18 Days South Africa

B=Breakfast   L=Lunch   D=Dinner

Day 1 Panorama Route
Departing from Johannesburg at 07h00, we head towards Mpumalanga (Mpumalanga ‒ a place where the sun rises). From Johannesburg, the high plateau grasslands of Mpumalanga stretch eastwards for hundreds of kilometres, offering outstanding attractions especially for those who seek tranquillity. It’s a landscape of mountains, panoramic passes, valleys and waterfalls. We visit Pilgrim’s Rest, Mac Mac Falls and God’s Window among other attractions, and stay at the edge of the escarpment near Graskop. DB&B.

Day 2 & 3 Kruger N. Park
Kruger National Park is the second oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. The park boasts the world’s greatest concentration of species, with 16 different ecosystems. We have two days to explore and enjoy safaris in our vehicle. Our first safari (game drive) will be a sunset game drive, followed by an early three-hour morning game drive on the next day. Kruger National Park offers optional sunset and night game drives in an open vehicle, which can be booked through reception or with the assistance of your guide. DB&B.

Day 4 Swaziland
The Kingdom of Eswatini is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, with stunning mountain views, wildlife and its interesting history. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest nature conservation in Eswatini. We overnight in the Swazi traditional beehive-shaped huts. The game (animals) roams freely within the lodge grounds. DB&B.

Day 5 &6 Zululand
We visit the Swazi candle factory before driving south heading to Zululand. We stamp out of Eswatini and enter South Africa. We have some time in the afternoon to relax in the hotel. Enjoy the complimentary Zulu dance after dinner. The next morning, we have a cultural village walk where we will learn more about the Zulu tribe and their culture and later visit a local primary school. Optional game drives in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park are available and can be arranged with the guide or hotel reception. DB&B.

Day 7 & 8 Drakensberg Mountain
We take a drive through the elephant coast, starting early and heading towards the west of KwaZulu-Natal Province. UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park has been declared a world heritage site for both outstanding and ancient San rock paintings found in the caves and overhangs. The Zulu people named the mountains Ukhahlamba ‒ “The Barrier of Spears”. The following day we have a half-day hike with spectacular views of the mountains. DB&B.

Day 9 & 10 Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is one of the most pristine regions in Africa with its beaches, abundant bird life, rolling hills and subtropical vegetation. After spending some time on the high mountains (hot in summer) of the Drakensberg, our next destination offers a fresh sea breeze. It offers spectacular hikes as well as horse riding along the ocean. Use the free day to roam around and along the beach or venture into local activities. DB&B.

Day 11 & 12 Addo Elephant Park
Addo Elephant Park is the third largest park in South Africa, and was formed in 1931 to protect the 11 remaining elephants of that time in the area. The park’s ecosystem mainly consists of fynbos (fine bush). It is more famous for big herds of elephants, but they also have different species of mammals such as lions, rhinos and hyenas. We have a short sunset game drive and have a morning game drive or safari on the following day. DB&B.

Day 13 & 14 Knysna
Knysna is believed to be a San word, meaning “ferns”. The town nestles on the edge of a tranquil lagoon with beautiful views. We spend two days exploring this renowned region and its several attractions. The next day will be spent in Tsitsikamma Nature Park, enjoying a beautiful half-day walk on the acclaimed Otter Trail. Before we head back to our lodge we stop by Bloukrans, where adrenaline junkies and bystanders alike can jump or view the world’s highest bungee jump (optional). Late in the afternoon we visit Knysna Heads for the sunset. B&B.

Day 15 & 16 Hermanus
Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to watch whales from land. The town holds a whale festival every year in September/October when the Southern Right whales visit the bay for calving. We stop at Cape Agulhas, the point where Indian Ocean meets Atlantic Ocean. We have an hour to walk around the lighthouse before proceeding with our journey to Hermanus. The following day is a free day for optional activities. Our lodge offers some spectacular views of the sea from the terrace. B&B.

Day 17 & 18 Cape Town
The most picturesque city in the world is Cape Town, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. The city is known as Mother City, because it is the oldest city in South Africa, dating back to 1652. On our way to Cape Town, we visit Boulders Beach (penguin colony), Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and drive through Chapman’s Peak on our way to the hotel. We spend the following day visiting surrounding attractions, wineries and Table Mountain. B&B.

Tour Ends after dinner on Day 18

Flight from: 850,-€

TRAVEL GREEN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Big 5 Green Travel ways for Southern Tours & Safaris

1. Eco-friendly destination- We try to identify and use green hotels/lodges for our trips
2. We visit local schools and workshop them about sustainability and environmental issues focusing on climate change
3. We match a donation given by our clients up to $100 to buy more trees and support other activities that focusing on climate change. On all our trips, where possible, we visit different communities and spend an hour with them planting trees.
4. We use less emission producing vehicles (NO DIESEL VEHICLE) until we find the emission detectors for our vehicles while raising funds to buy electric vehicles for our tours.
5. Within the cities, we walk, bike or use safe mode of local transportation like trains, where possible (e.g. OR Tambo Int. Airport to Rosebank/Sandton)

Big 5 Green Travel ways for our travelers (our recommendations) 

1. We encourage all our travelers to take direct flights to minimize the aeroplane emission during taking off and landing (planes produce more emission during take-off and landing because of the engine demanding power, connecting flight might be cheaper but they are not good for our environment)
2. Go digital- We don’t print flight tickets, travel invoices and other documents. Keep them in your smartphone as a pdf, take a picture or keep them on your emails, you can always login on a cafe and access all your documents in case of need.
3. Pack light – the lighter your luggage the lesser aeroplane and vehicles consumes gas during your travels
4. Reuse your towels, sheets (in hotels) and bring your reusable water bottle
5. Try to eat local food than eating something that was transported miles/kms away (eat fish only along the ocean not inland)

SOUTH AFRICA 

The unique “Rainbow Nation”; in Southern Africa. A melting pot of culture wildlife and wonderful scenery. South Africa’s historic emergence from the Apartheid era has created a country with wonderful spirit. With eleven national languages and many more cultures. South Africa’s wildlife destinations rival the best in the world, with the Kruger National Park being a must for all visitors along with Mkhuzi Game reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. The Zulu and the Xhosa cultures portray an intense history of survival and exploration of the country before the arrival of the Dutch Settlers.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL– The best time to travel to South Africa depends on the individuals, for safari enthusiast the best time to travel is between May and October. The temperatures are cooler or mild during the day but might get cold at night. It is our dry season. Along the Cape including the Garden Route, the best time to visit is between September and April, less rain and calm wind. It is warm. But, South Africa can be visited all year round and one will enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful landscape.

CAPE TOWN – The Cape Peninsula is a dramatic range of mountains penetrating the desolation of the southern Atlantic Ocean. The majestic Table Mountain is home to some 8500 species of flower. Cape Town often referred to as the “Mother City” is imbued with character and charm. The city centers around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working harbour and historical site, offering everything from arts and crafts markets, shopping malls, theaters and live music to superb restaurants offering a variety of dishes from local South African to continental.

CAPE WINELANDS – The Cape Winelands have been described as the most beautiful and scenic in the world. Here you will find majestic mountains, quaint little villages, art galleries, museums, and lots of various wineries. The Cape Dutch architecture is prominent in the winelands making this an enchanting area.

GARDEN ROUTE – Stretching along the southern Cape coast from Heidelberg in the west to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the east. The Garden Route boasts tropical forests, birds, fynbos plant species, tranquil inland lakes, towering mountains, pristine beaches and its brilliantly colored fauna and flora. Further inland you reach the Klein karoo, a semi-desert area of copper colored plains, ostrich farms, the spectacular Cango Caves and majestic mountain passes.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – The Kruger has more species of wildlife than any other reserve in Africa. Famous for the “big five” experience being elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino as well as over 460 different species of bird.

MPUMALANGA – The province boardering the southern Kruger National Park is known as Mpumalanga. The landscape of the Mpumalanga is made up of panoramic mountain passes, river canyons, waterfalls and steep mountains. Some of the most spectacular sights include God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest in the world), and the old gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest.

KWAZULU NATAL – is a area rich in diversity. In the Maputaland region you find the St. Lucia Wetland Park, an area rich in wildlife and beauty. Sodwana Bay boasts spectacular coral reefs superb for diving and snorkeling. The Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserves offer the chance to see the rare white rhino as well as many other species of wildlife. There are numerous Zulul villages offering crafts, traditional Zulu dance programs and the opportunity to mix and mingle amongst the Zulu tribe. For history enthusiasts a stay in the heart of Zululand with a guided tour to the battlegrounds of the Zulu, British and Boer wars is a must. The scenic Drakensberg moutains offer adventure activities such as hiking, biking and fishing. KwaZulu Natal is a perfect haven for birders.