JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

FROM THE HIGH MOUNTAINS OF NATAL ALONG THE RUGGED EAST COAST TO CAPE TOWN

 

Day 1

Departing Johannesburg mid-morning, the tour heads for the Magaliesberg mountains, spending the afternoon posing for photos at the Lion Park with lions and other big cats, taking a late afternoon walk in the bush and visiting the ruins of Mzilikazi’s encampment, Renosterspruit reserve, plus dinner at a local African cultural village. (+- 75 Km) (LD)

 

Day 2

This morning the tour heads east along the Panorama Route, visiting the historic mining town of Pilgrims Rest before reaching the nights camp at Blyde River Canyon , the third-oldest canyon in the world. (+- 450 Km) (BLD)

 

Day 3

The morning is spent exploring the Blyde River Canyon. Enjoy exclusive boat trips on the Blyde Dam, spot hippo,

crocodile and the Tufa waterfall. After lunch, we head for a wildlife rehabilitation centre and then travel on to Bushman’s Camp for the night. (+- 75 Km) (BLD)

 

Day 4

Entering the world-famous Kruger National Park (KNP) via Orpen Gate, guests have the opportunity to spend the entire day spotting game and birdlife from open safari vehicles, returning to Bushmans Camp that evening. (BLD)

 

Day 5

Today’s travels take us further south, with highlights being a visit to the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary in the afternoon. Then the tour heads for Swaziland. Upon completing the border formalities, we travel to our overnight camp at Hlane Swazi Game Reserve, a leading game reserve. (+- 375 Km) (BLD)

 

Day 6

Moving further south through Swaziland, we re-enter South Africa and arrive at our exclusive bush camp near Jozini Dam. This area has a prolific variety of game and bird species and the dam itself is home to abundant Tiger Fish, crocodile and hippo.  Get up close to some of these species as you enjoy a drink or two on the sundowner cruise and/or try your hand at tiger fishing. (+- 150 Km) (BLD)

 

Day 7

After a leisurely start, we move further into Zululand, home of the world reknowned battlefields of Islandlwana and Rourkes drift and make camp in the centre of the battlefields region, exploring local museums and/or relaxing in camp that afternoon. (+- 250 Km) (BLD)

Day 8

Today’s excursion focuses on history. You will be enthralled as you guide walks you through the two most moving sites of the Zulu Wars, where the British forces suffered what still stands as the nations greatest ever defeat in terms of human losses. Visitors to both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift cannot fail to be moved, for both of these sites retain an eerie sense of what happened there in 1879, even to this day. (+- 50 Km) (BLD)         

 

Day 9

This morning, we close in on the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains), so named because of the jagged crags that dominate such a large part of the regions topography and which are sometimes likened to the arched and serrated spine of a dragon. Tonight we stay in the central region of the berg, at a pleasant and vibrant lodge, nestled beneath the Dragons Peaks. (+- 200 Km) (BLD)

 

Day 10

Breaking camp, we head through the Kwa-Zulu Natal midlands and on to Durban. (+- 240 Km). (B)

 

The tour will break for 1 day in Durban where you can either go on tours in the area or enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Accommodation is not included and will be priced according to your budget and needs.

 

Day 12

Depart from Durban Natal Command. The tour heads westwards for the remote southern region of the Drakensberg. The afternoon is spent setting up camp and receiving a detailed briefing from your tour guide, including travel and camp tips, as well as tour highlights and additional experiences that will be on offer during the coming trip. (LD)

 

Day 13

This morning we transfer to 4X4 vehicles for the incredible ascent into Lesotho, via the Sani Pass. On this trip, you will reach an altitude of 10 000 feet above sea level (2 800 metres) as you negotiate the numerous switchbacks and take in the incredible views back down the valley. Once  border formalities into Lesotho (The Mountain Kingdom) Have been completed, drinks can be enjoyed at Sani Top Chalets, site of “the highest pub in Africa” where lunch will also be served, as you pluck op the courage for the descent back into South Africa.  ( +- 250 km’s)(BLD)

 

Day 14

Today is a long day, traveling through the Transkei and enjoying the authentic sights of rural African life on the way to our overnight camp.(BLD)

 

Day 15

By popular demand, we spend the entire day relaxing on the beaches in front of our camp. Although this is a lengthy tour, we try to prepare an itinerary that represents a balance between taking in as many varied sights and experiences as possible, whilst also taking care to ensure that there is sufficient rest time for people to relax. After all, this is a holiday!(BLD)

 

Day 16

After yesterdays slow pace, we need to pick things up a bit today as we get closer to the beginning of the Garden Route. Tonight we reach the Addo Elephant Park, one of a few Big 7 parks. The African Big 5 are lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant. The Big 7 includes cheetah and wild dog.(BLD)

 

Day 17

Soon after sunrise, we head out to spot game and take advantage of the great light and cool conditions that favour game viewing and photography. By mid-morning we return to camp, heading out by mid-afternoon as the temperatures cool down to view more game before returning to camp as the sun sets.(BLD)

 

Day 18

Traveling past Port Elizabeth and Jefferies Bay, we reach the beginning of the Garden Route. Our camp for the next 2 nights will be at the incredible Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma Forest.(BLD)

 

Day 19

With so much to see and do, we spend the entire day at Storms River. The are superb hiking trails in the forest, a visit to the Big Tree and the option to experience the incredible ride on the zip lines within the forest area. (BLD)

 

Day 20

This morning, we break camp and travel to the Bloukrans Bridge where the braver members of the team can take the ultimate test and experience the highest commercial bungy jump in the world. Alternatively, the can go for the Flying Fox, not as demanding but a great thrill never-the-less.(BLD)

 

Then we continue our travels, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains via the spectacular Outeniqua Pass before reaching Oudsthoorn, where we set up camp for the next 2 nights.(BLD)

 

Day 21

What a day we have ahead! A trip to an ostrich farm, a visit to the world-renowned Cango Caves and a visit to a wildlife ranch where, amongst other things, you can choose to interact with cheetah or “wet your pants” by getting into a cage and being lowered into a pool of crocodiles! Put that on your CV!. (BLD)

 

Day 22

Heading back towards the coast via the Robinson Pass, see the scenery change again as we head for the picturesque fishing village of Gans Baai. For those that are interested (and very few aren’t), there is an opportunity in the afternoon to book for what most people consider to be the highlight of the trip…….. Cage diving amongst the Great White sharks of False Bay. (BLD)

 

Day 23

For those going out on the boats, the day starts with a light breakfast and a detailed briefing session. Then it is onto the boats for what many people claim to be a life-changing experience. The trip usually includes close-up encounters with whales (depending on the time of year), dolphins and Cape fur seals.(BLD)

 

Day 24

Today, the tour heads through Hermanus and onto Cape Town, where the tour officially ends. (B)