Trip Overview
South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. Is is a lan of spectacular natural beauty, which hosts a blend of diverse people, it is a haven for Africa's most splendid wildlife and has a wonderful sunny climate. A part of the world which is definitely too good to miss.
Stage highlights:
Leaving behind Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold', we head for Pilgrim's Rest.Where we will spend some time in the Blyde River Canyon area. Excitement runs high as we enter the world's second largest game reserve, the Kruger National Park.The next two days are spent exploring the southern part of the reserve and we stand a good chance of sighting elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo - Africa's famed Big Five. Early morning game viewing usually rewards us with some great sightings. We overnight in the Kruger's delightful rest camps. Leaving Kruger behind, we set off to Swaziland, where we will set up camp at Milwane Game Reserve. Some of our next destination include Kwazulu Natal, Drakensberg, Lesotho and Addo Elephant NP. Our journey further down the Garden Route, where you will be able to go for a hike down the well known "Otter Trail" at Tsitsikamma, or have some oysters in Knysna. You can also deside to go for a ostrich ride in Oudtshoorn, or decide to bungi jump at Gouritz River Bridge. Our tour is coming to a close end as we spend our second last night on the Breede River, before heading for Cape Town.
Stage duration:20 Days
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Day 1: Pilgrims Rest
Depart Johannesburg for Mpumalanga and the historic town of Pilgrims Rest, where we set up camp. Discover the fascinating history of this town, with an optional tour to view the local caves and bushman paintings and try your hand at gold panning. (Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Gold Panning etc.
Stage highlights:
Pilgrim’s Rest, with its colourful history, is probably the most picturesque and charming spots in Mpumalanga. In 1873, Alec Pattersonfound alluvial gold in the stream that flows through the valley. The news sparked off one of the biggest gold rushes of the era. Before long, the town had twenty-one stores, three bakeries, various drinking halls and many other establishments. Mining continued until 1972 when the last operations ceased. The town of Pilgrim's Rest was declared a living museum in 1976 to preserve the history of gold mining in the Mpumalanga Lowveld.
Among the single row of red-and-white corrugated iron buildings of Uptown is the Royal Hotel, an authentic momento from the past, complete with mining memorabilia and period furniture. Other notable buildings are the Miners House Museum, Shop Museum, Alangade House Museum, the Old Print House, the post office and the town hall. The post office and bank still operate and there is a nineteenth century dealer at Dredxens Store, which has been restored. Visitors can explore the Miners House Museum, watch gold-panning demonstrations at the Diggings Museum, visit several arts and crafts shops, or relax in the coffee shops, restaurants and pubs.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 2: Pilgrim's Rest
A full day of sightseeing including Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window. In the late afternoon we return to Pilgrim's Rest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
God's Window - so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld (and in the distance the Kruger National Park) more than 900 m below - is 9.2 km north of Graskop on the R534 road. From the parking area a steep footpath along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual view site at an altitude of 1 829 m above sea level.
Bourke's Luck Potholes: This world-renowned landmark is 35 km north of Graskop on the R532 road at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. Over millions of year’s waterborne sand and rock scoured huge cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. There are two short circular hiking routes (Bourke's Luck Potholes Interpretive Trail and the Bushman Nature Trail) that start at the tourist info building. Blyde River Canyon View: One of the best viewpoints for the Blyde River Canyon is from the parking lot behind the chalets.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 3, 4 and 5: Kruger National Park
Today we enter the Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five, eager to view some of Africa's wildlife over the next three days.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Night Game Drive.
Please note that due to the seasonality of the park we will not always stay in the campsites specified.
Stage highlights:
We enter the Kruger National Park where we will spend 3 nights exploring and viewing the game. We will not stay at the same campsite for all 3 nights and will move about in order to get the vest game viewing possible. All of the South African National Parks (SANP) campsites are very well maintained. It is possible to book a night-drive or a guided hike in the park through the SANP offices in Kruger – both of these activities can be very rewarding experiences.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park covers nearly 2 million hectares. Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Approximately 145 mammal species occur in the park. It is possible to see elephant, black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals.
Birding: Kruger has a list of almost 500 species including; Hornbills, Starlings, Vultures, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Shrikes The ‘Big-6’ of birding can be found here - Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Ground Hornbill.
The far north of the park is regarded as one of the best birding areas. Eagles are common: Bateleur, Martial, Black-breasted Snake, Brown Snake, African Hawk, African Fish and Tawny are all regularly seen, and in summer: Wahlberg’s, Steppe, Lesser Spotted.
Vegetation: With Kruger being so vast it naturally has a tremendous botanic diversity. Simplistically the park can be divided into 16 macro eco-zones. The northern half of the park, north of the Olifants River is predominantly mopane veld, while south of the Olifants the ecozones are thornveld. There are 336 tree species in the park.
Stage duration:3 Days
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Day 6: Swaziland
Today we leave the Kruger Park and cross the border to Swaziland. There is an opportunity during our visit to Swaziland for curio shopping as we stop off to browse through the markets. Our overnight camp is Mlilwane Game Reserve. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding and Game Viewing.
Stage highlights:
Mlilwane means Little Fire, being derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill. Mlilwane is Swaziland's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust. Formerly a productive mixed farming operation, with extensive tin mining in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains, the Sanctuary has been refurbished and is now Swaziland's most frequently visited reserve. The Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares and comprises of a southern and northern section.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 7 and 8: Kwa Zulu Natal
Leaving Swaziland, we travel down through the sugar plantations of Kwazulu-Natal, home of the powerful Zulu nation. Experience their fascinating culture and the magnificent scenery of the area. On the second day we will pay a visit to the DumaZulu Traditional Village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Game Viewing, Boat Cruise
Stage highlights:
DumaZulu Traditional Village – Mtubatuba: DumaZulu - the name means "Thundering Zulu" - is the biggest Zulu Cultural Village in South Africa and also the only village officially opened by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini (a direct descendant of King Shaka Zulu) and thereby giving DumaZulu official authenticity. The village consists of woven Zulu round huts, arranged according to the tradition in a circle around the cattle kraal.
Stage duration:2 Days
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Day 9 and 10: Drakensberg
We continue on to the Royal Natal National Park to see our first glimpse of the mighty Drakensberg escarpment. Next day at leisure for hiking, horse-riding, swimming and other activities. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Optional Activities: Horse Riding.
Stage highlights:
The Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous area and world heritage site. The largest proportion of the South African component of this area falls in the kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. The inscription (in late 2000) of uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park as a World Heritage Site brought long-overdue recognition of this area. Meeting the criteria for both Natural and Cultural listings, the site can now officially boast 'superlative natural phenomena and beauty, unique richness of biological diversity, the conservation of all-important endemic and threatened species plus masterpieces of human creative genius in the form of 35 000 'San rock art images'.
Stage duration:2 Days
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Day 11: Lesotho
After a full day's drive we arrive in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho with its breathtaking scenery. When border formalities are completed, we head into the mountains to our rustic overnight camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
The drive through the picturesque mountain country side.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 12: Lesotho
A full day at leisure for optional pony trekking and hiking through the steep gorges, valleys and sparkling waterfalls.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Overnight Pony Trek.
Stage highlights:
Pony Trekking
If you decide to go on the overnight Pony Trek then be prepared for sore muscles the next day (unless you ride regularly). Only basic horse-riding skills are required and most of the Pony’s are very good-tempered. You need to take warm clothing, as it can get very cold in the highlands of Lesotho at night, (it snows here in winter!) as well as a raincoat. Walking shoes are a good idea as you may want to walk along the trials for a while. A local guide will accompany you and you will stay with them in one of the village huts. (You have to pay them for this directly – speak to Malealea about the current rates.) This activity is 50% a cultural, and 50% a scenic experience.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 13: Aliwal North
We exit Lesotho and spend the day driving to Aliwal North. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the natural mineral baths. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Activities: You can relax at the hot springs, admission R10 (per person), open 7am to 10pm.
Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort: A series of mineral springs producing water at a temperature of around 34`C. The curative qualities of these waters have led to facilities being built around these springs.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 14: Addo Elephant Park
Travel through the Great Karoo en route to Addo Elephant Park. We embark on a late afternoon game drive. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
The original Elephant section of the Addo Elephant NP was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 350 elephants, 280 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the 125 000 ha (309 000 acre) Addo National Elephant Park into a 492 000 ha (1,2 million acre) "Greater Addo" park are moving forward at an exciting pace.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 15 and 16: Storms River Mouth
Continue on to the Tsitsikamma National Park, a venue of exquisite beauty. Follow the tracks along the first few kilometres of the world famous Otter Trail until you reach a magnificent waterfall where we rest and refresh in the icy pool. There is the option to dare the highest bridge bungee jump in the world at 216m.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: World’s highest Bungee Jump.
Stage highlights:
Tsitsikamma National Park is situated at the heart of the picturesque tourist region known as the Garden Route, found in the Southern Cape of South Africa. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan (early inhabitants of the area) word meaning, “place of much water.” The Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Tsitsikamma National Park is the third most frequently visited out of the twenty national parks in South Africa. Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. This is one of the largest single unit ‘no take’ (including fishing) Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the world, conserving 11 percent of South Africa’s Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline and provides a 'laboratory' for fisheries baseline research on endangered line fish species. In 1964 when it was proclaimed, it became the first Marine National Park to be proclaimed in Africa.
Stage duration:2 Days
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Day 17: Wilderness
Our journey further down the Garden route takes us through the beautiful scenery of Nature's Valley as we make our first visit to the picturesque coastal town of Knysna. We continue down the coast to Wilderness where we spend the night camping near its long deserted beaches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Hiking Trails
Always carry sufficient water - even on a short hike and always hike with another person - allow sufficient time to reach the destination before dark, take along camera, binoculars, sun protection and insect repellent.
1. PIED KINGFISHER TRAIL: (3 to 4 hours). This circular route starts and ends at the Wilderness rest camp. Follow the trail along the flood plain of the Serpentine River, under the Hoekwil Bridge, over the sluice gate and on to Ebb & Flow via the gravel road. The trail crosses the rail/road bridge, turns towards Fairy Knowe and on past Freesia rocks to the boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk to the Touw river mouth. Walk along the beach and cross over the n2 to the camp. Distance is 10km.
2. HALFCOLLARED KINGFISHER TRAIL: (1 to 2½ hours) Start at the water purification plant alongside the rail/road bridge near Ebb & Flow and follow the western bank of the Touw River. At the causeway one can either cross the river and return to Ebb & Flow via the Giant Kingfisher trail or return via the same route. Another alternative is to return via the Bosduif loop; a strenuous yet rewarding path. Total distance is 3,8km.
3. GIANT KINGFISHER TRAIL: (3 to 4 hours) Start at the northern end of Ebb & Flow rest camp, follow the eastern bank of the Touw River to the waterfall, return via the same path. Total distance 7km.
4. BROWNHOODED KINGFISHER TRAIL: (2 to 3 hours) this trail meanders along the Duiwe River and its tributaries. If all the paths are followed, the total distance covered is approximately 5km.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 18: Oudtshoorn
Today we travel on through to the Outeniqua Mountains as we head for Oudtshoorn. Upon arrival there, we undertake a tour of the worldrenowned Cango Caves. Later in the day we have some fun as you can take a ride on an ostrich, the largest bird in the world. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
The Cango Caves lie in the Swartberg Mountain Range in a limestone belt measuring 1,5km in width and almost 16km in length. The deposit of ‘oolites’, which are loosely bound calcium carbonate crystals, formed the limestone layer. The present tourist route extends for 1,2km into the cave, with a further 4,1km being kept closed to the public for conservation reasons.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 19: Breede River
Our journey takes us further down the Garden Route and towards the Breede River where we spend our last night camping. We have the opportunity to stop and lift the adrenaline levels on a bridge swing or bungee jump off the Gouritz River Bridge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Bridge Swing.
Stage highlights:
The Bontebok National Park itself was proclaimed in 1931 to prevent the last few remaining Bontebok from becoming extinct, since then the number of Bontebok has risen from 17 to over 200, which is the maximum number the small park can support without damaging the various plant communities.
Although the park can only support a limited amount of bontebok, over the years the extra animals have been relocated to other nature reserves and the total world population now stands somewhere between 2000 – 3000.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 20: Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast, we set off for Cape Town enjoying the opportunity to taste some of South Africa's finest wines along the way. The journey terminates upon arrival at the Adventure Centre. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Stage highlights:
Before our tour ends we will still enjoy wine tasting in the lovely Stellenbosch. Please do not book your international flight on this day as we cannot guarantee our time of arrival in Cape Town. If you need post tour accommodation we can arrange this for you.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Cost includes:-
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport as per itinerary
Cost Excludes:-
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities
Departure dates:-
19/04/2004, 03/05/2004, 17/05/2004, 31/05/2004, 18/06/2004, 28/06/2004, 12/07/2004, 26/07/2004, 09/08/2004, 23/08/2004, 06/09/2004, 20/09/2004, 04/10/2004, 18/10/2004, 01/11/2004, 15/11/2004, 29/11/2004, 13/12/2004, 27/12/2004
Baggage Limits:-
One backpack and one daypack
Age Limits:-
Minimum Age:- 16 Maximum Age:- 60
Passenger Limit:-
20
What to bring along:-
Your luggage is limited to ONE backpack and ONE day pack weighing no more than 20kg. As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own luggage - you’ve got too much stuff! Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes. Suitcases are not suitable on tour – especially huge samsonite-style cases! Bags with wheels are of no use when you are moving you bag from the truck to your tent through sand.
Price:-
The cost of the 20 DAYS SOUTH AFRICAN EXPLORER is ZAR 6850.00
Local Payment:-
N/A
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