SOUTH AFRICAN RAINBOW TOUR

DAY 1:  ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG

This afternoon arrive in Johannesburg, standing on the southern slopes of the Witwatersrand, a rich gold-mining region that serves as South Africa’s industrial heartland. You will be welcomed upon arrival and escorted to your Hotel 

DAY 2: SOWETO TOUR

After Breakfast tour SOWETO, acronym for South Western Township, is home to over 2 million people, who, despite living in crowded and chaotic conditions, have a tangible sense of community, one which ironically, the ordered, walled, elitist northern suburbs lack. Inside Soweto, we visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, and discover the cause of the tragic riots which led to his death; we pass Mandela House, and give you time to visit this fascinating little museum (own account). Our journey continues to Regina Mundi Church, site of many secret underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Finally we take you past the largest stadium in Africa, Soccer City, host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final – this magnificent stadium is now nicknamed ‘The Calabash’ for its resemblance to the African Pot. Soweto is unlike a suburb you’ve ever seen or been to, yet the history of struggle encapsulated here is a cornerstone of the South African story. Rest of the afternoon is free. Hotel  (B)

DAY 3:  JOHANNESBURG /MPUMALANGA- KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, depart Johannesburg and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as “Paradise Country”. You’ll be driven along the spectacular “Panorama Route”, offering views of amazing scenery including the 26 kilometre-long Blyde River Canyon and historic God’s Window, a breathtaking view (weather permitting) of the edge of the escarpment taking in the Kruger National Park. Continue to Hazyview for your overnight stay. Safari Lodge- (B)

DAYS 4 & 5: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK- Sabi Sands game reserve

Roam the reserve today in an open land rover led by experienced rangers and trackers using radio alerts, in search of elephant, leopard, cheetah, kudu, giraffe, Cape buffalo, hippo and other species. Start with a dawn safari with packed breakfast. Then retire at the Hotel for a soothing midday siesta or relax followed by an optional late afternoon game drive. Private viewing and photo opportunities abound as huge herds of animals and hundreds of species of birds participate in this incredible procession of wildlife. Safari Lodge- (B)

DAY 6:  KRUGER/SWAZILAND

A scenic drive takes you to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British High Commission territory, now ruled by King Motswati III. Visit the Ngwenya Glass Works for a demonstration of hand made glass artifacts before stopping in the Capital Mbabane and its colorful markets known for their woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Those interested may visit the Swazi Candle making factory to view some of its colorful artworks. Hotel  (B)

DAY 7: SWAZILAND/ZULULAND

This morning travel south through Swaziland before re-entering South Africa. Travel to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhino. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before continuing to your hotel in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi region.  Hotel  (B)

DAY 8: ZULULAND/DURBAN

After breakfast, travel to a traditional Zulu village to experience the local culture, dancing. During the first quarter of the 19th century the Zulu, ruled by Shaka, dominated southern Africa almost from the Zambezi River to the Cape Colony. Zulu huts dot the rugged landscape. Lunch is in traditional Zulu style, enjoying a true Kraal experience, with tribal dancing, beer making and many other aspects of Zulu life. The journey continues to Durban, passing traditional Zulu Kraals, calyptus plantations and sugar cane fields. Durban, a city where the sun never sets. It is a melting pot of African, European and Asian influences which have led to a myriad of styles in the city. Arrive in Durban late afternoon. EHotel (BL)

DAY 9: DURBAN CITY TOUR

Explore the city of Durban and its surrounding areas. Your first port of call will be Warwick Street Junction, where over 300,000 African commuters come in daily by bus, taxi and foot to get to their places of employment or simply to do visit the city. You will visit Victoria Street Market where you will have an opportunity to visit the various stalls offering an array of Eastern products mainly driven by the Indian community. You will get a glimpse of how the informal sidewalk traders and shopkeepers trade in harmony. You next stop is the Marine Parade better known as the ‘Golden Mile’. You will drive approximately 6km’s to get an appreciation of Durban’s main beachfront and the history behind it. Other areas of interest covered during the city part of the tour will include, Bat Centre, Wilson’s Wharf, Dick King Statue, City Hall, the Hare Krishna ‘Temple Of Understanding’ and Merebank View Point. Hotel (B)

DAY 10: DURBAN/ CAPE TOWN

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transfer to airport and flying to Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest City also known as the “Mother City”. Hotel (B)

DAY 11: CAPE TOWN, TABLE MOUNTAIN & ROBBIN ISLAND TOUR

Our drive to the city centre takes us past famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a baroque building and the Grand Parade. As we follow the city’s main thoroughfare, Adderley Street, we will see St. George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We will pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter [also known as the Bo-Kaap] which means “Above Cape” because of its location up against the slopes of Table Mountain.  In the early 18th century, thousands of slaves from Java, Ceylon and other Far Eastern regions were brought to Cape Town.  After slavery was abolished, their descendants, known as the Cape Malay’s, settled here. Our route then leads us to Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain. We’ll ascend to the top [weather permitting] by the revolving cable car (tickets not included).  Here, we’ll see wild flowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches.  On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. Descend from the Upper Cableway station to your awaiting vehicle and then proceed around Table Bay to the Milnerton area (time permitting).

In the afternoon, board Ferry for a memorable trip to Robben Island, situated a mere 11km from Cape Town, in the middle of Table Bay, within clear sight of the city. It was on this island that Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, much of it under hard labor. Prior to being a prison for political activists during the Apartheid era, the island was a leper colony. The island is now a museum and conservation area and was declared a World Heritage site in 1999. Former inmates lead tours around their old cells – a moving experience for both them and thousands of visitors from around the world. There is plenty of wildlife here too, with antelopes such as springbok and bontebok, grazing the open land, plus a diverse selection of birds, including ostriches and a Jackass (African) penguin colony. Cape fur seals play in the cold Atlantic waters and are food for great white sharks; who along with the cold water and strong currents deterred prisoners from attempting to swim to the mainland.  The tour includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison cell and the limestone quarry where prisoners work unceasingly day after day. There is the chance to view the wildlife and take photographs of Cape Town across the bay, with Table Mountain as the backdrop. Hotel (B)

DAY 12: DAY AT LEISURE

Breakfast at Hotel and rest of the day is free.

OPTIONAL: Take an exciting journey of the beautiful Cape Wine lands. Visit Paarl and Stellenbosch and stop for wine tasting at two well-known estates. Also visit the Huguenot Memorial and the Afrikaans Language Monument. Your afternoon is at leisure. Hotel (B)

DAY 13: DEPART CAPE TOWN

Breakfast at Hotel and time free until transfers to airport for your onward flight. B

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PRICES CONTACT : 888 605 TOURS (8687) OR 310 373 1001.

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