Johannesburg - Bushveld Camp

Departing early from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", we head east to the spectacular Mpumalanga area. We visit an awesome waterfall as well as the quaint gold-mining pioneer, village of Pilgrims Rest, the intriguing Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, towering above the BIyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Finally we descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where we overnight in the tented bushveld camp, within the Balule Game Reserve, bordering Kruger Park. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Bushveld Camp

Being privately owned, our bush camp allows us the freedom of walking amongst the game and of viewing the animals from an open vehicle with both day and night drives. All major game species are prevalent, including the renowned "Big Five".

Kruger National Park

We leave our bush camp in the morning to travel the short distance to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where we spend the entire day viewing animals in their natural environment. We enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park's rest camps.

Hazyview

Leaving the park after an extensive morning's game drive, we wind our way to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, and then on to the Hazyview Inn, a spectacularly situated log cabin on stilts in indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River. Try a tube ride, or relax with swimming and forest walks.

Swaziland / Zululand

Travelling south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, our journey takes us into an area of spectacular scenery, and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets. On entering Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, we are surrounded by a region of Game Reserves and lush fields of sugar cane. We spend the next two nights at the Zululand Camp, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on our private game reserve near Hluhluwe. During our stay we will hike through the forest along the banks of Lake St Lucia, do an open vehicle game drive in the renowned Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and enjoy a traditional Zulu experience.

Dolphin Coast

A short drive today. We travel to one of the world's finest coastlines, where the unrelenting waves of the Indian Ocean continuously pound deserted beaches. Our next night will be at the Dolphin Coast Inn, situated literally on the beach. Our time here will be spent exploring the nearby lagoon and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean. Tonight we enjoy a traditional fish braai.

After a short visit to the holiday city of Durban, we travel inland to the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, "Barrier of Spears". On reaching the foothills we transfer to a 4X4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks up to the Drakensberg Inn where we spend two nights. We will stay in log cabins and will spend time hiking and exploring the wonders of this National Heritage Site.

Bloemfontein

After a 4 x 4 transfer back to our vehicle, we 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. This night will be spent in the most centrally located city in South Africa, Bloemfontein. Tonight we eat at a local restaurant. (own expense.)

Karoo

Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, we head into the dry Karoo interior. We will travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda to the Karoo Inn. Our home for the next two nights will be in original stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg. During our stay here, we will enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plant, animal and bird life.

Garden Route

An early start, we head for the pioneer town of Graaff-Reinett where we spend time visiting the Africana-museum and strolling around the town meeting the locals and admiring the unique architecture. We then cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area. We arrive at the secluded Knysna Inn where we will spend the next three nights in cosy log cabins hidden in the heart of the forest.

Our days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie, and travel the "Old Passes Road" to the Tsitsikama Coastal National Park where we will walk part of the acclaimed "Otter Trail".

On our return journey, those with suicidal instincts may try the world's highest bungi jump at 216 metres. (Own expense.) We will visit sun-kissed beaches, and will enjoy a boat trip on the DRIFTERS SKI BOAT around the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales. One night we will enjoy a meal in the vibrant woodcutter town of Knysna. (Own expense.)

Cape Town

This morning we will visit the magnificent Lake District, then travel through the farming region of Swellendam , before heading to the coast where we follow the "Whale Route" around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the "Mother City" of Cape Town in the late afternoon, we check into the 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 we will spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. We will also hike up Table Mountain. (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense.)

This tour ends at 16h00 on day 18. However, clients are welcome to extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the 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).

This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable. Malaria precautions are advisable for the bushveld section of the tour. Passports are necessary for Swaziland. The price includes all transport, accommodation, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, etc. group equipment, permits, entry fees, Knysna boat trip, optional pony ride and professional guides. The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, meals where stipulated for own expense, curios, tips and optional excursions.

This tour departs from Johannesburg every Tuesday and every Friday.