Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg
Sunday 6 September 2026:
In the afternoon, fly into O.R Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where we will be met on arrival and transferred 45 minutes to our hotel in the affluent suburb of Sandton. This evening, we will have our Welcome Dinner (and briefing with our Guide) in the hotel’s Bull Run Restaurant.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton (or similar).
Destination Information:
Johannesburg - Johannesburg, known as Joburg or Jozi, is South Africa's largest city and a vibrant economic and cultural center. With a diverse population, it reflects the country's rich diversity. The city's history is linked to the discovery of gold - and today, it offers a blend of modern attractions, museums, art precincts and nearby nature reserves.
Sandton - Sandton is an affluent suburb in Johannesburg, known for its upscale lifestyle, business district and luxury amenities. It is also home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, offers high-end shopping and fine dining.
Day 2: Johannesburg to Graskop
Monday 7 September 2026:
After breakfast we’ll visit Constitution Hill before travelling approximately 5.5 hours to the Mpumalanga Panorama Route region. This is a charming and picturesque area surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, waterfalls and canyons - it serves as a gateway to the famous Kruger National Park.
Accommodation: Angels View Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Constitution Hill – Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.
Panorama Route – A scenic region in South Africa connecting several cultural and natural points of interest. One of South Africa’s most scenic drives explores the Mpumalanga Highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. Here you will experience the area where the plateau comes to an abrupt and dramatic end, falling steeply away into the Lowveld accompanied by incredible views out over the grasslands of the South African Lowveld region.
Day 3: Panorama Route
Tuesday 8 September 2026:
Today we will experience the Graskop Gorge Lift offering breathtaking views of the forest canopy, before continuing to the Lisbon Waterfall, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes - a natural wonder of swirling pools and rock formations. Marvel at the Three Rondavels, a majestic rock formation resembling traditional African huts. Check-in at our private (and 5-star!) game lodge accommodation – Abelana River Lodge. This stylish, newly rebuilt 20-room lodge offers spectacular views over the Selati River. As the day draws to a close, we’ll participate in our first dusk safari with the chance to spot local wildlife and indulge in a traditional ‘sun downer.’
Accommodation: Abelana River Lodge (or similar).
Destination Information:
Gorge Lift – A thrilling and unique forest experience offering a breath-taking view of the gorge below. The 51m lift consists of a glass-walled elevator that gently descends into the gorge, providing stunning panoramic views while at the base there is a network of suspended walkways to explore the forest floor, as well as the waterfall. Interactive exhibits and interpretation boards enable visitors to explore the diverse life that thrives under the dense canopy of trees. Note, only the front of the lift is glass, from waist height upwards.
God’s Window - Part of the larger Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, which is the third-largest canyon in the world. The name "God's Window" is derived from the local Tsonga people, who called it "Lisbona le khaleni," meaning "place of God." Standing on the edge of the cliff, visitors often feel as if they are at the edge of the world, looking out over a vast and untouched wilderness. Bourke’s Luck Potholes - A series of cylindrical rock formations created by centuries of erosion caused by the meeting of the Treur and Blyde rivers. The swirling whirlpools formed by the two rivers carried sand and rocks, slowly carving out these potholes in the bedrock. The name "Bourke's Luck" is a legend derived from the early gold rush days in the region. A man named Tom Bourke had a claim in the area but was unsuccessful in finding gold, unaware that he was quite close to a fortune. However, while he did not find gold, he did stumble upon this stunning geological marvel, and the name "Bourke's Luck" stuck.
Three Rondavels - The name "rondavel" originates from the traditional African hut, which is a circular-shaped dwelling with a thatched roof. The Three Rondavels were named because their rock formations resemble these traditional huts. The geological formations are made of quartzite and shale, and they stand proudly at the edge of the Blyde River Canyon. The first "rondavel" is named Makhonjwa, the second is named Modjadji, and the third is called Maseroto.
Day 4: Greater Kruger National Park
Wednesday 9 September 2026:
Game drives are the primary way to explore this park. These guided safari tours are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, allowing you to get close to the animals while staying safe. Experienced safari guides lead the drives and are skilled at spotting wildlife and sharing their knowledge about the animals and their habitats. Safaris take place during the early morning and late afternoon to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, as many animals are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
A typical day while on safari is:
Wake Up Call at 05h00.
Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate Served with Rusk's in the Main lodge area.
Morning Game Drive commences at 05h30, and returns to the lodge at 08h30 - 09h00 for Breakfast.
Lunch is served at 13h00 – 15h00.
Afternoon Game Drive commences at approximately 16h00, and returns to the lodge at 19h00, after which Dinner is served at 19h30.
Accommodation: Abelana River Lodge (or similar).
Destination Information:
Greater Kruger National Park - One of Africa's premier and most renowned game reserves. It is in the northeastern part of South Africa, bordering Mozambique to the east and Zimbabwe to the north. Covering an immense area of approximately 19,485 square kilometres the park is larger than some countries and is considered one of the largest and oldest national parks on the continent. This region incorporates a great number of private reserves also adding to the conservation area of the region. Kruger National Park's primary purpose is to protect and preserve a wide variety of wildlife species and their natural habitats.
Day 5: Greater Kruger National Park
Thursday 10 September 2026:
Game drives are the primary way to explore this park. These guided safari tours are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, allowing you to get close to the animals while staying safe. Experienced safari guides lead the drives and are skilled at spotting wildlife and sharing their knowledge about the animals and their habitats. Safaris take place during the early morning and late afternoon to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, as many animals are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
A typical day while on safari is:
Wake Up Call at 05h00.
Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate Served with Rusk's in the Main lodge area.
Morning Game Drive commences at 05h30, and returns to the lodge at 08h30 - 09h00 for Breakfast.
Lunch is served at 13h00 – 15h00.
Afternoon Game Drive commences at approximately 16h00, and returns to the lodge at 19h00, after which Dinner is served at 19h30.
Accommodation: Abelana River Lodge (or similar).
Destination Information:
Greater Kruger National Park - One of Africa's premier and most renowned game reserves. It is in the northeastern part of South Africa, bordering Mozambique to the east and Zimbabwe to the north. Covering an immense area of approximately 19,485 square kilometres the park is larger than some countries and is considered one of the largest and oldest national parks on the continent. This region incorporates a great number of private reserves also adding to the conservation area of the region. Kruger National Park's primary purpose is to protect and preserve a wide variety of wildlife species and their natural habitats.
Day 6: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Friday 11 September 2026:
After our last Morning Game Drive and breakfast, we’ll depart for Johannesburg, travelling about 5 hours by coach to the Airport. We’ll then board our 2-hour flight to Gqeberha, where upon arrival we’ll check into the hotel and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation:
The Beach Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Gqeberha – Previously called Port Elizabeth and often referred to as PE, our destination is a coastal city in the Eastern Cape province and is a major seaport and tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, and diverse range of attractions. Gqeberha (pronounced as "gqe-ber-ha") is derived from the isiXhosa language, which is one of the official languages of South Africa. The name change is intended to honour and acknowledge the Xhosa heritage and the historical significance of the region.
Day 7: Gqeberha - Knysna
Saturday 12 September 2026:
Depart this morning for Knysna and enroute we will tour the Oudebosch Protea Farm, learning about the country's national flower. Then, continue further to Tsitsikamma National Park - a protected area renowned for its stunning coastal and forest landscape. Further south, we’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Knysna which boasts a beautiful lagoon, the Knysna Heads and has a vibrant waterfront where we’ll be having dinner later that night.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (or similar).
Destination Information:
Oudebosch Protea Farm – Learn about proteas and how they are propagated and enjoy a tour through the packing shed where the flowers are mainly prepared for export.
Tsitsikamma National Forest – A protected area along the Garden Route with highlights that include its coastal beauty, Storms River Mouth with a suspension bridge and ancient indigenous forests. Knysna - A stunning coastal town with two striking sandstone cliffs that form a narrow entrance lagoon. Both offer panoramic views with the Eastern Head being inhabited while the Western Head is unpopulated and is a privately-owned nature reserve called Featherbed.
Day 8: Knysna - Oudtsoorn
Sunday 13 September 2026:
Today’s highlight is The Featherbed Eco Experience, an enchanting adventure that takes visitors on a scenic boat cruise across the Knysna Lagoon. Afterwards a guided 4x4 ride leads you to the top of the western head, offering breathtaking views of the lagoon, ocean, and mountains. A gentle nature walk through the coastal forest provides insights into the area's unique flora and fauna. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in this picturesque setting before continuing our journey to Oudtsoorn for the night.
Accommodation: Surval Boutique Olive Estate (or similar).
Destination Information:
Featherbed Eco Experience - The privately-owned Featherbed Nature Reserve is a pristine piece of land situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is only accessible by ferry. This 4-hour outing includes a ferry cruise, 4×4 vehicle drive and a 2.2 km guided nature walk. The views are breathtaking, and the knowledgeable nature guides will share their insights of the area, fauna and flora.
Day 9: Oudtsoorn - Cape Town
Monday 14 September 2026:
Today in Oudtshoorn, we’ll explore the fascinating Cango Caves, a subterranean wonder with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. From there, we’ll head to an ostrich farm for a tractor tour and enjoy a scrumptious lunch featuring ostrich delicacies. Then, our drive on Route 62 continues to Cape Town. Today’s journey and sightseeing will last approximately 8 hours.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Cango Caves - Formed millions of years ago through the slow dissolution of underground rock by water. Here, we’ll learn about the real discoverers and inhabitants of the cave with a comfortable walk through the most majestic of the cave chambers.
Oudtshoorn – Experience the world’s only Tractor Tour of an Ostrich Farm while you get up close and personal with the world’s largest bird. Drive inside the breeder bird camps - and also to be seen are the second largest birds, the Emus.
Day 10: Cape Town
Tuesday 15 September 2026:
Start today with an orientation tour into the rich history and vibrant culture of this stunning city known as Cape Town. We’ll drive past the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens and Houses of Parliament. Lunch will be quite the experience in the Bo-Kaap Kombuis neighborhood. Offering an authentic Cape Malay cooking demonstration that is hands-on, we’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like samosas, rotis, dhaltjies and Cape Malay curry. Later in the day, get ready to ascend Table Mountain (weather permitting) via the cableway for breathtaking panoramic views. Afterward, we’ll discover the magic of a diamond’s journey in South Africa. Shaped by nature, we’ll see how diamonds are transformed from mine to finger. *Note, should Table Mountain be closed due to weather, a drive-up Signal Hill for photo opportunities will be provided.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Table Mountain – An iconic natural wonder standing proudly at over 1,000 meters above sea level. This flat-topped mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, its surrounding coastline and the majestic Atlantic Ocean.
Day 11: The Peninsular
Wednesday 16 September 2026:
Begin today with a thrilling 45-minute sea island cruise, where you can witness playful seals in their natural habitat. Weather permitting, we’ll also embark on a spectacular drive along Chapman's Peak to witness views of the Atlantic Ocean, whilst discovering the rugged beauty of Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. We’ll also see the historic Cape Point Lighthouse for more stunning panoramic vistas. Finally, stop at the famous Boulders Beach to see the resident penguin colony and these charming creatures up close. Touring this magnificent peninsular last for approximately 8 hours. We end this day with an unforgettable dinner at Gold Restaurant with live entertainment.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Sea Island Cruise – A wondrous ocean safari to see seals, a variety of birds and beautiful landscapes. On occasion you will see majestic whales, joyful dolphins and various other sea life. All vessels have a fully licensed bar, state-of-the-art sound system and full toilet facilities. The Nauticat also has glass bottom windows which make for incredible underwater viewing.
Chapman’s Peak - Chapman's Peak is a spectacular coastal road and mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs and the picturesque coastline.
Boulders Beach – Famous for its adorable colony of African penguins. The beach's picturesque setting, with granite boulders and clear waters, makes it a serene spot to relax and observe the penguins in their natural habitat.
Gold Restaurant - GOLD Restaurant in Cape Town offers an authentic African experience. So much more than just an African restaurant, a night at GOLD is an immersive experience that will take you on a 14-dish taste safari paired with traditional Mali puppets and entertainment. Dinner is accompanied by interactive entertainment, and one cannot help but be swept up in the excitement of archetypal African stories told through the live entertainment, which includes praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums.
Day 12: Robben Island
Thursday 17 September 2026:
For most, today will be an absolute highlight! Weather permitting, we’ll begin in the morning with a ferry ride across to Robben Island to learn about this prison complex, and to feel a small portion of what it must have been like incarcerated as a Freedom Fighter. Lunch will be in the V&A Waterfront area at Gibsons Restaurant where we’ll be joined by none other than Christo Brand who speak to us about what it was like on Robben Island as one of Nelson Mandela’s prison guards. Afterwards, you’ll have some time at leisure to explore the waterfront area and hit the shops!
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Robben Island - The prison tour will be conducted by an official Robben Island Tour Guide as part of the island’s integrated tour model. Guides are fully conversant and knowledgeable about the Island’s multi-layered 500-year-old history. The tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.
Christo Brand - Christo Brand is a South African former prison guard who was one of several that were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old. In 1982 he was transferred along with Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. Christo retired from Robben Island on 31st July 2018 to pursue his story-telling and writing on a full-time basis.
Day 13: Winelands
Friday 18 September 2026:
Embark on a delightful Winelands tour exploring world renowned regions, starting in Stellenbosch at Blaauwklippen Vineyards. We’ll also briefly see the town before making our way to the charming village of Franschhoek. Boschendal Wine Farm awaits with its picturesque vineyards and rich history. Taste exquisite wines and savour a delicious 3-course lunch at Haute Cabriere, offering magnificent views of the valley. Discover the art of winemaking and sample their finest vintages. You will enjoy approximately 7 hours discovering this picturesque region.
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel (or similar).
Destination Information:
Winelands Region – A wine lover's paradise and a feast for the senses. With its picturesque vineyards, historic estates, and stunning landscapes, it offers a memorable escape from city life. Indulge in wine tastings, explore charming towns with Cape Dutch architecture, and savor delectable cuisine at a top-notch restaurant.
Day 14: Cape Town - Victoria Falls
Saturday 19 September 2026:
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Cape Town International Airport where we board our direct flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Once checked into the hotel adjacent to the town’s golf course, enjoy a peaceful and unforgettable afternoon sunset cruise (selected beverages and canapes included) along the majestic Zambezi River. Here we hope to spot hippos and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks, with elephants often appearing to drink at the water’s edge.
Accommodation: Insika Lodge (or similar).
Destination Information:
Victoria Falls – Victoria Falls thunders with breathtaking power, as the Zambezi River plunges dramatically into the gorge below. Known as "The Smoke That Thunders," the falls create a towering mist visible for miles, while rainbows dance in the spray.
Day 15: Victoria Falls
Sunday 20 September 2026:
With our guide this morning, we’ll wander along a pathway through lush rainforest (hearing the roar of tumbling water getting louder and louder) to reach several different lookout points. Before us will be one of the world's most awe-inspiring sights - Victoria Falls. A whopping 1,708m across with a 100m drop into the Zambezi Gorge, the falls have been mesmerizing travelers with its sheer power and beauty for centuries. After walking, we can fortify once again with lunch at the iconic Lookout Café, open air and boasting glorious views of the Batoka Gorge. This will give you the energy to explore the local village and to buy some last-minute souvenirs before a very special Afternoon High Tea at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel - a fabulous way to Farewell what has been an incredible “Girl’s on Tour.”
Accommodation: Insika Lodge (or similar).
Day 16: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg
Monday 21 September 2026:
Sadly, today we farewell our newly found friends and transfer to the Victoria Falls International Airport for our flight to Johannesburg, and then begin the journey home later in the afternoon.
Day 17: Johannesburg - Auckland
Tuesday 22 September 2026:
Travel back to New Zealand.
