This safari covers the major highlights of South Africa. It travels the entire east coast of South Africa, from a private safari in Kruger Park to a breathtaking view from the top of Table Mountain.
Day 1 - Panorama Route You will be collected from the airport or your hotel in Johannesburg by your guide. Head straight for the Panorama Route, best known for its cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes. We reach the small forestry town of Graskop, perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Visit viewpoints along the edge of the escarpment, including God’s Window, Lisbon Falls and the Pinnacle. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing you time to stroll through some of the many unique and interesting shops – including an elephant dung paper shop and a shop specializing in silk from the African Mopane worm!
OVERNIGHT: Mogodi Lodge MEALS: None INCLUDED: Entry fees to viewpoints
Day 2 - Kruger National Park Continue exploring the Panorama Route. Our first stop is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a remarkable record of an erosion process that started thousands of years ago. We also view the Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest and only green canyon in the world. Continue on to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and the world and is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms.
While we are in the park you will enjoy at least 2 three hour game drives per day. A typical day is up at 05h30 for a game drive until brunch (normally around 10h30). After brunch relax in camp. The afternoon drive normally begins at about 15h00, and continues until 18h00 when we return to camp for supper. You also have the option of joining the park rangers in their open safari vehicles for a night drive (R210-00 pp) or going on a Morning Bush Walk, accompanied by a park ranger (R400-00 pp).
OVERNIGHT: Kruger NP MEALS: Breakfast: Mogodi Lodge INCLUDED: Kruger NP Daily conservation fee EXCLUDED: Optional Night Drive and Morning Bush Walk activities
Day 3 - Kruger National Park Continue exploring the vastness and diversity of Kruger Park with a morning and afternoon game drive.
Day 4 - Timbavati Enter the Timbavati. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park. The beauty of the Timbavati is that it allows you to go off road to view game – ensuring the best possible opportunities for sightings of the Big 5. We arrive at our lodge in time for lunch and some time at leisure before joining the rangers on the evening game drive.
OVERNIGHT: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Kruger NP Lunch: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge Dinner: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge INCLUDED: Entry into the Timbavati Conservation area
Day 5 - Timbavate Game viewing is done in open safari vehicles and the camp size is so small, it feels more like home than a rest camp. Nothing is fenced off so it is not uncommon to have Hyena coming into camp to try and wash the dishes after supper!
Sightings are close, as the 4x4 game viewers go off road to view animals like Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Cheetah and Wild Dog. You also have the option of joining your ranger on a bush walk, to get up close and personal with many aspects of the bush that often pass you by on a game viewing vehicle.
A highlight is the sunset drives, where we depart from camp at about 15h00 and stop for drinks and some snacks before sunset. The drive resumes as soon as the sun is down and you have the opportunity to seek out the nocturnal inhabitants of the bush.
OVERNIGHT: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge Lunch: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge Dinner: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge
Day 6 - Pongola Travel through Swaziland to Pongola Private Game Reserve, surrounded by bushveld savannah and the Lebombo mountains. In the afternoon enjoy a game cruise on Pongola dam (a great way to see animals as they come to drink).
OVERNIGHT: Mvubu Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Gomo Gomo Game Lodge Dinner: Mvubu Lodge INCLUDED: Afternoon Game Cruise EXCLUDED: Visa if required (Swaziland)
Day 7 - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve You have a choice of either an early morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, or going Rhino tracking (join your ranger on a game walk and track these prehistoric beasts on foot).
Continue on to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. This reserve is the oldest game reserve in the world and is responsible for single-handedly saving the White and Black Rhino. This park is a must as it is very different from the others we have visited and offers a whole new range of animals and experiences.
OVERNIGHT: Hilltop Camp MEALS: Breakfast: Mvubu Lodge Dinner: Hilltop Camp INCLUDED: Morning Game Drive OR Rhino Tracking Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve Daily conservation fee
Day 8 - St Lucia We enter The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Here we embark on a Hippo & Crocodile Estuary Cruise, a leisurely boat trip down the St Lucia Estuary, where you can watch fish eagles, hippos, crocodiles and goliath herons against a backdrop of mangrove swamps.
Day 9 - St Lucia St Lucia lies on The Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Elephants, Rhino and Lion, Whales, Turtles and Marlin, Warm Indian Ocean, Pristine Beaches, Sub-Tropical Climate are some of the terms associated with this area… Today you have the option to book some of the activities below.
Option 1 (morning): WHALE WATCHING: Early morning departure. 2 Hours at sea with a specialized Marine Mammal Guide. See Humpback whales from as close as 50m's! Seasonal: June, July, August, September, October, November only *R300 Cash refund if you have not seen a whale after 2 hours on the ocean R930-00 pp
Option 2 (morning): OCEAN ADVENTURE: Early morning departure. 2 Hours at sea. Experience the thrill of surf launching with the possibility of seeing turtles, sharks, dolphins, pelagic sea birds & flying fish. Year Round. R530-00 pp
Option 3 (full day): DEEP SEA GAME FISHING: Departs at 06h00. A full day of game, bill and bottom fishing. All bait and tackle supplied. Year Round R770-00 pp
Option 4 (full day): HLUHLUWE/IMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE: Departs at 05h00. A full day of game viewing the Big 5 in the oldest Game Reserves in Africa. Includes a full lunch ,tea/coffee/juice & rusks at breakfast time, soft drinks throughout the day, entrance fees and a qualified guide. Year Round R1 020-00 pp
Option 5 (full day): CAPE VIDAL SNORKEL SAFARI: Departs at 08h00. A full day of guiding and driving within the Eastern Shores. Stop to snorkel and have lunch at one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Coast - view points en route - walking trails etc. Includes tea/coffee & rusks at breakfast time, soft drinks throughout the day, a full lunch, snorkel equipment, a qualified guide, gate entry fees. Year Round R660-00 pp
Option 6 (evening): NIGHT DRIVE: Departs at 20h00. 3 Hours within the Eastern Shores to view nocturnal animals with a qualified guide. Year Round R400-00 pp
Option 7 (evening): TURTLE TOUR: Departs at 21h00. Depart St Lucia and spend the next 6 hours over midnight to search for turtles that come out to nest. Includes a picnic dinner at Cape Vidal close to midnight and refreshments. Seasonal: November, December, January, February, March only R935-00 pp
Option 8 (afternoon): KHULA CULTURAL TOUR: 3 Hours to enjoy the Zulu Culture and way of life within the Cultural Village 3km's outside of St Lucia. Year Round R265-00 pp
Option 9 (afternoon): HORSE RIDING: Enjoy the beach on horseback, or a Game Ride within the Eastern Shores to see species of wildlife, accompanied by a qualified guide and rider. Year Round 1 Hour: R250-00 pp 2 Hour: R500-00 pp *Beach Ride subject to tides
OVERNIGHT: Avalone Guest House MEALS: Breakfast: Avalone Guest House EXCLUDED: Activities in Option 1 - 10
Day 10 - Shakaland We head down the coast to visit a Zulu Cultural village - ShakaLand. Here you will come to understand many of the customs of the Zulu people, see how they made their weapons and taste the traditional beer. After supper we will join the villagers for a bit of Zulu Dancing. Don’t knock it - its great fun!
OVERNIGHT: ShakaLand MEALS: Breakfast: Avalone Guest House Dinner: ShakaLand INCLUDED: Zulu cultural experience
Day 11 - Durban After breakfast and a morning cultural program, we bid the Zulu’s farewell and continue down the coast to Umdloti, where we book into Fairlight Beach House.
The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure. Umdloti’s beach is regarded as one of South Africa’s best kept secrets and Fairlight is right on the finest bathing and surfing beach in the area. Enjoy the warmth of the Indian Ocean or just relax and do some dolphin and whale spotting from the Fairlight’s expansive deck overlooking the ocean.
OVERNIGHT: Fairlight Beach House MEALS: Breakfast: ShakaLand
Day 12 - Tsitsikamma Fly to Port Elizabeth. You will be collected at the airport and embark on the Garden Route.
The first stop is Tsitsikamma National Park. This park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life and is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world. OVERNIGHT: Tsitsikamma NP MEALS: Breakfast: Fairlight Beach House INCLUDED: Flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth Tsitsikamma NP Daily conservation fee EXCLUDED: All optional activities in the park
Day 13 - Tsitsikamma The day is spent at leisure exploring the park, which also incorporates various cultural heritage sites ranging from Khoisan cultural heritage sites such as caves, shell middens and rock art to more recent cultural historic sites such as the ruins of small fisher settlements, remnants of the past forestry industries and grave sites. There are several nature trails (including a hanging bridge over the Storms River mouth!), bathing at a small beach and swimming pool and marine and river activities (boat trips, canoeing, snorkelling).
OVERNIGHT: Tsitsikamma NP MEALS: None INCLUDED: Tsitsikamma NP Daily conservation fee EXCLUDED: All optional activities in the park
Day 14 - Knysa Visit the Knysna Heads, rock formations flanking a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. Take a ferry out to the Featherbed, a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive in a 4x4 unimog and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. From here we continue to the little seaside village of Wilderness.
Day 15 - Wildlife Encounters We head to Plettenberg Bay where we spend the day up close with wildlife. Our first stop is Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, where we join a guided walking tour of the facility - a close, safe, inter-active encounter with all of the lesser cats of South Africa, as well as Leopard.
We then visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Monkeyland is the world’s first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary. Expect to see many species of monkeys, apes and lemurs living in the forested sanctuary. Birds of Eden is the largest single free-flight aviary in the world incorporating indigenous forest with waterfalls and elevated walkways. Birds from every corner of the globe live here in free flight.
OVERNIGHT: Shining Waters Guest House MEALS: Breakfast: Shining Waters Guest House INCLUDED: Entry to Monkeyland Entry to Birds of Eden Tenikwa Walking Tour
Day 16 - Oudsthoorn Today we visit the Klein Karoo and Oudsthoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
No trip to Oudsthoorn would be complete without a visit to an ostrich farm. Here you will have the opportunity to feed and touch the ostriches, stand on an ostrich egg, sit on an ostrich and even attempt to ride an ostrich!
Also visit the Cango Caves, one of the world's natural wonders sculptured by nature through ages - fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours.
OVERNIGHT: De Opstal Country Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Shining Waters Guest House INCLUDED: Visit and guided tour of ostrich farm Visit and guided tour of Cango Caves Day 17 - Hermanus Head back to the coast via one of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the world.
Our first stop for the day is Mossel Bay, where Europeans first landed on South African soil. Visit the Dias Museum complex, dedicated to the meeting of cultures which has continued here down the centuries. The complex includes the Maritime Museum (houses a life-sized replica of the ship in which Bartolomeu Dias landed in Mossel Bay in 1488), Shell Museum & Aquarium, Post Office Tree (historic milkwood tree that's been used as a kind of post office since the early 1500s - you MUST stop here and send a card to the folks back home) and many more interesting and varied exhibits.
Continue to Hermanus. Hermanus has the perfect combination of depth and shelter for romance and for safe and easy calving, that’s why it is known as the heart of the whale coast, offering the best land based whale watching in the world. Southern Right Whales visit from July until December every year. About 60 to 100 of these magnificent animals come here from Antarctica to calf and offer close up displays as these creatures often come to within 10 meters of the coast. This little town is also known for its art shops and is the gateway to the area’s winelands.
OVERNIGHT: On the Cliff Guest House MEALS: Breakfast: De Opstal Country Lodge INCLUDED: Entry to Dias Museum
Day 18 - Cape Town - Winelands Bid the Garden Route farewell and travel to Cape Town.
En route we get a taste of South Africa's wine industry. Visit some of the well known wine farms and get to see some of the smaller, more personalized farms. Go on a cellar tour to discover all that is involved in turning the humble grape into some of the most sought after wines of the world. Many of these farms not only make wine and offer wine tasting, but include activities like cheese making and produce magnificent wood and other crafts.
Many of the wine estates offer a picnic lunch ranging from traditional fare to cheese platters – which you can enjoy in the vineyard or the estate gardens – with a bottle of wine of course!
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: On the Cliff Guest House INCLUDED: Cellar Tour Wine Tasting x 3
Day 19 - Cape Town - Table Mountain & Robben Island Visit Table Mountain, the world famous landmark. Join the ranks of millions of visitors who have reached the summit and marvelled at the views from such lofty heights.
We then head to the V&A Waterfront, where we take a ferry to Robben Island. Robben Island has been a penal colony for most of its 400 year history. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years on Robben Island and many of the leading members of South African political parties were incarcerated alongside him. In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to the V&A Waterfront. Situated in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled. This is an experience of how the Capetonians live, work, shop and play!
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Blackheath Lodge INCLUDED: Table Mountain Cableway return ticket Robben Island Ferry return ticket and guided tour Day 20 - Cape Town - Cape of Good Hope One of the tour's highlights comes in the form of The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to Cape Point, the most southwesterly point of Africa. It is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The reserve is home to indigenous plant species, some of which occur nowhere else on earth. Also visit other attractions like Chapman’s Peak (sited as the most scenic marine drive in the world), Boulders Beach (home to a colony of vulnearble African Penguins) and the historical naval village of Simon’s Town. Our last stop for the day is Hout Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge MEALS: Breakfast: Blackheath Lodge INCLUDED: Entry fee to Cape of Good Hope Return transfer on the Flying Dutchman Funicular
Day 21 - End We bid you farewell and drop you off at Cape Town airport.
US Dollar (based on R7.70/$1) 2 Pax - US$ 7272 pps 4 Pax - US$ 5233 pps 6 Pax - US$ 4545 pps SSup - US$ 2429
Exclusions Airfares to/from South Africa Accommodation in Johannesburg Drinks and curios Required Inoculations and Malaria medications Travel Insurance Multi Entry Visas (if required)
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This trip: South Africa Kruger National Park to Cape Town
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
Book now! Without hesitation, that is our advice to any person who is considering using this tour operator to plan and guide their tour of South Africa.
We have never used a guide before and chose them because they offer private tours and do not combine parties to fill their vehicles. We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of our tour from the planning stages to the choice of accommodations to the guide himself.
We booked the 21 day tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Our guide, Pierre, is a knowledgeable and very personable guide who made us feel at home in South Africa from the moment we met him. The choices of game reserves and other stops on the tour were excellent and when we wanted to add or change part of the tour while in route, Pierre did everything he could to accommodate our requests. He even swung through the trees with us when we wanted to do the Tsitskamma Canopy Tour and "suffered" through a full day at the spa with us at the Pongola Game Reserve.
We especially enjoyed spending a day stopping at Zulu villages handing out clothing and soccer balls to the local people, as well as, having the opportunity to purchase old spears and other crafts directly from the Zulus. Our 21 days tour gave us a fantastic overview of the diversity and beauty of South Africa.
As Pierre told us we would be, we are now hooked on Africa. We hope to return soon to travel with them to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
We give our highest recommendation and are looking forward to our next tour with them.
Dr. Karsten and Sydney Eden Anchorage, Alaska, USA
2
Client:
Ivan D - from Australia
Trip:
This trip: South Africa Kruger National Park to Cape Town
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
Firstly thanks to your team
We have travelled the world. Forget coach tours. This operator is the best by far.
Pierre and his team provide us with a fantastic holiday and I strongly recommend them to those who want to see the best, with the best at a very reasonable cost.
3
Client:
Kathy Poly - from France
Trip:
This trip: South Africa Kruger National Park to Cape Town
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I had a dream vacation.
From the time we were picked up at the airport to the time we were (sadly) left at the Jo-burg airport to return to Paris, we were treated with courtesy, warmth and sincere hospitality.
The tour operator anticipated our every wish and made a dream come true for me. I will keep the memories of the Western Cape, it's gardens and exotic plants and flowers; the Guest Houses along the ocean; Kruger Park and it's superb animals; Knysna; Featherbed; Wilderness and much more for many a year to come.
I would love to return one day.
Sincerely, Kathy Poly
4
Client:
Tom and Scottie Cannon - from United States
Trip:
This trip: South Africa Kruger National Park to Cape Town
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We returned this week from a 21-day tour, which we found out about through your website.
Our experience was very positive. Since we'd never imagined having our own personal guide, we were initially skeptical about how this would work and whether we would like this mode of travel.
Pierre patiently answered dozens of our questions in countless e-mails before we agreed to book with him for a variation--which we worked out together--of his 21-day Kruger to Cape Town Tour. We are convinced we made the right choice.
This tour provided a terrific variety of experiences, accommodations and meals. Pierre is an expert wildlife spotter and a great source of information about animals, plants, area history and culture. He works hard to provide a high level of service for a reasonable price and is tireless in his determination to do whatever possible to see that his clients are having a good trip. He also maintained the right balance between professionalism and friendliness, and kept a great sense of humor throughout.
Based on our experience the last eight days of our trip, he is equally careful in selecting the other guides who work with him.
Tom and Scottie Cannon
5
Client:
Joe Alexander - from Germany
Trip:
This trip: South Africa Kruger National Park to Cape Town
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
Pierre and his staff were incredible!! Our trip to South Africa was everything you could expect and MORE!
From the minute we were picked up to the minute we were dropped off (didn't want to go home) this trip was first rate! Pierre gave us the most personal and thorough tour you could ever imagine.
From our trip through the Kruger (oustanding success, we saw ALL of the big five and more...watch out for the elephants!) to the home cooking under the beautiful African sunsets, we all had an AMAZING time.
Our trip down the Garten Route to Cape Town was equally amazing. Our guide Mike was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond the call to make our stay as pleasant as possible. We took full advantage of the sightseeing and even made the big leap off the world's highest bungee. Cape Town is a MUST!
This trip was something my family and I will NEVER forget and we hope to do it again in the future. Thank you Pierre !
Definitely recommend this tour operator to everyone! I've already told all my friends and I'm sure they will be signing up soon. If you want a personal tour, one that makes you feel at home with a great guide like Pierre, sign up NOW! Until next time!
Thank you Vera and Africa Travel Guide for all your help in making this trip a success. Your extremely prompt responses and friendly customer service had me sold from the start. We shall be back!
