A 17-day expedition through five countries of Southern Africa: mountain kingdoms, safaris, traditional villages, Lake Malawi, Cape Town and the edge of two oceans.
From a Mountain Kingdom to the Southernmost Point of Africa
This journey is designed for those who want to discover Southern Africa beyond the familiar tourist routes. Over 17 days, we will cross five countries, exploring their landscapes, cities, cultures and traditions.
Five countries, mountain roads, wildlife, local traditions and two oceans — this expedition reveals Southern Africa in all its diversity.
Today, our journey through southern Africa begins! The group will arrive at Johannesburg International Airport, where a representative of our team will meet the participants.
After completing the necessary formalities, we will transfer to the modern Sandton district, check into the hotel and rest after the flight.
The evening will be free, allowing everyone to regain their energy before the eventful program ahead. Tomorrow, we will begin discovering the largest city in South Africa.
Today we begin a new stage of our great journey through southern Africa! After breakfast, we will meet our Russian-speaking guide and set off to discover Johannesburg.
Together, we will drive through the central districts of the city, see its main attractions and learn how the discovery of gold in 1886 transformed a small settlement into the largest city and one of the main economic centres of South Africa.
After the tour, we will return to the modern district of Sandton, which is often called South Africa’s “Golden Mile.” This is where the offices of the country’s largest companies, modern shopping centres and lively business districts are concentrated.
In the evening, if we wish, we will visit one of the city’s best steak restaurants together. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.
After breakfast, we will leave Johannesburg and set off to encounter the magnificent nature of South Africa. The journey to the Drakensberg Mountains and Royal Natal National Park will take approximately four hours.
Here, picturesque mountain valleys, the sheer walls of the famous Amphitheatre and impressive African landscapes will open before us. This part of the mountains is home to Tugela Falls — one of the highest waterfalls in Africa.
Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and rest before tomorrow’s mountain adventure.
In the evening, we will have dinner together at the hotel. Dinner is included in the accommodation price.
A true mountain adventure awaits us today! After breakfast in the morning, we will set off on a hike along the picturesque Tugela Gorge route.
Our trail will follow the Tugela River through a green mountain valley to the foot of the famous Tugela Falls. Throughout the route, beautiful views of the Amphitheatre massif and the surrounding peaks will open before us.
The hike will take approximately 5–6 hours, so we will have enough time to enjoy nature, take beautiful photographs and experience the special atmosphere of the Drakensberg Mountains.
After completing the route, we will return to the hotel, rest and have dinner together. Dinner is included in the accommodation price.
The new day will begin with a journey to another country on our route. First, we will have breakfast and check out of our rooms, and then head to the small mountain Kingdom of Lesotho — a unique enclave state surrounded on all sides by the territory of South Africa.
The journey to the country’s capital, Maseru, will take approximately four hours. Upon arrival, we will go on a sightseeing tour together and begin our introduction to the history and culture of Lesotho.
The name Maseru translates from Sesotho as “the place of red sandstones” and is associated with the characteristic colour of the local soil. We will see the city’s surviving historic buildings, St Victoria’s Catholic Cathedral and St John’s Anglican Church.
After the tour, we will head to the Thaba Bosiu ethnographic village, check into the hotel and rest. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.
Today we will become more closely acquainted with the history, nature and traditions of the Basotho people. In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to the sacred Thaba Bosiu mountain — one of Lesotho’s main historical symbols.
We will visit the ethnographic village museum and learn more about the culture, traditions and most important events in the history of the Basotho people.
We will then have a two-hour journey to the mountain region of Semonkong. Its name translates as “the place of smoke.” The settlement emerged in the 1880s and served as a refuge for members of the Basotho people.
Here, we will see the traditional colourful blankets and straw hats that have become recognisable elements of the local culture, and we will also learn more about the everyday life of this mountain people.
The main natural discovery of the day will be Maletsunyane Falls. We will visit the waterfall and the nearby traditional village, after which we will check into the lodge and rest.
Dinner at the lodge is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.
In the morning, we will say goodbye to mountainous Semonkong. After breakfast, we will return to Maseru, cross the border and find ourselves in South Africa once again.
After crossing the border, we will continue our journey and arrive approximately two hours later in the small town of Clarens, located at the foot of the Maloti Mountains in the Free State province.
Clarens is considered one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa. It is surrounded by majestic sandstone cliffs and striking mountain landscapes, while its charming streets, art galleries and small antique shops create a special creative atmosphere. It is no coincidence that the town is called the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State.”
Together, we will walk through Clarens, experience its atmosphere and, in the evening, if we wish, have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.
Our journey continues, and another new country lies ahead of us today! In the morning, we will have breakfast, leave Clarens and head to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Here, we will begin our introduction to the culture and traditions of the Swazi people. Eswatini remains an absolute monarchy, and many local customs that originated several centuries ago still play an important role in the life of the country.
Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and rest after the journey.
We will devote this day to discovering the culture, traditions and crafts of Eswatini. In the morning, we will have breakfast and head to Mantenga Cultural Village.
The open-air museum is located amid the picturesque nature of the Mantenga Nature Reserve. Here, we will see a recreated nineteenth-century settlement and become more closely acquainted with the traditional way of life, culture and customs of the Swazi people.
Afterwards, we will visit a glass factory. Recycled glass collected from different regions of the country is used here for production. We will see another unusual side of modern life in Eswatini, where traditional craftsmanship is combined with care for the environment.
After this eventful day, we will return to our hotel and rest.
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and head to Hlane National Reserve. The journey will take approximately one and a half hours.
A safari or a walking tour with rhinos lasting approximately two hours awaits us in the reserve. We will find ourselves close to Africa’s wildlife and will be able to observe these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.
After visiting the reserve, we will cross the border into Mozambique and continue our journey to the country’s capital — Maputo.
Maputo is a vibrant and distinctive city with a rich history, African traditions and a noticeable Portuguese heritage. It was formerly called Lourenço Marques and received its present name in 1975.
Together, we will set off on a sightseeing tour lasting approximately 3–4 hours, see different districts of Maputo and experience the special atmosphere of Mozambique’s capital.
After the tour, we will check into the hotel and rest.
We will stay overnight at Afrin Prestige Hotel 4* with breakfast or another hotel of a similar category.
Today, our journey together through Southern Africa is coming to an end. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and head to Maputo Airport for our flight.
For those continuing the expedition, a new chapter of the route is about to begin. We will fly to Malawi via Johannesburg and, after arriving in Lilongwe, continue to one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes — Lake Malawi.
The drive will take approximately four hours. Along the way, we will watch the city scenery gradually give way to green plains, small settlements and the picturesque landscapes of central Malawi.
Upon reaching the lakeshore, we will check in at the hotel and rest after a day filled with flights and transfers.
This entire day belongs to Lake Malawi — an immense body of fresh water often described as Africa’s inland sea. Clear water, peaceful bays and a completely different rhythm of travel await us.
While snorkelling, we will discover brightly coloured tropical fish living among the underwater rocks. The remarkable visibility will make us feel as though we have entered an enormous natural aquarium.
Our introduction to the lake will continue as we observe wild African fish eagles during feeding. These powerful and beautiful birds have become one of the most recognisable symbols of Africa’s lakes and rivers.
We will complete the day with a cruise across the lake, enjoying views of the shoreline, surrounding mountains and seemingly endless water.
It is time to leave the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi and continue our journey to South Africa.
We will travel to Lilongwe Airport and fly to Cape Town — a city set between the Atlantic Ocean and the slopes of Table Mountain.
After arrival, we will transfer to the hotel, settle into our rooms and rest after the journey. Ahead lies our introduction to one of Africa’s most colourful and atmospheric cities.
We will begin our introduction to Cape Town with a panoramic city tour. We will see its central districts, historic architecture and modern neighbourhoods while discovering the city’s unusual blend of cultures, ocean scenery and mountain landscapes.
The natural highlight of the day will be Table Mountain. Weather permitting, we will reach the summit by aerial cableway. From the top, a sweeping panorama opens over Cape Town, the Atlantic coastline and the mountain range stretching along the Cape Peninsula.
In the afternoon, we will exchange the city streets for green vineyards. We will visit one of the region’s picturesque wine estates and learn about local winemaking traditions. A wine tasting will be available to adult participants.
After the excursion programme, we will return to the hotel.
City views will give way to open ocean landscapes as we travel across the Cape Peninsula towards the legendary Cape of Good Hope.
Our road will pass through mountains, rocky coastline and the distinctive fynbos vegetation of the region. Each new turn will reveal another panorama of the Atlantic, secluded bays and steep slopes descending towards the ocean.
At the Cape of Good Hope, we will experience the power of the wind and sea, follow the scenic walking routes and take photographs beside one of South Africa’s most famous geographical landmarks.
After a day filled with remarkable scenery, we will return to Cape Town and rest at the hotel.
The final excursion day of our African journey will take us to Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point of the African continent and the location of the conventional geographical boundary between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Standing beside the commemorative marker, we will find ourselves where the African landmass ends and the endless ocean begins. Here, the scale of the continent and the distance we have travelled together can be felt more clearly than anywhere else.
We will see the historic lighthouse and learn why shallow waters, powerful currents and changing weather made this coastline challenging for sailors for centuries.
After enjoying the dramatic ocean scenery, we will return to Cape Town for the final evening of our expedition.
Our great African journey is coming to an end. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and, depending on the departure time, have some free time to walk around Cape Town or purchase souvenirs.
We will then transfer to Cape Town International Airport for our flight home.
We leave Africa with memories of mountain kingdoms, wildlife, vibrant cities, local traditions, Lake Malawi and endless ocean landscapes. Those wishing to stay longer may extend their holiday in Cape Town.
HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY AND SEE YOU AGAIN!
