Muir's Tours
 South African Budget Safari

South Africa * Swaziland * Zululand * Mozambique
17 Day Budget Safari & Cultural Experience

 

The Highlights - Kruger National Park - Addo National Park -

The major highlight of this cultural journey and safari is the chance to travel in the magnificent Kruger NP, Africa's oldest national park. The park includes all the major species. Plus a cultural exchange with the very friendly people of the Kingdom of Swaziland and Zululand. And if that was not enough to satisfy you, there is the white sand beaches of Mozambique, where you may swim with dolphins, whale sharks and turtles.
 
Itinerary

 Day 1: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga (Blyde River)
Departing Johannesburg after breakfast, the afternoon is spent in the historic mining town of Pilgrims Rest. Overnight at Graskop Hotel or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).

Days 2 & 3: Kruger National Park
The morning is spent viewing the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and Bourkes Potholes, en-route to the famous Kruger National Park. The largest game reserve in South Africa is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are undertaken in search of the numerous animals inhabiting the Park. Optional night drive or game walk (own expense). Overnight Kruger Restcamp or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).

 Day 4: Swaziland
Mlilwane Game Reserve is one of the Royal Reserves, part of the kingdom’s commitment to wildlife preservation. Optional excursions (at own expense) could include a guided walk, a mountain biking trail or horse riding in the Reserve. Overnight in traditional Swazi Beehive huts or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).
 
Days 5 & 6: Zululand / Imfolozi Reserve
From our base in Zululand, rich in both cultural history and wildlife, we undertake a wildlife drive in Hluhluwe/ Imfolozi Game Reserve, famous for its contributions to saving the endangered rhino. A cultural visit to a local village is included. Overnight at Banghoek Lodge or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).
Day 7: Oribi Gorge
Departing after breakfast we follow the Indian Ocean coastline through KwaZulu-Natal. Our arrival at Oribi Gorge in the early afternoon, allows us time to view the gorge or to partake in the various activities available including a gorge swing, abseiling and hiking trails (own expense). Overnight Oribi Gorge Hotel or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast breakfast).

Days 8 & 9: Transkei (Coffee Bay) 
The Transkei, birthplace of former president Nelson Mandela, is well known for its stunning coastline, lush subtropical vegetation, unspoilt beaches and relaxed atmosphere. A full day is available for scenic walks or to simply relax on the beach. Overnight Ocean View Hotel or similar. (Accommodation on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis).
Days 10: Addo National Park
Found in the Sundays River Valley near the Zuurberg Range, the park is home to large herds of elephant, lion and numerous antelope species. We enjoy a game drive and observe the animals interacting at the floodlit waterhole. Overnight Addo Restcamp or similar. (Accommodation an a bed & breakfast basis).

Days 11 & 12: The Garden Route
Following the coastline we explore the famous Garden Route, situated between the forests of the Tsitsikamma and the winelands of the Western Cape. A full day is available to explore the charming towns of the area or a variety of optional activities (at own expense) including bungi jumping, whale watching (in season) & scenic walks. Overnight Knysna Hollow or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).

Day 13: Oudtshoorn
Heading inland to Oudtshoorn via the Outeniqua Pass, we enjoy fascinating guided tours of an Ostrich Farm and the famous Cango Caves. Overnight Kleinplaas Resort chalets or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).

Day 14: Wine Route
Our journey takes us through a picturesque fruit and wine growing valley known as the longest wine route in the world, “Route 62”. We visit a wine farm for wine tasting, arriving at our Guest Farm accommodation on the Robertson/ Worcester wine route. Overnight Nuy Valley Guesthouse or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis).

Days 15, 16 & 17: Cape Town
Arriving in Cape Town for lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the vibrant waterfront from our well-situated Waterfront hotel. The following morning we depart at 08h00 for a full day peninsular tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak, we visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve returning to our hotel via the Indian Ocean coastline. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependant). Dinners can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at clients’ own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge or similar. (Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis). The tour ends after breakfast on day 17.


The itinerary may need to be amended to suit conditions in each locality.



POSSIBLE OPTIONAL EXTRAS (booked locally)


 Tour Code    Price         Start (JNB'ourg)              End (JNB'ourg)
 

SA1              E1619            12 Jan 2009                      28 Jan 2009
SA2              E1619            09 Feb 2009                     25 Feb 2009     
SA3              E1619            09 Mar 2009                     25 Mar 2009
SA4              E1688            13 Apr 2009                     29 Apr 2009 
SA5              E1688            11 May 2009                    27 May 2009
SA6              E1688            08 Jun 2009                     24 Jun 2009
SA7              E1744            13 Jul 2009                      29 Jul 2009
SA8              E1744           10 Aug 2009                     26  Aug 2009
SA9             E1744           14  Sep 2009                     30 Sep 2009
SA10            E1744            12 Oct 2009                      28 Oct 2009
SA11            E1688            09 Nov 2009                     25 Nov 2009
SA12            E1688             16 Dec 2009                     01 Jan 2010
 

 

 

 
Visa
A visa is not required for British and US Passport holders for most tourism purposes.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk