb cosmopolitan restaurants, which offer a choice of cuisine from authentic Japanese to ethnic Indian. Two bars offer light snacks and a range of South African wines. There are two outdoor pools, beauty salon, sauna, gymnasium and a wide range of sporting activities can be arranged. Flea markets and amusement parks are all within walking distance. The hotel has started refurbishment work to the guest rooms, suites and corridors as well as the convention centre fitness room. It is anticipated that the project will continue until 17th December 2008. One floor will be blocked off at a time in order to keep disturbance to a minimum. Building work will take place between 9am and 4pm daily.

Manyatta Rock Camp, Kwa Madwala Private Game Reserve
Manyatta Rock Camp sits on top of a large rocky hill with commanding views over the surrounding African bush. The camp has been skillfully designed to blend in harmoniously with the surrounding topography with dome-shaped bedrooms which, when viewed from the air, look just like natural boulders. All rooms feature a private wooden deck with spectacular views across the bushveld and are tastefully furnished with elegant African touches. Rooms also have an outside shower and a hammock. Subtle lighting and footpaths connect all the rooms to the swimming pool, boma, dining deck and viewing lounge. Guided bush walks and game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles are available.

To discuss your holiday to South Africa contact our South Africa specialists Nathan or Alan on 01543 258631 or 0845 003 2211. You can also book an appointment to visit our retail office on Boley Park in Lichfield, near the A38 and A51. Contact us for more details

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