• View majestic mountains at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
• Visit Clarens, known as the ‘little jewel of the Free State’.
• Learn the history of the diamond discoveries in Kimberley with a tour of the ‘Big Hole’.
• Travel through the scenic Great Karoo region.
• Visit the Addo Elephant National Park to view these magnificent animals.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Itinerary

Day 1: (Mon) Golden Gate Highlands National Park
We depart Sandton this morning by 07h30 and proceed south to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, situated at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and famous for its captivating scenery and invigorating climate. Spend the afternoon discovering the vast colourful sandstone formations, which shine golden-yellow in the evening sun, and enjoying the indigenous flora, as well as the variety of wildlife and birdlife which the park has to offer.

Accommodation: Golden Gate - Brandwag Hotel or similarsimilar

Day 2: (Tue) Golden Gate Highlands / Kimberley
Today we proceed to Kimberly via Clarens which has become known as the ‘Little Jewel of the Free State’, rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity. After a brief visit of this quaint little town we continue via Bethlehem to arrive late afternoon in Kimberley, home of the ‘Big Hole’ and where the great South African diamond rush took place in 1871, when tens of thousands of men from all over the world rushed to peg out their sites. We stop off at the north side pan in the city, to view the largest flamingo population in South Africa, before arriving at our overnight accommodation.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Diamond Lodge or similar

Day 3: (Wed) Kimberley / Cradock
This morning enjoy a tour of the world famous Kimberley Mine or alternatively known as the ‘Big Hole’, the largest man-made excavation in the world, dug to a depth of 240m entirely with shovels and picks in search of diamonds. After a tour of the museum, which offers a good guide to diamonds, we continue south through the Great Karoo and make our way to Cradock via the historic towns of Britstown, De Aar and Hanover.

Accommodation: Die Tuishuis or similar

Day 4: (Thu) Cradock / Addo Elephant National Park
This morning we depart for Addo Elephant National Park, aptly named for its 450 or so elephant population. After Kommadagga but just before Teuns se Winkel, we turn right and proceed to the park via the mostly forgotten yet scenic Suurberg Pass, completed in 1858. As you cross over 2 summits you realise how impressive a mountain range the Suurberge is.

Accommodation: Zuurberg Mountain Village or similar

Day 5: (Fri) Addo Elephant National Park / Port Elizabeth (B)
Enjoy the day at Addo Elephant National Park, which offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. The Park is also unique in its unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa’s seven major vegetation zones present. After what will hopefully be a magnificent day of sightings, we depart for Port Elizabeth, arriving late afternoon.

Transportation

• Tour in air-conditioned sedan / micro-buses or 18-seater mini-buses.

Professionally Escorted

• Discover the Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape with our professional Tour Guide.
  

Accommodation

• Rooms with private facilities, on a twin share basis.
• Accommodation standard based on 3 star hotels, guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts.
  

Dining Inclusions

• 4 Breakfasts.

Plus

• Hotel porterage included.
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park Conservation Levy included.
• Addo Elephant National Park Conservation Levy included.
  

No children under 12 permitted.

Thompsons Africa reserves the right to offer accommodation of a similar standard,
subject to availability.