Spectacular South Africa Culture & Nature in Harmony

DaVinci Hotel and Suites is located adjacent to the prime location of Nelson Mandela Square in the heart of the Sandton business and leisure district. Guests can enjoy the convenience of luxurious shopping at the Legacy Corner Mall and Sandton City just an elevator trip away. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine or you may enjoy a selection of dishes at the lounge.

Day1

One country with a world of treasures, South Africa awaits your arrival. Breathtaking mountain scenery, winding coastlines, remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife in its natural habitat comprise this incredible experience. Your journey begins in Sandton, a city established in 1969. Famous for its rich veins of gold and other valuable minerals, it is now the bustling cosmopolitan centre of greater Johannesburg.

Day2

Sandton – Soweto – Sandton

Today you visit the Apartheid Museum which commemorates the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa. A guided tour of Soweto South West Township showcases luxurious mansions and informal settlements as you learn about the historical significance of the area. Experience the regional lifestyle when joining locals for lunch at a nearby Shebeen, or house tavern. This afternoon, have some time to ponder history at Liliesleaf, the former centre of the liberation movement and the site of the police raid that led to Nelson Mandelas lifetime prison sentence. Gather this evening with your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day3

Panoramic Route – Kruger National Park

Travel through the spectacular Northern Drakensberg Mountain Range en route to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Scenic wonders surround you as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon, made mostly of red sandstone and known as one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders. Set against the triple mountain formation of the Three Rondavels, resembling traditional round houses of the indigenous people, the canyon is the third largest in the world. Along this magnificent route you will also see Bourkes Luck Potholes, the dramatic natural cylinders shaped by millions of years of natural erosion caused by fast-flowing sand-filled waters. This evening, enjoy a traditional Boma dinner under the stars where you may sample some local game meat!

Day4

Kruger National Park – Safari Game Drive

Have your camera ready for an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement! Enjoy a full day open-air-vehicle safari game drive. A local expert leads you in search of the “Big 5” elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino and provides insight into these fascinating animals along the way. Watch carefully you may also see a graceful impala, dazzling zebra or gorgeous giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch surrounded by giraffe in the natural beauty of Kruger National Park.

Day5

Kruger National Park – Johannesburg – George – Knysna

Travel back to Johannesburg to board your flight to George. Upon arrival, travel to the picturesque resort town of Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route, to enjoy a 3-night stay.

Day6

Knysna

Today we visit nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve. Begin with a lagoon cruise out to the famous Knysna Heads which mark the entrance to the lagoon. Next, board a 4×4 vehicle and travel deep into the forest. Discover the local flora and fauna during a leisurely paced nature walk. Enjoy lunch amongst the ancient milkwood trees so called because of their white latex sap before your return cruise. This afternoon, visit Plettenberg Bay, a tranquil and charming town originally known as Bahia Formosa (or Beautiful Bay.) Enjoy views of beaches, dramatic rock formations and lagoons. Later you return to Knysna.

Day7

Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Knysna

This mornings township tour will highlight the diversity of this community, followed by a touching experience as you visit a school.* Learn about the efforts of the Collette Foundation and the local community to conquer the challenges of educating the children of the region. Travel to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest working ostrich farms in the area, after which you can catch a glimpse of ostriches big and small while on a tractor safari through the Lucerne fields. An outdoor barbecue lunch adds to an amazing day. Upon your return to Knysna, enjoy some time to independently explore the charming waterfront area.

Day8

Knysna – Cape Town

Before leaving the Garden Route, enjoy a visit to the Aloe Ferox region where you will enjoy an aloe-tapping demonstration and a stroll in the indigenous gardens. Later this afternoon, arrive in the beautiful harbourside city of Cape Town.

Day9

Cape Town

Enjoy a panoramic tour of this lovely city. Cape Town celebrates its noted architecture that fuses the traditions of the French, German and Dutch. Enjoy a thrilling ride on a cable car as it whisks you to an altitude of more than 3,000 feet, landing atop the aptly named and flat-topped Table Mountain.** The views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Lions Head will leave you breathless. Return to the city via Table Bay, passing through the Malay Quarter with its mosques and minarets. Make a special stop at the Milnerton Lighthouse.

Day10

Cape Town – Franschhoek – Cape Town

Journey to the beautiful winelands region, known for its colourful mountains and endless vineyards. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting, followed by lunch overlooking the vineyards. After lunch, take a tour of the wine cellar and learn about the different vintages and blends created at the winery.

Day11

Cape Town

Explore the coastal scenery and charming towns that populate the Cape Peninsula. Travel out to Cape Point, stopping for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach. This evening, experience a unique farewell to Africa as you enjoy a lesson on the djembe drums and a soothing hand washing ceremony before a communal African dining experience!

Day12

Cape Town – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today in Cape Town.

Overlooking the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean is The Commodore. Stylish living, quality service and a tranquil setting have ensured that guests return year after year.