Tour E-29  South Africa - 8 days


Johannesburg - Lesedi Village - Pretoria - Sun City - Drakensberg - Kruger Park - St. Lucia - Ballito - Durban


     DAY 1 Arrival in Johannesburg. Transfer to the hotel and a short rest. Afterwards sightseeing of the city: drive through the oldest, colonial districts of Johannesburg (Hughton with Nelson Mandela's house and Parktown) and the city centre.
In the afternoon drive to the Lesedi Cultural Village. A visit traditional Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi homesteads is followed by energetic African dancing at sunset by the fire and "Big African Feast". Overnight in Johannesburg.

     DAY 2 After breakfast transfer to Pretoria - sightseeing of the city centre with its historical Church Square, the old Parliament Building, the Palace of Justice and the Paul Kruger's statue. Afterwards we drive past the City Hall and Melrose House. We will also stop at the Union Buildings- the headquarters of the South African government, situated on top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering panoramic view of Pretoria.
Drive through the Hartbeespoort Dam to famous Sun City Resort - the place of entertainment and gambling - African Las Vegas. The resort is nestled on the borders of the Pilanesberg National Park. We will visit the casino complex and Lost City, surrounded by stunning tropical gardens with romantic waterfalls.
In the afternoon time at leisure in the Valley of Waves- enjoying a swim in 2m high computer controlled wave, Waterworld or at the roulette tables. In the evening, return to Johannesburg.

     DAY 3 Departure towards famous Panoramic Route, offering one of the most stunning scenery of the surrounding area. Our first stop will be God's Window, which owns its name to the dramatic views from various viewpoints overlooking the almost sheer 300m drop into an indigenous forest-clad ravine.
Afterwards we continue north to see Bourke's Luck Potholes, that have been carved out by water and stone falling down into Blyde River resulting in spectacular cylinders (up to six meters deep) with smooth and colorful rims. This natural feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, which is he third largest canyon in the world, well known for its natural beauty and diversity of its flora and fauna.
Nearby is another highlight of the Scenic Drive: Three Rondavels - three hut-shaped rock formations. On our way back we will also stop at the Lisbon Falls, which is the highest in the area.
At the end of our journey we will have a break at Pilgrim's Rest - a little charming town that was founded after the discovery of gold in the stream flowing through the valley. Presently Pilgrim's Rest is like a living museum, preserved in the exact style of the gold rush period with many buildings unchanged for more than a century. Overnight at the lodge adjoining the Kruger Park.

     DAY 4 Departure for a full day safari in the Kruger National Park - one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa. The area covering almost 2 million hectares, is home to an impressive number of species (almost 150 mammals, more than 500 birds, and 100 reptiles) among them the famous "Big Five": rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo and lion. Overnight at the lodge.

     DAY 5 After breakfast we depart towards the Kingdom of Swaziland. Within a roughly oval shape only 193km long from north to south and much less from east to west, one can find there everything from peaks and upland plateaus, through rolling grassland in the middleveld to the hot, arid bush of the lowveld on the Natal border.
In the afternoon we return to South Africa and arrive in St. Lucia, the centre of Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park which was proclaimed as the World Heritage Site in 1999. The park system extends from the Mozambique border for more than 220 km south to Cape St. Lucia and includes 5 different ecosystems: beautiful coral reefs and marine life, sub-tropical forests, highest vegetated dunes, freshwater lakes and savannah woodlands. In the afternoon cruise on the St. Lucia lake in search of hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. Overnight at the guest house in St.Lucia.

     DAY 6 Drive along the coast through magnificent scenery of Zululand to the resort town of Ballito. The afternoon will give you a chance to soak up the African sun and relax for a while on the beautiful beaches. The area offers plenty of activities from water sports to local attractions, parks and some of the most spectacular golf courses in South Africa. Overnight at the hotel or guest house.

     DAY 7 Excursion to Durban - we will visit the harbour, city centre and the diverse ethnic and oriental stalls of Victoria Street Market where you can obtain curios, exotic foods & spices, and many other artifacts of special interest. We will also visit the Sea World with more than 1000 fish species, sharks and dolphine and seal shows. Afternoon on the Golden Mile - famous promenade with sandy beaches, numerous atractions, sport facilities and restaurants. Return to Ballito. Overnight at the hotel or guest house.

     DAY 8 Departure for Johannesburg and transfer to the airport.

Price includes:
- Accommodation in hotels/guest houses in double rooms with en suite facilities
- transport in air conditioned cars/microbuses
- services of tourist guide
- breakfasts

Price does not include:
- air tickets
- lunches and dinners
- insurance
- soft and alcoholic drinks
- visa fees if applicable
- entry fees to the parks and visited places
- personal expenses, gratuities, phone calls etc.

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