Sondela – Zulu for “Come Closer”. Sondela with South Africa its rich culture and people in 15 days in an original way. Stay in traditional villages, see wildlife in Kruger National Park & experience Shosholoza Meyl; the local train from Joburg to Cape Town.

Come Closer

Day 1 Johannesburg (Start on Saturdays & Sundays only)

After your arrival at Johannesburg Int. Airport, you meet our local representative who will explain you the details of you trip. You receive the route and project descriptions and contact details. You will be transferred to your cottage.  After you acclimatised, you can explore the city yourself or go on a guided city tour, visiting historical landmarks like the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

Overnight: In a comfortable accommodation in Johannesburg incl. breakfast

Day 2 Elim /Makhado (ca. 443 km)

In the morning you receive your car at your accommodation. You travel to Elim, home to Shangaan and Venda Culture, in the midst of stunning nature and abundant birdlife.

Overnight: in a guesthouse close to Elim incl. breakfast

Day 3 Elim and surroundings

Drive to Olifantshoek for the day, former homeland of the Gazankulu. Experience the village living with the friendly Shangaan people, visit a local school or clinic with local Sondela friends. In the afternoon you return to your accommodation in or near Elim.

Overnight: in a guesthouse close to Elim incl. breakfast

Day 4 Elim and surroundings

Venda is the region of myths and an intriguing place to visit for its culture and scenery. Today you can visit sacred places, waterfalls as well as local artists. In many of the villages in this area there are woodcarvers, traditional dancers, story tellers etc.

Overnight: in a guesthouse close to Elim incl. breakfast

Day 5 Tshakhuma (ca. 40 km)

Today you travel from your accommodation to Tshakhuma, a rural village in the heart of Venda. You can spend the rest of the day and the night in this village. The village is beautifully located. Indigenous forest, hills and mountains and an abundance of fruit can be found here. You will experience staying one night in this friendly community.

Overnight: in a local home stay incl. traditional dinner and breakfast

Day 6 Hoedspruit /Kruger National Park area (ca. 226 km)

From Tshakhuma the road leads us through the Limpopo province to Hoedspruit near the Kruger National Park, where you overnight 2 nights in unique and thatched Tree house Lodges outside the park.

Overnight: on the boarder of the Kruger National Park incl. breakfast

Day 7 Kruger National Park

Today you can have a wildlife experience in Big Five territory; spot the Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and the Buffalo. For those who prefer a guided game drive in open Land Rovers, or participate in guided bush walks with rangers and trackers; these excursions can be booked via your accommodation.

Overnight: on the boarder of the Kruger National Park. incl. breakfast

Day 8 Johannesburg (ca. 455 km)

Drive via Nelspruit. On your way you can stop over at beautiful viewpoints on the Panorama Route. Enjoy highlights as Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. Travel to your hotel or cottage in Johannesburg, where you overnight.

Overnight: comfortable accommodation in Johannesburg incl. breakfast

Day 9 By train to Matjiesfontein (ca. 1200 km)

After breakfast your car will be picked up and you will be transferred to the train station for the next part of your journey (leaves Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday only). Travelling by train gives you an idea of the size of the country and its diversity. It shows you how people live, where they work and how they survive in sometimes rough conditions. Villa’s, shacks, farms, cottages are seen in or near deserts, mountains, vineyards and fields. You will have enough time to chat to the local people who are on the train as well.

Overnight: in the Shosholoza Meyl train (own compartment)

Day 10 Matjiesfontein

In the morning the train arrives at Matjiesfontein (leaves Wednesday, Saturday, and Monday only). You will spend tonight at the Lord Milner Hotel, which has remained virtually unchanged for over a century. Time to take a break! Read a book, dive in the swimming pool, get yourself a massage or wonder through the bushveld.

Overnight: Lord Milner Hotel incl. breakfast

Day 11 By train to Cape Town (ca. 250 km)

Hop on the train again and continue to Cape Town. You will see the contrast between the dryness of the Karoo and the beautiful vineyards of the mountainous Cape. Upon arrival in Cape Town will a transfer for you be arranged to welcome you in the Mothercity and to take you to your Fairtrade in Tourism certified accommodation for the night. Once you have settled at your accommodation you can relax and later enjoy the night life.

Overnight: FTTSA Bickley House incl. breakfast

Day 12 Cape Town

Today you can spend at leisure. You can explore Cape area; hike the Table Mountain, relax on the beaches or visit the museums or visit one of the many projects. Go souvenir shopping on one of the many shops in the city.

Overnight: FTTSA Bickely House incl. breakfast

Day 13 Khayelitsha (ca. 150 km)

This is the day of contrasts. In the morning you can make a tour through the richest parts of Cape Town and visit the cape Peninsula and Cape Point. In the afternoon you will be picked up at your accommodation and participate on a guided tour in local township Khayelitsha. You get a short tour and check in with a local B&B where you spend the night. Enjoy a local dinner prepared for you or alternatively prepare your own in a cooking course. You can taste traditional beer (Umqombothi) in a Sheeben before you go to sleep.

Overnight: in a bed & breakfast in Khayelitsha incl. dinner & breakfast

Day 14 The tales of Cape Town

After breakfast you will be picked up and your tour continues. You visit different social projects in the area, amongst which the Baphumelele Project. From Khayelitsha you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cape Town. You can visit the District Six Museum and the Streetwires project. Here you can buy your souvenirs from the people directly or even participate in workshop designing your own jewellery with the crafters.

Overnight: FTTSA Bickley House incl. breakfast

Day 15

Today your transfer to Cape Town Int. Airport will collect you 3,5 hours before departure for your flight home or travel to your next destination.

INCLUSIVE / EXCLUSIVE

Including

• Transfer from Johannesburg International Airport to accommodation
• Meet and Greet
• Extended route descriptions
• Train ticket JHB – Matjiesfontein & Matjiesfontein – Cape Town Tourist Class Shosholoza Meyl
• Accommodation: 12 nights Bed and Breakfast, 2 dinner
• Guided tour in Khayelitsha including dinner & transfers to accommodation
• Transfer from Cape Town Station to Cape Town accommodation
• Transfer from Cape Town accommodation to Cape Town Int. Airport

Excluding:

• Car hire
• (inter) national Flights
• Entry fees for National Parks and Panorama routes/ tollways
• luggage service/portage
• insurance
• optional excursions and extra meals

Please read our terms and conditions to inform yourself about our booking procedures.
Kindly note that the prices and accommodation are subject to change based on date, availability and special requests.

What makes this tour different:

This tour separates itself from the standard travel itineraries because it balances local home experiences with comfort travel.
The tour contributes positively to South Africa’s people and nature by booking locally owned and Fairtrade in Tourism certified accommodation and train travel between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Travelling with the Shosholoza Meyl is not only a unique experience but also gives you the opportunity to sit back and relax whilst enjoying the beautiful changing views.

Contact us now if you want to have info on availabilities or other open questions!