Best of Southern Africa

Day 1: VIP Meet & Greet: OR Tambo International Airport Welcome to Johannesburg! You will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board, and your documents will be handed over to you. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be shown to your awaiting transfer vehicle. Please note: Should your arrival aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal, you will be transported to the terminal by bus. Your Meet and Greet will then be waiting for you as you step off the bus with the paging board. Please note: There is a 15% surcharge for after hours (after 19h00 and before 07h00) Welcome to Johannesburg... Johannesburg stems from gold and diamond mining, dating back to the 1800's, and the city's local name, Egoli, means The City of Gold. Today Johannesburg is the powerhouse of Africa and home to the continents busiest airport. Johannesburg is a wealthy and fast-paced city, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, earning its reputation as the "New York of Africa", while also being considered as one of the largest man-made forests in the world. The political history of the region is highly prevalent in the Apartheid, Hector Pieterson and Constitution Hill Museums, with a tour of Soweto, wrapping up this emotional experience. A stay in Johannesburg would be incomplete without a visit to Gold Reef City - a theme park created around a 19th century gold mine, the De Wildt cheetah rehabilitation centre and the award winning Maropeng cradle of humankind, a world heritage site. Accommodation: Melrose Arch Hotel, 1 night in 2 Standard Room/s

Kruger

Day 5: Scheduled Transfer - Toka Leya to Livingstone Airport  EXCLUDES FLIGHT FROM LIVINGSTONE TO KRUGER MPUMALANGA (Direct flights Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) Welcome to the Sabi Sand Reserve… The Sabi Sand Reserve is a 65 000 hectare reserve, pioneered by the landowners in the 1950's, when the internal fences were dropped and a shared environmental management programme was put in place. Today, many of these families are now third and fourth generation land owners, their legacy being the successful conservation of the highest density of big game in South Africa. Even though there is a 50km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, the game in the Sabi Sands reserve is well habituated resulting in unforgettable close encounters and prolific sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard. The Sabi and the Sand Rivers run through the reserve, which add further dimension to the bio-diversity of this area. Accommodation: Londolozi Varty Camp, 3 nights in 2 Chalet/s

Day 10: Private Transfer - Tanda Tula to Hoedspruit Airport Extras included: 1 x Vehicle Entrance  EXCLUDES FLIGHT FROM HOEDSPRUIT TO CAPE TOWN (Direct flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays)  Private Transfer - Cape Town Airport to Waterfront  Welcome to the V&A Waterfront… Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become one of South Africa's most visited destinations. Since 1988, the harbour is continually undergoing changes, with the redevelopment of land and the restoration of buildings surrounding the original Victoria & Alfred Basins, creating a mix of shopping and entertainment venues, intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. Aside from the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars, there is a more cultural side to the Waterfront, focused around the historic Clock Tower, which was the original Port Captain's Office in 1882 and part of a collection of well preserved turn of the century buildings. It is near here that the ferries depart for Robben Island (from the Nelson Mandela Gateway), while the Two Oceans Aquarium is a short walk from here. With ferries and boats continuously on the go, Cape Fur Seals playing in the harbour water, and a mix of both locals and international visitors, the Waterfront is a wonderful place to soak up some typical Cape Town vibe. Accommodation: V & A Hotel, 4 nights in Superior Loft Room/s

Day 12: Private Tour: Full Day Winelands Tour This delightful drive winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to the wine country via the N2 to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. Walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoilt for choice when we enjoy our first wine tasting of the day. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek, historically dating back to the 17th century when the French Huguenots arrived. Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. We enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award winning restaurants (lunch not included in cost). Onward to Paarl, one of the Cape's first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Our last stop for the day is at a wine estate on the Paarl wine route. We return to the bustle of city life after an enthralling day in the countryside, arriving back at the hotels at approximately 17:30. (Note: Alternative estates may be visited over weekends and public holidays.)