Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

Africa Day 6: Cape Town to Knysna B/D Take a scenic drive into the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route and into the picturesque coastal town of Knysna. This historic logging town is hemmed in between the Knysna Lagoon and the mountainous Knysna Forest. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Day 7: Knysna B/L Embark on a Lagoon Cruise to the Knysna Heads aboard the John Benn, a fully enclosed luxury ferry. Enjoy the sea air and the sound of the water lapping around you as you cruise out onto the large lagoon towards its mouth, the Knysna Heads. The Heads are two imposing rocky outcrops that appear to stand sentinel at the mouth of the lagoon. Day 8: Knysna to Port Elizabeth B Depart for Tsitsikamma, a section of the Garden Route famed for luscious forests and dramatic coastlines. Visit a Protea Farm to see South Africa’s national flower, before travelling onward to Port Elizabeth. Day 9: Port Elizabeth to Kruger B/D Fly from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, where you will be transferred to the town of Hazyview. Your retreat will serve as the perfect base from which to explore Kruger National Park. Day 10: Kruger National Park B An early morning start allows you to take advantage of the best time to enter the national park on what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. Kruger is one of the biggest, oldest and quite simply one of the best wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of more than 19 square kilometres, Kruger boasts vast landscapes and the greatest variety of animals including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as giraffe, cheetah, hippos and many species of antelope and smaller animals. Accompanied by an experienced game ranger, you will tour specific areas of the park in an open-sided vehicle offering the very best safari experience with a clear view of the game from an elevated position. Day 11: Kruger B Today is at leisure to relax or explore, or alternately take part in one of our optional excursions (at a fee) including a second 4x4 experience into Kruger. Day 12: Kruger to Johannesburg B Today, travel along the magnificent Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most stunning scenic drives. Climbing high into the cliff tops witness the fresh mountain scenery and sweeping views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment at the start of one of the worlds largest canyons; the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon. With awe-inspiring vistas, the route passes plunging waterfalls and natural landmarks such as the spectacular peaks of the three Ronavels. Continue to Johannesburg for your overnight stay. Day 13: Johannesburg to the UK B Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city, with a stop at the Apartheid Museum. Later in the afternoon, transfer for your overnight return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Cape Town-Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, Knysna- The Rex Hotel, Port Elizabeth-Garden Court Kings Beach, Kruger-Casa Do Sol Hotel, Johannesburg-Indaba Hotel Fourways • Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways Tour pace: Intermediate Cape Town Stellenbosch Winelands Extend your tour NEWMauritius beach stay, 4 H Half Board, 4 nights from £749 or 7 nights from £899 With a tropical ambience and year-round sunshine, Mauritius’ multicultural identity serves as a fascinating backdrop to an exciting exploration of culture. Victoria Falls experience*, 4 nights, B&B from £1,099 Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. *Please note one night spent in Johannesburg Departures & from prices 1 Nov 22 £2,399 6 Jun 23 £2,399 29 Nov 22 £2,349 4 Jul 23 £2,499 10 Jan 23 £2,669 8 Aug 23 £2,599 14 Feb 23 £2,499 12 Sep 23 £2,599 14 Mar 23 £2,199 3 Oct 23 £2,599 25 Apr 23 £2,299 31 Oct 23 £2,699 9 May 23 £2,599 28 Nov 23 £2,699 2024 DATES AVAILABLE AT 2023 PRICES • A single supplement starts from just £339 Mauritius Elephant, Kruger National Park Blyde River Canyon 137 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk