ITINERARY
Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to MPUMALANGA [lodge -LD]
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head towards Mpumalanga where
mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls & forests characterise
the landscape. Few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty
of the lowveld & escarpment.
We visit Pilgrims Rest, Mac-Mac Falls and God's Window, before staying in
a lodge on the edge of the escarpment near Graskop.
Day 2 - 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK [tented lodge or chalet
BLD]
The largest game reserve in South Africa, boasts the world's greatest concentration
of species, and has an amazing 16 different ecosystems.
Exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot the “Big
5“ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and many other animals
in this true African wilderness.
Day 4 KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND [cabin BLD]
Malolotja Nature Reserve in the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland is our
next attraction. Renowned for a great variety of habitats from short grassland,
to thick riverine scrub, bushveld and moist forest, we explore the reserve
on foot to enjoy the fantastic mountain views, relax around a campfire dinner
and stay in mountain cabins for the night.
Day 5 - 6 ZULULAND [tented lodge or chalet BLD]
We visit craft markets near Mbabane that have a fascinating range of handmade
crafts and the local witchdoctor stall is not to be missed! We re-enter South
Africa and head to Mkuzi Game Reserve, which is a safe haven for the endangered
black rhino. We visit a waterhole hide and watch game come down to. An early
morning game drive is followed by a cultural afternoon where we visit a Zulu
village on the border of the game reserve and learn about the Zulu culture.
Day 7 - 8 DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS [cottage BLD]
The Drakensberg Mountains or “uKhahlamba” - the Barrier of
Spears, is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage
site. From Mkuzi we move further south to the base of these mountains where
we overnight for two nights in a quaint cottage. We will spend time walking
along beautiful mountain stream paths, looking for Bushman rock paintings
or just enjoying spectacular views.
Day 9 - 10 WILD COAST [chalet BLD]
The Wild Coast remains a relatively untouched paradise in South Africa.
There are unspoilt stretches of dramatic and savagely beautiful coastline,
open spaces and pristine forest areas. We stay overnight within walking distance
of the beach and the next day is free to explore the area, meet local villagers
or relax on the beach.
Day 11 ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK [chalets BLD]
The Addo Elephant National Park was established in 1931 to protect
the last 11 wild elephants from extermination. Today more than 350 elephants
roam through the area. The park also offers excellent viewing of black rhino,
Cape buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as a host of other large and small
mammals and over 400 species of birds in the greater park area.
Day 12 - 13 KNYSNA / TSITSIKAMMA [lodge B - -]
For two nights we will stay in a lodge in Knysna, which is nestled on a
tranquil lagoon. We will take a day trip to the Storms River mouth where
there are walks up the gorge and along the rocky coast. The Tsitsikamma National
Park incorporates 80km of spectacular sea and landscapes; a remote mountainous
region with secluded valleys, coastal forests with deep river gorges leading
down to the sea. There is also an option of the world’s highest bungi
jump. Sample seafood at one of Knysna's great restaurants (own expense).
Opportunities for whale watching in season (July to November).
Day 14 KAROO [lodge BLD]
The arid Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape, but in the evening
it softens its fierceness setting the endless Karoo canvas ablaze with glorious
hues of orange and red. Famous for its ostriches, Oudtshoorn provides the
opportunity to tour an ostrich farm where the more adventurous can ride one
of these huge birds. For those interested a walk into the Cango Caves reveals
amazing stone formations (own expense).
Day 15 - 16 CAPE TOWN [hotel B - -]
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the
majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. On our way into Cape
Town, we visit Stellenbosch, South Africa’s renowned wine region, for
wine tasting and a cellar tour. The “mother city” has many attractions;
we will visit Cape Point, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches
and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense).
We sample the local fare at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).
Day 17 TOUR ENDS - TRANSFERS [- B - -]
In the morning we climb Table Mountain, offering panoramic views over Cape
Town reaching out into the bay and Robben Island. Having explored the highlights
of the Rainbow Nation we take a last look at Cape Town and catch up on last
minute curio shopping in the afternoon, before your tour ends at 18:00.
PLEASE NOTE: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide
only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.
Price: € 1
375 pp s + local payment of ZAR 1 600 (valid Jan 2006 – Dec
2006)
Single supplement: € 385 pp
2006 DEPARTURE DATES
28-Jan-06 13-Feb-06 CVa
04-Mar-06 20-Mar-06 CVa
08-Apr-06 24-Apr-06 CVa
27-May-06 12-Jun-06 CVa
24-Jun-06 10-Jul-06 CVa
05-Aug-06 21-Aug-06 CVa
23-Sep-06 09-Oct-06 CVa
14-Oct-06 30-Oct-06 CVa
11-Nov-06 27-Nov-06 CVa
02-Dec-06 18-Dec-06 CVa
30-Dec-06 15-Jan-07 CVa
* CVa: All “South Africa Rainbow Route” departures
can be combined before the “Cape Town to Victoria Falls Grand
Explorer” to create a complete circular safari in Southern
Africa.
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