+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

3 Day Garden Route Tour – Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha to Cape Town (Code: SCCB)

 This tour through the Garden Route offers quick but in-depth views over this diverse and scenic area. The emphasis is on affordable luxury and comfort utilizing small 4-star type lodges.  Guided transport is in luxury 7-seater or smaller air-conditioned vehicles. DAY 1. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Garden Route – Knysna You depart on this 3 day Garden Route Tour from Gqeberha, also called the ‘Friendly City’, towards the Garden Route and along the N2 national route. Arrive at Storms River with the impressive Paul Sauer Bridge across the valley towering some hundred and thirty- nine metres above the river. Now truly in the Garden Route, our next stop is further along at Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for the place of much water). The park stretches over one hundred kilometres of wild and rocky coastline characterized by massive cliffs, narrow, isolated beaches, and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. You can do a relaxing walk/hike to the suspension bridge stretching over the mouth of the Storms River. Afterwards, travel to The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The Bloukrans Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge and is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world! You visit Birds of Eden. This unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. It is currently home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, focusing on African birds. Travelling past Plettenberg Bay to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by two promontories known as the ‘Heads’. The area also falls within a National Park of the Garden Route proclaimed to conserve the extraordinary natural beauty of the Lakeland and adjacent indigenous forests. Knysna also offers shopping opportunities for unusual locally made art

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4-Day Garden Route Guided Tour – Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha to Cape Town (Code: SCCE)

4-Day Garden Route Tour – SCCE – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Cape Town This 4-day Garden Route fully guided tour departs daily from Gqeberha and offers a relaxed way to view the exceptionally scenic Garden Route area. Our hand-picked overnight accommodations add to the comfort and luxury. DAY 1 Gqeberha – Garden Route – Knysna Our day begins departing from Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha, towards the Garden Route, so-called because of its lush, green scenery, looking much like gardens, along the N2 national route to the Storms River. This is the beginning of the Garden Route.  Your next stop is at Tsitsikamma National Park (Khoisan for the place of much water), stretching over one hundred kilometres of wild and rocky coastline characterized by massive cliffs, narrow isolated beaches, and shady indigenous forests along the river valleys. Here you can do a relaxing walk/hike to the suspension bridge stretching over the mouth of the Storms River. We then continue to The Bloukrans Bridge, 216 meters (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The Bloukrans Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge and is the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world! On the road again, before entering Plettenberg Bay, we visit the Birds of Eden. This unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. It is currently home to over 3,500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds. Then a short stop at Monkeyland, the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. On this visit you can expect to see a variety of primates, ranging from the Gibbons of Asia to the Lemurs of Madagascar. More than 700 primates live at the sanctuary. Continuing past Plettenberg Bay to Knysna on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon with its entrance to the sea guarded by two

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Okavango Delta

7-Day Vic Falls, Chobe and Okavango Delta Safari

Vic Falls, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta Combination This tour incorporates the ultimate wildlife and scenic experience in southern Africa! Firstly, the package covers two nights at Vic Falls, followed by two nights in Chobe National Park and two nights in Okavango Delta! Note: You can add days to any part of this tour, just mention it in the comments box when you ask for info or book your tour. DAY_1. Johannesburg – Vic Falls (Vic Falls, Chobe, and Okavango Delta) We start this 7-day Vic Falls, Chobe, and Okavango Delta Safari with the famous Vic Falls.  After a relatively short flight from Johannesburg’s O R Tambo International Airport, you are welcomed at the Vic Falls Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the area. Early evening, transfer to the Boma Place of Eating… This is not just another ethnic restaurant but a unique cultural experience. You will be greeted in local languages and invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony.  Afterwards, a sampling of traditional beer and snacks before dinner is served. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes are on offer. The meal is accompanied by entertainment from traditional dancers, the storyteller and a local witch-doctor for some fortune-telling. After dinner, the Sangoma tells tales of the country’s folklore, culture and heritage. The highlight of the evening is the interactive drumming and dancing, so come prepared to participate.  Overnight at the A’Zambezi River Lodge. DAY_2. Vic Falls The Vic Falls is in its 150 millionths fantastic year, truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell, the humbling feeling that this may indeed be nature’s supreme masterpiece. Nothing prepares one for your first sight of the white water and spray! On

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5 Day Sossusvlei Namibian Tour

3-Day Sossusvlei Namibian Explorer This guided tour starts in Windhoek with a morning tour of the city (we can arrange an early flight from Johannesburg if required). Afterwards we travel further along to southern Namibia and Sossusvlei. It is situated in the largest conservation area in Namibia, the Namib-Nakluft National Park, an area of almost 50,000 km2.  The tour includes many scenic areas and above all, Sossusvlei; renowned for its red,  star-shaped dunes  contrasting starkly against the floors of the pans. Day 1. WINDHOEK – NAMIB DESERT Depart  from your hotel – or the local airport – for a tour of the city including some interesting visits followed by a light lunch. Afterwards we depart from Windhoek and travel further via the scenic Spreetshoogte Pass and Solitaire into the Namib Desert the oldest and driest desert on earth. Late afternoon check into the hotel. Later in the afternoon we drive into the desert around the Gondwana Namib Park including a visit to the petrified dunes. Refreshments and snacks are included. Overnight at Namib Desert Lodge. Dinner included. Day 2. SOSSUSVLEI After an early rise, enter the Namib-Naukluft Park early morning and watch the first sun rays change the dunes into a picturesque lunar-like scene. Travel from the Tsauchab River Valley to the Sossusvlei surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. We experience Deadvlei on foot!  After a picnic lunch under Camelthorn trees, return to the lodge via the Sesriem Canyon and awe at the rock formations. Later this afternoon you can join optional  activities around this amazing area, even a night walk into the desert… Overnight at your lodge after a sumptuous dinner. Day 3. SOSSUSVLEI – WINDHOEK After breakfast we travel back to Windhoek via the Remshoogte Pass arriving mid-afternoon. We can drop you off

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Namib Desert

9 Day Namibia Tour from Johannesburg

9-Day Namibia Tour – from Johannesburg Namibia is an exceptionally diverse, but also arid land! On this 9 day Namibia tour we explore Windhoek – the Capital, the western seaboard, some of the most amazing sights in Namibia including the red dunes as well as it’s wildlife! The Sossusvlei 5-day tour can be added to this one. NOTE: From November 2023 the itinerary of this tour changes, please contact us for the new itinerary!  Day 1. Johannesburg – Windhoek, Namibia Mid-morning departure from Johannesburg to Windhoek. On arrival at the airpot you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight – CLASSIC AVANI Windhoek Hotel (B/B) or similar. Day 2. Windhoek – Swakopmund, Namibia After breakfast, depart and drive further to Swakopmund, nestling between desert dunes of Namibia and the Atlantic Ocean, arriving early afternoon. After some short walks on the beach, book into your hotel. Day 3. Swakopmund Today is at leisure in the town of Swakopmund to explore or take part in the many activities on offer. Overnight at the hotel. Day 4. Swakopmund – Damaraland Travelling north and explore the prehistoric rock art at Twyfelfontein. The area is strewn with boulders, all dotted with engravings and paintings, some dating back to over 6000 years. Features in the area include the Organ Pipes, considered to be over 130 million years old, Burnt Mountain and the Petrified Forest. Visit the Welwitschia Mirabilis, the oldest desert plant on earth and afterwards travel further to a Damara Traditional Village. After this cultural experience, proceed to our lodge situated on the edge of the Damaraland. Overnight at the lodge. Day 5. Damaraland – Etosha National Park After breakfast our tour takes us further towards the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amounts of wildlife and landscape. On arrival at the camp,

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cape mountain passes tour

Full Day Cape Mountain Passes Tour (Code: SCCM)

Dive through some of the most scenic mountain passes in Cape Town in an all nature safari vacation package. Depart on the Cape Mountain passes tour at around 09h00. These all-inclusive cape town holiday packages are designed to showcase a few of the most spectacular cape mountain passes and views of the Western Cape. We travel through the world-renowned Cape Apples, South African dried fruit, the finest export grapes, and winemaking areas. The town of Paarl serves one of the best wine-producing areas in the Cape. Wellington at the foot of the Drakenstein Mountains is the centre of the dried fruit industry. The Bainskloof Mountain Pass offers many scenic views. The Breede River Valley on the other side is the principal export grape growing area in the country. The second mountain pass we travel through is the Du Toit’s Kloof Pass skirting the magnificent gorge, rich with indigenous mountain flora. At the summit, we have a spectacular kaleidoscope of the Fairest Cape with Table Mountain in the distance. We travel through the Franschhoek Valley, arguably one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Wine farms still bear original French names here as do their wines. The winding Franschhoek Pass offers striking views of the valley. Further along, we travel through the apple orchards of Grabouw where the famous Cape Apples originate from. After a visit to the Apple Museum, we return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass where we have a full view of False Bay, the Peninsula and Cape Point. Other tours that may interest you: Sani Pass Tour,  other Cape Mountain Passes. The Sani Pass is probably the most impressive in South Africa as one can only traverse it with a 4 x 4 vehicle to the top which is close to 3000 metres (10 000ft)

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Natal Battlefields Tour

2 Day Natal Battlefields Guided Tour (Code: SCDF)

The Natal Battlefields Tour – 2 Days (Code: SCDF) The Natal Battlefields tour visits the battlefields of Spionkop, Talana, Ladysmith, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, all part of the Anglo Boer and Anglo Zulu wars fought during the late 19th century.  You finally visit Zulu king Dingane’s Umgungundhlovu homestead where he murdered Boer leader Piet Retief and his party. To visit the battle of Blood River in addition to the battlefields included here, you need to join our three day tour of the battlefields  (Code: SCDF3) which includes Blood River museum and battlefield. DAY 1   Durban – Spionkop – Ladysmith – Talana (Natal Battlefields Tour) Our 2 Day Battlefield Guided Tour takes us westwards via Pietermaritzburg and the hilly wonderland of the Midlands towards the west. With the mighty Drakensberg Mountains in sight on a clear day, we travel  to the hills where the Battle of Spionkop took place. Here, famous personalities like Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha, were active in different capacities.  Standing on the spot, the terrible incident unfolds again. At Ladysmith visit the Siege Museum for an insight into the siege of Ladysmith and stories of suffering and heroism. Overnight outside Dundee after we visit the Talana Battlefield – the site of the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War.  Overnight at the Isandlwana Lodge . DAY 2   Rorke’s Drift – Isandlwana – Umgungundluvo – Durban This morning we cover the famous and awe inspiring battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. At our last stop, we get an insight into the clashes between the Voortrekkers and the Zulus.  We visit Umgungundlovu, the reconstructed home of Dingane who was responsible for the massacre of the Voortrekker leader, Piet Retief, and many of his men. This, in turn, led to the Battle of Blood River in 1838.

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valley of 1000 hills tour
R1050

Valley of a 1000 Hills Cultural Half Day Tour (Code: SCDV)

VALLEY OF 1000 HILLS TOUR The Valley of 1000 Hills tour includes a drive through the wealthy Kloof area. Travel along the edge of the impressive Valley of a 1000 Hills. Here we introduce you to the age-old Zulu tradition. Visit the Sangoma and enjoy the Zulu dancing and cultural demonstrations. We also visit a crocodile farm and snake park before returning to Durban. NOTE: apart from the Valley of a Thousand Hills cultural half-day tour, we also have a full day excursion visiting Shakaland, the prop where the movie Shaka Zulu was filmed. See here.  You could also combine this tour with a sightseeing tour of Durban city! The day will start off with a tour of the city and its many excellent spots and beaches, then a sumptuous lunch. After the culinary experience, we drive up to the Valley of a 1000 Hills. Another option is to visit a wildlife reserve nearby in the morning and combine an open vehicle game drove with the afternoon Valley of a 1000 Hills. Other tours that may interest you: Durban City Tour – SCDC Shakaland Zulu Cultural Experience, full day – SCDS

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self-drive advantages
R700

1-Day Durban City Tour (Code: SCDC)

.Durban City Tour – Code; SCDC Our tour of Durban City, a bustling metropolis, often called the cultural ‘melting pot’ of South Africa, includes a drive through the sports corridor with its impressive sporting facilities to the Blue Lagoon area on the Umgeni River where you get a panoramic view of the whole bay of Durban city. Then past the so-called Apartheid Beaches, the Marine Parade (Golden Mile). Here you will see the rickshaws, en route to the impressive developments at the new Point Waterfront area. We drive past the busiest harbour in Africa and various historical monuments. Then through the city centre where the original Railway Station building, the City Hall and the Post Office buildings each have a story to tell.  At the Indian Market, you get a glimpse into the Indian culture and bargain for souvenirs and spices. Then a visit to the Botanical Gardens with its extensive collection of trees and plants from all over the world. You’ll also find the famous cycad collection and orchid garden. You have the option of being dropped off at the end of the tour at the Ushaka Marine World with its world-class aquarium, and many shops and restaurants. NOTE: Other tours that incorporate escorted tours of Durban city. Other tours that may interest you: Valley of a 1000 Hills – Half Day – Code: SCDV Zulu Cultural Tour – 1 Day – Code: SCDS  

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tour in south africa

8-Day Touch of wildlife and scenery – Johannesburg to Cape Town (Code: SC-01)

8-Day Highlights of South Africa; Wildlife and Scenery Tour – Johannesburg to Cape Town Our 8-day highlights of South Africa is the perfect guided package to see the most popular wildlife and diverse scenery in little over a week! Also included is the Panorama Route. The tour departs daily from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. DAY 1. Johannesburg – Kruger National Park (wildlife and scenery) This tour specializes in the major wildlife and scenic areas of South Africa! We commence with a drive eastwards via Witbank and Middelburg to Nelspruit and enter the Kruger National Park in the south. Our encounter with the wildlife starts here. At the end of an exciting afternoon, we enter our camp for dinner and overnight. The accommodation in the camps is free-standing round ‘rondavel’ type rooms with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. DAY 2.  Big Five Kruger National Park Tour Today is devoted to game viewing as we search above all for the ‘Big Five’ animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo).  After another exciting day in the wild, we reach our camp at sunset for dinner and overnight. Some may want to do a night drive in an open game-viewing vehicle utilising high powered spotlights to find the nocturnal animals (optional). DAY 3. Kruger National Park – Panoramic Route – Hazyview After a final game drive and breakfast, we exit the park and drive via Klaserie and the Abel Erasmus Pass to the Escarpment, entering the Panoramic Route. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and Pinnacle Rock. Travel via Graskop to our hotel. Overnight at Angels View Hotel. DAY 4. Pilgrim’s Rest – JNB – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Breakfast and afterwards travel to the national heritage town of Pilgrim’s Rest. We take a walk through the main street and

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10-Day South Africa Guided Tour (Code: SC-02/10) Johannesburg – Cape Town

10-Day Taste of South Africa Guided Tour This 10-day tour of South Africa is just that, a taste of the country and its diversity. The tour incorporates the Panoramic Route, Kruger National Park, a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zululand, and another private reserve first proclaimed world heritage site in South Africa, iSimangaliso, and a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia. We travel through the scenic Garden Route for the last three days and finally ending in Cape Town. This tour truly covers travel in South Africa! DAY 1.  Johannesburg – Dullstroom – Panoramic Route – Sabie You are collected from your hotel at around 09h00 to start your tour. Collection from the O R Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg can also be arranged. We travel from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom, and Lydenburg. Continue to Pilgrim´s Rest; the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century around the town deep in the mountains. We continue to  our overnight spot  situated on the edge of the escarpment! Overnight Angels View Hotel. (Dinner included). DAY 2.   Panoramic Route – Private Game Reserve Today we marvel at scenic areas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area. Finally, we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel to arrive at Mohlabetsi Lodge in the Balule private game reserve. This afternoon our encounter with Africa’s wildlife begins as we travel on an open vehicle to search for the game. Enjoy a great dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). DAY 3.   Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park After an early morning safari, conditions permitting a search for the wild on

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Garden Route and Wildlife

11-Day Guided Tour of South Africa(Code: SC-02/11) Johannesburg – Cape Town

11-Day Tour of South Africa – Guided Tour This 11-day guided tour of South Africa offers the traveller a taste of the country and its diversity. The tour incorporates the Panoramic Route, Kruger National Park, a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zululand and a private reserve. It also includes iSimangaliso; the first proclaimed world heritage site in South Africa, with a boat cruise on Lake St Lucia situated inside the heritage site. Afterwards, we travel through the scenic Garden Route ending in Cape Town. DAY 1. Johannesburg – Dullstroom – Panoramic Route – Sabie (Safari) Your taste of South Africa starts with travelling from Johannesburg via Middelburg, Dullstroom and Lydenburg to Pilgrim´s Re; the early gold mining town turned into a living museum. Rich deposits of alluvial gold were found here at the end of the 19th century. We continue to Graskop. Overnight Angels View Hotel. DAY 2.  Panoramic Route – Private Game Reserve We travel further today to marvel at scenic areas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area.  Afterwards, we descend to the Lowveld via Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strijdom Tunnel to arrive at Mohlabetsi in the Balule private game reserve. This afternoon our encounter with South Africa’s wildlife begins as we embark on an open vehicle safari to search for the game. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars tonight (weather permitting). Overnight Mohlabetsi Lodge. DAY 3. Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park After an early morning hike, searching for the wild on foot and breakfast, we enter the Kruger National Park and spend the rest of the afternoon in this magnificent reserve around 2 million ha in extent. DAY 4. Kruger National Park  – Eswatini (Swaziland) We rise early for

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