Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks,
Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34
amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the
Lowveld environments over many centuries - from bushman rock painting to
majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in
the Kruger National Park.
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...
Outline Itinerary
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.
What
is not included
The price allows for joining
in Johannesburg and includes everything stated, except; international airfare,
personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment,
all items of a personal nature and all drinks.
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