Experience South Africa and Swaziland at its very best. Discover Cape Town, Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, Johannesburg, Cape Winelands, Mossel Bay, the Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon, Pretoria and so much more. Get up close to the iconic wildlife, like lions, giraffe, zebra and elephants. Tour the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with a culturally immersive overnight stay. Be awestruck by the African spirit, natural beauty, rich history and dazzling diversity of South Africa - from the untamed coastline to rolling wine estates to the remote savannah homelands of the most incredible African wildlife. Tour Stellenbosch, Cape Point, Mossel Bay, Langkloof, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Mbabane (Kingdom of Eswatini, Swaziland), Addo Elephant Park, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Franschhoek, Knysna and Eastern Cape. Experience the instantly recognisable and our special hidden gems. Explore the unimaginable wealth of wildlife, landscapes and panoramas. History is all around you as we discover the Rainbow Nation’s remarkable cultures, stories, art, architecture and cuisine. Discover the real South Africa with HolidayMax’s immersive escorted touring. Everything is included in this amazing value package, flights, escorted touring and personalised transfers. Themes include: Gauteng, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Departs from Johannesburg South, Luxury Coach, Returns from Franschhoek. + Show more

Package Includes

International flights: Australia to Johannesburg and Cape Town to Australia (premium airline)
Travel by modern large coach
Tour host and guide
4 Nights Cape Town hotel (quality 4 Star)
3 Nights luxury Kruger safari lodge (quality 4 Star)
2 Nights Johannesburg hotel (quality 4 Star)
2 Nights Knysna hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Pretoria hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Swaziland hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) hotel (quality 4 Star)
14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Meet and Greet Personalised Transfers

Highlights

Cape Town (South Africa) Kruger National Park (South Africa) Johannesburg (South Africa) Garden Route (South Africa) Blyde River Canyon (South Africa) Stellenbosch (South Africa) Cape Winelands (South Africa) Mbabane (Kingdom of Eswatini, Swaziland) Panorama Route (South Africa) Knysna (South Africa) Pretoria (South Africa) Mossel Bay (South Africa) Swellendam (South Africa) Franschhoek (South Africa) Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha, South Africa) Tsitsikamma National Park (South Africa) Eastern Cape (South Africa) Bourke’s Luck Potholes (South Africa) Three Rondavels (South Africa) Matsamo Cultural Village Addo Elephant Park

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Departure Dates

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Descriptions

Amazing Experiences

• Experience Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Swaziland (Eswatini),

Wildlife Safari Tours, Garden Route, Johannesburg, Cape Winelands

and the Panorama Route

• African Wildlife Safari Tours (iconic African animals in Kruger and

Garden Route)

• Visit Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Mossel Bay, Storms River Mouth,

Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels viewpoint, Bourke's Luck

Potholes, Mbabane, Port Elizabeth and Franschhoek

• Enjoy free flexi-day to explore Cape Town your way

• Free time in Stellenbosch, Mossel Bay, Swellendam, Knysna,

Tsitsikamma National Park, Cape Winelands, Hermanus

• Rhythmic culture of Swaziland (Kingdom of Eswatini)

• Luxury Kruger Safari Lodge

• African game drives through Kruger (iconic animals, full day & half

day)

• Free time in greater Kruger

• Garden Route coastal scenic touring

• Panorama Route stops at Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels

viewpoint and Bourke's Luck Potholes

• Wine tastings and lunch at a Cape Winelands winery

• Swazi dancing and cuisine at Matsamo Cultural Village

• Walk with the giraffes at Addo Elephant National Park

• Fall in love at Monkeyland & Birds of Eden

• Spectacular Table Mountain Cableway ride

• Scenic Garden Route cruise (Knysna Lagoon)

• Liqueur tasting in Swellendam

• Explore Soweto on a guided Tuk Tuk tour

• Mandela House & Hector Pieterson Museum

• Unique Swazi glassblowing at Ngwenya Glass Studio

• Authentic Boma dinner at luxury Kruger Safari Lodge

• Plus more immersive excursions and experiences...

DAY 1 Depart Australia for South Africa

Today we depart for Johannesburg, South Africa. Fly on a premium award-winning airline like Qantas, South Africa Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways or Emirates (subject to availability). Enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

DAY 2 Arrive in Johannesburg for Pretoria

Welcome to Africa! You will be personally met at Johannesburg Airport by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to your central Pretoria hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this beautiful city.

Meet and greet personalised arrival transfer, overnight Pretoria hotel

DAY 3 Pretoria to Panorama Route to Bourke’s Luck Potholes to Blyde River Canyon to Three Rondavels to Kruger National Park

Today meetup with your tour leader and get to know the rest of your fellow travellers on our fully escorted Grand South Africa Safari adventure. Discuss the special activities that lie in store over the next two weeks. We travel east towards South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and Kruger via the truly spectacular Blyde River Canyon. We spend the next few nights at a luxury Safari Lodge in the greater Kruger and enjoy a special welcome dinner under the African sky.

This morning we bid farewell to the bustling capital of Pretoria to discover the Panorama Route through the Mpumalanga province and the phenomenal splendour of the Blyde River Canyon. One of the world’s largest canyons, the pure magnitude of beauty at the Blyde River Canyon makes it one of South Africa’s most celebrated natural sights. Stretching a breathtaking 60km - epic red rock formations are part of the Drakensberg mountains and tower above the lush evergreen vegetation dropping sharply away from the Escarpment into the lowveld and the meandering river below. The transcendent vistas stretch out in a seemingly endless panorama of colour and texture.

Our first astounding stop is the otherworldly geological site of Bourke’s Luck Potholes - a mesmerising sight to behold - carved into the sandstone bedrock over thousands of years by whirlpools generated at the union of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Viewed from the crags above, these bizarre cylindrical holes form a fascinating network of tunnels, tubes and whirlpools, flaunting a kaleidoscope of cool green hues amidst the striking orange of the canyon. Take a short walk and wander around what has been dubbed "nature's wishing well". Visit the information centre to learn more about the natural history and the “San” people, the earliest inhabitants of this region. We then pause for one last look at the majestic Blyde River Canyon from one of the most cherished and photographed viewpoints in South Africa. See the Lowveld of South Africa with the Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the far distance. From here our journey continues to the spectacular Three Rondavels viewpoint. Widely considered one of the most mesmerising views in all of South Africa, the vistas at the Three Rondavels Viewpoint are completely intoxicating. Amidst the glowing orange and purple hues of the canyon walls, a trio of enormous beehive hut shaped, grass topped peaks protrude up above the chasm overlooking the peacefully meandering Blyde River hundreds of metres below.

Leaving behind the sweeping grandeur of the Three Rondavels viewpoint, we wind our way through ever-changing landscapes - each mile pulling us deeper into Africa’s wild heart. Take in views of rolling mountains, sun-dappled valleys, and vast stretches of untamed wilderness as we journey towards magnificent Kruger National Park, and our luxury Safari Lodge which is our home for the next three nights.

Nestled on the edge of the Kruger region, Radisson Safari Lodge invites you into a world where untamed African wilderness meets effortless luxury. Wake to sweeping views of the Drakensberg mountains, the call of wildlife, and the promise of adventure just beyond your private deck. The lodge’s elegant rooms blend contemporary design with natural textures. After thrilling encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, indulge in the luxuriant facilities such as the tranquil spa, shimmering pool and refined dining spaces. With abundant wildlife roaming freely through the surrounding reserves and national park, each sunrise brings the thrill of discovery and each sunset a sense of deep, soul-stirring connection to the wild.

Breakfast, escorted coach tour, entry fee to Bourke’s Luck Potholes & Three Rondavels, dinner, overnight Radisson Safari Lodge Hoedspruit or similar

DAY 4 Kruger Wildlife Safari

Today our dreams come true as we come face-to-face with Africa’s most famous wildlife on a full-day safari game drive of the southern part of the breathtaking Kruger National Park. Conjuring up images of idyllic African sunsets, leopards lazing in trees and dirt tracks disappearing into the wilderness, Kruger National Park is Africa’s most exciting and iconic safari park. Vast landscapes awash with rolling plains, granite peaks and peaceful watering holes extend out in every direction, where elephants, lions, rhinos, Cape buffalo, leopards, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos and zebras roam free, and the hearts of people soar high above the glorious African planes.

Kruger offers some of the best close-up African wildlife encounters. Today experience the thrill of an expertly guided wildlife safari in an iconic open-top game vehicle synonymous with Africa. Look out for cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, the white and black rhino, giraffe, zebra, ostriches, wildebeest, springbok, baboons, jackal, impala, hippos and so much more. Pause at rest camps like Skukuza, Tshokwane and Satara along the way. Around late afternoon, we make our way back to our safari lodge on the western edge of this extraordinary game park. Enjoy time for a relaxing swim in the pool and a refreshing sun-downer or two before our special dinner this evening.

As dusk settles over the savannah, we gather for a magical Boma Dinner. Beneath a canopy of stars, the firelight dances across the thatched enclosure, casting a warm glow over the evening. Chefs prepare a feast of authentic South African flavours, succulent grilled meats, vibrant salads and fragrant dishes showcasing cherished regional recipes, while the night comes alive with the sounds of the wild. It’s a memorable celebration of African hospitality and togetherness, shared under the vast, starlit Kruger sky.

Breakfast, Kruger National Park Conservation Fee, full day game drive, Boma dinner, overnight Radisson Safari Lodge Hoedspruit or similar

DAY 5 Kruger Wildlife Safari

Today we have another exceptional opportunity to experience an extraordinary half-day morning safari. The morning safari allows you to soak up the magic of the African bush at sunrise and beyond, an enchanting time of day and when the animals are most active. Listen to the rousing chorus of animals and birdlife as they awaken and the sun casts its heavenly morning glow over the golden savannah. This incredible park has recorded more than 100 reptile species, 500 kinds of birds and 140 mammals - your guide will lead you to witness the waking of these remarkable creatures.

The afternoon is yours to choose how you’d like to further experience the splendour of Kruger. You may wish to continue your remarkable safari adventure with an optional afternoon game drive or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon unwinding amid your luxury lodge’s superb facilities. Perhaps visit the renowned Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (nearby), indulge in a pampering spa treatment, or relax by the pool, surrounded by the untamed beauty and gentle rhythm of the African bush.

This evening, it’s time to savour a delicious dinner in the African bush. Perhaps celebrate your incredible Kruger adventure around the crackling firepit and reminisce over the day’s adventures, exchanging safari stories and sipping delicious Amarula - a decadent African liqueur made with fruit from the region’s iconic Marula tree.

Today you’ll have some time to explore the Kruger region your own way or choose an optional activity like an additional Afternoon Game Drive ($115). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Kruger National Park Conservation Fee, half day game drive, dinner, overnight Radisson Safari Lodge Hoedspruit or similar

DAY 6 Kruger to Swaziland Cultural Experience to Mbabane (Eswatini)

Today we bid farewell to the epic wilderness of Kruger as we continue our African adventure to meet the inspiring people of Swaziland, now officially known by its traditional name, Eswatini. The Swazi people will leave an imprint on your heart. Feel the warmth of their welcome and a generosity of spirit that is deeply genuine. Experience the rhythm of daily life, where smiles are freely given and traditional dancing is intoxicating.

A small but vibrant kingdom nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, this is Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Eswatini unfolds in a kaleidoscope of natural splendour, where traditions run deep and heritage is celebrated with pride. Rolling hills and dramatic mountains frame valleys where vibrant cultural heritage lives on through rhythmic dances, colourful ceremonies, and enduring royal customs. Its landscapes shift from lush forests and fertile farmlands to wildlife-rich reserves, where nature feels both intimate and untamed. In Swaziland (Eswatini), the heartbeat of Africa is felt not in vast cities, but in the warmth of its people and the timeless beauty of its land. Here, the hills and valleys cradle communities whose way of life has been passed down through generations, creating a living tapestry of culture, rhythm and storytelling.

Our first stop of the day is at the Matsamo Cultural Village, a place where Swazi traditions come alive. This immersive cultural showcase is a captivating window into the daily life and ancestral customs of the Swazi people. We are welcomed with the warmth of genuine hospitality, soon swept into the energy of vibrant dance performances that echo with the beat of drums and the voices of singers harmonising to melodies as old as the hills. The music, created with African instruments, carries us into the heart of Swazi identity, while the dancers’ graceful yet powerful movements tell stories of community, history and celebration.

As we wander through the village, we learn about age-old traditions, from the ingenious construction of beehive-shaped huts to the rituals that shape family and spiritual life. There is time to connect with the villagers, listening to their stories, asking questions and sharing smiles that transcend language. Perhaps choose to indulge in traditional Swazi cuisine for lunch, where rich flavours and local ingredients invite us to taste the essence of this proud culture. Every part of the visit feels like stepping into a living heritage, a place where the past and present merge, leaving us with not just memories, but a deeper understanding of the heart and soul of Eswatini.

This evening we journey to our quality hotel in Mbabane – the capital of Swaziland (Eswatini).

Breakfast, entry fee to Matsamo Cultural Village, overnight Mbabane hotel

DAY 7 Swaziland to Johannesburg

Today, we bid farewell to the enchanting Kingdom of Eswatini, but not before pausing for one final and unforgettable Swaziland experience - a visit to Ngwenya Glass, one of the country’s most celebrated treasures. Nestled within sweeping indigenous gardens, this renowned artisan glass studio is not only a showcase of artistry but also a shining example of sustainability, as every piece is crafted from 100% recycled glass. The moment we step inside, we are greeted by the hum of furnaces and the mesmerising sight of glowing molten glass being coaxed into life by the steady breath and skilled hands of Swazi craftsmen and women.

With remarkable precision, these artisans transform discarded shards into delicate works of art - glistening elephants, graceful giraffes, and vibrant birds, each one a sparkling tribute to Africa’s wonderous wildlife. Watching the process feels almost magical, as fiery orbs are shaped, stretched, and polished into unique creations that capture both the imagination and the spirit of Eswatini. Beyond the workshop, the gardens invite us to wander and admire beautiful displays of finished pieces, from tiny keepsakes to striking centrepieces, all radiating with the pride and creativity of local craftsmanship.

From this soulful artistry, we journey onward, leaving behind Swaziland’s gentle hills for the vast plains that lead us into Johannesburg – the City of Gold. Here the pace quickens, the skyline glitters, and history mingles with modern ambition. Once a dusty mining camp, today Johannesburg pulses with energy and resilience, a place where cultures converge and South Africa’s story unfolds in bold, vibrant layers. As evening falls, we feel the shift, from the grounded rhythms of village life to the golden heartbeat of a great African metropolis.

Breakfast, dinner, overnight Johannesburg hotel

DAY 8 Explore Johannesburg

Johannesburg – or Jozi, as the locals call it - has a fast-paced lifestyle that invigorates the spirit. From its bustling streets and colourful markets to its flourishing arts scene and rich history, the city is a celebration of creativity and resilience. Skyscrapers tower above this once modest gold mining settlement, where Jacaranda’s bloom in spring and each evening is crowned with a dazzling sunset.

Today we discover the magic of this inimitable city. Johannesburg and its surroundings are alive with stories, some triumphant, some painful, but all deeply moving. Our day begins at the Apartheid Museum, a place that doesn’t just show history, but brings it vividly to life. Through powerful exhibits, photographs, and personal stories, we journey through South Africa’s challenging past and witness the extraordinary resilience of its people. The museum, the first of its kind, honours both the struggles endured and the unwavering spirit that refused to be broken. As we walk through its halls, we are reminded of the courage, determination, and hope that paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future - a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

From here, we venture into the beating heart of Soweto, a vibrant township whose name resonates across the world as a beacon of resistance and change. Once home to the great Nelson Mandela, the sprawling Soweto township district also continues to be a potent reminder of Africa’s economic disparities. Exploring by Tuk Tuk allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the rhythm of daily life, with children playing, street vendors calling, and joyful music echoing from homes and street corners. We stop at the Mandela House, once home to Nelson Mandela, where the walls still seem to whisper stories of hope. It is a place of remembrance and reverence, where history feels immediate and deeply personal. As this emotional day comes to an end, we carry with us a deeper understanding of South Africa’s journey and the powerful spirit that defines its people.

Breakfast, entry fee to Apartheid Museum, lunch, entry fee to Mandela House, entry fee to Hector Pieterson Museum, overnight Johannesburg hotel

DAY 9 Johannesburg to Addo Elephant National Park to Port Elizabeth

This morning, we bid farewell to vibrant Johannesburg and board our flight to Port Elizabeth - now officially known by its traditional name Gqeberha - and gateway to South Africa’s stunning Eastern Cape. From here, we journey into the wild beauty of the Addo Elephant National Park region, a land where nature still reigns supreme. This is a place where wilderness stretches wide and raw, defined by sprawling bushveld and the presence of giants. Here, herds of elephants move gracefully across the plains, their silhouettes a timeless reminder of Africa’s untamed heart. The terrain shifts from dense bush to sweeping open landscapes, alive with antelope, lions, and the vibrant colours of birdlife. It is a place where the rhythm of nature sets the pace, offering a glimpse into a world both ancient and enduring.

Our adventure begins with a spellbinding walk among giraffes, gentle giants who move with quiet grace against the backdrop of sweeping plains and acacia trees. To stand on foot in their presence, watching as they nibble leaves high in the treetops or stride elegantly across the land, is to feel both humbled and uplifted. The silence of the bush is broken only by the rustle of branches and the occasional birdcall, making the moment all the more magical. This rare opportunity to connect so closely with one of Africa’s most iconic animals leaves us with memories that will last a lifetime.

As the gentle light of the afternoon sun bathes the park in its warm glow, we return to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), carrying with us the awe of walking beside one of Africa’s most iconic and enchanting creatures.

Breakfast, departure airport transfer, flight Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), entry & giraffe walk at Addo Elephant Park, overnight Port Elizabeth hotel

DAY 10 Port Elizabeth to the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park to Knysna

Today is defined by breathtaking natural landscapes, as we journey along the renowned Garden Route and venture into the Tsitsikamma National Park. Tucked between the mountains and the sea, the reserve is home to a band of dense forest rich with ferns and towering yellow-woods, with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Navigated by winding walk trails complete with a daring 77 metre long suspension bridge spanning the Storms River; immense millennia-old sandstone and quartz rock formations outline the breathtaking gorge and articulate the rocky shoreline. Enjoy free time here. Perhaps take an exhilarating walk along the coast, cross the longest suspension river in South Africa or simply inhale breathtaking views of the sparkling Indian Ocean. As you meander along the trails - keep an eye out for the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otter and dolphins.

We then visit the enchanting sanctuaries of Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, two remarkable havens nestled amid the forests near Plettenberg Bay. At Monkeyland, rescued primates now roam freely through towering trees, their playful calls echoing through the dappled forest light. Nearby, under the vast canopy of Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, thousands of birds glide gracefully through two hectares of native forest. Vivid flashes of colour and birdsong fill the air, creating a living symphony that celebrates freedom, renewal, and the beauty of the wild.

This afternoon our journey continues to Knysna, one of the crown jewels of the Garden Route, a celebrated seaside stopover set around a dazzlingly beautiful natural lagoon - its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by forested hills dotted with vacation homes and walking trails. Here, time seems to slow, inviting us to savour its coastal charm before we embark on another highlight, a magical cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Gliding between the towering sandstone cliffs of the Knysna Heads, the voyage reveals sweeping views of the Eastern Head and the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. The atmosphere is fun and inviting, with optional tapas, bar service, and freshly shucked Knysna oysters available to purchase along the way. As our vessel drifts across the lagoon, sunlight shimmers on the water and a gentle breeze carries the scent of salt and fynbos (Afrikaans for “fine bush”), a fleeting moment that captures the absolute essence of the Garden Route.

Breakfast, entry to Monkeyland, entry to Birds of Eden, lagoon cruise, overnight Knysna hotel

DAY 11 Knysna to Mossel Bay to Swellendam to Arniston

Today we set out in smaller vehicles to explore a different side of South Africa with a visit to the Knysna Township, a vibrant community that overlooks the sparkling waters of the Knysna Lagoon. From this elevated vantage point, the view is nothing short of breathtaking - rolling hills dotted with colourful homes stretch down toward the lagoon’s shimmering expanse, framed by lush forests and the dramatic Knysna Heads standing guard at its entrance to the Indian Ocean.

As we explore the township, we’re welcomed into the heartbeat of local life. Smiles and open hearts greet us at every turn, as small businesses, from a bustling car wash to a friendly hair salon, offer a heartfelt glimpse into the community’s pride, resilience, and creativity. The visit continues to a cheerful kindergarten, where one nourishing meal a day helps support families and nurture young futures, a touching reflection of hope and togetherness. Beyond this, the town reveals its quieter creative spirit through public murals and storytelling art, where the Knysna Art Project’s “Spoke of Freedom” brings bursts of colour and meaning to everyday spaces, celebrating unity and the enduring strength of South Africa’s people.

We then continue our incredible journey westward along the Garden Route, tracing a path of rolling hills and ocean views until we reach idyllic Mossel Bay - a cheery coastal town boasting an old-school seaside ambiance. Its beautiful white and red 19th century lighthouse stands watch over the charming town and its picture-perfect coastal surrounds, from the wide stretch of powdery sand at celebrated Santos Beach to the pods of dolphins, the passing whales and infamous great white sharks. Mossel Bay town is steeped in history. It was here, in 1488, that Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias first set foot on the east coast of South Africa - a moment that forever altered the course of exploration. At the Diaz Museum Complex, history comes alive. Within its walls, we step back more than five centuries, standing before the full-sized replica of Diaz’s 1488 caravel. Outside, the famous Post Office Tree, a centuries-old milkwood, where sailors once left letters for passing ships.

From the echoes of history, our journey continues inland to Swellendam, one of South Africa’s oldest towns, nestled beneath the towering Langeberg Mountains. Here, we slow our pace to indulge in a delightful local liqueur tasting. Surrounded by orchards and countryside charm, we savour the rich, handcrafted flavours, sweet, spiced, and fragrant, each sip capturing the essence of the land and its traditions. With taste buds awakened and spirits lifted, we resume our adventure, the iconic landscapes of the Garden Route further unfurling as we make our way toward Arniston.

Breakfast, entry to Diaz Museum Complex, liqueur tasting, dinner, overnight Arniston hotel

DAY 12 Arniston to Cape Agulhas National Park to Hermanus to Cape Town

With the morning light spilling softly across the dunes, we set out towards the Cape Agulhas National Park, a place of quiet wonder and powerful symbolism - the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet in a spectacular union of water, wind and light. This remarkable national park holds global ecological importance, its fynbos landscapes home to more than 2,000 species of native plants, including 100 found nowhere else on Earth, and over a hundred species listed as endangered.

From here, our journey continues along the coastal road to Hermanus, a charming seaside town celebrated for its seasonal whale sightings. Along the way, the road reveals breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, rolling dunes, and the vast expanse of the ocean, creating one of the most scenic drives in the Cape. Enjoy time at leisure to wander Hermanus’ boutique-lined streets, explore local craft stores, or perhaps find your favourite café for lunch, watching the waves roll gently toward the shore.

As the afternoon softens into evening, we continue our drive along the coastline towards Cape Town, where the ocean breeze and mountain skyline welcome us to the heart of the Cape.

Breakfast, overnight Cape Town hotel

DAY 13 Explore Cape Town

There's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a spectacularly beautiful city crowned by the dramatic Table Mountain. It is a city defined by its remarkable geographical setting, eclectic mix of vibrant cultures, rich history, diverse cuisines and cool modern vibe. If cities were romances, Cape Town would be the love-at-first-sight kind. Slowly rotating cable cars ascend towards Table Mountain’s flat summit, towering above the city’s contrasting streetscapes; from the historic Victoria & Albert waterfront promenades to the pastel-coloured facades of Bo-Kaap. African spirit abounds in this alluring cosmopolitan city enriched by a wealth of historical sites, spirited café culture and lively nightlife; that is now the epicentre of Africa’s thriving creative arts scene. Each day in the ‘Mother City’ will see you unearthing new treasures that will have you falling in love all over again.

Today we immerse ourselves in the beating heart of the Cape Town, admiring landmarks that have shaped the city’s identity, including the striking stadium built for the World Cup, a proud symbol of Cape Town’s global spirit and energy. From here we journey back through the centuries at the Castle of Good Hope, its weathered walls guarding stories of explorers, settlers, and empires long past. Declared a historical monument, this 17th-century masterpiece is considered the best-preserved of its kind in the world - walking within its bastions feels like stepping into the pages of history. From here, we trade stone for serenity with a gentle stroll through the famed Company’s Garden. Former gardens of the Dutch East India Trade Company, the air here is fragrant with exotic blooms, towering trees cast a cool shade and squirrels dart playfully along branches, adding a touch of whimsy to this peaceful sanctuary in the heart the Mother City.

Our day reaches its pinnacle high above the city on the exhilarating Table Mountain Cableway (weather permitting). As the cable car glides upward, slowly rotating to reveal every angle of the sweeping panorama, the world unfolds beneath us - the glittering ocean, the curve of the peninsula, and the graceful patchwork of the city nestled at the mountain’s base. At the summit, standing on one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, we are wrapped in awe. Here, with the wind in our hair and endless horizons before us, Cape Town reveals its soul - majestic, timeless, and utterly unforgettable. Our final stop is the iconic V&A Waterfront, where you’ll enjoy free-time in one of Cape Town’s most captivating precincts. Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, this picture-perfect waterfront is the city’s beating heart, blending vibrant African culture, cosmopolitan cuisine and dramatic coastal scenery. Lively promenades, elegant shopping and striking architecture sit alongside working harbours and historic landmarks, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and unforgettable.

Breakfast, return ticket Table Mountain Cableway, overnight Cape Town hotel

DAY 14 Cape Winelands

Today we venture out of Cape Town to the stunning Cape Winelands region. A patchwork of rolling vineyards and charming country towns, the Cape Winelands are one of the most breathtakingly beautiful wine regions in the world. Traditional Cape Dutch architecture adorns the sun dappled hillsides, while the surrounding mountains create a mesmerising backdrop and provide an ideal microclimate for cultivating the robust reds and Méthode Cap Classique sparkling the region is renowned for. We will enjoy two exquisite wine tasting experiences today at Franschhoek and Stellenbosch wineries.

Discover Franschhoek, cradled in a valley of soaring mountains and rolling vineyards. Its streets, lined with art galleries, boutique shops and world-class restaurants, carrying whispers of its French Huguenot heritage. The surrounding vineyards create a landscape as extravagant as the wine it produces. Delight in a delicious lunch served amongst the winding vineyards at a local winery and indulge in a wine tasting at a picture-perfect winery.

Stellenbosch founded in 1679 is a thoroughly charming university town nestled amidst the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg, surrounded by the lush rolling countryside and acclaimed wineries of the Cape Winelands. Admire its shady oak-lined streets offering some of the finest examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture in the country with laid-back coffee shops, boutiques and art galleries. Learn all about Cape district wines and the wine-making process from a local wine expert and bask in the experience of an additional wine tasting his afternoon.

Breakfast, 2 wine tastings, vineyard lunch, overnight Cape Town hotel

DAY 15 Cape Town Flexi-Free Day (Optional Cape Point Tour)

Choose how you’d like to experience more of the Cape Town region with a selection of activities on offer. Spend your free day discovering incredible experiences like Robben Island, Shark Cage Diving, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the ‘townships’, Two Oceans Aquarium or perhaps take the highly recommended optional guided tour to spectacular Cape Peninsula and the infamous Cape of Good Hope. Your HolidayMax tour leader is full of ideas and local knowledge, so that you can get the best out of your time here.

A dramatically breathtaking rocky promontory laced with wild beaches and tranquil tidal pools brimming with biodiversity, the Cape Peninsula inspires nature lovers from the peaks of Table Mountain to the theatrical landscapes of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Its treacherous swells have been braved by maritime navigators since the 15th century, with numerous historic wrecks lying off the coast. We begin with the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive (weather permitting), where the road clings dramatically to the cliffs for nine winding kilometres. With the Atlantic Ocean crashing below and rugged mountains rising above, every turn reveals another view that takes our breath away. From here, we travel to the iconic Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, a place where two great oceans meet and the windswept cliffs have earned the name “The Cape of Storms.” Standing here, surrounded by untamed seas and dramatic landscapes, it feels as though we have reached the edge of the world - a place steeped in legend, history, and awe-inspiring beauty.

On our return to Cape Town, we pause at the enchanting Boulders Beach, where nearly 3,000 endangered African penguins waddle along the sand and nest among the giant granite boulders. Watching these irresistibly cute birds in their natural habitat is both heartwarming and unforgettable, a fitting finale to a day spent exploring the wild, majestic soul of the Cape Peninsula.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your mood. You can explore Cape Town and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like the Full Day Peninsula Tour with Cape of Good Hope & penguins at Boulder Beach ($133) or a spectacular Helicopter Flight of Cape Town ($231).

Breakfast, overnight Cape Town hotel

DAY 16 Say Goodbye to Cape Town

Today your incredible Grand South Africa tour draws to an end - your senses filled with the colours, flavours and aromas of this magnificent country and your heart overflowing with its precious gifts of remarkable wildlife, breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable experiences.

You will be personally met at your hotel by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home.

Breakfast, meet and greet personalised departure airport transfer

DAY 17 Arrive Home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

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Grand South Africa Safari Tour

17 Day Touring Package

Limited Availability at these prices. Deal ends soon. Questions? Call 1300 887 469 or Click to Ask Us

$ 7149 *

Typically $10080

* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have travel requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing, airline or dates (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, ' see Important Information before booking. © HolidayMax™ Booking Code: mp672