Kruger, Eswatini and South Africa's Garden Route

Our tour starts today in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Your tour leader will meet you at 10.30am at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and we aim to depart no later than 11.30am. From the airport, we'll drive southeast to the Drakensberg Mountains (a journey of around four-and-a-half hours). Drakensberg is the world's oldest mountain range, deriving its name from the Afrikaans word for 'Dragon Mountains'; in the mist, the razor-back ridges of the mountains have a likeness to these mythical beasts. Upon arrival to our accommodation, there might be time to take a short walk in the surrounding nature. If you're booking your own flights to Johannesburg, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to clear the airport. The latest your flight can arrive is 10.30am.

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we'll have the opportunity to join a guided walk and experience the beauty of the mountain range first-hand. The full walk takes around four to five hours and we've graded it as moderate-to-challenging. There are several turning points along the way for those who'd like to do a more gentle walk. Weather permitting, upon returning to our hotel, our guide will have prepared a tasty 'al fresco' lunch for us to enjoy while we soak up the spectacular views of the Drakensberg. Following lunch, your guide will relay the true story of 'Shaka' the famous Zulu warrior. The afternoon is left free to either relax whilst enjoying a cool drink or perhaps continue our adventure with an easy walk through the mountain valleys to view a rock carving close to camp.

We'll set off early this morning and head to the famous battlefield of Rorke's Drift, arriving around mid-morning. Portrayed in the film Zulu Dawn, the battle at Rorke's Drift was a bloody and hugely significant battle in the history of the Zulu nation. Although time is limited today, due to the distance we have to travel, our tour leader will take time to explain the importance of these clashes in relation to South Africa's history, British colonialism and the Zulu people. After a picnic lunch, we'll drive for the rest of the afternoon to St Lucia, our base for the next three nights.

We'll have another early start this morning to take advantage of the 'golden hour' on a Big 5 safari in one of Africa's oldest game reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park boasts the densest population of both white and black rhinos in the whole of Africa. We'll have lunch at one of the reserve's picnic sites, where we can stretch our legs and freshen up before continuing our journey through this ancient Zulu hunting ground. With over 500 species of birds recorded at this reserve, it's also a paradise for any birdwatchers amongst us. In the mid-afternoon, we'll return to St. Lucia where we'll have the opportunity to experience the optional activity of a 'Hippo Cruise' on the Greater St. Lucia Estuary. The cruise meanders along allowing us to relax whilst viewing the hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat as the sun drops from the African sky.

Today you're free to choose from one of several optional activities. There is the opportunity to continue our game-viewing experience by taking a leisurely open game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which was the first World Heritage Site in South Africa and home to four of the Big 5. The word iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this truly unique place. The day includes a 'braai' lunch and an option of an afternoon swim or snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal. There is also the chance to amble to the St. Lucia beach for a relaxing dip in the ocean or spend time walking the local forest trails. In the evening, you can enjoy an exhilarating night game drive when all the nocturnal wildlife start their day. From November to February, we can join a guided turtle tour in the Wetland.

This morning, we'll make our way to Eswatini, from June to November we may have the opportunity to participate in the optional activity of whale watching, the St. Lucia coastline is the optimal location to view Humpback whales as they make their way up the coastline to Mozambique to breed. We'll then drive north and enter Eswatini - a tiny, independent kingdom inhabited by the Swazi tribe who revere their king and take great pride in retaining their culture and traditions. Along the way, we can soak up the spectacular scenery of the Ezulwini Valley, dotted with traditional homesteads. In the late afternoon, we'll enter one of Eswatini's best wildlife reserves, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This secluded and beautiful sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity, located in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains. For the next two nights, we'll stay in traditional dome-shaped beehive huts set in a wooded area. Though the camp has all the mod cons - showers, toilets, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant and bar - it is rustic in the best sense of the word. Warthogs and antelope share the camp with us, and the restaurant overlooks a lake populated by water birds. Due to the high demand in Mlilwane, accommodation is subject to change without notice and can vary in style. We'll endeavour to stay within the park when possible, however, some departures may be staying up to a 15-minute drive from the sanctuary in a hotel or guesthouse.

Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust, it is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains. The park has been rehabilitated to become Eswatini's most frequented reserve where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the abundant wildlife that calls these plains home. Mlilwane has a large area of open grassland making game viewing and bird watching relatively easy and this morning we'll begin with a walk in search of zebra, wildebeest, nyala and warthog. The afternoon is free to choose one of the optional activities available at the reserve, the absence of big cats allows us to partake in mountain biking or trail walking in a relaxed setting. The alternatives are to accompany our guide to the friendly local curios to learn more about the Swazi people and their culture, or relax and sit back to watch the local wildlife grazing outside our very own front door.

After an early start, we'll drive north re-entering South Africa and crossing the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two-million-hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed National Park and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, boasting 147 mammal species. The park offers the Big 5 and over 500 recorded bird species along with scenery as diverse as riverine forest, granite outcrops, endless savannah and impenetrable mopani woodland. We'll take a game drive on our way to the camp area where we'll stay overnight. These camp areas benefit from modern infrastructure with toilet and shower blocks, restaurants, and shops, as well as our accommodation.

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, it's now one of the most prolific animal habitats in South Africa, committed to animal conservation. We'll depart camp for our morning game drive, stopping at various watering holes where we might see buffalo or antelope taking an early morning drink and hopefully a pride of lions nearby. We'll finish the morning drive with lunch at one of the park's restaurants. Our afternoon game drive will take us to the Sabie River, which is a major water source for the park's wildlife and a fantastic spot for game viewing. We'll leave the park in the late afternoon, climbing more than 1,000 metres to our overnight stop at Graskop. Please note, not all members of the group will fly to Cape Town tomorrow, and you may have a new tour leader for the second half of the trip.

Departing at 9am this morning we drive for around 7 hours back to Johannesburg. Along the way, we'll drive through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, an area that has been inhabited since the Stone Age and boasts rivers, multiple waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colourful birdlife. We'll stop at several excellent viewpoints, including the aptly named 'God's Window' and admire the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. We'll arrive into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at about 5pm and from here you'll fly to Cape Town. You will arrive in Cape Town, South Africa's Mother City, late this evening. Upon landing in Cape Town Airport please proceed to the Visitor Information Centre in the Central Terminal near the exit marked by a big 'i' symbol, where your driver will be waiting for you with a sign. The transfer from Cape Town International Airport to our hotel is around 40 minutes. Please note, due to different arrival times throughout the evening, the welcome meeting with your tour leader will take place on the morning of Day 11, after breakfast.

Our full-day trip to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive via the white-sand beaches of Fish Hoek, stopping to explore the small but important naval base of Simon's Town. Later, we'll arrive at Cape of Good Hope, allegedly named due to the optimism once felt by arriving colonial sailors having successfully navigated the Cape and discovering a sea route to the East. We'll take an hour-long walk within the national park to Cape Point and the lighthouse, keeping an eye out for resident baboons, tortoises, otters, and seabirds along the way. The trail is well marked, slightly rocky in places, and boasts diverse flora with many colourful flowers. We'll return to Cape Town via Hout Bay, an attractive fishing port once bordered by dense forest, hence its name, which translates as 'Wood Bay'. Here, we'll have the option of taking a short boat trip out to Seal Island - home to 1,000 Cape fur seals and guarded by the impressive, towering Sentinel Mountain. Alternatively, explore on dry land to see Hout Bay's active tuna, snoek and crayfish industry and find out why the town prides itself on offering some of the best fish and chips in the world.

Today is free for you to explore more at your own pace - there are plenty of options for you to pick from. If you want to visit Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, this morning is the best time to go - please note, you'll need to book in advance. There are departures at 9am, 11am and 1pm but the city's changeable weather often means the earlier morning departures are the most reliable. For information on how to book this, please see the optional activities section or visit www.robben-island.org.za. Alternatively, the morning is also the best time to hike up Table Mountain. The favourable morning weather and temperatures make it a more enjoyable experience and you'll get breathtaking views over the Apostles, the Atlantic and the city below. The walk up to the viewpoint takes between three to four hours and is accompanied by our tour leader. There is also the option to take the aerial cable car to the top, which runs frequently to and from the summit, where a network of trails crisscrosses the plateau and provide a variety of vantage points. While it's possible to visit Robben Island and take the cable car to Table Mountain in the same day, you won't have time to visit Robben Island and hike up Table Mountain. If you'd like to do both, you can book a pre-trip stay to give yourself more time. Another option is to take a trip to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, which claims to be the most beautiful garden in Africa and is devoted to the conservation of the Cape's indigenous species. Your tour leader will be able to give further local advice and recommendations on the optional activities. Late this afternoon, we'll leave Cape Town and head to the scenic winelands of Stellenbosch where you can relax with a sundowner. Our hotel has a restaurant and there is a small selection of eateries just a short walk away. Please note, both Robben Island and Table Mountain are weather-dependent. Table Mountain's cableway is closed for two weeks at the end of July for maintenance.

Stellenbosch is world-famous for its wine and today is a perfect opportunity to visit one or two vineyards for a tasting. Many are set within spectacular gardens and farmland and offer the opportunity to have lunch and a stroll. There's also the option to take a guided tour of Stellenbosch Town - a great way to learn about the many cultures that have come together to make Stellenbosch what it is today. One of the oldest of the colonial settlements, this charming town is made up of wide, oak-lined streets and whitewashed, Cape Dutch architecture. There are many cafes, bars, and delis to choose from for lunch and most pride themselves on using local produce.

This morning, we'll have an earlier start as we make our way to Hermanus. A 90-minute drive takes us to the Betty's Bay area where we'll have an included visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve. This reserve sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, undiscovered feel, offering excellent penguin viewing without the crowds. The path can be followed over the craggy outcrops to see the resident seabirds up close without disturbing them. Although humans are not allowed to wander beyond the path, it does not always stop the penguins joining the trail and setting a slow walking pace. After a lunch break at Betty's Bay, we'll continue to our apartment-style accommodation in central Hermanus. This afternoon will be free to explore the coastal town. From July to November, Hermanus offers some of the world's best shore-based whale watching, with good opportunities to spot southern right, Bryde's and humpback whales. Although there is a good chance of seeing the whales from the water's edge in town, you may prefer to follow the coastal path to a better vantage point or join a boat trip excursion for a closer view. At other times of the year, you might like to spend the day exploring the galleries and museums in Hermanus, which are easy to discover on foot. Or if you developed a taste for South African wine while in Stellenbosch, then Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley (Heaven and Earth Valley) is just a stone's throw away and offers a selection of wineries with views over the town and coast below. This evening will be at your leisure. There are a variety of traditional South African and seafood restaurants lining the streets.

We'll stand on the southernmost point of the African continent this morning and see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean in a white crash of waves. Now marked by a stone plaque, the 'Cape of Needles' was once a point the site of various evidential shipwrecks and a grave point of danger for European travellers. We'll have some free time to explore the magnificent monument and get some lunch. This afternoon, we'll continue towards Barrydale on the renowned Route 62. The Tradouw Pass (which means Women's Pass in the old Khoi language) is a 16 kilometre/10 mile-long drive via altitudes of up to 220 metres/725 feet, offering some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in this region of South Africa. Barrydale is a small town known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, attracting tourists and nature lovers alike.

This morning, we'll have time to explore the historic town of Barrydale. Barrydale is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene - the town hosts multiple festivals and events throughout the spring and summer months, showcasing local and regional talent in music, theatre and visual arts. The culinary scene in Barrydale is just as diverse and vibrant, with a range of smaller restaurants, cafes and farm stalls offering authentic farm-to-table dining experiences. The small town is particularly known for its locally produced wine and organic produce. Enjoy a coffee and take a walk around to soak up the stunning countryside of the Western Cape. Later this afternoon, we'll make our way to Oudtshoorn, where we'll be staying in a delightful family-run property. Depending on our arrival time, you can use the pool and all rooms have outdoor seating to make the most of the afternoon sun.

We'll start today by exploring the huge limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. These caves are an underground network of extraordinary structures, millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and mighty rock columns. Allegedly, a local European farmer first discovered the caves late in the 18th century; however, there is research that proves the caves have been used by man as far back as the Early Stone Age. Later this morning, we'll leave Oudtshoorn and make our way to the coastal town of Knysna. Here, we'll visit Knysna Heads Viewpoint, where two limestone cliffs emerge from the sea, side by side, protecting a peaceful lagoon that runs inland from the sea. The lagoon is popular with tourists and local residents alike and is home to fishermen, water sports enthusiasts and many birds, including herons, kingfishers, African fish eagles and Knysna warblers. This afternoon, we'll have time to enjoy lunch on the waterfront and wander around the quaint, little town before we depart on our final journey of the day to Plettenberg Bay.

Today we'll take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site, where our tour leader will lead a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderate - it's uneven underfoot in places and can be slippery so good walking shoes are advised, but rewards are abundant: brilliant bird viewing, sweeping coastal views and the possibility to spot dolphins and seals playing in the waters below. From July to December, there's also the chance to spot the southern right whales that come into the calmer and warmer waters to calve and nurse their young. After working up an appetite, we'll stop for a well-deserved lunch in Plettenberg Bay. Afterwards, the afternoon is free with the option to relax on the beach, shop for souvenirs or join a whale-watching or kayaking excursion. We'll return to our accommodation in the late afternoon when there'll be some free time to relax before dinner, you might like to choose a water-front eatery in Plettenberg Bay and enjoy local wine alongside fresh seafood.

This morning, we'll leave on a short journey to Tsitsikamma National Park around a 45-minute drive away. Another hotspot for seasonal whale watching, the national park covers both land and sea, protecting important forest and marine areas and offering stunning coastal views. We'll be staying in the Storms River region where there are numerous well-marked walking trails of varying difficulties, as well as the opportunity to explore suspended canopy walkways and zipwires or to try river kayaking. Tonight, we'll be staying in simple chalets set amongst the trees just minutes from the seafront. Here, you'll have the chance to try fresh seafood in the restaurant or cook up a traditional braai for dinner at one of the communal barbeque areas by the water.

We'll leave the Tsitsikamma area this morning for another of South Africa's national parks, stopping for breakfast on the way. Home to more than 600 elephants as well as lions, hyenas and Cape buffalos, Addo Elephant National Park is our last national park of the trip. On arrival, we'll swap into one of the park's safari trucks - perfect for the terrain and for capturing great wildlife shots - for a two-hour game drive with a park guide. Warthogs are abundant here, along with various species of antelope, zebra and of course elephant. After our game drive, we'll make our way to our accommodation which is located 20 minutes outside Addo Elephant National Park. Depending on timings today, your tour leader may change the open safari vehicle game drive to tomorrow morning instead.

The trip ends after breakfast at our accommodation near Addo National Park. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Addo at any time. Check-out from our accommodation is at 10am. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), a one-hour drive from Addo.