Departures Weekly on Wednesday

This colorful 12 day tour combines the scenic diversity of Cape Town and the Garden Route, the crafts and cultural traditions of Kwazulu-Natal and Swaziland and the wildlife of the Kruger National Park before ending in Johannesburg.

The prices include: ** Professionally guided throughout; ** Transportation via modern motorcoach; ** Professionally-trained, English-speaking drivers; ** Meals as detailed in brackets following each day's description below; ** All park entrance fees, VAT and other government taxes; ** Comprehensive pre-trip material with discount coupons for travel gear and equipment. Additional expenses not included: - Meals not included; - All beverages; - Requisite visas and other travel preparations like inoculations; - Flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban (PLZ/DUR); - Tipping.

Contact EWT for the best international air fares and for recommendations on how to use your frequent flyer miles.

Depart Cape Town and travel to Montagu, famous for its awe inspiring rock formations and then follow the 'Klein Karoo' wine route through scenic vineyards to Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.   [ - -d]

After breakfast tour the vast halls and towering limestone formations of Cango Caves and then learn about the world's largest bird on a guided tour of the Ostrich Show Farm. Later this afternoon, travel to quaint Knysna situated in a picturesque setting between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful lagoon. Time here to do some shopping for native arts and crafts before settling in for overnight.   [b- -]

A leisurely start this morning before taking a cruise to the Knysna Heads; two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. The Western Head is the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve. On disembarking here, take a trailer ride to the top of Western Head, and walk back through milkwood trees for an included lunch. Return to Knysa where your afternoon and evening are at leisure. Overnight in Knysna.   [b-l-]

Follow the southern coast today via the Tsitsikamma Forest, the "Garden of the Garden Route". This beautiful indigenous forest is home to centuries old trees and much wildlife and birds. Over the millennia, rivers have cut awesome gorges through the coastal plateau as they flow down to the spectacular coastline. Later, check into your overnight accommodations in Port Elizabeth.   [b- -d]

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Durban and accommodations for the next two nights. Afternoon and evening on your own in Durban.  [b- -]

A full day at leisure in Durban, a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city on the Indian Ocean. Take an optional day excursion, shop or relax, then enjoy your choice of regional or fine dining in one of Durban's many restaurants.  [b- -]

Travel to Kwazulu-Natal this morning where a visit to the Zulu cultural village includes a show & lunch. On to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region for overnight.  [b-l-]

Begin today with early morning, open vehicle game viewing in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, renowned for its rhino conservation as well as home to the 'Big Five' (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and hippo). Later, travel to Swaziland and visit a craft market. A complimentary (optional) afternoon excursion to a Swazi candle factory is also included before overnighting in Swaziland.   [b- -]

Although the Swazi economy is primarily based on agriculture, especially the production of sugar cane, there is growing industrial sector. A visit to a glass factory that produces lovely art glass is included this morning before traveling to Kruger National Park. Now the size of Wales, Kruger National Park has protected South African wildlife since 1898. Renowned for its research studies of Southern Africa's native flora and fauna, the park offers one of the best wildlife experiences on the continent. Optional late afternoon or night open-vehicle game drives are available here at an additional charge. Overnight in Mpumalanga.   [b- -]

Begin the day with early morning coffee or tea, then enjoy a morning in the park on an open vehicle game drive. Thanks to Kruger's wide variety of ecosystems, you are likely to come across vast herds of impala, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest, and if lucky, may spot some of the endangered wild dogs that call the park their home. Stop for a picnic breakfast later in the morning. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or optional late afternoon or night open-vehicle game drives. Overnight at your hotel. .  [b- -]

PRIVATE GAME LODGE OPTION
For Days 10 & 11 you may elect to stay at a private luxurious safari reserve adjacent Kruger. Call for the current additional cost and click here to learn more about SabiSabi.

Drive along the scenic Panorama Route today. See the Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest in the world, and God's Window where sheer cliffs plunge 700 meters to the lowveld. Return to Mpumalanga for your last overnight.   [b- -]

After breakfast, travel to Johannesburg where your tour ends.  [b- -]
END OF EWT SERVICES

LM