YOUR ITINERARY(smarTours)

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating sojourn to South Africa begins as you depart New York today.

Day 2: Arrive Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa's oldest and most spectacular city, where you'll be met and escorted to your hotel, ideally located near the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Protea President Hotel.

Day 3: Sheltered beneath the dramatic shape of Table Mountain, Cape Town is indeed one of the world's most unique cities. This morning, a local expert leads you on a sightseeing tour to explore the charms of the city. Ride by cable car to the top of Table Mountain for glorious city and bay views. Descend and travel through the Malay Quarter and the city center for a chance to view and photograph impressive Table Mountain from a distance. Your tour ends at the vibrant V&A Waterfront where the balance of the day is at leisure. You may relax at one of the many cafes, stroll around and browse the craft and art shops or sample South Africa's renowned wines. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing. (B,D)

Day 4: A memorable full day excursion to Cape Peninsula begins with a scenic drive passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches en route to Cape Point at the southern tip of the Peninsula. Stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay before arriving to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The reserve is rich with flora and fauna and you may see baboons, rheboks and Cape Mountain zebras. Savor the stunning views of the coastline where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. After lunch at a famous seafood restaurant follow the majestic coastline along False Bay and stop at Simon's Town, where you'll visit the Penguin colony. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy the magnificent display of indigenous South African flora before returning to Cape Town late this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 5: Today is at leisure for independent exploration, shopping or relaxing! An optional excursion to the charming winelands region just outside Cape Town is available. (B)

Day 6: Cape Town/Durban/Hluhluwe. Board a short morning flight to Durban, a bustling port city. Upon arrival embark on an orientation tour. View the Vasco Da Gama Clock and City Hall and drive along the oceanfront road, the "Golden Mile". Later, depart for Zululand, featured in the Shaka Zulu TV series. Arrive at your hotel located near the renowned Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve in the heart of the Kingdom of Zulu. Hluhluwe Hotel and Safaris (B,D)

Day 7: Hluhluwe Game Reserve/Zululand. An exciting day begins with a morning game drive in open safari vehicles to explore the magnificent animals and species in the fascinating Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Later, visit Damazulu Village and experience the everyday life of the Zulu tribe, renowned for its warrior culture. Witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and a ceremony of beer drinking. A special Zulu lunch will be served. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8: Hluhluwe/Swaziland. Today, continue your scenic drive north and cross the border into the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Shop for unique African souvenirs at the colorful markets and see basket weavers at work. Lugogo Sun Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Swaziland/Kruger National Park. Drive through the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal to the world famous Kruger National Park. Encompassing some of the most stunning and diverse terrain, the park is South Africa’s premier game sanctuary. An unforgettable game drive in your own motor coach this afternoon takes you in search of the wild. Your upscale lodge is located near the park's gate. Protea Kruger Gate Lodge. (B,D)

Day 10: Your safari today includes a morning game drive, in open vehicles, in search of the parks many residents including the “Big Five”: Lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino and hopefully the more elusive leopard. You may also spot hippopotamus and crocodiles as well as zebras and giraffes. Plains game and bird life also abound. Have your camera ready! After a lunch break, return to the park for an afternoon open-vehicle safari. (B,D)

Day 11: Kruger Park/ Mpumalanga/ Sandton (Johannesburg). Drive through Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal) panoramic wild countryside and enjoy unparalleled views of densely forested mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one of the greatest spectacles of Africa. Proceed to Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, a place of African legend containing bizarre holes cut into rock by powerful river erosion. Later relish sweeping views from God’s Window before arriving in Pilgrim’s Rest, an old gold mining post. Free time to explore on your own this charming town and see the beautifully restored old corrugated iron houses. Proceed to Sandton, a flourishing suburb of Johannesburg, the commerce and diamond mining center. Balalaika Sandton Hotel. (B)

Day 12: Soweto Excursion. This morning learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and it's hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto, a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Peek into the past – hostels, Freedom Square and the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness by Nelson Mandela and visit his former house. The afternoon is at leisure back in thriving Sandton. You may join an optional visit to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner feasting on a traditional South African buffet. (B,D)

Day 13: Depart South Africa. Today is at leisure for last minute shopping or independent pursuits before transferring to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Day 14: Arrive USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you touch down in New York this morning.

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via South African Airways
• Airline fuel surcharge
• Intra-South Africa flight and ground transportation
• Accommodations at superior first class hotels with private bath
• 18 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive touring and safaris incl. admission fees
• Experienced, English speaking Tour Director throughout