Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be greeted by a local representative in the Arrivals Area, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. Continue through immigration, baggage collection and customs, before you are transferred directly to your hotel for a smooth and easy start to your adventure! En route to your hotel, your guide will give provide you with a brief Orientation of the city. (This service is on a group basis.)

Johannesburg

Welcome to the City of Gold. Johannesburg is the pulsating heart of South Africa's industrial and commercial life, where more than a mile below the bustling city traffic, miners still dig for the world's most precious metal. This city may not be known for its natural beauty, but there is certainly enough to keep you entertained. From its botanical gardens, picturesque lakes, historic museums, art galleries and variety of cultural excursions to Soweto, Lesedi, Pretoria or the Cradle of Humanity, the possibilities are endless. Johannesburg is also known for its world class design in gold and diamond jewelry, ethnic fashion, arts and crafts.

This morning, you will travel north into the region of Mpumalanga and Safari Country. On route, you will stop at the magnificent sights that the Panorama Route has to offer.

The mountainous escarpment of Mpumalanga provides you with stunning views of the Lowveld. The route includes sights such as God’s Window, with its spectacular views across the Lowveld, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, with its extraordinary rock formations, the Blyde River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the World and the famous Three Rondavels.

After soaking up the views, continue your drive to the Lodge (approximate driving time is 5- 6 hours without stops). (This service is on a group basis.)

Limpopo

Located in the northeast region of the country, the Limpopo Province is named after the mighty Limpopo River, which borders Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. The rocky terrain of mountains and outcrops here peak out over the grassy plains and Baobabs that stand against a backdrop of rich sunsets and arid stretches of scrublands. A vast diversity of wildlife is found in this area of reserves, which include Welgevonden, Marakele and of course, Kruger. The towns of Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa are important gateways into the Kruger National Park, while Tzaneen sustains the agricultural heart of this successful fruit-growing region. The majestic Waterberg Mountains are encompassed in the Waterberg Biosphere, one of the most scenic landscapes of the province. Taking these fascinating features into consideration, the opportunities for exciting action and exquisite photos here are simply endless.

Lodge Activities

Traversing over the 9000 hectares of supreme African bushveld, Shiduli Private Game Lodge is home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, and Elephant) as well as a wealth of other creatures. Our open vehicle game drives are perfect for game viewing. Enjoy a sundowner while the sun sets over the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.

The magnificent game viewing makes for perfect photographic opportunities; enjoy the view of the Lowveld from a “kopje” amid the lush vegetation, huge variety of trees and over 365 different bird species. Game drives are conducted with our qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers – who will share their vast experience of the African Bush and a chance to view Cheetah on foot. (This service is on a group basis.)

After an early breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you and begin your overland journey into Swaziland. You will be transferred directly to your accommodations outside of the capital Mbabane where you can rest and enjoy the evening at your leisure (approximate driving time is a 5- 6 hours without stops and not accounting for border crossing). (This service is on a group basis.)

Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland, to the south of the Kruger, provides a fascinating cultural and wildlife experience; a beautiful, peaceful and relatively prosperous African country. The Swazis have a well-developed sense of their own culture and are open-minded and friendly in their outlook. It is a small country but with several ecological zones from rain forest in the northwest to savanna grassland in the dry eastern parts. The western edge of the kingdom is heavily forested with deep gorges, lush valleys and fast flowing rivers and waterfalls. From Mbabane, you descend to the grassland plateau containing many tropical fruit farms, where the majority of people live. The Swazis are renowned craftsmen, and you can buy terrific examples of basket ware, colorful fabrics, carvings, and Mother of Pearl in friendly markets and roadside stalls.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast this morning before you continue back into South Africa. Your guide and driver will transfer you through the wilds of Zululand to your new accommodations and base of exploration (approximate driving time is 4- 5 hours without stops). (This service is on a group basis.)

Zululand

Untamed and wild, Zululand is claimed by game parks and eco-reserves teaming with life. Extensive tracts of bush abut coastal stretches of swamp and vegetated dunes. Woodland forests open up onto lakes and rivers, and sandy beaches flow into seas and lagoons. Zululand is vitally alive, from the smallest creature seen on nature hikes, to the big tusker elephants which sway through the parks, disdainful of excited human onlookers. Nature conservation is of prime importance here, and some of the world’s most endangered species are carefully protected and nurtured.

The area’s biodiversity offers both water and land-based game experiences, providing a uniquely well-rounded safari which includes big 5, marine and wetlands animals. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park is home to a healthy population of highly endangered black and white rhino and at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles can be witnessed laying their eggs on the very beaches from which they hatched many years before. The turtle’s ability to navigate back to their place of birth is still a source of wonder in the world of science. World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso offers supreme diving, a variety of ecological zones and claims the world’s highest vegetated dunes. Zululand's private reserves afford both luxury and a top safari experience. The region is grounded in the culture and traditions of its people, dating back to feared warrior king, Shaka, and visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the locals, explore traditional villages and enjoy a tasty meal while listening to harmonious singing.

Hotel Activities

The Idyllic African Centerpiece is nestled between the Hluhluwe Game Reserve – home to the Big Five, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. Here you will experience the wild nature of Africa, rejoice in the luxury and revel in the friendly warmth of one of Africa’s most welcoming hotels.

Today, you will depart on a 2-hour cruise aboard a luxury passenger ferry to explore the St Lucia Estuary for close up sightings of Hippo, Crocodile, Mangrove Swamps, Bird Watching and more. The main emphasis of the day is for you to leave the boat with a vast knowledge of the ecosystems and go home with photographs and memories that will last a lifetime! The boat is equipped with a fully licensed bar, tuck shop, toilets, public address system and sundeck for better viewing. The cruiser is renowned for having skippers and guides who are as enthusiastic about the tour as our customers and is built to venture into shallow waters for those close-up photographs.

After your cruise, you will return to dry land and your hotel to end the day with an afternoon Safari game drive. (This service is on a group basis.)

After breakfast and check out, you will continue your journey to Durban. Upon your arrival, after check-in, you will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure (approximate driving time is 3 - 4 hours without stops). (This service is on a group basis.)

Durban

Durban's beautiful coast line and sandy beaches paired with it's subtropical climate makes it a great destination on the eastern seaboard of South Africa. The city provides visitors with a unique set of experiences that go from the beach and into the heart of Durban’s diverse culture, urban lifestyle and scenic diversity. The city of Durban is also a great location to enjoy the surrounding natural beauties.

Half Day City Tour

Today, you will experience South Africa’s third-largest city on a private exploration. The tour starts along the "Golden Mile" with its beaches, curio sellers, and rickshaw pullers. A slow drive through the city center offers an ideal opportunity to see the historic Farewell Square and the classic architecture of the City Hall, Central Post Office, Play House and Local History Museum. Continue from there, to visit the outskirts of the city and the leafy suburbs of the Berea en-route to the Killie Campbell Museum. This is the former home of the Campbell family, who were prominent philanthropists and collectors. Your next stop will be the Mashu Museum of Ethnology, which includes artworks, cultural artifacts and an extensive beadwork collection reflecting the colorful and vigorous tradition of the Zulu people. Finish off an exciting day, with a visit to the stately Kings House, followed by a short walk through the lovely Botanic Gardens, which were founded back in 1849. (This service is on a group basis.)

After your exploratory walk through Durban, you will be transferred to the King Shaka International airport for your flight to Cape Town where upon your arrival, collect your luggage and make your way to your waiting coach. You will be transferred to your hotel for an afternoon free to explore at your leisure. (This service is on a group basis.)

*Please note - This flight is not included at this time but can be arranged upon request.

Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest, while it's unique cultural blend of part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience. Take the cable car or walk up Table Mountain, visit the colorful Malay quarter or meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Browse through the vibrant Greenmarket Square, take a boat trip to Robben Island or simply relax on the beach. When you want to explore further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. Here, you might see whales breaching just off the bay or quirky African penguins on Boulder's beach. With so much to do and see in Cape Town, adventure truly awaits!

City Highlights, Table Mountain & Robin Island

Today, you will explore the city of Cape Town, known affectionately as the Mother City. Your tour will take you into the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679 and also South Africa’s oldest building), the lively Greenmarket Square, the Company Gardens, and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula. (the cable car fee is included but it is weather dependent and is usually closed for annual maintenance from the last week of July to Mid August).

As you come back down from the mountain, make a stop at Bo-Kaap, home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly colored houses. From here, you have the choice of being dropped off at the Waterfront to experience this vibrant location at your own pace, with its many shops, restaurants, and pubs - or at your hotel to end the tour. Lunch can be enjoyed at the V&A Waterfront. (On own account)

This afternoon, you will make your way to The Clock Tower to board the Robben Island Ferry (weather dependent). This intriguing excursion begins at the Clock Tower, also known as the Nelson Mandela Gateway, in the V&A Waterfront, where you need to gather at least a half an hour before the ferry is scheduled to depart for Robben Island. The Island was a training and defense station in World War 2 and has also served as a place of banishment, isolation, and imprisonment, which became world famous as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.

Today, it is a World Heritage Site and museum which acts as a focal point of South African heritage. It runs educational programmes for schools and facilitates tourism development - a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom. As your ferry arrives at the Island, you are joined by a local guide, someone who spent time there during the Apartheid years and is thus able to give a personal and often moving account of the experience and see the cell where Nelson Mandela spent a large part of his life.

After a most interesting time of gleaning "behind the scenes" history, the ferry will take you back to the V&A Waterfront. (This service is on a group basis.)

Cape Point & Peninsula Tour

Today, you will embark on a full day tour of the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Your adventure begins with a drive along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountain views. From here, you will continue via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. This spot is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Venture out to historic Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways offer the opportunity to view the penguins in their natural habitat.

After stopping for lunch, you will be taken to visit the popular Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The Garden includes five of South Africa’s six different biomes and is world renowned for its featured diversity of the Cape Flora, in addition to the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. You will be returned to your hotel at around 5:30 PM this evening, at the end of a fascinating day. (This service is on a group basis.)

Although your South African Adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, the majestic view's or do some last minute shopping before your guide transfer's you to the local airport for your International departure flight home. (This service is on a group basis.)

We hope you had an incredible journey and we wish you safe and happy travels home!.