South African Explorer
NCJ – 20 DAY SOUTH AFRICAN EXPLORER - North
Price: R 11.950, Sgl Supp: R 630
Day 1 Stellenbosch Wine Route
Leaving the mother city of Cape Town behind, we drive to Stellenbosch to the Spier Wine Estate where we visit the Cheetah Breeding Centre before some excellent wine tasting a little later in the day. On clear days the magnificent mountain scenery makes for a memorable first day. On arrival at our accommodation stop for the night, your guides will brief you on what to expect from the days ahead.
Meals: Lunch
Overnight: Rivierbos Guest House: www.rivierbos.co.za
Day 2 Route 62 – Oudtshoorn
Today we travel along the famous Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn and, time permitting, stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all, but a rather interesting country pub… We take a guided tour of the Cango Caves, which are some of the most impressive limestone caverns and the different formations are quite astonishing. You will have the opportunity to visit an Ostrich farm later in the afternoon. Tonight we stay in Oudtshoorn. Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kleinplaas Holiday Resort Campsite: www.kleinplaas.co.za
Day 3 Knysna / Plettenberg Bay
Today we cross over the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna. Look out for whales and dolphins as we pass through Mossel Bay. Your afternoon is free to explore Knysna, one of South Africa’s most popular seaside towns. Optional Activities: Knysna Elephant Park, Lagoon Cruise, Township Tour, Birds of Eden, 4x4 Forest drive with lunch, Predator Rehab, Monkey town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Forever Resort Plettenberg Bay: www.foreverplettenberg.co.za
Day 4/5 Bloukrans and Tsitsikamma National Park
One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets is the Tsitsikamma National Park. Boasting exceptional hiking trails and superb coastal scenery Tsitsikamma is a destination that many people will return to. The first few hours of the famous Otter Trail Hike are included in your Activity Package. For those needing an adrenaline boost the nearby Bloukraans Bridge is home to the world’s highest bungee jump at 216m! Optional Activities: Bungy jumping (highest in the world), treetop canopy tours, hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Tube‘n’Axe Campsite: www.tubenaxe.co.za
Day 6 Addo Elephant National Park
Continuing to the Eastern Cape, we enter Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to many of Africa’s big game. Our truck gives us an elevated view on our game drive this afternoon, particularly for those photographic enthusiasts amongst us. Optional activities: Night game drive with SANP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Addo Elephant Park: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo
Day 7/8 Cintsa
After a morning game drive in Addo we depart the National Park and drive, to Cintsa where you will have the chance to participate in the many optional activities on offer. Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Areena Resort: www.areena.co.za
Day 9/10 Lesotho - Malealea
Today we leave South Africa and enter the landlocked mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Lesotho is one of the highest countries in the world, with the entire country being over 1000m above sea level. The next day we get up early and those who opt to go on the optional Pony Trekking Excursion will ride into the remote hills of Lesotho accompanied by local guides. On your return the group will visit the local village and school. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Malealea: www.malealea.com
Day 11/12 South Africa - Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest and most beautiful. We explore the mountain paths and take in the breathtaking views offered in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg (Royal Natal) National Park. On our second day we will be going on a guided hike to see some of the san rock paintings. Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Drakensville Resort: www.drakensville.co.za
Day 13 Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast - Durban
It’s all downhill as we leave the mountain scenery en route to the Kwazulu Natal Coast. The bustling city of Durban is South Africa’s largest port and well know surfing destination. We stay in the central city this evening and maybe sample some Indian cuisine and enjoy this coastal city’s vibrant nightlife. Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Garden Court South Beach: www.southernsun.com/garden-court/south-beach
Day 14 iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Soon after our arrival at iSimangaliso Wetland Park we board a boat for a sunset cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing! This UNESCO recognised area is extremely varied and includes: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life. Optional Activities: Traditional Zulu Village visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shonalanga: www.shonalanga.net
Day 15 Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Game Reserve – Swaziland - Mlilwane
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for a game drive in open 4x4 vehicles. The park is the only state-run park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all the Big Five occur. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. In the afternoon we cross the border in to Swaziland. Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: www.biggameparks.org/3parks_mlilwane.html
Day 16 Swaziland – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swazilands oldest and covers 4,560 hectares. As there are no large predators in this area and there are a number of self-guided hikes available. Hiking is an excellent way of interacting with the flora and fauna and comes highly recommended. In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have traditional Swazi dancing to look forward to after dinner. Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Guided birding walks, Horse riding and Sunset Game Drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: www.biggameparks.org/3parks_mlilwane.html
Day 17/18 South Africa - Kruger National Park
We return to South Africa and drive to the Kruger NP for two unforgettable days of game viewing. Kruger National Park is home to Africa’s Big 5 as well as a multitude of other beautiful African animals, both small and large. Our truck gives us a height advantage over other vehicles, which means better photo opportunities. There will be a number of game drives to give us the best opportunity to see all the animals. Optional Activities (subject to availability): Night Drive and Dawn Game Walk through SANP, Full day 4x4 game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (day 17), Dinner
Overnight: SANP Camp: www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger
Day 19 Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Leaving the World’s most famous nature conservation area behind, we travel to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre to meet some of the rescued animals before they are released back in to the wild. At our camp this evening we will be experiencing some typical South African cuisine while enjoying a traditional Song and Dance evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Timbavati Safari Lodge: www.timbavatisafarilodge.com
Day 20 Panorama Route - Johannesburg
Today we travel along the Panorama Route, stopping for breathtaking views at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg, although most will enjoy an optional dinner on our last night together. Optional Activities: Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch