Travel through South Africa highlighting the Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, Drakensberg Mountains, Karoo, Garden Route ending in Cape Town.
Zululand
Garden Route
Kruger National Park
Swaziland
Blyde River Canyon
Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn
South Africa is a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and first world norms, topped with a healthy and invigorating climate. These qualities, as well as a relatively cheap currency, make it an adventure destination not to be missed. A country virtually the size of Europe with over 3000 kilometres of unspoiled coastline, boasting climatic differences from searing hot desert to snow-capped peaks, and varied cultures, from the primitive Bushman to the most Western of ways. We visit the highlights, but leave the beaten track to explore the great outdoors, often walking or hiking. The tour involves camping but mostly bungalows and inns are utilised. This demands a certain amount of flexibility and is not for the 5-star luxury safari folk. Group size usually numbers between 6 and 17 clients.
Start: Johannesburg Scheduled flights: Johannesburg International Airport
Day 1 Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest, Balule Nature Reserve, Bourkes Luck Pothole Depart early from the 'City of Gold', Johannesburg, heading east to the spectacular Mpumalanga area. Visit the quaint gold-mining pioneer village of Pilgrims Rest, the intriguing Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, towering above the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Finally, descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where you overnight in the luxury Drifters Bushveld Camp within the Balule Nature Reserve, bordering the Kruger Park. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Dinner included.
Day 2 Balule Nature Reserve Being privately owned, the bush camp allows you the freedom to walk amongst the game and to enjoy the animals from an open vehicle with both day and night drives. All major game species are prevalent, including the renowned "Big 5". Brunch, Dinner
Day 3 Hazyview A leisurely start, travel through the rural Bushbuck ridge area to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, and then on to the Drifters Hazyview Inn, a log cabin spectacularly situated on stilts in indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River. This afternoon you will have time to relax at the bird hide, or enjoy swimming and forest walks. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Southern Kruger, Central Kruger Leaving Hazyview early, travel the short distance to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, here you spend the entire day viewing animals from the high vantage point of our well-equipped truck. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park's rest camps. Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 - 6 Swaziland, Greater St. Lucia Travel south through the Kingdom of the Swaziland, into an area of spectacular scenery, past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets. On entering Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, clients are surrounded by a region of Game Reserves and impressive fields of sugar cane. Spend the next two nights at the Drifters' Zululand Camp, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on Drifters' private game reserve adjoining the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During your stay you will do a game walk on the reserve and will conduct a game drive in open vehicles. You also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Durban, Dolphin Coast A short drive today. Travel to one of the world's finest coastlines, where the unrelenting waves of the Indian Ocean continuously pound deserted beaches. The next night's stop will be at the Drifters Dolphin Coast Inn, situated literally on the beach. Explore the nearby lagoon and simply enjoy the beach and warm ocean. A traditional fish braai (barbecue) tonight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8 - 9 Drakensberg After a short visit to the holiday city of Durban, travel back to the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, "Barrier of Spears". Lunch today will be own expense in Durban. On reaching the foothills, transfer to a 4x4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks up to the Drifters Drakensberg Inn where you'll spend two nights in cosy log cabins. Hike and explore the wonders of this National Heritage Site. Pony trekking is also available. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (one lunch Own expense)
Day 10 Golden Gate National Park After a 4x4 transfer back to the vehicle, climb the Oliviershoek Pass to view the turquoise waters of Sterkfontein Dam, then on to the Golden Gate National Park, well known for its towering sandstone cliffs and wealth of unique wildlife. Lunch today will be own expense in the artful little village of Clarens - clients will have time to explore the art galleries and other unique attractions. This night will be spent on a working dairy farm near the town of Ladybrand, with a traditional "braai". Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - 12 Great Karoo, Karoo Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, head into the dry Karoo interior. Travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda to the Drifters' Karoo Inn. Home for the next two nights will be in original stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg. Enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plants, animal and bird life. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - 14 Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna An early start, head for the pioneer town of Graaff-Reinet where you spend time visiting the various museums, strolling around the town, meeting the locals and admiring the unique architecture. Cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area. Arrive at the secluded Drifters Knysna Inn where you'll spend the next three nights in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest. Days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. Walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie, travel the "old passes road" to the Tsitsikamma coastal National Park where you'll walk part of the acclaimed "Otter Trail". On the return journey, those with suicidal tendencies may try the world's highest bungi jump at 216 meters or clients may choose a sea kayak trip (Own expense). Visit sun-kissed beaches, spend time in the old woodcutter town of Knysna and enjoy a boat trip on the Drifters ski boat around the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting). One lunch and one dinner will be own expense. Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 De Hoop Leaving Knysna in the afternoon, travel to the renowned De Hoop Nature Reserve, known for its towering white sand dunes and unique animal species. Overnight in comfortable bungalows. Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 16 - 18 Cape Town This morning you will visit the magnificent Lake District, then travel through the farming region of Swellendam before heading to the coast where you follow the "Whale Route" around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the "Mother City" of Cape Town in the late afternoon, check into the Drifters Cape Town Inn, which is situated on the Sea Point beachfront. Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you'll spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. There will also be a hike up Table Mountain. (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense). Breakfast included
This tour ends at 16h00 on day 18, however clients are welcome to extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the Drifters Cape Town Inn. If arranging an onward flight on this day, please allow time for an airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours).
End: Cape Town Scheduled flights: Cape Town International Airport
Important Information This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable and well worn hiking/walking shoes. Passports are necessary for Swaziland.
Rate includes All transport, accommodation, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast etc, group equipment, permits and entry fees, Knysna boat trip, optional pony ride and professional guides.
Rate excludes Alcohol, soft drinks, meals where stipulated, curios, tips and optional excursions.
Conservation & community Over the last few years a large percentage of the fee charged to clients has contributed to numerous noteworthy causes. The contributions have included the following and support of these and new projects will continue in the future: - The reclamation of 3000 hectares of sensitive sub-alpine grassland from established Black Wattle infestation in the Drakensberg. (Now declared a National Heritage site.) - The ongoing protection of a colony of endangered Cape Vultures in the Drakensberg. - The re-introduction of the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and other rare species after painstakingly restoring a 3000 ha nature reserve in the Karoo. - The ongoing sponsorship and structural improvement of a rural Zulu school. - The creation of the 35 000 ha Balule Game Reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park. - The ongoing planting of indigenous vegetation on all Drifters properties. 4000 trees, shrubs, and plants, including 4 Baobab trees in Hazyview alone. - Erosion prevention and control measures implemented at numerous sites including the building of gabions and ongoing prevention of soil depletion. - Bat houses and other measures provided to ensure the survival of numerous animal species on our properties. - Solar power systems installed at great expense to avoid unsightly and ecologically destructive overhead power lines. - Education of locals as to the value of indigenous fauna and flora.
