United Vacations: Africa

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 Fly USA to Johannesburg (via Europe)

Day 3 Arrive Johannesburg

Touch down at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the magnificent suburban shopping malls.

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    The Protea Hotel Wanderers (or similar)

Day 4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga

Leave Johannesburg's distinctive skyline and head for Pretoria, South Africa's capital city. Marvel at this country's miraculous transformation while visiting the Voortrekker Monument, regarded as a shrine to the Afrikaner community. On to the world famous Premier Diamond Mines, which produced Africa's biggest diamond, the Cullinan, from which the 'Great Star of Africa' was cut to grace the scepter of the British Crown Jewels. After lunch we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld.

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard The Royal Hotel (or similar)

The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim's Rest is perhaps one of South Africa's best known hotels. It was impeccably restored to reflect true late Victorian style. Composed of ten authentic buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century, the hotel now offers 50 charming en suite bedrooms.

Declared a goldfield in 1873, Pilgrim's Rest became a cosmopolitan center of activity in South Africa. Today it stands as a legacy to these pioneers. The town was proclaimed a National Monument in 1986. Trapped in a time warp, the lounge reflects an epoch of time honored hospitality and elegance so typical of the Victorian era.

Upon entering the Royal Hotel, visitors are immediately taken on a nostalgia filled trip into the past. The reception walls are lined with the most interesting photographs and artifacts providing vivid glimpses of Pilgrim's Rest's history. This theme is carried forward into the lounge as well as the very famous public bar.

Rounding off the Royal Hotel experience is the informal restaurant where hearty old fashioned meals are served in a historical atmosphere in keeping with the rest of the Hotel. Enjoy a meal outside while taking in the scenery – an experience worthwhile. Breakfast is included.

Day 5 Kruger National Park

Explore living history at Pilgrim's Rest, the old mining village where gold was first discovered, gasp at the glory of God's Window, a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains, and visit the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the natural wonders of Africa. We arrive at our Kruger National Park Rest Camp in time for a welcome sundowner (own account) in the African bushveld.

Accommodation: 2 nights, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Pretoriuskop (or similar)

Pretoriuskop is situated in the southwestern part of the Kruger National Park, only 5 miles from Numbi Gate. The camp lies in a hilly region with many interesting, picturesque rocky outcrops. Rare species like sable and rhino may be sighted in this area as well as the more prolific species such as impala, zebra and wildebeest. A wide variety of basic accommodation is available at Pretoriuskop, including huts, cottages, bungalows and a guest house.

Other facilities at the rest camp are a shop, barbecue, communal kitchen facilities, swimming pool, in-camp trail, Laundromat, restaurant/cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol station. Several historic places, such as the Voortrekker road, the birthplace of Jock of the Bushveld and the Albasini ruins are within a short drive from the camp. The first tourist hut in the park, the Wolhuter, is found in this camp.

Day 6 Full Day Game Viewing in Kruger National Park

Set off before breakfast in an open safari vehicle in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and all manner of wondrous wildlife, birds and plant species. Savour the magic of this enormous wilderness.

Day 7 The Kingdom of Swaziland

Enjoy an enchanting drive to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Witness a Swazi cultural experience before visiting the famous Ngwenya Glass Factory to see master craftsmen fashion collectable figures and functional art out of molten glass. We continue through the capital city, Mbabane, known for its vibrant markets packed with woven baskets, beadwork and carvings. Spend the night in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Lugogo Sun (or similar)

The Lugogo Sun is part of the heavenly Royal Swazi Sun Valley Resort and is barely a minute's drive from the flagship Royal Swazi Sun. The hotel overlooks a magnificent landscape of sub-tropical gardens and the 72-par golf course. The Lugogo Sun is the Largest of the three hotels at the resort and is especially geared to suit conference groups and families. There are a total 199 spacious guestrooms and 3 mini suites that offer informal yet comfortable accommodation. Breakfast is included.

Day 8 The Kingdom of the Zulu’s

Visit the Swazi Candle Factory, teeming with exquisite wax artworks in every shape and color imaginable. Then on into Zululand, passing traditional round huts and endless vistas. Arrive mid afternoon at the town of St Lucia, a World Heritage Site and home to hippo, crocodile and no less than 367 bird species.

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Protea Hotel St Lucia (or similar)

Protea Hotel is situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite St Lucia World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in South Africa. Our hotel accommodation, including 57 rooms, sits on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary and overlooks the lake.

All 57 rooms look over the St. Lucia Lake and offer an en suite bathroom, telephone, air conditioning, satellite television and tea and coffee maker.

With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal than the better known parks and deltas in Southern Africa.

Day 9 Durban

This morning enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before departing for Durban. Hug the lush KwaZulu-Natal coastline en route to Durban, watching the sugar cane fields do their own version of the Mexican wave at the urging of the wind. Check into your hotel just before lunch (own account). Explore the beachfront and its many attractions at leisure, or take an optional afternoon Durban City Tour (own account).

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Protea Hotel Edward (or similar)

Situated on Durban's famous 'Golden Mile', it is in close proximity to the city centre, popular casino, uShaka Marine World, International Convention Centre and across the road from the main swimming area and Kiddies Funworld. The 'Grande Dame' of Durban since 1911, the Protea Hotel Edward is renowned for personal services and gracious hospitality, all within an ambience of stylish elegance and sophistication.

Relax at the rooftop pool, sip sundowners on the terrace, indulge in the scrumptious dinner buffet or enjoy a cigar in the Cocktail bar, complemented with attentive and friendly service fit for a king. Individually decorated en suite rooms with magnificent sea views, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, satellite television with pay movie channel, hair dryer, touch dial telephone and internet access. Breakfast is included.

Day 10 Port Elizabeth to Knysna

Morning at leisure until your collection and transfer to the airport for your mid morning flight to Port Elizabeth (cost of flight not included). There you will be met by a new guide who will, upon everyone arriving, take you through the glorious, indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, before reaching Knysna, perhaps South Africa's most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route. Dinner and overnight in Knysna.

Accommodation: 2 nights, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Knysna Log Inn (or similar)

The largest timber structure in the Southern Hemisphere provides a unique accommodation experience in the heart of the Garden Route. Beautiful yellowwood interiors and massive stain glass windows house 57 air conditioned en suite bedrooms which are elegantly furnished. The timber theme throughout the hotel captures the concept and spirit of the surrounding indigenous forests and creates the ambience of being 'In tune with nature'.

Recreational facilities offered at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, set in a secluded manicured garden. There are clothing boutiques, gift and curio shops, a hair and beauty salon and a fast photo lab. Lumberjax, the hotel restaurant serves exceptional food from breakfast through to elegant dining in the evening. Breakfast is included.

Day 11 Knysna

Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone 'Heads' which guard the sea entrance to Knysna's huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches beyond. After lunch the remainder of the day at leisure, to enjoy this enchanting town.

Day 12 Oudtshoorn

This morning we enjoy the wonderful views of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass en route to Oudtshoorn, the 'feather capital of the world', so named because it is the centre of South Africa's ostrich industry. After lunch, we learn more about these hardy, enigmatic creatures during a tour of an ostrich farm. We then head underground for a fascinating tour of the Cango Caves, one of South Africa's most incredible natural wonders. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

Accommodation: 1 night, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Queen’s Hotel (or similar)

The Queen's Hotel has been skillfully renovated to recapture the colonial ambiance of a bygone era. The finest of materials were used in the renovations, from the marble and antique furniture collection in the foyer to the gold-plated bedroom door handles. The water features provide welcome relief after a day in the African sun.

Tastefully decorated bedrooms have air conditioning, television, clock radio and telephone. The hotel is situated next to the world-famous ostrich museum and is in close proximity to a multitude of restaurants, curio and coffee shops. It boasts an extensive range of services including a tourist information center and travel agency, a professional hairdressing center, a beauty salon, and a wine and deli shop. Breakfast is included.

Day 13 Cape Town

A day of magnificent vistas. Enjoy the ever-changing passing canvas as we travel to Cape Town. During the whale season we will travel via the seaside village of Hermanus in the hopes of catching a glimpse of southern right whales, which frolic offshore (July to November only). Out of season we will return to Cape Town along 'Route 62', South Africa's version of America's 'Route 66'.

Accommodation: 3 nights, refer to 'Hotels' section for detailed information.
Standard:    Protea Hotel President (or similar)

Situated on Cape Town's spectacular Platinum Mile, the hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and boasts impeccable service and a variety of facilities. There are 349 well-appointed rooms and suites on the Bantry Bay beach front. All rooms and suites contain a remote control television, hairdryer, telephone, central air conditioning, in room safe, and electronic locking devices on all doors. The hotel's a la carte restaurant offers a sophisticated and light Mediterranean ambience. At the end of the day, relax over sundowners on the popular terrace. The hotel also offers a large swimming pool, hairdressing salon, gymnasium, and jewelry shop. Breakfast is included.

Day 14 Cape Peninsula Tour

A full day touring the ruggedly beautiful Cape Peninsula via the Atlantic seaboard. We stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, where you can opt to take a cruise (own account) to Seal Island to watch the antics of these natural performers. Then we continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. We drive through the quaint naval village of Simon's Town on our way back to Cape Town.

Day 15 Cape Winelands Tour

Journey into the beautiful and tranquil Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. A visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Afrikaans Language Monument provides a historical perspective.

Day 16 Fly Cape Town to USA (Via Johannesburg & Europe)

This brings us to the end of our 'World in One Country' Tour. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 17 Arrive USA

**Can be done in reverse starting in Cape Town – details available on request.