South Africa and Botswana - Itinerary

Day 1. Monday August 29. Auckland - Johannesburg
An early morning flight to Sydney connects with our flight to Johannesburg where we arrive mid afternoon on the same day. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel.

Day 2. Tuesday August 30. Johannesburg
Our first day tour in Africa begins with a visit to the National Botanical gardens in Roodepoort a large garden complex set against the magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall. In the afternoon we’ll visit two private gardens carefully selected for their local colour. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B D)

Day 3. Wednesday August 31. Johannesburg
Today we gain an insight into the history of South African culture and history with a visit to the Apatheid Museum. This will be followed by a visit and tour of the local residential settlements of Soweto. Lunch today will be in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon. (B L)

Day 4. Thursday September 1. Johannesburg - Capetown
This morning we take a two hour flight to Capetown where our hotel is set in magnificent gardens. This afternoon enjoy a city orientation tour before taking the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for a guided tour of the area.
Later in the afternoon we return to our hotel. (B)

Day 5. Friday September 2. Capetown
This morning we visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens renowned for their proteas, ericas and cycads. Of special interest is the perfume gardens and the braille walk especially created for the visually impaired. Later continue to the Cape of Good hope Reserve where thousands of different species of fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom can be found. Enjoy lunch today at the Black Marlin Restaurant and visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach before returning to our hotel. (B L)

Day 6. Saturday September 3. Capetown
Today we’ll visit some fine local gardens starting with “Stellenberg” in Kenilworth where you will be served tea on the lawn. Later visit “Northwinds” in Constantia Valley, a superb example of a structured garden planted with roses and perennials that grow in abundance. Dinner this evening will be in a local restaurant. (B D)

Day 7. Sunday September 4. Capetown - Stellenbosch
We leave Capetown for the short drive to Stellenbosch and en route we will visit the Uitkyke Etate winery and enjoy a tour and tasting followed by a similar event at the nearby Neethingshof Estate.
In the afternoon we visit the Herbs A Plenty nursery whose focus is on the essential oil industry, enjoy a tour of the estate and a delicious picnic lunch. We then visit the Heiveld Herb Farm whose owner Bridget Kitley will provide a presentation and afternoon tea.

Day 8. Monday September 5. Stellenbosch
We first visit the Grabouw Valley which is the commercial centre for the largest fruit producing area in Southern Africa. Also in this area is the Molteno Brothers Protea Farm which will be followed by lunch at the Grabouw Country Club which specialises in traditional South African food. In the afternoon we visit two Rose farms before returning to our hotel. (B L)

Day 9. Tuesday September 6. Stellenbosch - Sun City
We fly this morning from Capetown to the famous resort of Sun City where you will stay in the luxurious Cascades Hotel. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel restaurant. (B D)

Day 10. Wednesday September 7. Sun City
A day to relax and enjoy the many facilities this remarkable world renowned resort has to offer. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel. (B D)

Day 11. Thursday September 8. Sun City - Agatha
Today we travel by coach to the Northern Province via the towns of Nylstroom, Potgietersus and Pietersburg to Agatha where we spend the night. (B).

Day 12. Friday September 9. Agatha- Kruger Park
Time this morning to explore local gardens before driving via the Letaba Garden Route where there will be time to explore the ancient cycad forest at Modjadji, home of the legendary Rain Queen. Our destination is the Hans Merensky Estate where will arrive in time for our first game experience as we participate on a sunset game drive. Dinner this evening will be on the estate. (B D)

Day 13. Saturday September 10. Kruger Park
Wake early this morning to join our ranger whose skill and knowledge will make our search for game informative and memorable. We take breakfast with us to enjoy in total wilderness surroundings. Return to the hotel late morning with the afternoon to relax before our second evening game drive and this evening we will enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner out in the bush.

Day 14. Sunday September 11. Kruger Park - Pilgrims Rest
Another early call as again we venture out in search of the “big 5”.
After breakfast we depart and travel via the Panorama Route and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon to the town of Pilgrims Rest a town which was proclaimed a National Monument in 1986. (B)

Day 15. Monday September 12. Pilgrims Rest - Pretoria
This morning we continue on to Pretoria where in the afternoon we will enjoy a visit to the National Botanical Gardens which contains a variety of subtropical and temperate plants giving you a glimpse of the beautiful and varied flora of the subcontinent. This evening dinner will be at your hotel.(BD)

Day 16. Tuesday September 13. Pretoria - Chobe Park
An early start this morning as we transfer to Johannesburg airport and fly to Victoria Falls. We travel by coach to the border at Kasani where we cross into Botswana where our destination is the wonderful Chobe Game Lodge. Late this afternoon we head out on our first game drive in Botswana, a quite different experience to the one at Kruger as the Chobe River is a focal point for a lot of game viewing. Dinner will be at the lodge this evening. (BD)

Day 17. Wednesday September 14. Chobe
An early morning wake up call has us game viewing from open backed vehicles or from boats on the river and all before a sumptuous breakfast back at the lodge. Time to relax and enjoy lunch before an evening game viewing trip on the river followed by dinner at the lodge. (B L D)

Day 18. Thursday September 15. Chobe
The game viewing is not compulsory but today is another opportunity to add to your collection of live game that you have seen, and hopefully photographed. Breakfast lunch and dinner are all included at the Lodge (BLD)

Day 19. Friday September 16. Chobe - Victoria Falls
A last opportunity for a morning game driver followed by breakfast and a return coach ride back to Kansi and Victoria Falls. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Victoria Falls. Tonight we stay in the luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel
(BD)

Day 20. Saturday September 17. Victoria Falls - Johannesburg - Auckland
Time for one last look at the falls before transferring to our mid-morning flight to Johannesburg where we connect with our flight back to Sydney and on to Auckland.

Day 21 Sunday September 18. Auckland Arrival
The flight is overnight and via Sydney so we arrive back in Auckland at 9 pm in the evening.