Africa

South African Surprise

15 Days. From AUD $3,299pp.
Details

Overview

An expedition of surprise, our South African Surprise package is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes, a thrill-seekers paradise, a wildlife enthusiast dream, and a photographer’s canvas.

Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include the Kruger National Park, where wildlife never seizes to amaze, and the Panorama Route is a wonder of natural sights. It’s then on to eSwatini and Zululand, two regions steeped in ancient culture and tradition. The Southern Drakensberg Mountains forms a great part of this package, where nature rejuvenates the soul. The last leg includes trips to the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, a world hero and revolutionary, and the famed Garden Route region, ending in the Mother City, Cape Town.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Experience a game safari in the Kruger National Park
  • Visit to the charming village of Howick and its impressive waterfall
  • Explore the small towns long the famous Route 62 between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Johannesburg
  • Day 2: Johannesburg – Mpumalanga
  • Day 3: Mpumalanga
  • Day 4: Mpumalanga – eSwatini (Swaziland)
  • Day 5: eSwatini (Swaziland) – St Lucia and Surrounds
  • Day 6: St Lucia and Surrounds – Durban
  • Day 7: Durban – Drakensberg
  • Day 8: Drakensberg
  • Day 9: Drakensberg – Eastern Cape Coast
  • Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast – Tsitsikamma
  • Day 11: Tsitsikamma – Knysna
  • Day 12: Knysna – Oudtshoorn
  • Day 13: Oudtshoorn – Cape Town
  • Day 14: Cape Town (Unescorted)
  • Day 15: Cape Town (Unescorted)

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Johannesburg

On arrival in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport, you’ll be met by your representative and assisted to your shuttle transfer service (unescorted, driver only) that will transfer you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure until 19h00 when we all meet at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing on the tour and a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga

This morning we leave for Mpumalanga, dropping several hundred feet into the lush subtropical region of the Lowveld. Travel along the circular Panorama Route, visiting the view sites of the Blyde River Canyon, home to the Three Rondavels and one of the natural wonders of Africa; gasp at the glory of God’s Window, with a boundless view of mountains and fertile plains and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Distance travelled today: 500 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 3: Mpumalanga

We have a bright and early start to the day to experience the wonders of exploring the Kruger National Park in our closed vehicle. Why not join a thrilling open-vehicle game safari through the Kruger National Park (optional and for own account)? The Kruger National Park is an internationally renowned game reserve of nearly 2 million hectares that supports the largest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. Keep a lookout for the wonderful flora and bird life that abounds. We return to our hotel around lunch time and your afternoon is at leisure to relax.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 4: Mpumalanga - eSwatini (Swaziland)

This morning we travel to eSwatini (Swaziland), an independent Kingdom within the borders of South Africa, known for its lovely scenery, crafts and colourful indigenous culture. An interactive cultural experience introduces us to the charming people of eSwatini and their traditions. We travel south to our hotel, nestled in the mountainous peaks of eSwatini (Swaziland) for overnight.
Distance travelled today: 200 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 5: eSwatini (Swaziland) - St Lucia and Surrounds

After breakfast we journey through eSwatini (Swaziland), visiting Ngwenya Glass, where a small group of eSwati craftsmen and women create beautiful handmade items from recycled glass. Our next stop is The Swazi Candles Centre where you will experience local artisans creating colourful, handmade candles. Our journey continues into the Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society living in peace and harmony. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for overnight.
Distance travelled today: 375 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 6: St Lucia and Surrounds - Durban

Guests have the option to take a morning optional open vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve (optional and for own account), before heading off to Durban. An orientation tour of Durban, that travels along the Golden Mile, the beachfront promenade, The Point Waterfront, and harbour introduces us to this multicultural, vibrant seaside city. The orientation tour concludes with a visit to the Durban Botanic Gardens before arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Distance travelled today: 320 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 7: Durban - Drakensberg

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or perhaps explore the bustling Umhlanga Beach with a stroll along the Promenade mile that buzzes with energy as surfers, joggers and cyclists take to this seaside playground. Then we head into the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains. We visit the impressive 300-foot-high Howick Falls, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Our journey continues through the Southern Midlands Meander Route, arriving at our hotel, situated on a scenic World Heritage site, mid-afternoon. Your afternoon is at leisure to soak up the surroundings, or enjoy fishing, hiking and even horse riding in clean mountain air (all activities are optional and for own account). Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
Distance travelled today: 280 kms

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 8: Drakensberg

Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the surroundings of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg Mountains. There are also many leisure activities to be enjoyed at the Resort. Consider joining a thrilling 4x4 tour up the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (optional and for own account). Enjoy an evening dinner at your hotel with a wide variety of local specialities to choose from.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 9: Drakensberg - Eastern Cape Coast

This morning we continue south to the Eastern Cape entering the fourth of the provinces and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela (fondly known as Madiba). En route we see the old traditional way of life in the former homeland area known as the Transkei and stop for lunch (own account) outside the capital of Mthata. We travel past Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and house, arriving late afternoon at our accommodation in Chinsta East, on the beautiful, unspoilt Eastern Cape Coast. A delicious dinner with local delicacies awaits you at your lodge.
Distance travelled today: 520 kms

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 10: Eastern Cape Coast - Tsitsikamma

We awake to the sounds of the crashing waves and have the morning at leisure to unwind with beach sand between our toes. The beach stretches on uninterrupted for many kilometres and the thick indigenous beach forest is a haven for an amazing variety of birdlife. We set off heading south to the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Distance travelled today: 510 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 11: Tsitsikamma - Knysna

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the spectacularly beautiful Tsitsikamma Forest, which provides scenic walking opportunities. A short walk to the Storms River Mouth offers some magnificent views of the gorge and river below. Arrive in Knysna, known as the oyster box of South Africa, for check in at your hotel. Enjoy a dinner filled with culinary delights at the hotel’s trendy restaurant.
Distance travelled today: 92 kms

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 12: Knysna - Oudtshoorn

After breakfast, we travel inland over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ because of its ostrich industry. We visit a working ostrich farm and then explore the famous Cango Caves, with a walk around its magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight in Oudtshoorn.
Distance travelled today: 180 kms

Breakfast included.

Day 13: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town

Today’s journey travels along the famous Route 62 and through the Little Karoo, ending in Cape Town. On the way we stop off to sample top quality port style wines in Calitzdorp, before continuing via Worcester and the Huguenot Tunnel, arriving in Cape Town in the late afternoon.
Distance travelled today: 420 km

Breakfast included.

Day 14: Cape Town (Unescorted)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join a sightseeing tour of Cape Town and Table Mountain (optional and for own account) or spend the day exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands on a full day winelands tour (optional and for own account) or join a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline and spectacular scenic beauty (optional and for own account). Although a small city, Cape Town is packed with sightseeing attractions, excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as colourful craft markets. Alternatively relax on one of Cape Town’s many pristine beaches. Overnight in Cape Town.

Breakfast included.

Day 15: Cape Town (Unescorted)

This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel by 11h00. The remainder of the day will be at leisure until your transfer to Cape Town International airport.

Breakfast included.

DatesFromSpecial Offer
04 May 2025 - 18 May 2025AUD$3299ppContact us
01 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025AUD$3299ppContact us
06 Jul 2025 - 20 Jul 2025AUD$3299ppContact us
03 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025AUD$3540ppContact us
31 Aug 2025 - 14 Sep 2025AUD$3540ppContact us
05 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025AUD$3677ppContact us

** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.

** Single supplements may apply

Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Johannesburg Protea Hotel Transit O.R Tambo Airport or similar
Hazyview Hippo Hollow Country Estate or similar
Swaziland Piggs Peak Hotel or similar
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Anew Hotel Hluhluwe or similar
Durban Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge or similar
Drakensberg Mountains Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort or similar
Wild Coast Crawfords Beach Lodge or similar
Tsitsikamma National Park Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar
Knysna Premier Resort the Moorings or similar
Oudtshoorn Protea Hotel Riempie Estate or similar
Cape Town Sunsquare Cape Town Gardens or similar

Whats included?

  • 18 Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 dinners including gratuities
  • 14 Nights’ accommodation including porterage
  • Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary

What’s not included?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

Accommodation check-in on Day 1 is from 14h00. Shuttle service on Day 1 starts at 05h15 and ends at 23h00. If you are arriving on a very early morning or late evening flight, please let us know to make alternative transfer arrangements.

Group Tour:
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 40 guests

VISA REQUIREMENTS
This tour travels through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas to travel through eSwatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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South African Surprise

15 Days. From AUD $3,299pp.