Tour Details
Following the success of our recent South African journeys, we’re thrilled to return in 2027 for another unforgettable adventure centred around Africa’s premier racing event — the iconic HollywoodBets Durban July.
Our journey begins in Johannesburg with a guided Freedom Tour through Soweto and a visit to Mandela House, before flying to Cape Town to experience Table Mountain, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, and an exclusive visit to the renowned Drakenstein Stud, including a stallion parade and winery luncheon. We’ll also enjoy a day at the races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.
From there, we head to Durban for behind-the-scenes racing experiences, including a visit to the Summerveld Training Centre, before building towards the highlight of the tour — the Durban July.
In between the racing excitement, guests will enjoy a luxurious three-night safari stay within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, with game drives offering the chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife up close.
Blending world-class racing, rich history, stunning landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this promises to be another exceptional South African experience.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation for the next two nights. After relaxing and settling in, we’ll head out for a nice local welcome dinner to get to know everyone and the plans ahead.
After breakfast, we set out to explore Johannesburg and gain a deeper insight into South Africa’s rich and complex history. A highlight of the day is our visit to Soweto, where we’ll experience this vibrant township alongside local guides and learn more about its culture, community and important place in the nation’s story.
During the tour, we’ll visit Mandela House and other significant landmarks and monuments that played a role in South Africa’s journey to freedom and democracy. We’ll also stop for lunch during the day, enjoying some delicious local flavours and a drink at a local venue, adding another authentic touch to this memorable experience.
After breakfast, we depart by coach for OR Tambo Airport and board our flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in, with the afternoon then at leisure to relax and settle in or begin taking in the charm of this beautiful city at your own pace.
This evening, we’ll head down to the lively V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s most iconic precincts. Set against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, this vibrant harbourfront offers a wonderful atmosphere and an excellent choice of restaurants for dinner at your own cost — the perfect way to enjoy your first evening in Cape Town.
After a relaxing recovery breakfast, we head off to visit South Africa’s leading stud farm, Drakenstein Stud. This is the most picturesque stud in the world and is the leading stakes-producing farm in the country.
We’ll enjoy a tour of the farm and a stallion parade to see how their stallions compare to Australia. We’ll finish the day with a visit to a local winery in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for some wine tasting and lunch.
Today we set out to experience some of Cape Town’s most iconic highlights, beginning with a visit to magnificent Table Mountain. Weather permitting, enjoy the opportunity to ascend this world-famous landmark and take in the breathtaking panoramic views over the city, coastline and surrounding mountain ranges.
We then continue our discovery of Cape Town with a City Sightseeing tour, offering a relaxed and enjoyable way to take in more of the city’s character, history and scenic beauty. After a wonderful day exploring one of South Africa’s most captivating destinations, we return to the hotel later in the afternoon.
Due to a change in the racing calendar, KZN Breeders Day will now be held before our tour commences. As a result, we have made a small update to the itinerary and will now spend a wonderful day at the races in Cape Town at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
Enjoy the excitement of race day from the Pocket Power Lounge, featuring excellent track views and inclusive food and beverages, creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience in one of South Africa’s premier racing settings.
After breakfast, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Durban, where we’ll then get a full guided tour of the city including lunch, so we have the lay of the land for our home for the rest of the time.
The evening is at your leisure to explore the numerous restaurants and bars surrounding our hotel.
Today we depart for a memorable three-night stay at the superb Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, beautifully set within the renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Surrounded by spectacular African bushland, this luxury lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience in one of South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.
After arrival, settle in and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable setting before enjoying dinner at the lodge. Later, head out on an exciting evening game drive, where your first taste of the African wilderness awaits as the landscape comes alive in the softer light of dusk.
Today we settle into the extraordinary experience of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge.
Following the lodge’s safari programme, we head out on unforgettable game drives through this magnificent wilderness, where there is the chance to encounter an incredible array of wildlife, including leopard, elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and much more.
Back at the lodge, soak up the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding bush, where refined comfort and the spirit of safari combine to create a truly memorable stay.
Another remarkable day awaits as we continue to enjoy the signature safari experience of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Guided by the lodge’s expert team, we venture once more into the breathtaking landscapes of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, a reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity and pioneering rhino conservation.
Each game drive offers a new perspective on the African bush, with fresh opportunities to witness its extraordinary wildlife in their natural habitat.
Between safari outings, relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the lodge, where sweeping views, warm hospitality and the romance of the wilderness make for an unforgettable African escape.
After an amazing few days at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, we head back to the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga.
If time permits, we may have the chance to stop in at the KZN Yearling sales to see how South African yearlings compare to Australia.
You have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the local area.
This morning we’re off to the Summerveld Training Centre to meet a local trainer, hear how they train in South Africa and pick up a few tips. We’ll then enjoy a nice, relaxed brunch at the clubhouse as we gaze over the gallops.
The rest of the day is our final free day, so your last chance to do some shopping. We are not far from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping which is the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere! There are also two beaches: Bronze Beach and Main Beach, both of which are patrolled by lifeguards throughout the day.
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, Africa’s greatest horse racing event, Durban July!
The first Saturday of July at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse is not to be missed as the best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight to the finish of the R4,25 million, Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Durban July. There is nothing better than being amongst the 55,000 on track, at the heart of the excitement.
Hopefully we’ve picked up a few tips throughout our travels and come away a winner!
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure as we relax and unwind after a wonderful two weeks of touring. It’s the perfect opportunity to take things at a slower pace, enjoy some last-minute shopping, or simply soak up the atmosphere of Durban before preparing for your journey home.
This evening, we come together one final time for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where we can reflect on the memorable experiences, friendships and highlights of our South African adventure.
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