South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, with a 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) coastline on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. To the north lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland; while Lesotho is an independent country wholly surrounded by South African territory.
South Africa is known for a diversity in cultures and languages. Eleven official languages are recognised in the constitution. Two of these languages are of European origin: Afrikaans, a language which originated mainly from Dutch that is spoken by the majority of white and Coloured South Africans, and South African English. Though English has a large role in public and commercial life, it is nevertheless only the fifth most-spoken home language.
The country is divided into nine provinces and 367 magisterial districts. The government is represented by National Departments, Provincial Departments, and Local Government at the district level. Environmental issues are the responsibility of the government at each of these levels.
South Africa's population was estimated to be 49 million in the 2010 census, with roughly 50% living in urban areas, and 50% in rural areas.
Garden Route The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa, and is home to the coastal villages of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wildnerness. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline imaginable, from verdant lake settings where the setting is so peaceful that the rare African Oystercatcher is able to bred undisturbed on its coastline.
The Drakensburg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. The largest proportion of the Drakensberg area falls in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The magnificent Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is best known for its cultural heritage and its dramatic landscapes. Offering a vast array of exciting options for the visitor, the Panorama Route hosts some of the best adrenalin enhancing adventures in the country as well as some more placid pastimes.
One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife and some of the best views in South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town is famous for a variety of attractions that stretch from the famous Table Mountain all the way down to the sea. With a rich history, vibrant culture, pearly white beaches, charming fishing villages, colourful floral reserves and numerous activities including Robben Island and The Cape of Good Hope.
Kruger National Park
Is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) and extends 360 kilometres (220 mi) from north to south and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from east to west. It is home to the Africa's 'Big 5' - elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion and buffalo. Kruger National Park has over 500 species of birds, 150 species of mammals (including some 12,000 elephants). 100 reptiles, 23,000 plant species and a variety of amphibians.
Tours that visit South Africa:
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African Insight (Northbound) 2012
Take in the excitement of Big 5 game viewing in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and cross the fringes of the dry and desolate Kalahari into Botswana on this overland safari tour. Enjoy relaxing sundowners on a boat cruise while watching wildlife activity on the Chobe River. Relax or go wild with all the adrenaline activities on offer in Livingstone, Zambia and marvel at the thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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African Insight (Southbound) 2012
A scenic overland tour from Livingstone to Johannesburg, this tour is ideal for the traveller who is short of time. Some of the best attractions Southern Africa has to offer will be seen, including the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and the Victoria Falls in Zambia.
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Cape Desert Safari (Northbound) 2012
Experience Africa’s enormous skies and wild remote landscapes on a journey through some of the continent’s most striking scenery. Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way.
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Cape Desert Safari (Southbound) 2012
Experience Africa’s enormous skies and wild remote landscapes on a journey through some of the continent’s most striking scenery. Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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South West Safari (19 days) 2012
From Africa’s premier attraction, Victoria Falls to its most beautiful city – Cape Town – via the world’s oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquillity of the Okavango Delta, dramatic Fish River Canyon and Etosha and Chobe game reserves– this overland safari is a superb introduction to southern Africa filled with adventure travel sights and activities.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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South West Safari (25 days) 2012
View the great elephant heads of the Chobe River, the worlds oldest desert, the Namib-Naukluft, the diverse Okavango delta and have cultural exchanges with Kalahari Bushmen in this superb introduction to Southern Africa.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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Desert Tracker (19 days) 2012
An overland safari which will take you through the diverse landscapes of southern Africa. From the barren desert to the cold Atlantic coastline, from thriving game parks to wild savannah and the roaring Victoria Falls.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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Desert Tracker (25 days) 2012
An overland safari which will take you through the diverse landscapes of southern Africa. From the barren desert to the cold Atlantic coastline, from thriving game parks to wild savannah and the roaring Victoria Falls.
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South East Adventure (31 days) 2012
Starting in Nairobi, Kenya, and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa, this Acacia Africa overland tour offers the best of what Central and Southern Africa have to offer.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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South East Adventure (Alternative) 2012
This 32 day tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg offers world renowned game parks, beaches, tropical Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Malawi, the Okavango Delta. With a full range of action-packed activities along the way, this is a great adventure with rewarding wildlife encounters!
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Zanzibar, Victoria Falls & Kruger 2012
An African adventure that takes you from the plains where the Big 5 roam, to the sunny beaches of Zanzibar. Meet the fascinating people of Africa, and the white water of the majestic Victoria Falls.
* Discount applicable on selected dates
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East African Explorer (29 days) 2012
This tour offers the renowned Big 5 game parks, the friendly laid back beaches of Lake Malawi, the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, and the Victoria Falls. Ideal for those wanting to see the best of Africa.
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Kenya to Cape Town 2012
An epic overland journey from Kenya to Cape Town covering scenic game parks, the world’s largest inland delta, tropical Zanzibar Island, the third largest lake in Africa, the world’s oldest desert and the ‘Smoke That Thunders’ over the dramatic Victoria Falls. See Africa’s best highlights on this comprehensive tour.
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Southern Ranger 2012
From the east to the south this tour offers world renowned game parks, shimmering beaches, the impressive Victoria Falls, friendly Malawi with South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and Garden Route. This comprehensive tour covers the best of East and southern Africa.
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Cape Town to Kenya 2012
From Cape Town to Nairobi, the journey begins and ends at two mountains, Table mountain and Mt Kilimanjaro. Along the way, traverse the giant sand dunes of Namibia, laze on the beaches of Zanzibar, and gaze upon the thundering Victoria Falls. This comprehensive tour will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Cape Town to Zanzibar 2012
From Table Mountain in Cape Town to Zanzibar, from giant sand dunes in ancient deserts to sun-drenched beaches on tropical Zanzibar, from Victoria Falls to the Chobe River, from Malawi’s beaches to the Indian Ocean – this tour covers a vast area and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Zanzibar to Cape Town 2012
An African adventure that takes you from the beaches of Zanzibar to game viewing in Chobe and Etosha National Parks. Discover the fascinating people and places of Africa, the enormous Lake Malawi, the beauty of Botswana and the rush of adrenaline at Victoria Falls/Livingstone.
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Rivers, Lakes & Mountains (46 days) 2012
This overland tour from Johannesburg to Kampala includes mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, visits to world renowned Big 5 game parks, the friendly beaches of Lake Malawi, the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, and the mighty Zambezi river.
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Cape Town to Kampala 2012
From Cape Town to Kampala taking in the wild deserts and coastline of Namibia, the wilderness of the Okavango Delta, thundering Victoria Falls, the tranquil Kafue River, Lake Malawi and the enchanting spice island of Zanzibar, wrapping up with big game encounters in the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mountain gorilla trek.
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Ultimate African Adventure (46 days) 2012
This tour explores famous game reserves, mighty rivers, misty mountains and golden beaches. Encounter wildlife from the gorillas to the ‘Big 5’, and meet diverse cultures from the red-robed Masai to the warm-hearted Malawi people. From the source of the Nile to Kruger, from Zanzibar to Victoria Falls, this is the Ultimate African Adventure!
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Ultimate African Overlander 2012
The ultimate in African overland adventure safari tours. Enjoy an audience with the gentle gorillas in misty highlands, watch the Zambezi River tumble over Victoria Falls and view the shimmering dunes of the ancient Namib Desert. Game parks, beaches, deserts and wetlands – from Lake Victoria to Table Mountain. This overland tour through Africa has it all.
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Kruger Walking Safari 2012
This walking safari takes place in the world renowned Kruger National Park. Witnessing the wildlife of the African bushveld is truly an unforgettable experience.
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Call of the Kruger 2012
This ‘Call of the Kruger” tour is a classic camping adventure safari in South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park, experiencing a face to face encounter with some of Africa’s most renowned wild animals, including the Kapama research centre for the rehabilitation of cheetah, as well as breathtaking views and famous sights in Mpumalanga
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Kruger Encounter 2012
This ‘Kruger Encounter” tour is an accommodated, classic adventure safari in South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park, experiencing a face to face encounter with some of Africa’s most renowned wild animals, including the Kapama research centre for the rehabilitation of cheetah, as well as breathtaking views and famous sights in Mpumalanga
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Kruger, Swaziland & Durban 2012
From bush to beach, in rustic style accommodation, encompassing diverse experiences in South Africa and Swaziland, from the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, game viewing the Big 5 in Kruger and Hluhluwe, experiencing cultures of both Swazis and Zulus, to viewing the crocs and hippos from the St Lucia River cruise, and city life of Durban
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Coast to Cape Town 2012
Departing Durban, exploring remote beaches of the Wild Coast, Elephant encounters at Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, and Hermanus - Garden Route, whale/dolphin watching, Cape winery visit and tasting
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Kruger to Cape Town 2012
From bush to beach; Panoramic route through Mpumalanga; safari game drives in Kruger, Hluhluwe, Addo NP; diverse cultures of Swaziis and Zulus; cruising in St Lucia; Durban; rugged wild coast beaches; and Garden Route icons Knysna, Tsitsikamma and Hermanus
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Trek South Africa 2012
Panoramic Route across Mpumalanga; “Big 5” game driving in Kruger Nationl Park; Kingdom of Swaziland and Lesotho; Swazi, Zulu and Basotho cultures; Swazi wildlife sanctuary; Hluhluwe National Park; Cruising St Lucia River; Fascinating salt water aquariums; Historical Battlefields; Trekking and walking explorations
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Lesotho, Battlefields and Zululand 2012
Experience traditional Basotho life and pony trek in Lesotho; scenic Golden Gate NP in the Free State, hike the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal NP; witness the 2nd highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls; explore battlefields such as Blood River, Rorkes Drift and Talana Hill; and touring a traditional Zulu village and crocodile and snake farm.
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Zululand, Battlefields & Lesotho 2012
Touring a traditional Zulu village and reptile farm; exploring battlefields such as Blood River, Rorkes Drift and Talana Hill; hiking the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal NP; witnessing the 2nd highest waterfall in the world; experience traditional Basotho life and pony trek in Lesotho; scenic Golden Gate NP in the Free State.
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Kruger, Lesotho and Battlefields 2012
This adventure tour takes us through a variety of territories, from a safari in South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park, including the breathtaking views and Kapama research centre in Mpumalanga, touring the well known city Soweto, experiencing the cultures of both the Basotho and Zulus, hiking in the famous Drakensberg mountains, and exploring the famous Battlefields such as Blood River, Rorkes Drift and Talana Hill
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Lesotho, Battlefields, and Garden Route 2012
Starting in Johannesburg, through Lesotho, pony trek and experience Basotho culture; hike the Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg mountains; explore battlefields of the Boer war; experience a traditional Zulu village and reptile farm; fascinating salt water aquariums in Durban; the famous Garden Route, encompassing remote beaches of Wild Coast; elephant in Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma NP, Knysna, Hermanus whale watching ending with a winery tour in Cape Town.
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Kruger, Lesotho and Garden Route 2012
This adventure tour takes us through various territories, from a safari in South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park, including the breathtaking views and Kapama research centre in Mpumalanga, touring the well known city Soweto, experiencing the cultures of both the Basotho and Zulus, hiking in the famous Drakensberg mountains, exploring famous Battlefields, city life in Durban, exploring remote beaches of the Wild Coast, Elephant encounters at Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, and Hermanus - Garden Route, whale/dolphin watching, Cape winery visit.
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Kruger and Victoria Falls 2012
A 7 day comprehensive camping adventure highlighting the best in Southern Africa, connecting to African grass routes; incorporating the panoramic sights of Mpumalanga, the “Big 5” of Kruger, cruising the Oliphants and Zambezi Rivers with hippos and crocodiles, walking the Polokwane National Game Reserve, viewing elephant in Botswana, and feeling the wet Zambezi spray off the thundering Victoria Falls.
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Kruger and Victoria Falls (Accommodated) 2012
A 7 day comprehensive lodge accommodated adventure highlighting the best in Southern Africa, connecting to African grass routes; incorporating the panoramic sights of Mpumalanga, the “Big 5” of Kruger, cruising the Oliphants and Zambezi Rivers with hippos and crocodiles, walking the Polokwane National Game Reserve, viewing elephant in Botswana, and feeling the wet Zambezi spray off the thundering Victoria Falls.
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Okavango Wilderness Trail 2012
Departing from Livingstone, this popular camping expedition includes breathtakingly tranquil views and a variety of territories from the fascinating discovery of daily life within the vast wonders from Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Close encounters with elephants; exploring the waterways of the Okavango in a mokoro; cruising the Chobe River, and Rhino brushing past your vehicle in Khama Sanctuary.
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Okavango Wilderness Trail (Accommodated) 2012
Departing from Livingstone, this popular accommodated expedition includes breathtakingly tranquil views and a variety of territories from the fascinating discovery of daily life within the vast wonders from Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Close encounters with elephants; exploring the waterways of the Okavango in a mokoro; cruising the Chobe River, and Rhino brushing past your vehicle in Khama Sanctuary.
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Southern African Magic 2012
A 14 day camping adventure highlighting the best in Southern Africa, connecting to African grass routes; incorporating the panoramic sights of Mpumalanga, the “Big 5”of Kruger, cruising the Oliphants, Zambezi and Chobe Rivers with hippos and crocodiles, walking the Polokwane National Game Reserve, viewing elephant in Botswana, feeling the wet Zambezi spray off the thundering Victoria Falls, gliding the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro and open vehicle game drives in Chobe and Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
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Southern African Magic (Accommodated) 2012
A 14 day accommodated adventure highlighting the best in Southern Africa, connecting to African grass routes; incorporating the panoramic sights of Mpumalanga, the “Big 5”of Kruger, cruising the Oliphants, Zambezi and Chobe Rivers with hippos and crocodiles, walking the Polokwane National Game Reserve, viewing elephant in Botswana, feeling the wet Zambezi spray off the thundering Victoria Falls, gliding the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro and open vehicle game drives in Chobe and Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
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Delta & Chobe Waterways 2012
An adventure camping safari exploring the tranquil views and variety of territories from the wild animals roaming Botswana; Chobe, the vast wonders of The Okavango Delta, and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, to the wet Zambezi spray of Victoria Falls.
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Delta & Chobe Waterways (Accommodated) 2012
Activity opportunities and Africa's greatest spectacle 'Victoria Falls' at Livingstone, Zambia. Huge elephant herds at Chobe National Park. Mokoro safaris though the watery Okavango Delta. Sunsets over the Kalahari desert. Rhino encounters at Khama Rhino Sanctuary all on route back to Johannesburg.
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Cape Town Teaching & Namibia 2012
Volunteer in an extensive programme for the upliftment of children in Cape Town. A perfect combination of seeing the regions’ highlights and contributing to worthwhile causes before embarking on a journey though Namibia's diverse landscapes, rolling sand dunes, majestic Fish River Canyon and eerie and barren deserts to the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's adventure capital!
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Kruger Swaziland and Big 5 Conservation
Kruger National Park, Swaziland Royal Enclosure, Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hluhluwe / Umflozi Game Reserve, St Lucia, Wildlife conservation in Thanda Private Game Reserve
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Cape Town Shark Dive 2012
As an established marine park, the area around Dyer Island off South Africa’s south coast is one of the most exciting sites to dive with the Great White Shark. Attracted by the 50,000 Cape Fur Seals that live on the island, sharks are commonly seen here and our sightings success is very high. Your dive takes place from a launch boat, in a submerged cage and allows for fantastic views! While you need to be competent in the water, no dive experience is required and there are equally great photo opportunities from in the boat should you wish to stay dry! Our comfortable accommodation in Cape Town is an ideal base to explore this amazing city.
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Natural Wonders of the World (Southbound)
From Africa’s natural wonder Victoria Falls to Table Mountain – Cape Town – via the world’s oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquililty of the Okavango Delta, stopping at Etosha and Chobe game reserves– this is a superb introduction to southern Africa.
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Natural Wonders of the World (Northbound)
From an interactive township tour to the diverse landscapes, eerie and barren deserts, pounding Atlantic coastline, lush and prolific game parks to the peaceful waterways of the Okavango Delta finishing off at the mighty and thunderous Victoria Falls.
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Namibian Sand, Sea and Safari (Southbound)
Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. View the game from the night flood lit water holes at Etosha National park. View The dramatic landscapes of Spitzkoppe, Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei, the oldest dunes in the world. Relax or indulge in the small town of Swakopmund. Finishing up in South Africa's mother city 'Cape Town'.
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Namibian Sand, Sea and Safari (Northbound)
Wild desolate deserts, deep canyon and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour though Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of city affairs and town activities.
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Cape Town City Stay 2012
Your hostel is a great base from which to explore Cape Town. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and the Peninsular or famous wineries. The evenings are yours to sample the sumptuous fare of the many al fresco restaurants and bars within the city. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and three nights minimum are required to explore this fascinating city and surrounds.
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Johannesburg City Stay 2012
Johannesburg is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest city. It is a cosmopolitan and fast-paced urban centre with a vast amount of attractions and activities on offer for any visitor, as well as modern glitzy shopping malls and first-class restaurants. Choose from city and Soweto Township tours, seeing wildlife at the Lion Park, or visiting an old goldmine shaft at Gold Reef City.
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Cape Garden Route 2012
This short tour from Cape Town follows the beautiful shoreline of the Western Cape. Forests and wetlands can be enjoyed in the Garden Route’s national parks, while wildlife activities include tracking the ‘Big Five', visiting an ostrich farm, shore and boat-based whale watching in season, and the option to cage-dive with a great white shark.
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Cape Garden Route (Accommodated) 2012
This short tour from Cape Town follows the beautiful shoreline of the Western Cape. Forests and wetlands can be enjoyed in the Garden Route’s national parks, while wildlife activities include tracking the ‘Big Five', visiting an ostrich farm, shore and boat-based whale watching in season, and the option to cage-dive with a great white shark.
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