Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Day 6: Cape Town to Knysna B/D Take a scenic drive into the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route. Stop of at Hermanus, a popular fishing and holiday village, and Swellendam, a colourful agricultural town surrounded by mountains. Arrive at picturesque coastal, 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 This morning take a ferry across Knysna lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve taking in views of the imposing Knysna Heads. Explore the nature reserve with a guided walk and 4x4 trailer drive seeking out Blue Duiker, Knysna Loerie and the rare African Oyster Catcher. 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 and Soweto Township. Later in the afternoon, transfer for your overnight return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Cape Point Mauritius Penguins, Boulders Beach Zebra, Kruger National Park Tsitsikamma National Park Meal plan: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners Accommodation: Cape Town, 3 H Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Knysna, 3 H The Rex Hotel Port Elizabeth, 3 H Garden Court Kings Beach Kruger, 4 H Casa Do Sol Hotel Johannesburg, 4 H Indaba Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to South Africa with British Airways Tour pace: Intermediate 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 £1,129 *Please note one night spent in Johannesburg Departures & from prices 25 Apr 23 £2,579 12 Mar 24 £2,899 9 May 23 £2,749 23 Apr 24 £2,299 6 Jun 23 £2,399 7 May 24 £2,799 4 Jul 23 £2,599 4 Jun 24 £2,399 8 Aug 23 £2,699 2 Jul 24 £2,599 12 Sep 23 £2,749 6 Aug 24 £2,699 3 Oct 23 £2,899 10 Sep 24 £2,799 31 Oct 23 £2,849 1 Oct 24 £2,899 28 Nov 23 £2,899 29 Oct 24 £2,949 9 Jan 24 £2,799 26 Nov 24 £2,949 13 Feb 24 £2,499 • A single supplement starts from just £329 • Tipping paid locally £78 Africa 139 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk