Dreaming of Africa

Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Spend the morning at the Apartheid Museum, learning about South Africa's struggle for freedom, human rights and equality and the resilience and determination of those who fought for it. Depart the city for the magnificent Mpumalanga province, ending up among the spectacular panoramas of the Drakensberg Mountains. Here, you are at the gateway of the famous Kruger National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Discover the scenic wonders of the Panorama Route today, starting with a ride on the Graskop Gorge Lift for sweeping forest views. Visit God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the striking Three Rondavels. Then check in to the luxurious Abelana River Lodge, set along the Selati River. As evening falls, head out on your first dusk safari, spot wildlife and enjoy a classic Africa 'sundowner' to toast the adventure ahead.

You will spend today among the wilderness of one of the largest and oldest game reserves on the African continent. Greater Kruger National Park protects an extraordinary wealth of wildlife, including the infamous Big Five, and a diverse range of habitats. You'll head out on safari in open 4x4 vehicles twice a day, at dawn and in the late afternoon, to maximise your chances of spotting some wonderful creatures, the rest of the time spent at leisure at the game lodge.

A safari in the Greater Kruger National Park is an unparalleled adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. This vast and biodiverse region offers the chance to encounter the iconic Big Five and a plethora of other magnificent creatures. With an expert guide leading game drives and walking safaris, you can explore the wilderness up close, gaining insights into the intricate ecosystems that thrive here.

Transfer back to Johannesburg and fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). On arrival, transfer to your hotel in time for dinner.

Depart Gqeberha, stopping off at the Oudebosch Protea Farm to learn more about South Africa’s national flower. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park, a beautiful stretch of wild coastline, where you can explore the untouched forest and cross the Storms River Mouth on the picturesque suspension bridge. The journey ends at Knysna, called the 'jewel of the Garden Route', a charming town set between the Knysna Heads on a beautiful lagoon

Today will be spent on the Featherbed Eco Experience, an adventure through the beauty of Knysna. It begins with a scenic boat cruise across the lagoon, followed by a guided tractor ride up to the top of the western head, part of the Featherbed nature reserve, for panoramic views. There’ll then be a nature walk through the coastal forests to learn more about the region’s unique flora and fauna, finishing off with a delicious lunch among nature. Go on to travel to Oudtshoorn before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostriches. While here you’ll visit the fascinating Cango Caves for a walk through the magnificent underground chambers, and an ostrich farm where you’ll take a tractor tour to meet the resident birds and dine on ostrich delicacies for lunch. Continue to Cape Town, passing through plenty of breathtaking scenery as you go.

Today begins with an orientation tour, delving into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Drive past the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens and Houses of Parliament before stopping for lunch at Bo-Kaap Kombuis where you’ll have a cooking demonstration before dining on authentic Cape Malay cuisine. Then, ascend Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain via the cableway for amazing views over the city, along the coast and out to sea.

Start the day with an ocean safari around the Cape Peninsula’s islands, spotting lazing seals, a huge variety of seabirds and dramatic coastal landscapes. Then take a spectacular drive along Chapman'ss Peak, a coastal road that hugs the mountains and gives sweeping views of the Atlantic. Head to Cape Point and look out over the meeting of the waters of the Indian and Atlantic oceans from the historic Cape Point Lighthouse. The final stop of the day is Boulders Beach where you can wander walkways that pass through a colony of delightful African penguins. Return to Cape Town and sit down to a final night dinner at Gold Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy an immersive and authentic African experience.

Today is sure to be a highlight. Weather permitting, take a ferry to Robben Island for a guided tour led by expert storytellers, sharing the island’s layered 500-year history, including Mandelass cell, leper graveyard, and the lime quarry. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Gibson's in the V&A Waterfront, where we’ll be joined by Christo Brand, former prison guard and close friend of Nelson Mandela, who’ll share his moving personal experiences on Robben Island.

From Cape Town, embark on a tour of the renowned Cape Winelands, a region that is an absolute feast for the senses. Starting in Stellenbosch, tour the town before continuing to Franschhoek, where you’ll spend some time at the historic Boschendal Wine Estate. Learn about the art of winemaking, taste some of their exquisite vintages and enjoy lunch at Haute Cabriere with views over the valley.

After breakfast, we fly direct from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival and check-in at our lodge, enjoy a serene sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, complete with canapés and selected drinks. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the banks. It's a peaceful yet unforgettable introduction to this iconic region, home to one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Victoria Falls, 'The Smoke That Thunders.'

This morning, walk with your guide through rainforest paths to multiple viewpoints of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, 1,708m wide and plunging 100m into the Zambezi Gorge. After soaking in the spectacle, enjoy lunch at the open-air Lookout Café with stunning views of Batoka Gorge. Later, browse the local village for souvenirs before a special farewell: Afternoon High Tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, an elegant finale to an unforgettable 'Girls on Tour' adventure.

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.