This itinerary
is also available in reverse (Johannesburg to Cape Town)
for
a camping version of this tour click here
Day
1 - Cape Town to Hermanus
We take a short drive to Hermanus, a charming coastal town renowned
as the best land-based whale watching venue in the world (June-Dec.)
The day is spent exploring the beaches, cliff path walks and craft
markets.
Optional activities include : Shark Cage Diving, sea kayaking,
boat cruises and much more. Please be sure to inform us early
if you would be interested in the shark cage diving.
Accommodation - Guest House. Meals (own cost today)
Day 2 - Oudtshoorn
We head inland from Hermanus to the Klein Karoo. Here we pay a
visit to the famous Cango Caves. We also visit the Cango ranch
where you can be photographed with baby big cats! As an optional
activity if time permits you can visit an Ostrich Farm (and ride
an ostrich).
Accommodation - Guest House or B&B. Meals - B L
Day 3 - Tsitsikamma National Park
We head to the coast and continue along the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma.
After sightseeing in Knysna we head to the Elephant park for lunch,
here you have an opportunity to feed and touch these lovely creatures.
In the afternoon we a visit either Monkeyland or the Birds of
Eden.
We
will be staying in forest cabins on the seafront (when available),
so you will here the waves crashing in, truly spectacular!
There are many activities here, including canopy tours, boat rides
and hiking.
Accommodation - Forest cabins/B&B Lodge. Meals - B D
Day 4 - Addo Elephant Park.
We continue along the coast.
After lunch we arrive at Addo and go for a game drive, looking
for elephants(guaranteed), and also Lion, buffalo, rhinoceros,
leopard and a variety of antelope and other mammals.
Optional activities: Evening game drive with parks rangers. Horseback
riding in Addo Elephant Park (recommended!)
Accommodation - Chalet, Bungalow or Guest lodge. Meals - B D
Day
5 - Addo (Schotia, optional)
In the morning we take a game drive in Addo to find some more
elephants.
As an optional activity today we can hand you over to the Schotia
Private Reserve. Here you a great opportunity to see lions, rhino,
giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and many other animals, some not found
in Addo.
Accommodation - Camping. Meals B L D
Day 6 - Addo to Hogsback
We head inland into the mountainous Hogback region, (allegedly
the inspiration for J R R Tolkeins Lord of the Rings Trilogy).
The scenery is magnificent, and there is lots of hiking to be
done (ranging from gentle walks in the forest to more energetic
hikes!) Accommodation - private cottage. Meals - B
Day 7 and 8 - Coffee Bay
We will spend the next 2 days in the Wild Coast, an area known
as the old Transkei, which was a homeland during the apartheid
era.
It is an amazing expanse of villages in quite hilly areas, very
interesting to see.
There is a beach where we will be staying if you just want to
chill for a few days.
For the more active you can take surfing lessons, visit a tribal
visit (genuine and unmissable experience) and much more.
Accommodation - rondavels. Meals Day7: B D, Day8: B L
Day
9 - Durban/Umhlanga
We will spend the afternoon and evening exploring the sights and
sounds of Durban and the surrounding areas.
Accommodation - private cottage/B&B. Meals - B
Day
10 Drakensberg - We leave Durban`s coastline and travel inland
to the magnificent Drakensberg mountain range. The morning can
be used for more shopping in Durban. In the afternoon you can
walk in and explore the natural beauty of the
Drakensberg mountains.
Accommodation - Self catereing cottage or guest house. Meals -
B D
Day
11 Zululand/Eshowe - A short drive through the mountains takes
us into the heart of Zululand. We will stop at a famous battle
site on the way. The late afternoon and evening are spent at Shakaland
wher you will be entertained by dancers and learn about various
African cultures.Accommodation - Bed and breakfast in Eshowe area.
(Protea hotel if you take the upgrade) Meals -B D
Day
12 and 13 - St Lucia - St Lucia Greater Wetland area is a
world heritage site, and is fabulous.
Here you have a great chance to see hippos, rhino and much more.
A boat ride on the estuary is included for a late afternoon on
one of the two days here.
There is also a stunning, vast beach. The sea here is very warm
and pleasant.
Accommodation - Guest house or B&B. Meals - B
Day
14 - Swaziland - The journey through Swaziland is a highlight
on its own, it is stunning.
We will stay in Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary, home to many tame
animals. They have no predators here like lions etc, so the animals
roam free and undisturbed.
In the evening we will have some traditional Swazi dancing (available
most nights)
Accommodation - Traditional Swazi hut. Meals - B L
Day 15-17 Kruger National Park - We depart early to reach
the gates of one of Africa's greatest National Parks.
The camps in the park all have excellent facilities. The tourist
shop caters for all your basic needs, including camera accessories,
snacks and gifts etc.
There are lovely swimming pools to relax at during the heat of
the day, when the majority of the animal life is resting in shady
areas out of sight.
The next 3 days are spent inside the borders of the National Park,
with experienced guides who are happy to share their wealth of
knowledge on the wildlife of Africa.
The evenings are spent in a truly unforgettable fashion around
a campfire, listening to the night sounds of wild Africa, as your
hosts prepare traditional South African meals on the open fire.
We will do at least 2 extended game drives a day, looking out
for the Big 5( Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo), as
well as a multitude of other animals.
Originally proclaimed as a National Park in 1898, the park today
measures some 380km in length, and is approx. 60km wide.
A varied geological substructure supports an intricately interwoven
rich variety of vegetation, animal and bird life.
Accommodation - Self catering chalets
Meals Day 15- B D ; Day 16 - BLD; Day 17 -B
Day 18 and 19 - Blyde River Canyon - We spend a full day
exploring all the natural wonders of the surrounding area. (Gods
Window, Bourkes potholes, Waterfalls and the spectacular Blyde
River Canyon.)
There are optional activities for the adventurous including a
gorge swing and zip line.
Accommodation - bungalows. Meals - B on day 18, and B D on day
19
Day 20 - Johannesburg -
We depart after breakfast and head for Johannesburg where the
tour ends.
For
20 Day tour : 2 people = R28900pp - 4 people = R21700pp
For 19 days : 2 people = R27400pp - 4people= R20200pp
Note
day 5 is an optional highly recommended day.
On
Day 11 you can upgrade your accommodation to stay at the Protea
Hotel at Shakaland. This hotel is situated in a spectacular valley
and has a great atmosphere. Cost for upgrade - R 1300pp