17-Day South Africa
South Africa "Scenic Route" Code: SA17
2008 Price: € 1 095 pps + local payment of ZAR 1 600
17 day small group participation cabin & camping safari
Group size max 12 people
Departs Johannesburg on Saturday at 06:30am
Ends Cape Town on Monday @ ±18:00pm
See availability right at the bottom of the page
A wonderful journey through the Rainbow Nation. Camping, trekking, game viewing, historical and cultural visits through South Africa!
Highlights
Mpumalanga Panorama Route - sight seeing
Kruger National Park - game drives
Swaziland - mountain walks
Zululand - game drives & cultural villages
Drakensberg mountains - mountain walks
Garden Route & Karoo - walks, ostriches and caves
Cape Town - Cape Point & Table Mountain
Includes
7 nights in hotels / cabins and 9 nights camping
Entrance fees
Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
Transport in Safari Truck or Minibus
Meals as per itinerary
Professional guide
Itinerary
Day 1 JOHANNESBURG to MPUMALANGA
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterised by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We will camp the night in the old gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest, a living museum dating back to 1873. We explore the quaint town visit Mac Mac falls and God's window viewpoint. [ camping - L D ]Rhino snoozing in the Mkuzi NP, Zululand South Africa.Day 2 & 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Big game country - exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife. [ camping B L D ]Day 4 KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi's are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Malalotja borders on the Drakensberg escarpment and we explore the reserve on foot to enjoy the mountain scenery, rare birdlife, and the 95m high Malalotja waterfall. Overnight in log cabins with fantastic panoramic views. [ cabin B L D ]Day 5 - 6 ZULULAND
After visiting craft markets near Mbabane, we re-enter South Africa. Mkuzi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the endangered black rhino. We have a full day to game drive and stop at waterhole hides and watch game come down to drink. In the afternoon we visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle. [ camping B L D ]Day 7 & 8 DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
Moving further south to the base of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). We have two nights here in chalets allowing time for walking along beautiful mountain stream paths, looking for Bushman rock paintings or just enjoying spectacular views. [ chalet B L D ]Day 9 - 10 WILD COAST
Passing rolling hills topped with Xhosa villages, we make our way to the Wild Coast. We stay overnight on the Wild Coast within walking distance of the beach. Dolphins are often seen surfing in the waves. The next day is free to explore the area on foot, meet local villagers and learn about the Xhosa culture or relax on the beach. [ hotel B L D ]Day 11 ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals. [ camping B L D ]Day 12 & 13 TSITSIKAMMA
The suspension bridge at the Storms River Mouth, Garden Route South Africa. Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite at Storms River mouth, and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option of world's highest bungi jump (own expense). Whale watching in season (July to November). [ camping B L D ]Day 14 KAROO
After visiting "The Heads" in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we tour an ostrich farm where the more adventurous can ride one of these huge birds. We camp outside Oudtshoorn and enjoy our final night under Africa's starry skies. Optional tour of Cango Caves (own expense). [camping B L D ]Day 15 & 16 CAPE TOWN
Visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Explore Cape Town and the "mother city's" many attractions;, visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman's Peak drive, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). Meals at a variety of local restaurants (own expense). [Lion's Head Lodge B - - ]Day 17 TOUR ENDS - TRANSFERS
We climb Table Mountain in the morning admiring the views over Table bay and Cape Town. Spend the afternoon catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape's sunshine.Tour ends at +/-18:00pm.PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
Due to the early departure time of this safari we recommend that you stay in Johannesburg the night before safari. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations.
All "South Africa Scenic Route" departures can be combined before the "Cape Town to Victoria Falls Explorer" to create a complete circular safari in Southern Africa.
DETAILED TOUR INFO
In a nutshellA comprehensive introduction to the Rainbow Nation - a world in one country!
Exciting trip with culture, wildlife, adventure, walking, mountains and beaches.
Kruger NP, Swaziland, Zululand, Drakensberg, Garden Route and Cape Town.Why travellers like this trip
Variety - a tour that covers so much of the African experience, from the game reserves to the vibe of Cape Town and everything along the way. A world in one country!
National Parks and wildlife areas - We visit 10 national parks en route ranging from the awesome Big 5 of Kruger NP to the unique penguins and fynbos in the Cape of Good Hope.
Culture and history - South Africa has a unique and interesting cultural diversity, which we experience through contact with local people as often as possible.
Scenery - breath-taking scenery along the entire route - a world in one country!
Small group - travelling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as Mpumalanga, Malolotja Mountains, Mkuzi GR, Drakensberg (Dragon mountains), Storms River and Tsitsikamma NP, climb Table Mountain. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from 1 - 6 hours.
Adventure - activities available include: riding an ostrich, Cango caving, Bloukrans -highest bungi jump in the world!
Accommodation
Camping - 9 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks and towns. South African campsite facilities are generally very good. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities & laundries, post office/telephones, kiosks available at most of the campsites.
Your operator supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
Hotel - 4 nights are spent: 2 in a comfortable, but basic, hotel in a metropolitan area of Cape Town near the V&A Waterfront, and 2 in an hotel in Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast. All rooms are twin with en suite facilities.
Mountain cabin – 2 nights in the Drakensberg we stay in mountain chalets. Rooms are twin or quad sharing with shared ablutions.
Log cabins - 1 night in Malolotja (Swaziland) we stay in log cabins in the mountains. Rooms are triple and quad sharing with shared ablutions.
Transport
On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour.
Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".
Local Payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by ther tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.
Participation
An essential part of your safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
ShoppingCraft shopping for carvings, candles, batiks, wirework, paintings and clothing, in Swaziland, Zululand and Knysna, is some of the best in Southern Africa.
Food
We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 2 dinners and 2 lunches in Cape Town where we try out local restaurants.
The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. A combination of camping and basic accommodation makes for a comfortable tour.
Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days but also plenty of outdoors activity.
Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
Includes park entrances
You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into Swaziland and re-entering South Africa. Consult the tour dossier for a more detailed list of visa requirements and consult with your travel agent or tour operator.
Common questions about this trip
What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
Is it safe? South Africa, like any many countries, has it’s problems but your guide knows the country intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip!
Do I need malaria tablets? Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zululand (ie: first week of tour) is a limited risk malaria area and prophylactics are recommended.
Can I buy camera film? Film and other accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-200mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots.
Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are coin-operated laundries available in the Drakensberg (day 7&8) and Storms River (day 11&12). There is also a laundry service available at the hotel on the Wild Coast (day 9&10)
SA17 - SOUTH AFRICA - SCENIC ROUTE - 17 days -
2008 Departure Dates
01-Mar-08 17-Mar-08 CV
15-Mar-08 31-Mar-08 German, CVg
29-Mar-08 14-Apr-08 CV
19-Apr-08 05-May-08 CV
03-May-08 19-May-08 German, CVg1
7-May-08 02-Jun-08 CV
14-Jun-08 30-Jun-08 CV
21-Jun-08 07-Jul-08 CV
05-Jul-08 21-Jul-08 CV
19-Jul-08 04-Aug-08 German, CVg
02-Aug-08 18-Aug-08 CV
23-Aug-08 08-Sep-08 CV
06-Sep-08 22-Sep-08 German, CVg
20-Sep-08 06-Oct-08 CV
11-Oct-08 27-Oct-08 German, CVg
25-Oct-08 10-Nov-08 CV
08-Nov-08 24-Nov-08 CV
29-Nov-08 15-Dec-08 CV
13-Dec-08 29-Dec-08 German, CVg
27-Dec-08 12-Jan-09 CV
