Upgraded - Best of South Africa

Our tour begins today in Cape Town, South Africa's Mother City, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. This vibrant and culturally rich city has much to offer. For those arriving in the morning, there is the option to join an orientation tour of Cape Town. If you would like to take part, your Tour Leader or a local representative will meet you in the hotel reception at 12:30pm Along the way, we'll take in some of the city's historic and cultural landmarks such as the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall and the leafy Company's Garden. We will return to the hotel in time for our official welcome meeting, before heading out to an authentic South African restaurant for our first group dinner. If you would like more time to explore Cape Town in depth before we journey along the Garden Route, we recommend booking an extra night or two as a pre-tour stay. A transfer from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to the named start hotel is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure. The journey from the airport to our hotel is around 30 minutes. The majority of flights land into Cape Town in the early morning and it's often too early to check in to. However, early arrivals will have access to tea and coffee, toilets and the hotel lounge. Our hotel for the first two nights is located in Sea Point, a vibrant and cosmopolitan suburb of Cape Town. It features a swimming pool and a sun deck, perfect for watching the sun set in the distance.

We'll set off early from our hotel for a full day exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. Our first stop is Maiden's Cove, a picturesque viewpoint nestled between Clifton and Glen Beach, where we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles and the rear of Table Mountain. From there, we'll head to Hout Bay for a 40-minute boat cruise to Duiker Island, home to a large colony of Cape Fur Seals. If the weather is favourable, we'll continue along the renowned Chapman's Peak Drive, taking in its dramatic coastal scenery before arriving at Cape Point Nature Reserve at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, rich bio diversity and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean. On the way back, we'll visit Boulders Beach to observe its famous colony of African penguins. We will stop for lunch in Simon's Town, an idyllic maritime town offering a variety of excellent seaside restaurants. We expect to return to our accommodation in the late afternoon, after which the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we'll leave the hotel and travel a short distance to the foot of Table Mountain. From here, we'll take the aerial cable car to the top, where a network of trails criss-crosses the plateau, providing a variety of vantage points with sweeping views over Cape Town and the bay below. Once safely back down, we'll begin our drive to the Winelands region, arriving at our first stop, Babylonstoren Vineyard, after around two hours on the road. Here, we will enjoy a full cellar tour, including lunch and, of course, a number of wine tastings. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Kloovenburg Estate for an olive tasting experience, sampling fresh local olive oils alongside a selection of olives, dips, and salts. In the late afternoon, we conclude our day with a short drive to our hotel, one of the oldest in South Africa, nestled in the idyllic Riebeek Valley. Housed in a historic colonial-style building, the hotel offers the perfect setting to soak up its rich heritage, wander through the charming gardens, or enjoy a glass of local wine by the pool. After check in, there'll be time to unwind and enjoy a cooling dip in the pool. We'll have dinner either at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.

Today we'll travel towards the Cederberg region, with a stop along the way at Org De Rac Organic Wine Estate. Here we can enjoy a wine tasting and see how one of South Africa's fully organic wineries craft its wines, taking a relaxed break before we continue our journey. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Carmien Tea Shop, where we'll join the Rooibos Experience. This includes a guided walk through the nearby rooibos fields at De Tol, where we'll learn how rooibos is grown and harvested. The visit includes a short presentation, a tasting session of a number of different rooibos teas as well as a tea blending activity where we'll attempt to create our own rooibos blend using a variety of natural ingredients. For the next two nights, we'll stay at Piekenierskloof, a lodge set in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains. Perched at the top of the pass and overlooking the town of Citrusdal, Piekenierskloof offers uninterrupted views of vineyards and lowland plateaus. The lodge features a swimming pools, spacious rooms, and an expansive patio terrace where you can enjoy breakfast.

Today we are free to explore the Cederberg at your own pace. There are a number of marked hiking trails in the area, including a scenic 3.7-kilometre/2.2-mile trail that circles the lodge, with three viewpoints showcasing the very best of this unique part of the Garden Route. Maps and assistance are available at reception, and our tour leader will be on hand to advise which trail is best suited to the time of year and weather conditions. If walking is not for you, you might prefer to visit the neighbouring vineyard, renowned for its full-bodied, fruity Grenache made from grapes grown on the hills surrounding the lodge. Alternatively, you might like to stay at the lodge, soak up the serene beauty of the surrounding hills, and make the most of the two on-site swimming pools. The choice is entirely yours.

Today is a travel day - our destination is Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. On our journey, we'll pass through the scenic towns of Worcester, Robertson and Montagu, before reaching the charming village of Barrydale, where we'll stop for a relaxed lunch. On arrival in Oudtshoorn, we'll check in to our accommodation for the next two nights: a peaceful country manor nestled at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains. Each of the 25 elegant en-suite rooms offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.

Our day begins with a visit to the magnificent Cango Caves, a breathtaking underground world of limestone formations shaped by nature over millions of years. Hidden within a limestone ridge at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains, this vast system of caverns is considered one of South Africa's greatest natural wonders. The caves were first discovered in the late 18th century, and since then have captured the imagination of travellers from around the world. Inside, we'll follow a guided heritage walk through the first series of grand halls and chambers. These include soaring ceilings, towering stalagmites and delicate curtain-like stalactites, all naturally sculpted into extraordinary shapes. The route leads through dramatic spaces such as the African Drum Room, where ancient rock formations echo with mystery and wonder. Afterwards, we'll head to a nearby ostrich farm for a close-up look at one of the region's most iconic animals. Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world, and our visit gives you the chance to see why. With their long legs, curious eyes and unmistakable strut, ostriches are both amusing and impressive. On a guided tour of the farm, you'll learn about the life cycle of these flightless birds, from egg incubation and chick rearing to adult behaviour and breeding habits. Later in the day, we'll set off on a sunset tour through the spectacular Swartberg Pass. As we wind our way up the mountain, the ever-changing Karoo landscape offers stunning views and countless photo opportunities. Along the way, our guide will share insights into the region's unique flora, fauna and geology, as well as the fascinating story of the pass's construction. At the top, we'll continue towards the vast Great Karoo, where there is time to stretch our legs and explore the natural surroundings before we have a scenic sundowner. We'll end the day with a traditional country dinner at Kobus se Gat Restaurant, where you can sample authentic Karoo cuisine and experience a true African braai complete with music, storytelling and dancing under the stars - it's a joyful celebration of local culture and history.

Our journey today takes us approximately 110 kilometres/68 miles to the charming coastal town of Sedgefield. After dropping off our luggage at our lodge, we'll have time to quickly freshen up before making our way to the Goukamma Nature Reserve for a guided walk. This reserve is celebrated for its stunning biodiversity and well-preserved natural landscapes. We'll have the chance to explore the unique indigenous fynbos vegetation, a remarkable collection of shrubs and wildflowers that is found only in this part of the world. As we follow the easy trails, our knowledgeable guide will explain the importance of the fynbos ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it. Along the walk, keep an eye out for colourful birds, small mammals, and a variety of insects that contribute to the reserve's vibrant environment. In the mid-afternoon, we'll enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Hoogekraal and Karatara Rivers. This gentle boat ride offers an excellent opportunity to unwind while taking in the tranquil surroundings. As we glide along the calm waters, you might see a variety of bird species such as kingfishers, herons, and other waterfowl. The riverbanks are lush with vegetation and provide a peaceful setting to observe the natural world. This leisurely cruise is the perfect way to soak up the serenity of the region, capture beautiful photographs, and appreciate the quiet beauty of the waterways. This evening is at your leisure - there are a number of excellent local restaurants to discover.

We'll have a relaxed start this morning before we make the short journey to Knysna, a charming coastal town on South Africa's Garden Route, renowned for its scenic beauty, tranquil lagoon and famous oysters. On arrival, there'll be time to explore the Knysna Waterfront, home to a wide range of independent shops, cafés, galleries and restaurants. With plenty of dining options overlooking the water, lunch is easily taken care of. In the early afternoon, we'll board a leisurely cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, heading towards the Knysna Heads, two steep sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Indian Ocean. These dramatic headlands mark the boundary between the sheltered estuary and the open sea, and the views along this stretch of coastline are truly spectacular. The Knysna Estuary is one of South Africa's most important ecosystems, supporting a variety of birdlife, marine species and indigenous vegetation. During the cruise, you'll have the chance to sample some of Knysna's famous oysters. Once harvested in the wild, these days most are farmed sustainably in the calm waters of the lagoon. Known for their clean, briny flavour and delicate texture, they are considered some of the best in the country. Wine and soft drinks are also included on board, making for a relaxed and scenic afternoon on the water. We'll return to Sedgefield in the early evening for dinner.

After breakfast this morning, we'll set off towards the charming coastal village of St Francis Bay. En route, we'll pause at Storms River Mouth in the renowned Tsitsikamma National Park for a refreshing 2-kilometre/1.2-mile round-trip hike. This scenic walk takes you across the impressive 77-metre-long suspension bridge, offering stunning views of the river as it flows into the ocean. The lush surroundings and fresh sea breeze make it a real memorable experience. Once we arrive in St Francis Bay, we'll check into our accommodation and take some time to unwind. As the day draws to a close, we'll embark on a delightful Sunset Canal Cruise. This tranquil boat ride offers a unique perspective on the village's waterways and includes fascinating insights into the history of Chokka, the local squid that plays an important role in the community's heritage. We'll return to our lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner to bid farewell to the Garden Route - tomorrow we head up to the safari haven of Kruger.

This morning we'll make the short drive to Port Elizabeth, where we'll board our morning flight to Johannesburg. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage, we'll set off on the next stage of our adventure: the journey towards Kruger National Park. Unlike the coastal beauty of the Garden Route, this drive takes us inland through South Africa's heartland, where the landscape shifts to wide-open plains, scattered acacia trees, and rugged bushveld. Along the way, we'll pause regularly to stretch our legs and appreciate the changing scenery, keeping an eye out for wildlife and local birdlife that become more abundant as we approach the park. The drive usually takes between five and six hours, allowing us to arrive at our camp in the late afternoon. You'll have plenty of time to relax by the pool or enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner. Tonight, we'll get an early night in preparation for a full day of wildlife spotting and safari tomorrow, starting bright and early.

Rising with the sun, we'll depart our lodge around 5.30am. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll travel in open-sided safari vehicles to begin a full day of game driving inside Kruger National Park - one of southern Africa's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Established in 1898 to protect big game that had been hunted to near extinction, Kruger is now one of South Africa's most prolific animal habitats, dedicated to conservation. During today's safari, we'll stop at various watering holes, where buffalo and antelope are often spotted. We might also encounter members of the legendary Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and cape buffalo. We'll spend the morning searching for wildlife before stopping at one of the park's restaurants or cafés for lunch. After our break, we'll continue with an afternoon safari before returning to our lodge in the early evening.

Today starts with an early morning walking safari in the private Mejejane Game Reserve, where we hope to spot some of the early risers of wildlife. We'll be led by qualified guides and rangers who know the reserve better than anyone else and can identify tracks, droppings, and other signs to make sure we get the best safari experience. Later in the morning, we'll continue where we left off yesterday and head out on another game drive within the reserve. Depending on the animals we spotted yesterday, we might choose to focus on searching for some of the park's more unusual and elusive wildlife, such as the honey badger, black rhino, and eland. Mejejane Game Reserve is located in the southern part of Kruger National Park and is much less frequented than the publicly accessible parts of the park. Because of this, we often have a better chance of spotting more elusive wildlife here. Returning to camp later this afternoon, we'll celebrate our last evening of the tour with a traditional open-air boma dinner.

Departing around 7am this morning, we'll begin our drive back to Johannesburg. Along the way, we'll travel through the airy uplands of Mpumalanga, a region inhabited since the Stone Age and known for its rivers, waterfalls, craggy escarpments and colourful birdlife. We'll stop at several viewpoints, including the aptly named God's Window, and take in the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. We expect to arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) at around 3pm, where our trip comes to an end. Please ensure that your flight departs no earlier than 6.30pm.