The Kingdom of Swaziland, one of the few monarchies left in Africa, is a country that boasts rich traditions displayed in colourful rites of passage, rhythmic warrior rituals and stable social structures. Traditional ceremonies that will give foreigners a fascinating glimpse into the sacred heritage of the Swazi's, include the iNcwala first fruit ceremonies and the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Another excellent way to experience the culture is through the local art and craft markets, one of the Kingdom's greatest attractions apart from the nature reserves and casinos. People are courteous, friendly and proud and always ready to give visitors a warm, royal welcome... 

Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park  We depart from Johannesburg after breakfast, driving through Mpumalanga Province to the southern area of Kruger National Park. Overnight at Graskop Hotel or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Days 2 & 3: Kruger National Park  The largest game reserve in South Africa stretches north to south over approximately 500 km and is home to the Big Five, as well as numerous other species of fauna and flora. Animal viewing drives in the park. Overnight at Kruger Restcamp or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Day 4: Swaziland  Mlilwane Game Reserve is one of the Royal Reserves, part of the kingdom's commitment to wildlife preservation. Optional activities (at own expence) are an animal viewing drive, mountain biking, horse riding or guided walk in the park. Overnight at Swazi Beehive Huts or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Days 5 & 6: Zululand  From our base in Zululand, rich in both cultural history and wildlife, we undertake an animal viewing drive in Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi, famous for their contributions to saving the endangered rhino. A cultural visit to a local village will give you an insight into their lives. Overnight at Banghoek Lodge or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Day 7: Oribi Gorge   Departing after breakfast we follow the Indian Ocean coastline through KwaZulu-Natal. Our arrival at Oribi Gorge will be early afternoon, which allows us time to view the gorge or to partake in various activities. There is a gorge swing, abseiling  or a hike, along various trails. Overnight at Oribi Gorge Hotel. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Days 8 & 9: Wild Coast - Transkei (Coffee Bay)  The Transkei, birthplace of former president Nelson Mandela, is well known for its stunning coastline, with superb surfing beaches and lush subtropical vegetation. We stay at Coffee Bay in the Ocean View Hotel , an idyllic setting on the coast, with dramatic cliffs, great beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis, other meals at own expence).

Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park  Found in the Sundays River Valley near the Zuurberg Range, the 15,000 hectare Addo Elephant Park is home to about 300 elephants, all that remain of the huge herds that once roamed the eastern Cape. We enjoy an animal viewing drive and later viewing the animals at the floodlit water hole. Overnight at Addo Restcamp or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Days 11 & 12: The Garden Route  We continue our journey along the coast, then we explore the famouus Garden Route, an area of lush vegetation and abundant waterways bordering the coastal strip between the forests of the Tsitsikamma and the winelands of the Western Cape. Many optional activities are available in this area, from Scuba diving to Bungi jumping. Overnight at Knysna Hollow or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Day 13: Oudtshoorn  We move on to Oudtshoorn via Outeniqua Pass from where we visit the Cango caves and an Ostrich Farm. Overnight at Kleinplaas Resort Chalets or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Day 14: Western Cape and Winelands  Travel through the picturesque fruit and wine growing valley known as the longest wine route in the world "Route 62". Guest Farm accommodation on the Robertson / Worcester wine route. (Bed & Breakfast basis, other meals at own expence)

Days 15, 16 & 17: Cape Town  Set against its majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers historic and cultural attractions; explore the city and Cape Peninsula from your well-situated Waterfront hotel. A cable car ascent up Table Mountain (weather permitting) and a scenic drive to Cape Point are included. Numerous optional excursions. Breakwater Lodge or similar. (B&B basis, other meals at own expense).

Tour Code    Price (Euro)      Starting               Ending  
SA11               1813         Mon, 3 Nov 08      Wed, 19 Nov 08    
SA12               1813         Wed, 17 Dec 08     Fri, 2 Jan 2009    
SA1                 1619         Mon, 12 Jan 09      Wed, 28 Jan 09    
SA2                 1619         Mon, 9 Feb 09       Wed, 25 Feb 09    
SA3                 1619         Mon, 9 Mar 09       Wed, 25 Mar 09    
SA4                 1688         Mon, 13 Apr 09      Wed, 29 Apr 09    
SA5                 1688         Mon, 11 May 09    Wed, 27 May 09    
SA6                 1688         Mon, 8 Jun 09        Wed, 24 Jun 09    
SA7                 1744         Mon, 13 Jul 09       Wed, 29 Jul 09    
SA8                 1744         Mon, 10 Aug 09      Wed, 26 Aug 09
SA9                 1744         Mon, 14 Sep 09      Wed, 30 Sep 09    
SA10               1744         Mon, 12 Oct 09       Wed, 28 Oct 09    
SA11               1688         Mon, 9 Nov 09        Wed, 25 Nov 09    
SA12               1688         Wed, 16 Dec 09       Fri, 1 Jan 2010  

Possible Optional Extras (to be booked locally)
Night drive in Kruger National Park, Game & nature walks in Swaziland (Mlilwane), Zululand, the Wild Coast, Garden Route and Table Mountain, Jet skiing, canoeing & Ocean Safaris in the Wild Coast and Plettenberg Bay, Bungi jumping and abseiling at Stormsriver. Full/half-day city, township & whale route tours, Cape Town

What is included
The accomodation is mostly on a Bed & Breakfast basis (see the itinerary).  An experienced and careful driver.  English speaking local guide.

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range £550 - £690 for economy class.

Visas
We understand that currently, passport holders of the U.S.A., Canada and the European Union, do not require visas to visit South Africa for tourism. Please check this out with your local SA embassy in plenty of time to apply for documents, if needed.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is recommended on this trip. For UK residents we recommend the policies issued by the British Mountaineering Council, as few others have the experience of remote places that the BMC has. www.thebmc.co.uk