ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South AfricaDeparting from Johannesburg at 06h30 we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night just outside the old gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest, a living museum dating back to 1873. We explore the quaint town and visit the Mac Mac falls. [LD] DAY 2-3: Kruger National Park, South Africa
This morning we stop at the “God’s Window” viewpoint before heading to the Kruger National Park. Big game country - exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife. [BLD, BLD]
DAY 4: Kingdom of Swaziland: The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi’s are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Hlane is a home to white rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephant, ostrich, crocodile, wildebeest and impala as well as small populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. [BLD]
DAY 5-6: Zululand, South Africa
After visiting a craft market en route, we re-enter South Africa. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the white rhino. We have an afternoon and the following morning to do game drives in our vehicle and stop at hides and waterholes to watch game come down to drink. The first afternoon we visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle. [BLD, BLD]
DAY 7: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Moving further south to the base of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). We spend one night here allowing time for walking along beautiful mountain stream paths the next morning. [BLD]
DAY 8: Sani Pass, South Africa
Early this morning we explore the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains on a short guided walk. Afterwards we make our way up the scenic Sani Pass in direction of Lesotho. The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho. [BLD]
DAY 9 & 10: Lesotho
Today we cross the border into Lesotho and make our way down the Sani Pass along an adventurous 4x4 route towards the western border of Lesotho. After a long day we arrive at Malealea Lodge, where we spend two nights. Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. This is a chance to experience traditional Basotho life. On Day 10 we enjoy some pony trekking on Basotho Ponies through the magnificent landscapes that Lesotho has to offer. [BLD, BLD]
DAY 11: Cradock, South Africa
We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and cross the border back into South Africa. We drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality, situated close to natural sulphur-springs. [BLD]
DAY 12-13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals. [BLD, BLD]
DAY 14-15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa
Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite at Storms River mouth, and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option of world’s highest bungi jump (own expense). Whale watching in season (July to November). [BLD, BLD]
DAY 16: Karoo, South Africa
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we visit the famous Cango Caves. We camp outside Oudtshoorn and enjoy our final night under Africa’s starry skies. [BLD]
DAY 17-18: Cape Town, South Africa
Visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Explore Cape Town and the ‘Mother City's’ many attractions; visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak drive, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). Meals at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).[B, B]
DAY 19: Cape Town, South Africa
We will climb Table Mountain in the morning admiring the views over Table Bay and Cape Town. Spend the afternoon catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape’s sunshine.
Tour ends at +/-18h00 at your hotel. [B]