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Day 1 Gecko Lodge, Mpumalanga – 1 night
Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30 we head east towards Mpumalanga.
A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers,
waterfalls and forests. We spend the night in the town of Hazyview, a favourite stopover for visitors to the region. Hazyview is not only a tourism hub, but also a thriving farming community, situated in an area which has the best climate for growing bananas, and you will see row upon
row of these tropical plantations.
Camping: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Days 2&3 Berg en Dal Camp, Kruger National Park – 2 nights
This morning we start with a scenic drivealong the Panorama Route, arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in South
Africa. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, and filled with lush vegetation and wildlife. We make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes
formed eons ago by erosion. In the afternoon we head into the Kruger National Park. We spend two nights inside the park
and will have the chance to encounter the wildlife of Africa on exciting morning and afternoon game drives. (B)
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Day 4 Milwane Rest Camp, Kingdom of Swaziland – 1 night
Today we cross the border into the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland,
lead by King Mswati III, and one of 3 monarchies in Africa. You will explore the traditions and discover the culture of which the Swazis are so proud.We spend the night in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area situated in the “Valley of Heaven”. Apart from abundant bird life,there are a number of animal species to be seen including hippo, giraffe, crocodile, zebra, and a variety of antelope.
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Huts with en-suite bathrooms
Days 5&6 Elzuwini Lodge, Zululand – 2 nights
After visiting a craft market en-route, we re-enter South Africa via NorthernKwa-Zulu Natal. Our first stop is the Dumazulu Cultural Village, where we get to experience the Zulu way of life, an
observe the age old traditions of spear making, beadwork, basket weaving and Sangoma bone throwing. The following day we
explore the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, on a game drive in our vehicle. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest game
reserve in Africa and is a safe haven to both the endangered black and white rhino. (B)
Camping: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Days 7&8 Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg Mountains – 2 nights
Moving further inland, we travel to the newly formed Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation
Area. We spend two nights at Witsieshoek,which at 2286m above sea-level is one of the highest lodges in South Africa. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the many activities on offer, such as hiking,
mountain biking or fishing. Alternatively just relax and enjoy the views offered by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. (B)
Camping: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Days 9&10 Malealea Lodge, Lesotho - 2 nights
Today we cross the border into the Kingdom of Lesotho, the southernmost landlocked country in the world, rich in natural beauty, flora, fauna and cultural heritage. Malealea is situated
in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. We have the chance to experience traditional Basotho
life, a nation with solid traditions, beliefs and customs. No visit to Lesotho would be complete without a pony trek and
the next day we take a ride on the transport of choice for most Basotho, as these sturdy animals handle the narrow trails better than any 4x4 can! (B)
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 11 Die Tuishuise, Cradock – 1 night
We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality. Best known for its natural sulphur spring, Cradock is a place of literary legends and the original part of the town is graced with some of the finest
buildings. (B)
Camping: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Day 12&13 Addo Elephant National Park - 2 nights
A conservation success, Addo Elephant National Park offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants and the remaining population of the flightless dung beetle. We spend our days on game drives in search of Elephant, Black Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard. Evenings are spent at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch
the nocturnal animals and listen to their calls. (B)
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Day 14&15 Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, South Africa – 2 nights
This morning after breakfast our journey takes us to a region of startling beauty along South Africa’s Southern coastline, known as the Garden Route. Indigenous Tsitsikamma Forests surround the restcamp at Storms River mouth, where we spend the next two nights. Enjoy some of the many walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option to plunge off the world’s highest bungi jump at the Bloukrans River. (own expense). There is also whale watching in season (July to November). (B)
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms
Day 16 Kleinplaas, Karoo – 1 night
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo to the town of Oudtshoorn. We take a trip to the famous Cango Caves, with their impressive ancient stalagmites and stalactites before we overnight just outside the ostrich capital of the world. (B)
Camping: Communal ablutions with hot water
Accommodation: Chalets with en-suite bathrooms
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