Overview
An Adventure through South African Mountain Ranges Wildlife On this tour, you will explore the wonderful landscape, wildlife and warm, friendly people of South Africa.
Highlights
- On this tour, you will explore the wonderful landscape, wildlife and warm, friendly people of South Africa.
- This budget-adventurous 15-day camping tour explores the very best of South Africa.
Itinerary
We will depart Johannesburg and drive along the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic routes. The Panorama route consists of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, including God’s Window and Three Rondavels. In the evening, we will have a traditional Shangaan dinner, followed by cultural dancing.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Timbavati Safari Lodge
After an early wake-up call, we drive towards the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where wounded or lost animals are rehabilitated to be released into nature again. This is a great chance to encounter some very special species, as well as to learn about the positive achievements being made here. Afterwards, we make our entrance into the popular Kruger Park and immediately go for an afternoon game drive. The next morning, we begin a full day of game viewing from our 4x4 vehicle.
Optional Activities (Subject to availability): Night drive and/or game walk with SANP, full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: SANP Camp
We will have a final game drive in the morning, and afterwards, we will drive towards Swaziland. Along the way, we will stop at some of the interesting local markets. The Kingdom of Swaziland is located between South Africa and Mozambique. Our next two nights will be spent in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve. Discovering the region on foot allows you to enjoy the wonderful landscape as well as the wildlife, as there are no dangerous predators here. On the second evening, we will be treated to a unique Swazi traditional dancing experience after dinner.
Optional Activities: Mountain biking, hiking, guided birding walks, horse riding and sunset game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
We leave Swaziland behind to travel through beautiful scenery towards the warm Indian Ocean coast back in South Africa. After we arrive at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we go on a sunset cruise on the lagoon to spot various birds as well as plenty of hippos. This UNESCO-authorised region contains a large variety of nature, including lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that altogether support an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life.
Optional activities: Traditional Zulu village visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shonalanga
In the morning, we travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for a game drive in open 4x4 vehicles. The reserve is the only park managed by the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all the Big Five can be found. The efforts of the state assisted in improving the park, which is now a renowned conservation area with the highest population of white rhinos in the world. At the end of the afternoon, we reach Durban, South Africa’s largest marine port and a very well-known surfing destination. Durban also has the highest population of Indian people outside of India, which gives you a chance to taste some authentic Indian cuisine.
Optional Activities: Dinner out at a local Indian Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Garden Court South Beach
After leaving the KwaZulu-Natal province, we head to Ukhahlama Drakensberg, or the Royal Natal National Park, part of the great and breathtakingly scenic Drakensberg escarpment. The Drakensberg is over 3000 metres high, which makes it the highest mountain range in South Africa. The most popular activity in the surrounding area is hiking, a sport in which you can participate, led by a local guide. There is also a horse riding excursion, which can be a very satisfying way to explore this mountainous area.
Optional Activities: Horse riding, hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Drakensville Resort
We will travel through the wonderful landscape up to Lesotho. From there, you have the chance to participate in a popular pony trekking excursion that requires an early morning departure. Before we go back to the campsite, we will visit a local village and primary school. On the optional overnight trek, Lesotho villagers will guide you along the remote trails where there are spectacular views. You can also choose to stay at the lodge and relax or experience an optional shorter ride.
Optional Activities: Pony trekking excursion, hiking, village market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Malealea Lodge
Today we will travel to a unique National Park located in the Eastern Cape Province that is known for the densest population of African elephants on earth, as well as the opportunity to spot the ‘Big Seven’, which includes the elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark.
Optional Activities: Night Game Drive with SANP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Addo Elephant NP
We will have an early morning game drive today, following which we will leave the park behind to drive to Port Elizabeth, where your tour will end upon arrival.Meals: Breakfast
** END OF TOUR ** (Note: The itinerary described above may be subject to change depending on unforeseen circumstances, e.g. weather conditions.)
Includeds/Excludes
Cost Includeds
- 14 Nights' accommodation in double/twin tented rooms. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room.
- 13 Breakfasts, 12 dinners, 12 lunches
- 3 Experiences (including guided walking tours, orientation walks, driving tours of cities, plus other exciting experiences).
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, a TV for showing DVDs, and a toilet.
- Free Wi-Fi (where applicable)
- Services of your tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips and ensure that you get the most from your trip. You can also book any of the optional excursions available during your tour with your tour leader.
- All taxes and fees
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Free tour souvenir – a memorable gift for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket to/from Johannesburg
- Pre and post-tour accommodation
- Transport cost to and from your residence is our departure point (to be advised) in Johannesburg
- Parking fees (if applicable) - for own account
- Breakfast on the 1st morning of your tour, as well as dinner on your last day of the tour.
- Personal expenses, for example, the use of a telephone, extra room service, etc.
- Any breakage of furniture, building fixtures, or bus equipment (for own account)
- Any refreshments you may want to enjoy, for example, drinks, etc.
- Optional outings that you want to organise for yourself.
- Visa arrangements for South Africa
- Meals other than mentioned ( B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner )
- Tips and porters at the hotels
- Porter fees at airports