Essentials of South Africa

Welcome at Cape Town airport by your guide and transfer to your hotel. During your trip: 1 bottle of water included each day per person on the bus. Night at the Double Tree By Hilton hotel in a standard room. Included: private transport,  guide, porter, room & breakfast

Day of discovery of the main tourist places in the city of Cape Town. Stroll through the Company's Garden, stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap district, admire the Green Point stadium and its original shape which makes it recognizable from afar, buy some souvenirs at the African craft market at Green Market Square, walk along the ocean on the Sea Point Promenade, admire the view from Signal Hill...   Visit the colorful district of Bo-Kaap, a traditional district of Cape Malay immigrants. A visit to the neighborhood with its colorful houses, cobbled streets and muezzin's calls to prayer allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of Cape Town. Tickets included: Visit to the Kirstenbosch botanical garden, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, located at the foot of Table Mountain. Founded in 1913 to protect the diversity of South African flora, the garden is unique because only native plants are grown there. This is a rare opportunity to admire fynbos, plants endemic to the Western Cape region. More than 7,000 species of plants are cultivated in Kirstenbosch, including many rare and endangered species, such as the emblematic flower of South Africa: the protea.   Night at the Double Tree By Hilton hotel in a standard room. Included:  guide, private transport, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, room & breakfast

Full day with driver to discover the Cape Peninsula. Stop at the small fishing port of Hout Bay for a boat trip to Duiker Island. Duiker Island is a rocky islet near Hout Bay that is home to a large colony of Cape fur seals, as well as cormorants, gulls and other seabirds. Duration of the excursion: 40 minutes.   At Hout Bay, you take the scenic Chapman's Peak route between the Cape Peninsula and the city. This cornice road runs along the Atlantic coast for 9 km and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains and coast. You enter the Cape Point nature reserve. The latter is home to a multitude of plants specific to the region, numerous species of antelope, as well as baboons and ostriches. Off the Cape of Good Hope, formerly called the Cape of Storms, many ships of the Dutch East India Company ran aground in the 17th century before the establishment of a trading post on the peninsula which would become the city of Cape Town. From the Cape Point lighthouse, a nice walk of around 1h30 provides access to the tip of the peninsula. We also recommend a stop at the Cape of Good Hope, where the strength of the ocean and the currents are very visible! Included: Entrance fees to Cape Point Nature Reserve.   Climb to the Cape Point lighthouse and discover the famous Cape of Good Hope. You access Cape Point Lighthouse, located 87 meters above sea level, either by a tarmac path or by a funicular called “Flying Dutchman” which takes its name from the local legend of the ghost ship “The Flying Dutchman”. ". Stop at the penguin colony at “Boulders” beach. The colony of "jackass penguins" (Cape penguins in French) is unique in that it was initiated by the penguins themselves, who voluntarily decided to occupy this residential area and the public bathing area. This unique place invites you through pontoons to observe them very closely without hindering their natural environment. In addition to the observation deck, it is also possible to access an adjacent beach where you can picnic and swim with the penguins. Included: access fee to the Boulders Beach walkway to observe the penguins.   Visit to the cellars and wine tasting in the garden of the Groot Constantia property, on the Constantia wine route. Night at the Double Tree By Hilton hotel in a standard room. Included:  guide, private transport, excursion (grouped service), entrance to the park (vehicle), entrance to the park, entrance to the site(s) mentioned in the program, wine tasting, room & breakfast lunch

Day at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Town port on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The V&A Waterfront is home to the large Victoria Wharf shopping centre, an artisan market, as well as numerous restaurants and shops.   Our suggestions: - the visit to Robben Island, the island in Cape Town where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, - a visit to the Museum of Contemporary African Art (Zeitz MOCAA), - a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium where some 3,000 aquatic animals reside (sharks, turtles, penguins and multitudes of fish), - lunch at Time Out Market.   Visit to the Zeitz MOCAA museum. Opened in September 2017, it is the first and largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent. In addition to its permanent collection of 21st century art, it houses more than a hundred galleries as well as temporary exhibitions by artists from Africa or from its Diaspora. The originality of the architecture based on old grain silos and the diversity of the works presented make it a unique place of its kind. Included: your museum entrance ticket. Free guided tours of the museum are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. every day it is open. The museum is closed on Mondays.   Tickets included: Visit to the Two Ocean's Aquarium, which presents the aquatic fauna of the two oceans located at the tip of the African continent. Some 3,000 animals reside there from the smallest to the largest, from sharks to turtles, penguins and multitudes of fish which offer you a unique underwater spectacle. Duration of the visit: approximately 2 hours.   Night at the Double Tree By Hilton hotel in a standard room. Included:  guide, private transport, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, room & breakfast

Depending on the departure time of your international flight, transfer to Cape Town airport from your hotel. Domestic flight Cape Town - Durban (times and flight number to be specified). Flight time: 2 hours.   Departure along the Indian Ocean coast to reach St Lucia, a quiet village along the St Lucia estuary which is home to numerous crocodiles and hippos. Estimated travel time: 3 hours. This estuary is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, established for the protection of an exceptional ecosystem: more than 300 species of birds have been recorded there, including fishing eagles and 12 species of herons, living in harmony with hippos and crocodiles in Africa's largest saltwater lake.   Night at Lidiko lodge in a standard room. Included: private transport,  guide, domestic flight, room & breakfast

Excursion included: Departure for a cruise on the St Lucia estuary to observe the significant diversity of birds in the park. The estuary is also home to numerous crocodiles and hippos that you will not fail to observe up close from the boat. Duration of the excursion: approximately 2 hours.   Day in the iSimangaliso wetland park, formerly called Greater Santa Lucia. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to several species of antelope and a large number of hippos and crocodiles. You cross the park and reach Cape Vidal beach where you can enjoy a swim in the Indian Ocean.   Visit the iSimangaliso National Park, which is home to such biodiversity that it is the first place in South Africa to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a population of 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles. The bay of Cape Vidal, along the Indian Ocean, is part of the St Lucia marine reserve and is home to a very rich marine fauna: dolphins, whales, turtles... The beach is superb, you can even swim there .   We recommend a visit to Cape Vidal beach, with a swim in the Indian Ocean.   Night at Lidiko lodge in a standard room. Included:  guide, cruise, private transport, park entrance, park entrance (vehicle), room & breakfast

Road to the village of Hluhluwe, at the gates of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park. The compound name of this 96,000 ha national park was born from the merger of two neighboring reserves Hluhluwe and Umfolozi with the aim of giving more space to rhinos. This animal is also behind the creation of these two sanctuaries, created in 1895 with the aim of saving the last specimens of white rhino in the region.   Today, although united, these 2 spaces retain their specificities. There is an area of ​​shrubby savannah crossed by the Back and White Umfolosi rivers and a greener part where the Hluhluwe river flows. A wide variety of fauna is present there including the Big 5, but also giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes and a multitude of birds including Cape ibises. The Umfolosi part is renowned for its numerous hiking trails, while safaris with your vehicle or guided 4x4 take place throughout the park. Guided night safaris in 4x4 allow you to observe nocturnal birds and other animals difficult to observe during the day, such as leopards.   Visit the Ilala Weavers craft center in Hluhluwe, which offers for sale crafts designed and made by residents of remote villages in the Kwazulu Natal region. Ilala Weavers plays a very important role in promoting South African crafts abroad and in the social life of the region since it allows more than 2000 people to make a living from their work. Departure for a 6-hour private 4x4 safari with a ranger-guide in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. The compound name of this 96,000 ha national park was born from the merger of two neighboring reserves Hluhluwe and Umfolozi with the aim of giving more space to rhinos. This animal is also behind the creation of these two sanctuaries, created in 1895 with the aim of saving the last specimens of white rhino in the region. Today, although united, these 2 spaces retain their specificities.   There is an area of ​​shrubby savannah crossed by the Back and White Umfolosi rivers and a greener part where the Hluhluwe river flows. A wide variety of fauna is present there including the Big 5, but also giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes and a multitude of birds including Cape ibises. The Umfolosi part is renowned for its numerous hiking trails, while safaris with your vehicle or guided 4x4 take place throughout the park.   The open 4x4 and the ranger allow you to enjoy the discovery of wild life in the oldest wildlife park in Africa in the best conditions.   Option included: Barbecue dinner. Dinner and overnight in a tent at the Falaza Game Park and Spa. Included:  guide, private transport, 4x4 safari, park entrance, dinner, dinner (excluding drinks), room & breakfast

You leave the South African region of Kwazulu-Natal to discover a new landlocked country in South Africa: the kingdom of Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland. It is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere. Estimated travel time: 4 hours.   En route, visit the Ezulwini valley which extends between the capital of the kingdom Mbabane and the main economic center of the country Manzini. Discovery of the Mantenga cultural village, a living museum presenting the ancestral traditions of Swaziland. You attend a show of traditional songs and dances. The songs are mostly war cries or praises to the Almighty. The dances are similar to those of the Zulu, very athletic and acrobatic! Day to discover the Mlilwane reserve, a pioneering reserve in animal conservation in Swaziland. You can explore the reserve by hiking, mountain biking, on horseback or with your vehicle, following in the footsteps of the zebras, impalas, wildebeest, hippos and rhinoceroses that live freely there. The absence of predators allows you to visit the reserve in complete safety. Entrance included to the Mlilwane Nature Reserve, the oldest wildlife conservation area in Eswatini. The absence of predators allows you to visit the reserve on foot, by bike or on horseback in complete safety. You can explore the reserve in the footsteps of zebras, impalas, wildebeests, hippos, rhinoceroses... Dinner and overnight at Mantenga Lodge. Included:  guide, private transport, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, entrance to the park, dinner (excluding drinks), room & breakfast

Day meeting the warm Swazi people (9-5 p.m.) with a French guide, who has lived there for many years and is passionate about the country's culture. You will have the privilege of sharing a piece of Swazi life, a warm population with an ancient and powerful tradition of hospitality. The itinerary and activities are not fixed in advance, the program will adapt to the local rhythm to allow you to meet your hosts as closely as possible and spark spontaneous exchanges.   Is it market day? You will be immersed in the energetic atmosphere that enlivens the main square. It is Sunday ? You will be able to attend the religious service with the whole community. Is it a weekday? You can visit schoolchildren during recess. Included: dinner in a Swazi home.   dinner and overnight at Mantenga Lodge. Included:  guide, excursion (group service), dinner (excluding drinks), excursion (private), dinner (excluding drinks), room & breakfast

Visit to the Ngwenya glassworks. On weekdays, you witness the work of glass blowers who create objects made entirely from recycled glass. Visit the Piggs Peak craft center where you discover traditional Swazi art. Departure for one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa, the Kruger National Park! Estimated driving time: 4 hours (not including visits and border crossing).   Kruger Park, with an area of ​​almost 2 million hectares, is the largest national park in the country. Its great geological and climatic diversity gives it an exceptional flora divided into 16 distinct plant zones. The park is not only home to the Big Five (buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos) but also giraffes, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs, many species of antelope and many other animals. An unmissable experience for wildlife lovers, the safari offers you a unique opportunity to get up close and photograph these emblematic and rare animals.   Night at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park in a bungalow with kitchenette. The camp is located on the southern banks of the Sabie River. It is well wooded with large trees along the river. The activities and facilities are varied, as are the animals and plants found inside the camp and in the surrounding area.   Possible activities from the camp (contact us): Guided bush walks Open 4x4 safaris (with specialist ranger guides) Lake Panic Bird Hide (a set-up bird watching station located approximately 7 km from the camp) Included: guide, private transport, room (without breakfast)

Departure for a full day guided 4x4 safari in the Kruger National Park. A safari aboard an open 4x4 in the footsteps of the Big Five in South Africa is an unmissable experience for wildlife lovers. The term "Big Five" refers to buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos, considered the most dangerous animals to "hunt". The whole point is to photograph them in their natural environment. The park is not only home to the Big Five but also different species of antelopes and other wildlife species in unique and different vegetation from north to south.   Dinner and overnight at Nkambeni Safari Camp. Sunset safari from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Included:  guide, 4x4 safari, breakfast, dinner (excluding drinks), night in safari camp, afternoon safari

Early morning departure from your camp for a full day safari in the Kruger National Park. The safaris are done in a 4x4 vehicle and you are guided by experienced rangers, who share with you their knowledge of the local fauna and flora. With them, you go in search of the famous “Big Five”: the lion, the rhino, the elephant, the buffalo and the leopard. Many other animals inhabit the park, you may have the opportunity to come across giraffes, many species of antelope, several species of birds or even insects. All contribute to the incredible biodiversity of Kruger Park.   Return to your camp in the afternoon.   Dinner included in the Kruger National Park, in a restaurant or at a picnic site in the park. Dinner in a boma (depending on weather conditions) and overnight at Nkambeni Tented Lodge. Included: dinner (excluding drinks), room & breakfast, 4x4 safari, dinner, guide

You leave the Kruger National Park and take the road to the Blyde River Canyon region. You take the Panorama Route which overlooks the canyon, one of the most beautiful wonders of Africa. Meandering through the bottom of the canyon, the watercourse is flanked by cliffs in shades of yellow and red. Spectacular viewpoints allow you to observe the canyon with a depth that varies from 600 to 800 meters over more than 26 km long. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon (USA) and the Fish River Canyon (Namibia). You will also have the opportunity to admire different species of birds as well as various species of primates and antelopes.   Departure on the Panorama Route which overlooks the Blyde River Canyon, one of the most beautiful wonders of Africa. Meandering through the bottom of the canyon, the watercourse is flanked by cliffs in shades of yellow and red. Spectacular viewpoints allow you to observe the canyon with a depth that varies from 600 to 800 meters over more than 26 km long. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon (USA) and the Fish River Canyon (Namibia). You will also have the opportunity to admire different species of birds as well as various species of primates and antelopes.   Dinner and overnight at the Stille Woning guest house in a standard room. Included: guide, private transport, entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program, dinner (excluding drinks), room & breakfast

You leave the Mpumalanga region for the City of Gold in Johannesburg and the slums of Soweto where you take a step into South Africa's past. Buffet dinner of typical township dishes at the Sakhumzi restaurant located on Vilakazi Street in the heart of Soweto. An essential stopover in your discovery of the township! Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which pays tribute to this 12-year-old boy, symbol of youth resistance to the Apartheid regime, who died in a shooting during the Soweto student uprising in 1976. This museum retraces the significant events of the Soweto township revolt. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. Visit to Mandela House, 8115 Orlando West, Soweto. It was in this house that Nelson Mandela settled with his first wife in 1946. And it was in this house that he finally felt free after his release in 1990. Night at Melrose Place Guest Lodge in a Premium room. Included:guide, private transport, dinner (excluding drinks), tip (dinner), entry(ies) to site(s) mentioned in the program, room & breakfast

Tickets included: Visit to the Apartheid Museum (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), which entirely retraces the Apartheid period from 1948 to 1994. The permanent exhibition was designed by a whole team of directors and historians. Thanks to photos, videos and texts, the 22 pieces of the museum recreate this period of oppression which is well worth remembering. Consider at least 2.5 hours for the museum visit, we do not recommend the visit for children under 11 years old.   Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport.   Included: entrance to site(s) mentioned in the program, departure transfer, private transport, guide