+27 31 572 4227
info@southerncircle.com
We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
info@southerncircle.com
We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
+27 31 572 4227
info@southerncircle.com
We Specialize In Creating Wow Memories of Southern Africa
+27 31 572 4227

Tours

1-day peninsula tour

1-Day Cape Peninsula Tour (Code: SCCK)

See Mother Nature’s plant life with the 1-day Cape Peninsula tour package On this  round-trip adventurous 1-day Peninsula tour of Cape Town you will visit the following highlights: Depart from the city of Cape Town to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with over seven thousand plant species, half of which being indigenous plants and of those, some two thousand six hundred being endemic to the peninsula. From here you drive via the Constantia Valley which is the oldest winemaking centre in South Africa. The African Penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. Simon’s Town is also the headquarters of the S.A Navy. Cape of Good Hope is the most south-western extremity of the African continent. Cape point which is the second-best viewpoint after Table Mountain. The fynbos rich Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the spectacular scenic drive over Chapman’s Peak along the west of the Peninsula, that will take you back to the city via a few small towns after this eventful day on this 1-day Cape Peninsula tour. Other tours that may interest you: Half-Day Cape Town City Tour – Code: SCCC Full-day Winelands Tour – Code: SCCW We also offer tours to the famous Garden Route from Cape Town. They start with a duration of three, up to six days and some include the semi-desert Karoo, others include wildlife, but all traverse through the Garden Route and the coastal towns! Click here to see more.

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2 Day Drakensberg Mountains Highlights Tour – Durban (Code: SCDB)

With this tour we incorporate a visit to Pietermaritzburg where police kicked Mahatma Ghandi off the train because of his skin colour, the Howick Falls, Nelson Mandela’s capture site, a 4 x 4 drive up Sani Pas, interaction with the locals in Lesotho and lunch at the highest pub in Africa! DAY 1    Durban – Drakensberg Mountains – Sani Pass We depart at around 09h00 for your tour to the Drakensberg Mountains and Sani Pass via the Natal Midlands. Drive inland to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, for a brief drive-through. Stop at the railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin. Enter the waiting room where, in the silence of the night, he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance. Continue to Howick and visit the 100m high Howick Falls. Next, we stop at the monument erected on the spot where police arrested Nelson Mandela in 1961 as a result of his resistance to the former Apartheid government. Continue through an area of gentle pastoral beauty called the Natal Midlands. We pass through grassy plains scattered with villages and lush farmlands where plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze. Then further through Underberg, a picturesque little village situated in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. Our hotel is in the lap of the mountain with peaks towering up to 3400m above sea level. The afternoon is at your leisure to participate in some of the organised hikes into the mountain or explore the area on your own. Overnight at the Sani Pass Premier Hotel. DAY 2  Sani Pass – Lesotho – Durban After breakfast you set off to Sani Pass, named after the primitive people who lived here millennia ago.  We use a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the steep inclines and

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Wildlife Safari Highlights – Durban to Durban (Code: SCDH)

This overnight wildlife safari departing from Durban is completely devoted to finding Africa’s wildlife including the Big Five inside the national and private reserves in Zululand north of Durban, perfect for those with limited time.  We operate the tour in our vehicles, but you also have the opportunity to join optional open vehicle safaris to further enhance the experience. DAY 1   Durban – Zululand – Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (Big Five Wildlife Safari) Our Big Five wildlife safari commences at around 08h00 from Durban.  Travel northwards and turn towards the village of Eshowe (Zulu for the sound of the wind blowing through the forest). Traverse further along with scenic hilly areas with beautiful vistas. Once past Ulundi, the Capital of the previous homeland of KwaZulu, continue to the park. Enter Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park game reserve to start our game viewing and spend the day here. After an exciting day in search of Africa’s wildlife, we exit the park and travel to our nearby country hotel. Overnight at the Zulu Nyala Heritage Hotel. DAY 2   Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park – Durban We have an early breakfast and afterwards return to the reserve and spend most of the day searching for Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo).  Moreover, you are able to join an optional early morning open vehicle safari. Enjoy lunch (not included) at the Hilltop recreational centre and afterwards continue game viewing.  We leave the park around mid-afternoon after the game drive and set off to Durban. THESE SIMILAR TOURS MAY ALSO INTEREST YOU: 1 Day Touch of Wildlife – Durban to Durban (Code: SCDU) 2 Day Wildlife Safari and Culture Tour – Durban to Durban (Code: SCDE) 3 Day South Africa Wildlife Experience – Durban to Durban (Code: SCDW)

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South Africa safari tour

Zululand Wildlife Safari Guided Tour – (Code: SCDE)

This overnight Zululand wildlife safari departs from Durban and includes the Big Five in the Zululand reserves as well as a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia in the iSimangaliso world heritage site.  you’ll spot crocs, hippo amongst other marine animals and an abundance of bird-life whilst on the cruise. DAY 1. Durban – Lake St Lucia (World Heritage Site) – Wildlife Safari Reserve We depart from your hotel and travel north through sugar cane fields past KwaDukuza, the home of Shaka (the father of the Zulu nation).  Further through large eucalyptus plantations towards the subtropical coast and bushveld of Zululand. Arrive in the village of St Lucia and join a boat cruise on the estuary of the famous Lake St Lucia situated in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park (proclaimed a World Heritage Site in 1999). The lake is a wildlife paradise with bird species such as fish eagle, Goliath heron and many more. Your skipper/guide will show you the world of the hippo and the crocodile and the other mystic inhabitants of the “deep”. Afterwards travel to a private reserve searching for wildlife on our way to the lodge. Check into your room and afterwards join an open vehicle safari searching for Africa’s amazing wildlife the Africa way! Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner. Overnight at Rhino River Lodge. DAY 2   Zululand Wildlife – Durban We have an early wake up call for refreshments. Then embark on an exciting open vehicle safari in search of the Big Five amongst a myriad of other wild animals. We return from this adventure for breakfast.  Then depart for cultural experience at an authentic Zulu Kraal (village). We meet the sangoma (diviner) and see how Shaka made his war strategy so successful he won almost all his battles. OTHER TOURS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: 2-Day Wildlife

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Touch of Wildlife 1 Day Tour – Durban (Code: SCDU)

The 1-Day touch of wildlife tour is designed to offer just as the tour name suggests; a full day to touch on the amazing wildlife of Africa including the Big Five( lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) for those who have limited time!  There is little to top a close encounter with a lion kill, or an elephant walking next to the vehicle or a white rhino and her calf strolling into the road in front of you!With the time limit we do not promise that you will see all of the Big Five, but still many other mammals, birds, etc. However,  we have been successful many times! ITINERARY Depart early from Durban on our 1-day touch of wildlife tour and travel north through sugar cane fields towards the sub‑tropical coast and bushveld of Zululand. We arrive at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest reserve in Africa where our wildlife expereince commences! The white rhino was saved from extinction here.  This reserve is home to over 90 species of mammals amongst other wildlife including the “Big Five”(lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). There is also an excellent chance to see the shy nyala. After lunch at Hilltop Complex, you embark on another game viewing drive in the afternoon before returning to Durban. The duration of this day tour is around 10 – 12 hours. We offer you a good chance to see the Big Five amongst an abundance of other wildlife in one day! We do the game viewing in the comfort of our air-conditioned vehicle with our very informative crew. You will certainly feel that you have been out on a day safari in the wild! You also have the option to book a 2 – 3 hour open vehicle safari during the day. NOTE: We also offer a two-day and three-day

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3 Day African Wildlife and Culture Experience – Durban to Durban (Code: SCDW)

This tour departs daily and encompasses wildlife safaris, a Zulu cultural experience and a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia. The lake is situated inside the iSimangaliso world heritage site, and hippo, croc and abundant birdlife can be seen from the boat. DAY 1 – Zulu Cultural Village – St Lucia – Rhino River Lodge Our experience of the wildlife and culture of Zululand begins when we travel north towards the subtropical coast and bushveld of Zululand, the place of the mighty Zuku nation and abundant wildlife. Arrive at St Lucia’s village in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, proclaimed a world heritage site in 1999. We join a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, a natural paradise around which five complete ecosystems exist. An abundance of birdlife, hippo and crocodiles exist here, and we have a chance to find them. After lunch (not included) we depart for our private reserve and after check-in. Later join an open vehicle safari where close encounters with the African wildlife commences. Return later for a sumptuous dinner. Overnight at the Rhino River Lodge. DAY 2 – Rhino Reserve – Wildlife and Culture This morning we join an early open vehicle safari searching for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) amongst many other of Africa’s amazing wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, etc. We take a break at a scenic spot in the bush and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and rusks before we continue. On our return, we enjoy a mid-morning breakfast, and you are free to enjoy the scenery around the lodge. A light lunch is served and some free time before we embark on the afternoon safari. We stop for sundowners in the bush at sundown and continue towards the camp for a hearty dinner around a fire in the

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3 Day Battlefields Guided Tour (Code: SCDF3) – Durban

3 Day Battlefield Tour – Code: SCDF3 This 3-day Battlefield tour covers 3 very important Anglo-Boer war sites as well as 2 of the most important Anglo-Zulu Battlefields.  We also cover the Battle of Blood River fought between the Zulu’s and the Boers. This tour is perfect for those with a keen interest in the early wars and skirmishes. DAY 1  Durban – Pietermaritzburg – Spionkop – Ladysmith – Dundee We travel westwards to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, for a brief city tour. Stop at the railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin, and see the waiting room, wherein the silence of the night he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance. Visit the Church of the Vow that was built as a result of the Battle of Blood River between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus in 1838. Then onwards to the hills where the Battle of Spioenkop took place. Here, famous personalities like Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha, were active in different capacities.  Standing on the battlefield, the terrible incident unfolds again. At Ladysmith, we visit the Siege Museum for an insight into the siege of Ladysmith and stories of suffering and heroism. Our overnight stop is outside Dundee after a quick visit to Talana Battlefield – the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War. We travel to our luxury lodge overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana! Overnight At Isandlwana Lodge DAY 2  Rorke’s Drift – Isandlwana – Blood River This morning we cover the famous and awe-inspiring battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. The next battlefield we visit is at the battle of Blood River where a life-size bronze model of the ‘Boer’ laager is an eerie reminder of what happened. It is also one of the only

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Drakensberg Mountains 3 Day Adventure (Code: SCDD)

DAY 1    Durban – Pietermaritzburg –  Drakensberg Mountains On the first day of our Drakensberg Mountains Adventure, travel inland to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, for a brief city tour. Stop at the railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train because of the colour of his skin. Stand in the waiting room where, in the silence of the night, he formulated his philosophy of passive resistance.  Continue to Howick where we visit the 100m high Falls.  Our next stop is at the monument erected on the spot where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. Continue through an area of gentle pastoral beauty called the Natal Midlands. We pass through grassy plains scattered with villages and lush farmlands where plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze.  Then we travel to our hotel from where you can enjoy magnificent views while enjoying sundowners. Overnight at Little Switzerland Hotel. DAY 2   Northern Drakensberg Mountains – Golden Gate After breakfast we travel through QwaQwa, a former homeland, and watch the locals busy with their daily chores in this remote land. We visit the Golden Gate National Park. Enjoy amazing views of the black Basalt and golden sandstone cliffs which gave its name to the park. We round the day off with a picnic lunch and visits to some scenic viewpoints and return late afternoon to your hotel. Overnight at Little Switzerland Hotel. DAY 3    Drakensberg – Giant’s Castle – Rock Art We depart after breakfast and drive to the Giant’s Castle area for a forty minute walk to some of the country’s best preserved ancient rock paintings. We have a peek into the mystical existence of these strange little people who became extinct at the beginning of the previous century. From here we return to Durban arriving late afternoon. NOTE: We also offer the Drakensberg Highlights

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Full Day Whale Watching Tour (Code: SCCF)

Whale Watching in South Africa Whale watching in South Africa is popular in Hermanus, Mossel Bay and the KZN coast from July to November. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are collectively known as cetaceans and there are about 90 species;  from the biggest, the blue whale to the tiny vaquita and New Zealand dolphin. They are all mammals. So, they breathe air, have hair, are warm-blooded, give birth to live young and feed their young milk. The southern right whale is most common around Cape Town with the humpback whale further eastwards to the KZN coastline past Durban and Mozambique. Watch the Southern Right Whale in its natural habitat in Hermanus One and a half hours south-east of Cape Town is Hermanus, arguably one of the best land-based whale watching spots! These gentle giants are clearly visible from the scenic ‘cliff-top walk’ in Hermanus and the town holds a whale watching festival every September. In whale season, July to November, whales and their young get very close to the shoreline. This Cape whale watching tour takes you to Hermanus to encounter mostly the Southern Right Whale that breed and rear their young here. Afterwards, we return via the very scenic coastal route of Betty’s Bay, Gordon’s Bay and Somerset West. If time permits your route will also take you further to a tantalizing wine estate visit. We taste some wine at either Bouchard Finlayson or Hamilton Russell. Afterwards, we return to Cape Town. NOTE: Other tours that include whale watching and some whale stories. Cape Peninsula Day Tour (Code: SCCK) – Cape Town to Cape Town 4 Day Garden Route Tour (Code: SCCD) – Cape Town to Port Elizabeth  –  OR  –  The same tour from Port Elizabeth (Code: SCCE)

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self-drive zululand for wildlife

5-Day South Africa Wildlife Safari Tour (Code: SCDG) – Durban to Johannesburg

The wildlife and scenery tour / safari explores some of South Africa’s best wildlife areas including the famous Kruger National Park! The itinerary also includes lake St Lucia with an abundance of birdlife, hippo and croc in their natural habitat – all within the iSimangaliso world heritage site, also eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) and the scenic Panoramic Route. So, why not book your safari today, pay a small deposit and hold the price for travelling from now until the end of October next year! Click here to find out how! DAY_1. St Lucia – Wildlife (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park) – Private Reserve (wildlife and scenery) This morning sees the start of our encounter with the wildlife and scenery of South Africa! Drive north towards the subtropical coast and bushveld of Zululand – home of the mighty Zulu nation.  The first stop is the village of St Lucia.  Embark on a boat safari on the famous lake St Lucia (proclaimed a World Heritage Site in December 1999). Crocodiles, hippos and birds such as the fish eagle, herons and egrets are in abundance. Then travel to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi where the rhino was saved from extinction and home to the shy nyala, as well as the Big Five. We exit the park early evening and drive to our lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge. DAY 2.   eSwatini (Swaziland) An early morning wake up call for an exciting open vehicle wildlife safari after and early breakfast, we do a last open vehicle wildlife safari.  Then we head northwards and continue to eSwatini. From Onverwacht border post follow a scenic route via Nhlangano to Manzini, where crossing every mountain leads to a new vista. We stop at the well-known local craft market in the Malkerns Valley. Here we visit  Swazi Candles where the artists

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Southern Circle Tours: A Brief History of the Kruger National Park

6 Day Great South African Wildlife Expedition (Code: SCMJ) – Durban to Johannesburg

 GREAT WILDLIFE EXPEDITION – CODE: SCMJ There is nothing quite like being on safari in South Africa! You feel the crisp, fresh morning air in your face – alert, excited – taking in the smells! You hear the birds – some closer, others in the distance – otherwise silence! Surrounded by the African bush, the early morning sun streaking through branches, you watch a majestic elephant bull standing just metres away looking straight at the safari vehicle with ears moving slightly – inspecting… Sounds like something you are yearning to do? Then why not book your African adventure today, pay a deposit and hold the price for travelling from now until the end of October next year! We can also arrange your entire trip to our region. Contact us now to assist with your plans, or click here to book this tour! It departs from Durban (click here for a departure from Johannesburg) and includes some of the most scenic areas in the country including the famous Kruger National Park. Still, the main focus is on the almost 5 days of safari, both in two private reserves and the Kruger National Park. It also includes a boat safari on Lake St Lucia, situated in the iSimangaliso world heritage site! The scenic areas include the Panorama Route, Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) mountains and the Zululand forests and lakes. The tour ends in Johannesburg in the afternoon of the sixth day. DAY 1. St Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – Private Reserve (Great Wildlife Expedition incorporating safari’s and scenery) Our first morning on safari in South Africa takes us northwards towards the subtropical coast and bushveld of Zululand – home of the mighty Zulu nation and visit the village of St Lucia for a boat cruise on the estuary of the famous

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Natal Battlefields Guided Tour – 1-Day (Code: SCDK)

During this Natal Battlefields tour, you will mainly visit the two important Anglo Zulu battlefields of  Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. We travel westwards past Pietermaritzburg to the famous and awe-inspiring battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana where we spend most of our time exploring. Then travel via Babanango, Melmoth and Eshowe and arrive in the evening. We return to Durban via Melmoth and Eshowe and arrive in the evening. OTHER TOURS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU: 2 Day Natal Battlefields tour (Code: SCDF) – Durban to Durban 3 Day Natal Battlefields Tour (Code: SCDF3) – Durban to Durban

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