10-Day Cape Town to Durban Tour, via Free State and Karoo
(Self-Drive option also available)

Day 1 - Mossel Bay
We collect you from your overnight accommodation and make our way to Mossel Bay where we visit the interesting Diaz Museum in the town. This building was originally erected in 1901 to serve as a grain and sawmill. It was adapted to serve as a unique Maritime Museum and houses, among others, the impressive life-size replica of Bartolomeu Dias's caravel, the ship in which he sailed into Mossel Bay in the year 1488. It also displays ship models of a bygone era, route maps to the East and exploration of the Dark Continent in general, as well as the Post Office Tree, the Granary, the Shell Museum and more.
Overnight Protea Hotel Mossel Bay. This luxurious 31-roomed Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is a graceful landmark, built in 1846, overlooking Santos Bay and harbour. Nestling on the Mossel Bay shoreline with the majestic Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop, the Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is singled out from other establishments. The stone walls and Mediterranean-style outbuildings belie the fact that the main building is one of the oldest in Mossel Bay and forms part of the Dias Museum Complex. Previously The Old Post Office Tree Manor Hotel, the Protea Hotel Mossel Bay, situated off Santos beach, could best be described as a hotel complex. It comprises of a breakfast patio with sea view, the Cafe Gannet Seafood Restaurant - Mossel Bay's Seafood House and the Blue Oyster cocktail bar, adjacent to the pool, which overlooks Munro's Bay and the Jacana curio shop.

Day 2 - Knysna (Breakfast, Lunch)
This morning after breakfast we depart for the Knysna Lagoon where we visit the Featherbed Reserve. Featherbed is a privately owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage site. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. A 4 x 4 Unimog vehicle takes visitors to spectacular viewpoints. Featherbed Nature Reserve is a prime example of eco-tourism, and in order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides. The Featherbed eco-experience starts with a 25-minute ferry cruise. Your local guide on board will share fascinating tales about the Lagoon, the early shipping industry and oyster cultivation. On arrival at the Reserve, visitors can enjoy a drive to the top of the Western Head in a 4 x 4 Unimog vehicle with trailers, stopping at a magnificent viewpoint en route. Here unsurpassed views of the Lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be enjoyed, whilst our knowledgeable guides explain the history and ecology of the Reserve. After the drive, your specialist guide will take you on an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill walk.
The town of Knysna nestles between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. At the heart of Knysna is the 21 ha lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" - silent sentinels down the centuries of the rich history of this unique part of "paradise on earth". 
Overnight at the Knysna River Club (or similar). The award winning Knysna River Club comprising of 35 luxury chalets is situated on the edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon, offering an unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay at one of South Africa's prime destinations.

Day 3 – Oudtshoorn (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today we visit the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, which are among the biggest stalagmite formations in the world. Some of the sandstone formations are colourfully illuminated and the bizarre shapes in the caves are mainly composed of calcium carbonate. They develop as limewater drips from the stones and evaporates. The structures growing down from the cave ceiling are called stalactites, while those that grow from the ground to the top are called stalagmites.
We will also visit a working ostrich farm where one can learn more about these fascinating birds. Commercial ostrich farming started during the late 1880's in South Africa; this was also the start of the ostrich industry worldwide. The fashion demand in Europe for ostrich feathers inspired the growth of the industry, with the Oudtshoorn district quickly being established as the “ostrich capital of the world”. During the first decade of the previous century, ostrich feathers gained record prices on foreign markets, ranking 4th on the list of South African exports, after gold, diamonds and wool. The consequence of this newly found opulence meant that ostrich farmers were able to build beautiful sandstone mansions. A unique feature of the farm experience is a visit to the Ostrich Palace "Welgeluk" which was built at the height of the feather boom in 1910. The homestead is a National Monument and is a superb example of the type of architecture that was used at the time. Safari Ostrich Show Farm was established more than 40 years ago. Lunch will be enjoyed at this farm.
We will overnight at Fosters Manor (or similar).  Experience the days gone by of ostrich feathers and feather palaces at Foster`s Manor Bed & Breakfast (3 star grade) - the embodiment of the ambiance of the era when the ostrich and its feathers reigned supreme in the Little Karoo 
The Ostrich feather palace, Foster`s Manor, was the only one to be established as a charming Bed & Breakfast. The Manor was declared a national monument in 1974 and was restored to its former glory.

Day 4 – Graaf Reinet (Breakfast, Dinner)
Today we leave Oudtshoorn en route through the Karoo to Graaf Reinet. The Great Karoo, an area in excess of 400 000 square kilometers was, approximately 250 million years ago, a vast inland sea. As the world's climate gradually changed from cold to hot the water evaporated leaving a swamp where reptiles and amphibians prospered.In recent history, less than two hundred years ago, large herds of antelope and zebras roamed the grass flats. The Hottentots and Bushmen, the last Stone Age people, shared the “Place of Great Dryness”. They differed basically in their cultures and lifestyles: the Hottentots herding their sheep and cattle in the age-old pastoral pattern and the Bushmen following their traditional nomadic pursuits of hunting and feasting. With the occupation of the area by stock farmers the sheep gradually replaced the game and the grass receded along with the changed grazing and weather patterns. During the Anglo Boer War of 1899-1902 three Republican Commandos, reinforced by the rebels from the Cape Colony, conducted widespread operations throughout the Karoo.
Graaf Reinet is home to more national monuments than any other town or city in South Africa. Round every corner a piece of our history is revealed to interested visitors. A short stroll down Cradock Street will reveal more than 50 of these historic homes. This afternoon, if time allows, we visit some of the historical buildings and museums.
We overnight at the historical Drostdy Hotel (or similar) in Graaf Reinet that was completed in 1806 and was originally the seat of local government for 40 years. It has undergone many structural changes during its lifetime, but in 1977 was restored to its original pristine elegance and it is still in operation today. The present hotel is a little museum that cannot fail to fascinate even the most unhistorical-minded person. It offers traditional Karoo meals in a unique setting of brass candlestick chandeliers and many tourists have commented on its wonderful ambience.
The Stretch's Court is a complex of mid-19th century cottages with wooden shutters and whitewashed walls offering beautiful bedrooms, some with antiques and brass beds. These houses were the homes of emancipated slaves in the mid-nineteenth century. Several stylish rooms are decorated with Victorian pieces, while the rest reflect a country style.

Day 5 – Letsatsi Game Reserve (Breakfast, Dinner)
After an early breakfast we head out to the Free State Province and the Letsatsi Game Reserve. Letsatsi Private Game Reserve is an ecological sanctuary that has been designed, constructed and furnished in harmony with its natural surrounds. All buildings are of natural stone and thatch. The interiors reflect the culture, artistic flair and craftsmanship of the people indigenous to South Africa. The landscape has been disturbed as little as possible in order to preserve the natural springs and water features, the unique rock formations as well as the indigenous fauna and flora. The Main Lodge consists of several beautifully decorated yet comfortable lounges; a cosy bar and a superb dining area – all leading onto a wooden sundeck which overlooks the majestic African Savanna. A swimming pool is the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate these plains on lazy summer days. For the winter months, strategically placed fireplaces crackle invitingly. In addition to the beautiful natural surroundings, every care has been taken to ensure a well rounded experience for visitors to Letsatsi Private Game Reserve. The Main Lodge offers a variety of South African television channels and satellite connectivity (DSTV).

Day 6 - Letsatsi (B,D)
Apart from the unsurpassed peace and tranquility of Letsatsi Private Game Reserve, a variety of activities are on offer to suit every type of traveler. On the reserve guests may enjoy game drives, night drives and photographic safaris conducted by knowledgeable and experienced field guides. Bird watching and nature studies may be experienced from various lookout points throughout the vast reserve. The more adventurous may choose an interesting and technical mountain bike trail (tailored to suit the physical disposition of participants) or a guided walk. Many will indeed prefer to simply relax at the pristine pool-side, or to enjoy cocktails while watching breathtaking sunsets from the sundeck. Studying the stars and constellations at night using a telescope under the helpful guidance of a specialist remains one of the most enjoyable and satisfying natural experiences at Letsatsi. The night sky is simply “out of this world” at this special place on earth. And for the explorer, the surrounding landscapes and communities beckon. This is a different part of the world where time stands still and makes way for another life – one of simple pleasures that are soothing to the soul. NB* All activities at Letsatsi are for your own account.
Overnight, Letsatsi Game Lodge.

Day 7 – Montusi Mountain Lodge (Breakfast, Dinner)
Today we travel along the scenic Eastern Free State Province to the Montusi Mountain Lodge in the northern Drakensberg. The Eastern Free State is the land of a thousand pictures, with each season offering its own attractions - roaring, open fires in winter, cherry blossoms and then succulent fruit in spring, hot summer days and golden autumn sunsets. The Eastern Free State is a feast for the eye, soul and gastronome. Cherry orchards cling to the sides of flat topped sandstone mountains which reflect the different colours of the sunrise and sunset, as you gently meander along the border between South Africa and the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Apart from cherries, other deciduous fruit and asparagus thrive in the champaign climate, making spring and early summer a feast of fresh fruit and vegetables. Many people visit the Eastern free State especially for its picturesque beauty. But no matter whether you are driving through, en route to somewhere, or just retreating from the rat race for a couple of days, you will be tempted to linger a while longer.
Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven. Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is the only upmarket destination in the area with a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous part, the Amphitheatre escarpment. Guests enjoy this spectacular scenery in the comfort of their private individual garden suites.

Day 8 – Sani Pass (Breakfast)
This morning we travel along the scenic Drakensberg Escarpment to the southern Drakensberg where we overnight at Moorcroft Manor (or similar). En route we will visit the Midlands Meander. The Midlands Meander is what weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, metalworkers, box makers, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and pianos have in common. You will find them all, and a great deal more on the Midlands Meander map - South Africa's first, largest and most popular art and crafts route. From a very small beginning, the Midlands Meander has grown to well over a hundred stops on four routes. Originating with the arrival of the first settlers in the early 1800’s the area boasts many wonderful homes and barns, an attraction to lovers of architecture. As you tour the Midlands Meander you will also notice that this area is home to a number of the country’s most famous schools.
 Moorcroft Manor Country House is situated amidst rolling green hills and breath-taking sunsets on the outskirts of the country village of Himeville, 8kms from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg.

Day 9 – Sani Pass (Breakfast)
This morning we transfer to our 4X4 vehicles for the ascent up the Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Breathtaking scenery and alpine conditions dominate this truly magnificent corner of this province. Once we have entered Lesotho we will stop off at a Basutho village where one can learn more about the life of these very friendly people, in this, one of the world’s poorest countries. Lunch will be at the “highest pub in Africa”, the Sani Top Chalet. We will also have some time here to walk along the edge of the escarpment for stunning views into KwaZulu Natal, before descending the pass to Moorcroft Manor. *NB. Warm clothing is a must, no matter the season of the year! You will also need valid passports for the crossing into Lesotho. The ascent of the pass is subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
Overnight Moorcroft Manor

Day 10 – Durban (Breakfast)