Ultimate South Africa Tour (18 Days)

Elephant seen at a Waterhole on a South Africa Tour The Ultimate South Africa Tour is luxury tour of the highlights of South Africa. The tour is private and can start on any date specified by clients.

Areas which are visited include Pretoria, the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, the Phinda Private Game Reserve, the Zimbali Coastal Resort , the Garden Route and Cape Town. This tour is ideally suited to those seeking an extensive South African experience which explores the country from fine five star hotels and lodges.

Prices vary depending on the time of year and the size of your traveling party. Please send us a request with your particular requirements. We will return a detailed no obligation quotation to you within 24hrs of receiving the request. We can quote you in any currency of your choice. Bookings confirmed with a deposit more than six months in advance is subject to a discount of 5%.
Tour Price:	From R58 427 (South African Rand) per person sharing
Tour Starting Date:	Any date specified by clients, this is a private tour
Tour Starting Point:	Anywhere in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Tour Ending Point:	Anywhere in Cape Town
What is Included:	Below the detailed itinerary
What is Excluded:	Below the detailed itinerary

Detailed Tour Itinerary Day 1: Pretoria Guests are met upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International and are transferred to the Lombardy Hotel, set in a country estate on the outskirts of Pretoria, the South African capital city. The rest of the day is spent relaxing after the long journey. During the early evening guests are invited to a traditional South African BBQ with their hosts.
Overnight: Lombardy
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Timbavati Guests are transferred to O.R. Tambo Airport for a flight to Hoedspruit where they are met and transferred to Kings Camp, situated within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. The reserve consists of prime wildlife habitat, its western boundary forms part of the western boundary of the two million hectare Greater Kruger National Park, which is one of the world's premier conservation areas. The late afternoon is devoted to a first game drive in search of Africa's Legendary Big Five in an area where many other mammal and bird species grace the African Savannah and give meaning to the words " Spirit of Africa". The game drives are conducted by skilled rangers and trackers on open 4X4 vehicles.
Overnight: Kings Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Timbavati It is off to an early start as coffee and rusks are enjoyed in the dining area before embarking on a morning safari in the Timbavati Reserve. During the period shortly following sunrise the bush comes alive with the sound of bird song, indicating the start of another day in the African Wilderness. The various mammals shake off the tension of the night when they are at their most vulnerable to the predators in the area. The morning game drive is followed by some time for relaxation before guests have the opportunity to experience a bush walk guided by an armed ranger, The late afternoon is once again devoted to an open 4X4 safari, which extends into the evening.
Overnight: Kings Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 4: Timbavati A rare phenomenon in the area is the White Lion cubs which are on occasion born to the Lion prides of the area. This phenomenon seems to be limited only to this area and the potential of spotting a white lion in its natural surroundings is sure to be an exciting prospect. Three of these beasts have recently been re-introduced to the area after some years where they were protected away from the Timbavati. It must be said that the chances are remote but the morning and afternoon game drives are sure to be rewarded by sightings of grassland game species and members of the Big Five in an area where a large number of plant and mammal species can be observed untouched by time and humanity.
Overnight: Kings Camp
Meals: Full Board

Day 5: Maputoland A last morning safari in the Timbavati is followed by a transfer to a local airstrip where guests board a charter flight heading for Phinda in the northern part of the Kwa Zulu Natal Province. The reserve is unique in the fact that its 18 500 Hectares encompasses seven unique eco- systems. It borders the Greater St Lucia Wetland and is home to an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five. Arrival at the Phinda Private Game Reserve is followed by lunch and some time for relaxation before enjoying a first afternoon safari in this reserve.
Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 6: Maputoland The African dawn is filled with bird song and the sounds of a land awakening to the new day as a first open 4X4 safari is conducted by your experienced ranger and tracker.The possibility of finding predators on a kill made during the night adds to the excitement. The safari returns to camp for a late breakfast after which guests are allowed some time for relaxation or a bush walk before embarking on an afternoon safari which is extended into the evening.
Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 7: Dolphin Coast A last morning game drive at Phinda is followed by breakfast. Guests are then transferred along the Kwa Zulu Natal North Coast to Zimbali. Zimbali is the finest coastal resort in South Africa and set in lush vegetation on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers many different entertainment options , not least being a championship golf course which is regarded as one of the finest in Kwa Zulu Natal.
Overnight: Zimbali
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Dolphin Coast The day is spent at leisure. The North Coast is a favorite for both locals and international visitors due to its warm coastal climate, miles of beaches and summer sunshine. The area has many beautiful swimming beaches, great waves for surfing, tidal pools and excellent fishing spots.
Overnight: Zimbali
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Dolphin Coast The day is spent at leisure. There are many activities you can indulge in like tennis, horse riding, bird and butterfly watching or a relaxing spoil in the Health Spa where guests can treat themselves to the health and luxury they deserve, with a whole range of therapies such as: 4 treatment rooms for body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and a Health Hydro Shower.
Overnight: Zimbali
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Garden Route It's off to an early start as guests are transferred to Durban Airport for a flight to George set in the heart of the magnificent Garden Route area. Guests are met at the airport and travel to George Station where they board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. The Choo-Tjoe is the very last of the scheduled South African steam railway services and it plies between George and Knysna daily. The Choo-Tjoe starts its journey from George and puffs its way through Victoria Bay, over the Kaaiman’s River Bridge, through Wilderness and over the Goukamma Valley before descending to Knysna. Some dramatic scenery which brings to life the grandeur of the garden route is enjoyed by a means of travel which reminds one of a gentler and more romantic age, is sure to make this an unforgettable experience.
Overnight: St James of Knysna
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11: Garden Route The Outeniqua Mountains form the barrier which divides the semi arid interior from the lush coastal plains of the Garden Route. The tour crosses this barrier via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. The town is situated in the great valley which is known as the little Karoo, with the Langeberge and Outeniqua ranges forming its boundary to the east and the Swartberge forming its Western boundary. Our first stop is the Cango Caves which lie in the foothills of the Swartberge. A great cave system which is amongst the worlds largest and is blessed with elaborate drip stone formations, the highest of which stands 12.6m tall. The caves extend up to about 1600m into the Limestone rich hills and is a truly impressive sight. Some time for lunch is followed by a short drive to an Ostrich Farm where we focus on the farming of these the largest of the worlds birds. Great fortunes where built in the heyday of the industry when the feathers where prized fashion accessories. Today the meat with its low fat content is sought after in a world ever more preoccupied by healthy living and the leather is prized raw material in the production of fashion accessories. The brave can even endeavor to go on an Ostrich ride before we make our way back to the overnight destination.
Overnight: St James of Knysna
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12: Garden Route After breakfast the tour crosses the Knysna Lagoon by Ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A unique 150 ha private Nature Reserve which encompasses the entire Western Head of Knysna with spectacular views across the Lagoon and the ocean as well as the treacherous passage between the two which claimed many a ship during Knysna's days as an exporter of timber. The reserve is one of South Africa's heritage sights. It is home to two of the Garden Route's icons, namely the Knysna Loerie and the Blue Duiker, one of Africa's smallest antelope species. The afternoon brings the tour to Plettenberg Bay where the finest beaches in the Garden Route offer the perfect sunning experience , relaxing in the sun or braving the waves of the Indian Ocean. The tour makes its way back to the overnight destination after a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.
Overnight: St James of Knysna
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13: Overberg The tour travels south to the Town of Swellendam, which is situated at the foot of the Langeberge, arguably one of the most scenically impressive mountain ranges in South Africa. Some time spent exploring this historical town is followed by a journey to the coastal town of Hermanus which is the best place in the world from which to do land based whale watching from May to November. The late afternoon is spent at leisure relaxing on the shores of Walker Bay.
Overnight: Marine Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14: Overberg The Heaven and Earth valley situated a stone's throw from Hermanus, combines the ideal soil and climatic conditions to produce the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. We devote some time to visiting two of the finest wineries in the area namely Hamilton & Russell as well as Buchard Finlayson. Upon completion of the wine tour we make our way back to Hermanus where the afternoon is devoted to exploring the coastline surrounding Hermanus before enjoying sundowners at Onrus Lagoon.
Overnight: Marine Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15: Cape Town The Kleinmond Lagoon which is the largest in South Africa is viewed shortly after leaving Hermanus en route to the South African mother city. We travel the coastal route traversing the towns of Betties Bay and Rooi Els before reaching the National Highway at Gordon's Bay. From here we make our way to the hotel which is situated on Cape Town's famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Overnight: Cape Grace
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16: Cape Town We devote the day to experiencing some of the highlights which have made Cape Town one of the worlds most visited cities. Table Mountain which towers over the city and is one of the most recognizable landfalls in the world is first on the agenda. A cable car ride to the top of the mountain exposes some wonderful views of the city and the surrounding peninsula. Some time is then devoted to the history of the city as the tour visits the Kompanje Gardens and the Cape Castle which has played such a pivotal role in the protection of the area during days gone by.
Overnight: Cape Grace
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17: Cape Town The wine producing region of the Boland is situated about 40 minutes from Cape Town. The region is home to some of the finest architecture in the country and also creates the backdrop to some of the countries most beautiful and historically significant towns. We visit the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and devote some time to experiencing two or three of the regions best sellers, where some of South Africa's finest can be sampled. The wine producing region is one of the highlights of this South African Tour.
Overnight: Cape Grace
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 18: Departure
After a morning spent at leisure , shopping at the Waterfront or just relaxing by the pool, guests are transferred to Cape Town International Airport for a flight back to their country of origin after a memorable luxury South Africa Tour.

Overnight: None

Meals: Breakfast

African Sky has been conducting quality South Africa Tours and African Tours for more than 10 years. We offer both luxury tours as well as family tours in South Africa and Southern Africa. If none of our standard South African Tour itineraries meet with your approval, we will gladly tailor make a tour to suit your requirements.

Ultimate South Africa Tour Includes:
- Accommodation as specified in the Itinerary
- Flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
- Flight from Hoedspruit to Phinda
- Flight from Durban to George
- Services of a registered guide/Resident Rangers
- Meals as specified in the Itinerary
- Tourism Levy
- All Applicable Taxes
- All Land Transportation in air conditioned vehicles
- All Activities and Entrance fees to places mentioned in the itinerary
- All Park Fees if Applicable

Ultimate South Africa Tour Excludes:
- International Airfare (Getting to South Africa and getting back home)
- Personal and Medical Insurance
- Activities not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Meals not specifically stated in the itinerary

Ultimate South Africa Tour - 18 Days (Code T37)