Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to Rainbow Kingdom – the Gateway to Africa - a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch & Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest & lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain. Traveling in Africa can be challenging, but the smiles of the people & the sounds of the animals make it worthwhile.

Arrive in Jo’burg or ‘Jozi’ as it’s more commonly known.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs & you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Johannesburg - the city of the gold – is the biggest metropolis in South Africa., is without a doubt the great big beating heart of South Africa, and has long played a Jekyll-and-Hyde role in the global consciousness. Often the stage on which the epic of this extraordinary nation has been played out, the colossus of Jo’burg - with all its thrills & foibles - is today a fascinating, multitudinous city, where all the ups and downs of 21^st  century South Africa can be witnessed in  multicolour dimensions. With its 3.2 million citizens the city on the Witwatersrand is the predominant commercial centre & the economic motor of the Republic of South Africa.

In the past, the city’s darker personality proved the most enduring. The Jo’burg of the newsflash was a city where fear & loathing reigned supreme; a city where spiralling gun crime & poverty had manifested itself in a society where one half of the population stagnated, while the other looked on impassively through coils of razor wire.

As ever, there is an element of truth to the stereotypes. Jo’burg does bear scars of the country’s turbulent 20^th century, and may take time to heal. Stark inequalities persist, but armed with a new self-confidence - ironically most pronounced in the infamous township of Soweto - Africa’s giant hub is beginning to introduce itself to a healthier diet of urban renewal and social regeneration. 

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   

Morning, you will be picked up at 09:00 am to embark for a 6 hour tour to experience Johannesburg.

We first take a look around the northern suburbs, then continue to the hustle & bustle of Hillbrow & Braamfontein, home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Drive through the downtown area to the Carlton Centre, to view a "mini-Manhattan" from the viewing deck on the 50^th floor.

The sightseeing drive includes all the major points of interest, such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Peterson Memorial & Nelson Mandela’s former home.

Onward to Soweto (South Western Township), largest black residential area in South Africa, where you will see a fascinating contrast to Rosebank & Sandton in the north and get a taste of the vibrant street life this township is famous for. This sprawling “city within a city” is home to approximately 2-million people, many of whom work in various parts of the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand.

More of a city than a township, Soweto has its roots in the gold mines that drew workers to Johannesburg in the beginning. However, after the National Party was voted into power in 1948, Soweto grew rapidly as apartheid tightened its grip on the country & forced black people out of “white areas”.

The township significant for its role in the struggle against apartheid, has transformed from a legacy of the apartheid era to a vibrant, energetic hub that will ignite your senses & immerse you in true South African culture.

After a lunch stop (direct payment), continue on to visit the Apartheid Museum.

The Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise & fall of South Africa’s era of segregation & oppression, and is an absolute must-see.

The 6,000 square metres Museum on a 7-hectare site which consists of natural recreated veld & indigenous bush habitat containing a lake & paths, alongside its stark but stunning building is located next to the Gold Reef City Casino, 5 km south of the city centre.

It uses a broad variety of media to provide a chilling insight into the architecture and implementation of the apartheid system, as well as inspiring stories of the struggle towards democracy. It is invaluable in understanding the inequalities & tensions that still exist today and his extraordinarily powerful Museum has already become the city's leading tourist attraction, an obligatory stop for visitors & residents alike.

The sheer volume of information can make it an overwhelming experience; particularly distressing is a small chamber in which hang 131 nooses, representative of the 131 government opponents who were executed under anti-terrorism laws. The Museum, with its large blown-up photographs, metal cages & numerous monitors recording continuous replays of apartheid scenes set in a double volume ceiling, concrete & red brick walls and grey concrete floor,

After spending an hour inside, return to the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B

Early morning, depart for Hazyview, in Mpumalanga Province, known as "Paradise Country", driving on the spectacular "Panorama Route."

Stop to admire the views of amazing scenery along the 16 mile long Blyde River Canyon, cut deep into red sandstone, and God's Window (weather & fog permitting), a breathtaking, Edenic vista at the edge of the escarpment overlooking Kruger National Park. Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes - a series of waterfalls and distinctive rock formations created by countless millennia of water erosion.

Arrive in Hazyview - a small farming town renowned for its Banana industry.

Close to Kruger National Park, the town's name is derived from the shimmering haze that occurs during the heat of summer. Most of Mpumalanga's private game reserves are found just east of Hazyview & it’s location just a mere 5 km from Phabeni Gate into the Kruger National Park makes it very easy to access the Park from. With 3 Golf Courses within a 5 km range of the Town Center, it is also a perfect place to just relax and feel the good vibes of one of the friendliest towns in South Africa.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration.

Overnight.   B 

The Park offers some of the best game & wildlife viewing opportunities in the world, and early morning is an optimal time of day.

Depart at dawn for Kruger National Park to join a thrilling open-vehicle 5 hour game drive for amazing sightings of predators & prey animals as they enter the new day. The experienced Rangers & Shangaan Tracker are great at interpreting all the animal behaviours you see & whose endeavour will be to spoil you with sightings of the “Big 5”, general game & prolific bird life. 

Spend a couple of hours observing the animals before returning back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Kruger is one of the world's greatest wildlife-watching destinations. Try to imagine a National Park the size of Israel with huge tracts of acacia, sycamore figs and bush willow interrupted by open savannah, rushing rivers and the occasional rocky bluff. Now fill it with lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes & black rhinos (the Big 5), plus cheetahs, giraffes, hippos & many species of smaller animals, and you will start to have some notion of what it is like to visit Kruger National Park.

The Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, and is nearly 2 million hectares. It is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds & 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park.

It has an extensive network of sealed roads & comfortable camps, but if you prefer to keep it rough, there are also 4WD tracks, and mountain bike & hiking trails. Even when you stick to the tarmac, the sounds & scents of the bush are never more than a few metres away. Southern Kruger is the most popular section of the Park, with the highest animal concentrations & the easiest access. Kruger is at its best in the far north. Here, although animal concentrations are somewhat lower, the bush setting & wilderness atmosphere are all-enveloping.

Spend a couple of hours observing the animals before returning back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast,

Balance of the day at leisure. Evening, if you want, you can opt for another game drive (optional - additional payment). Sunrise & sunset are when the animals are most active.

Overnight.   B

The day begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling open vehicle game drive through Kruger National Park with pre-packed breakfast. The park offers some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world – and the visitor will soon appreciate the challenges of managing this unique reserve.

Return to the hotel.

Afternoon is at leisure or you can join us on our Community visit to the Sizabantwana Children Care Centre for a tour and a brief look into the lives of the children that attend the centre. This visit offers you the opportunity to understand more about the rural communities and their lifestyles and to interact with them in a secure and optimistic environment. 

Balance of the day is at leisure. You can opt for another game drive (optional - additional payment) if you want.

Morning, depart for Swaziland, an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts & colourful indigenous culture.

En-route visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds and fish, as well as tableware, made from 100 % recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland.

Check-in on arrival.

In short, big things come in small packages. Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, t he intriguing Kingdom of Swaziland   (recent name change to eSwatini) more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions & activities.

Rewarding wildlife watching, adrenaline-boosting activities such as rafting & mountain biking, lively & colourful local culture, with celebrations & ceremonies still common practice.

Add to that a stunning landscapes of stunning mountain & valleys with flatland scenery, forests & plains with superb walking trails plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to the Big 5 & you have all that is best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed & welcoming country.

As one of the few remaining Executive Monarchies in Africa, a rich culture & heritage is deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

The Umhlanga (reed) festival here in late August or early September is one of Africa's biggest cultural events. It draws the nation together and reminding the people of their relationship to the king. It is something like a weeklong debutante ball for marriageable young Swazi women, who journey from all over the kingdom to help repair the queen mother’s home at Lobamba.

Unlike South Africa, eSwatini has managed to hold on to that slow-down-this-is-Africa feeling & that is why it is gaining in popularity. Varied accommodation options, excellent, high-quality handicrafts & the  overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome & very safe and the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed.

Balance of the day is at leisure or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

In the afternoon the opportunity exists for a complimentary (optional) excursion to a Swazi candle factory, where visitors can watch Swazi wax artists make beautiful candles.

Overnight.  B 

After breakfast, you will continue south through Swaziland, before re-entering South Africa.

Travel to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Home to Africa's "Big Five," you may have a chance to see elephant, Cape buffalo, lion & leopard, in addition to the black & white rhino during your afternoon game drive through the Reserve. The Park also boasts warthog, crocodile, and antelope.

The region encompassing the spectacular Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park has many traditional Zulu villages where you can learn about Zulu history & the legendary King Shaka.

Following the Safari, continue on to Zululand.

Check-in on arrival.

The sheer majesty of Zululand will take your breath away.

Zulu (which means Heaven) aptly describes the rolling expanses that dominate the landscape here. Evoking images of wild landscapes & tribal rhythms, this beautiful swath of KwaZulu-Natal offers a different face of South Africa, where fine coastline, mist-clad hills & traditional settlements are in contrast to the ordered suburban developments around Durban. Under the hot African sun, the cobalt blue Indian Ocean, mangrove swamps & limpid lagoons give way to rolling green hills & indigenous forests which shimmer in the distance before they reach the Drakensberg Mountains.

Dominated by the Zulu tribal group, the region offers fascinating historical & contemporary insights into one of the country’s most enigmatic cultures. Enjoy the welcoming wide smiles extended to you by the local people.

Zululand teems with private & provincial game reserves which offer game-watching facilities as well as hiking & nature trails.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

After breakfast, transfer to Durban King Shaka Airport for the short southward flight to Port Elizabeth.

Arrive in Port Elizabeth known as the “Friendly City”. 

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Port Elizabeth International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel unless advised.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Port Elizabeth (PE for short) has a wonderful climate & offers visitors a choice of stunning beaches, interesting museums & memorials, award-winning wildlife destinations, cultural & historical nuggets, and some of the friendliest folk in the country.

Port Elizabeth fringes Algoa Bay at the western end of the Sunshine Coast, & offers many good bathing beaches washed by warm water, great surf spots & excellent water sports. Marine life in the bay is also sensational, with plenty of dolphins & whales that can be spotted throughout the year. Coastal boat tours spot whales & rare seabirds, while wildlife reserves outside the metropolitan area are home to elephants, rhinos & other big game.

Fishing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling & sailing are enjoyed at the quieter spots including Wildside, Sardinia Bay, Blue Horizon Bay, Bluewater Bay, Beachview & Schoenmakerskop.

A perfect complement to the Garden Route, the Friendly City is a major sea port & tourist destination set along the beautiful shores of Nelson Mandela Bay. Port Elizabeth also offers many historical attractions, such as the historic Donkin Heritage Trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers along Old Hill neighbourhood's Victorian landmarks. British heritage is reflected in the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club & the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa.

Check out the Red Location Museum, a museum in New Brighton Township that portrays “both the horrors of institutionalised racism & the heroic efforts of the anti-apartheid movement”.

Don’t forget to make time for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum & Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial, both in St George's Park - the oldest park in Port Elizabeth & home to St George's Cricket Oval.

Since PE includes Nelson Mandela Bay, it is also where you can find Route 67 - a collection of 67 art pieces celebrating the years Nelson Mandela devoted to public life. It is a mix of visual arts, urban design & heritage, showcasing old Victorian churches & the terraced cottages on Donkin Street, where massive silver pipes catch the famous winds of Port Elizabeth & make music. You can also see the lighthouse that once guided ships into Algoa Bay, now accompanied by an awesome pyramid.

One of the highlights is the large metal cut-out of Nelson Mandela leading South Africans to vote in the country’s first democratic election - a moment that South Africans will always remember.

The city is an outdoor lover's paradise, so don’t miss out on boat cruises, scuba diving & a visit to the Seaview Predator Park.

Walk through the Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment Complex, where shops, restaurants, an amphitheatre & casino will keep you entertained for hours on end. Also worth a visit is a 52m Campanile Memorial tower that stands watch over the Port Elizabeth harbour, with 204 steps leading to the top. Built in 1923, the monument honours the arrival of British Settlers all the way back in the 1820s.

Staying with history, another gem is No. 7 Castle Hill, one of the oldest surviving settler cottages in the city, which was built not long after the settlers arrived in 1830. Complete with a cobbled courtyard & an operational well, it shows what domestic life was like in the 19^th century.

Port Elizabeth’s greatest treasures, however, are malaria-free wildlife areas in its vicinity.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B   

Early morning, depart for Knysna, driving along the famous coastal Garden Route, enroute stopping at the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park & may be, try a walk on the suspension bridge across the Storms River.

The Garden Route stretches from the south eastern coast of South Africa and runs from Heidelberg in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Famous for its magnificent scenic views, it boasts several different eco-systems & a variety of landscapes, all unique to South Africa & truly breathtaking. As most of the route follows a coastal road between the Indian Ocean, various mountains, quaint & quiet seaside towns, it offers stunning scenery & a vibrant yet laid back atmosphere and is a truly idyllic getaway. The region became known as the Garden Route due to its ecologically diverse vegetation and numerous lakes & lagoons. It is also home to over 300 bird species, an elephant sanctuary & several game reserves. During the whale season, you can also observe the graceful Southern Right Whales from the coast line.

Stop at Tsitsikamma National Park - a multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos.

A hiking & water sports paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park. Here you will see booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores, temperate high forest & Fynbos (indigenous plants) rolling down to the sea in an unspoilt verdant carpet. Age old rivers carve their way to the sea and wonderful marine creatures swim along the shore. The boundary of the Park stretches some 5 km out to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef & deep-sea fish. Beautiful Dolphins play & surf in the breakers. The Southern Right Whale visits these waters in season, coming inshore to breed. There are many hiking trails of varying lengths & nature walks in this region, the most famous of them being the Otter Trail, one of the best in the world.

After spending a couple of hours, continue on your scenic drive to Knysna.

Reach Knysna & Check-in at the hotel.

Embracing an exquisitely beautiful lagoon & surrounded by ancient forests, Knysna is probably the most famous pearl of the scenic Garden Route situated between George & Plettenberg Bay.

Formerly the centre of the timber industry, supplying yellow wood & stinkwood for railway lines, shipping & house-building, it still has several shops specialising in woodwork & traditional furniture.

Perennially green thanks to a Mediterranean maritime climate and with indigenous forests, fynbos, lakes, rivers, mountains & beautiful coastlines combined with a moderate climate make the Knysna area a natural Eden.

At the heart of the city is a lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" - best explored on board a catamaran or from along hiking paths in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. The lagoon is popular with sailing enthusiasts & there are plenty of boat trips on offer.

Nestled between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains & the Indian Ocean, the culinary capital of oysters & other delectable seafood is a compulsory stopover on every traveler.

With its serene setting, arty & gay-friendly vibe, excellent places to stay, eat & drink, and wide range of activities, Knysna has plenty going for it. A hotspot for art & craft, as well as adventure activities such as tree canopy gliding, kloofing & abseiling, Knysna offers something to everybody. From leisurely relaxation, high energy adventure & sporting activities to shopping, haute cuisine, Knysna oysters or downing the locally brewed beer, Knysna reflects the finer things in life.

Track the mysterious Knysna forest elephant, take a ferry trip or a sunset yacht cruise, hike or cycle in the beautiful forests, take a walk on the beach or sip your favourite drink while watching the sun set over the estuary. With a rich history, gourmet restaurants and a variety of art & craft rambles to add, the options are limitless.

Explore the local Rastafarian community, eat an African delicacy called “Roosterkoek” or take part in a drumming session. Meet the people - from the Woodcutters in Karatara, to the Italians in Gouna, the Khoi and San Tribes like the Griqua and the Xhosa Speaking people. Experience the Rainbow Nation at its best.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight.   B D 

After a leisurely breakfast, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to enjoy a cruise in the Knysna Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, which has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands - known as the ‘Knysna Heads’ - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.

Featherbed Nature Reserve offers a pristine nature & dining experience at the gateway to the sea on Knysna Lagoon on the Garden Route. You can take a trailer ride to the top of the Western Head to enjoy panoramic views of the town and lagoon.

The unspoiled Western Head of Knysna is one of two sentinels that stand between the tranquil estuary water of the lagoon and the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean. Home to the famous Knysna Loerie, the rare Knysna Sea Horse and the Blue Duiker, the Reserve occupies 150 hectares on the Western Head.

Other attractions here include Paddle Steamer & Lagoon Cruises, Sailing adventures & superb meals served overlooking the Knysna Lagoon under a canopy of Milkwood Trees & we are sure you will enjoy the Lunch here.

Come back to the hotel.

Afternoon is at leisure to further explore this charming town set around a natural harbour lagoon. Track the mysterious Knysna forest elephant, take a ferry trip or a sunset yacht cruise, hike or cycle in the beautiful forests, take a walk on the beach or sip your favourite drink while watching the sun set over the estuary. With a rich history, gourmet restaurants and a variety of art & craft rambles to add, the options are limitless. Explore the local Rastafarian community, eat an African delicacy called “Roosterkoek” or take part in a drumming session. Meet the people - from the Woodcutters in Karatara, to the Italians in Gouna, the Khoi and San Tribes like the Griqua and the Xhosa Speaking people. Experience the Rainbow Nation at its best.

Overnight.  B L

Early morning, depart for Oudtshoorn - the centre of the world's Ostrich farming industry, driving along Outeniqua Pass.

Travel through Victoria Bay, a beautiful cove enclosed by cliffs, to Wilderness, an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches.

See George, the 6^th oldest town in South Africa, with many historical landmarks like the Slave Tree & King Edward VII Library building, said to be the best example of Edwardian architecture in the town.  

Enroute, on the Garden Route, you will stop at a working Ostrich Farm, where a guided a 25 minute Ostrich “Game Drive” aboard a tractor trailer, will give insights into all aspects of ostrich farming & ostriches, all stages from incubation to adulthood,

Kobus & Elmare Potgieter live & farm some 30 km outside of Oudtshoorn. Their farm, Rietfontein Ostrich Palace has been in the family for 5 generations & was the first ostrich farm in the Cape Colony, established in 1897

You will learn more about these remarkable birds & their fascinating nature, driving through natural veld with 16 Zimbabwe Blue ostriches breeding as if in the wild. You can even meet the ostrich up close in one of the breeding camps & feed them. You will see the Ostrich nests & learn how these birds breed in nature. See, touch and learn about all the different types of Ostrich Feathers & the Feather Boom of the early 1900’s & significance of Ostrich in past cultures.

You will also visit the Incubator Room & see chicks hatching inside incubator - getting a real close & personal perspective of chicks piping out by means of the “Spy-Camera” inside the incubator projecting onto a big screen T.V.

The Game Drive experience on the tractor also allows for great photo opportunities with an unmatched view of these big birds right next to you with the beautiful mountains in the background. There is also an elegant non-smoking and air-conditioned restaurant serving ostrich fillets & local wines (optional - direct payment).

Continue on to Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders, sculpted by nature through the ages.

The Cango Caves, a system of spectacular limestone caverns & the oldest attraction in the region, are filled with a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites & helictites (dripstone formations that grow in unusual directions), which have been formed over millions of years. The countless dripstone formations in many instances imitate everyday objects & have been given names such as Cleopatra's Needle, The Organ Pipes, the Bridal Couple, Cango Candle & the Hanging Shawl. Because of the extreme fragility of the formations, only Cango 1 is open to the public.

Take an enchanting 1 hour guided walk through the first 6 chambers of the spectacular limestone caverns,

Reach Oudtshoorn by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel

Most visitors to South Africa have heard of the Cape’s famous Garden Route, but many are unaware of the Klein Karoo - the vast area of striking, beautiful semi-desert that stretches inland beyond the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain Pass from George.

Inland from the Cape’s famous Garden Route, over breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes, magnificent red rocks & the wide open spaces of the Klein Karoo, you will find Oudtshoorn - once known internationally as the ostrich capital of the world.

In the late 1860s, no self-respecting society lady in the Western world would be seen dead without an ostrich plume adorning her headgear. Royalty, emperors, maharajahs, fashionistas, costume-makers & high society all over the world. once adorned themselves with the world’s finest feathers. Gorgeous gowns, cloaks & hats (marvel at them in the beautiful sandstone buildings of the CP Nel Museum in the town centre - a provincial heritage site), decorated or made from ostrich feathers, were once the most highly sought-after fashion items. A pair of really fine ostrich feathers could fetch as much as £1000 - a fortune back then.

The fashion lasted until the slump of 1914 & during this time the ‘feather barons’ of Oudtshoorn made their fortunes.  “Feather Palaces” were built in and around Oudtshoorn & ostriches pulled Santa’s sleigh at Christmas time. You can still see their gracious homes, along with other architectural pointers to Oudtshoorn’s former wealth such as the CP Nel Museum, formerly a school.

But fortunes rise & fall and the fine feathers fell out of fashion. Some attributed this to the advent of motorcars, whose roofs were too low to accommodate the sweeping plumes; others to war & recession.

Today, ostriches are farmed for their low-cholesterol meat, which is both delicious and healthy, and ostrich skin is still prized for fashion items.

Although, the town remains the 'ostrich capital of the world' & is now the prosperous tourist center of the Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn has much more to offer.

Within 30 km of the town, there are several interesting attractions, including the world-famous Cango Caves (which you have just visited). Also within a 35 km drive of Oudtshoorn is the historical village of De Rust at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, with a beautiful tree-lined main road, featuring many 19^th century buildings. There are many scenic drives also within easy distance of the town.

Oudtshoorn's other claim to fame is that once a year it is the centre of the largest Afrikaans language arts festival in the country, known as the KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees), usually held around Easter when actors, artists, musicians & poets descend on the town to celebrate this unique language.

Balance of the day is at leisure to walk around on your own.

Overnight.  B D

After breakfast, depart for Stellenbosch travelling through the ‘Little Karoo’ to the pretty village of Barrydale, where you will have the opportunity to visit a local farm school (the school visit is subject to school being opened), interact with the children & teachers, spending time with them in the classroom learning more about the local farming community, before continuing to Montagu, a picturesque & historic spa town.

Continue to Stellenbosch, the 2^nd oldest city in South Africa, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains with vineyards as a backdrop. The unsurpassed scenery with views over vineyards, mountains & orchards, offers excellent photographic opportunities.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.  

Stellenbosch is undoubtedly the most scenically attractive & historically preserved town in southern Africa. The tranquil, friendly town university town constantly abuzz with locals, students, Capetonians & tourists, surrounded by the vineyards offers a plethora of activities & events for young & old, the adventurer, nature-lover, music and art-lover & history buff.

The name conjures up images as few other towns or cities can. If there is one thing that Stellenbosch is renowned for, it is wine. There are hundreds of estates scattered around the outskirts of the town, many of which produce world-class wines with their many tasting options.

Established by the Governor of the Cape (Simon van der Stel) in 1679 on the banks of the Eerste River, Stellenbosch was - & still is - famed for its rich soil, just what was needed to produce vegetables & wine for ships stopping off at the Cape.

History is reflected in the neo-Dutch, Georgian & modern-Victorian architecture that encompasses simple lines, fine detail & elegant proportions that bear witness to a proud & dignified heritage. Cape Dutch architecture here gives a sense of South Africa's Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum's period houses & gardens.

Etched against white walls, Stellenbosch’s jagged lines oak-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, interesting museums & art galleries, quality hotels and a selection of bars, clubs & restaurants transform the streets into soft, shady tunnels that offer welcome relief from the hot sun.

Stroll along the streets & secluded lanes and savour the atmosphere, mingle with the locals at an open-air coffee shop or bistro, or titillate your taste buds with fine local fare or international cuisine at one of the many restaurants and eateries.

Hiking trails abound in Stellenbosch, but it is Wine that takes center stage. More than 100 wine cellars, most open to the public, surround this oak-lined South African town. Brandy, one of South Africa’s finest products, is distilled in many cellars throughout the Winelands.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent exploration.

Overnight. B 

Morning, check-out after a leisurely breakfast & depart for Cape Town.

But how can you leave without enjoying wine tasting in the Stellenbosch, arguably the country’s most famous wine route. Stop in at two Wineries for informative wine tastings.

Continue on along the scenic Route 62 to Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, spectacularly set at the foot of Table Mountain.

Arrive in Cape Town & Check-in.

A coming-together of cultures, cuisines & landscapes, there is nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park.

Occupying one of the world's most stunning locations, Cape Town is the 2^nd most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain & Cape Point.

African Landscapes | People & Culture| Culinary Feast | Art & Design

Long before the Dutch took a fancy to the Cape Peninsula in the 17^th century, the land was home to the Khoisan people who valued the spiritual power of the mountains and their life-providing water. While the European immigrants & the slaves they brought here, have all shaped the physical environment of South Africa's third-largest city, Table Mountain - now protected within a national park that covers some 75% of the peninsula - remains at Cape Town's heart. This ever present backdrop is the city's adventure playground, as well as a source of legend & continuing spiritual nourishment.

Under the Khoisan name of Hoerikwaggo - meaning 'Mountain in the Sea' - the National Park is promoting a new series of trails that will allow visitors, for the first time, to sleep on the mountain top while hiking a world-class trail from Cape Point to the City Bowl. There are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the park’s extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Company’s Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden & Green Point Urban Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure. Follow the lead of locals by taking full advantage of the abundant outdoor space: learn to surf; go hiking or mountain biking; tandem-paraglide off Lion’s Head; abseil off the top of Table Mountain - just a few of the many activities on offer.

Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu & traditional African beliefs coexist peacefully in this proudly multicultural city. Given South Africa’s troubled history, such harmony has been hard-won & remains fragile: nearly everyone has a fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking story to tell. It’s a city of determined pioneers - from the Afrikaner descendants of the original Dutch colonists & the majority coloured community to the descendants of European Jewish immigrants & more recent Xhosa (isiXhosa) migrants from the Eastern Cape. They all bring unique flavours to Cape Town’s rich melting pot.

Human creativity is also self-evident here - it's one of the things that made the city a World Design Capital in 2014. From the brightly painted facades of the Bo-Kaap & the bathing chalets of Muizenberg, to the Afro-chic decor of its restaurants & bars and the striking street art & innovation incubators of the East City & Woodstock, this is one great-looking metropolis. The informal settlements of the Cape Flats are a sobering counterpoint, but these townships also have enterprising projects that put food from organic market gardens on tables, or stock gift shops with attractive souvenirs

Wrenching yourself away from the magnetic mountain and all the delights of the Cape Peninsula is a challenge, but within an hour you can exchange urban landscapes for the charming towns, villages and bucolic estates of Winelands destinations, such as Stellenbosch & Franschhoek. Then, there is Hermanus a prime whale-watching location & a base from which to organise shark-cave diving. Further afield, the delights of the Garden Route unfold, with more inspiring scenery to be viewed on thrilling drives down the coast & over mountain passes.

As beautiful as the surrounding beaches and vineyards can be, it is the rugged wilderness of Table Mountain, coated in a unique flora that grabs everyone's attention

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

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Today is at leisure to enable you to enjoy & explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world (we will be happy to offer suggestions for “Optional” programs & arrange).

Morning, you will be picked up at around 08:30 am depart on a relaxing 8 hour journey to the Cape Peninsula, an area of wild natural beauty with breathtaking scenery, wildlife & vegetation around every corner.

Complementing the mountain's natural beauty is Cape Town's eye-catching way with design & colour in everything from the brightly painted façades of the Bo-Kaap & the Victorian bathing chalets of Muizenberg, to the contemporary Afro-chic decor of the many excellent guesthouses, restaurants & bars.

The city is crammed with galleries displaying amazing artworks & shops selling wonderfully inventive craftwork. It is also getting a reputation as the fashion nexus of South Africa. This creativity seems to spring naturally from the city's multi-ethnic population, proof of South Africa’s status as the rainbow nation & a visual record of the country's tumultuous recorded history of over 350 years.

For all the city centre's visual harmony & cosmopolitan atmosphere, you don't need to be in Cape Town for long to realise that the scars of modern South Africa's violent birth & apartheid adolescence still run deep. Seeing life in the townships may shock & upset, but you will also discover it's not a one-note story of grim survival. And there is ubuntu, true African hospitality & care for fellow human beings. Look across the city & you will also see people of all skin colours working together to make Cape Town a better place for everyone. Discovering the Mother City's true diversity & spirit is all part of getting the most out of a visit here.

Reality check aside, Cape Town is an old pro at showing visitors a good time. There may not be game parks on Kruger's scale, but there are plenty of great wildlife-spotting opportunities, from the Penguins at Boulders to the antelopes, buffaloes & black rhino at Solole Game Reserve. The restaurants & bars compare favourably with those of other cosmopolitan cities. There is a lively cultural scene, particularly when it comes to music, which pervades every corner of the city, and if outdoor activities & adrenaline buzzes are your thing, you have come to the right place.

The capital of Western Cape province and the parliamentary capital of the republic, Cape Town works in a way that so few cities on the African continent do. Historic buildings have been saved, businesses are booming, inner-city crime is coming under control & you will seldom be stuck for a parking space. Factor back in those stunning mountains, magnificent surf beaches & outstanding vineyards & you will soon discover - like many before you - that it is easy to lose track of time while exploring all the wonders of this unique Southern African city. Now don't you think it's time you made a date with Cape Town?

On this full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, we take in the beaches of Clifton & Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, where you may choose to join an optional boat cruise to Seal Island.

From here, drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian & Atlantic Oceans as well as have spectacular views over False Bay.

Enjoy lunch near here (not included - own account) before continuing to Simon’s Town, the naval base, & visiting the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, part of the Table Mountain National Park

Two colonies were established by Penguins in the 1980s on the mainland near Cape Town, namely Boulders Beach near Simon's Town & Stony Point in Betty's Bay, among a sandy, compact cove with large boulders, offering a home to waddling penguins & their nesting areas. Like other penguins, African penguins spend most of the day feeding in the ocean. Their land habitat can get quite warm, but bare skin on their legs & around their eyes helps them stay cool. These penguins are currently on the verge of extinction.

Summer is prime time to visit Boulders, when you will see the most penguin action. However, you can see the penguins throughout the year. Between September & October the birds spend much time feeding out at sea, so there are fewer penguins on the beach.

On the way back, you will pass the beautiful scenery of Simon's Town, Fish Hoek, the popular holiday resort of Muizenberg & stopping briefly at the world renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden, one of 10 National Gardens covering 5 of South Africa's different biomes & administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Return to the hotel by early evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure & if you are still in the mood to out, let us know (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

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Alas, the experience comes to an end & it is time to say good-bye to Africa’s warm hospitality & go home. It is the spirit of the people - pushing, shoving, sweating, dancing, singing & laughing - that infects so many visitors with a travel bug so powerful they will never stop coming back, sometimes against all sense or reason.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk, if you have the time to walk out). 

An astonishingly diverse region fused by its prolific wildlife, breathtaking landscapes & remnants of ancient culture, Africa’s natural history alone would make a dozen visits worthwhile - where else on earth can you fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring, or watch a million flamingos take off from the waters of a remote soda lake? Parts of Africa boast scenery so spectacular they will damn near blow your mind, but the essence of this incredible continent isn’t in any desert, mountain or lake. Southern Africa is Africa at its most memorable. Black-maned lions framed against Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains - this truly is a region of astounding diversity.

“When you leave Africa, as the plane lifts, you feel that more than leaving a continent you are leaving a state of mind. Whatever awaits you at the other end of your journey will be of a different order of existence.”  – Francesca Marciano

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Cape Town International Airport, for your onward journey. And we are sure South Africa or Africa will tempt you to come again.  B

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