NAJC South African Explorer 2012

Join us on an amazing journey through South Africa. View spectacular wildlife and sceneries at the Kruger, Addo, and Tsitsikamma National Parks and along the Garden- &Stellenbosch wine route

This is a 20 day overland tour through South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland in an adventure truck.

27218457400

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 South Africa – Panorama Route
Leaving Johannesburg we travel along the Panorama Route one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. The Panorama route consists of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon including God’s Window and Three Rondavels. This evening we will enjoy a traditional Shangaan Dinner with dancing.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Timbavati Safari Lodge: www.timbavatisafarilodge.com

Day 2/3 Kruger National Park
We get up early to visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where injured or lost animals are rehabilitated and re-habilitated to be released back into the wild. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some very special species up close, as well as learn about the positive achievements being made here. Later we enter the world famous Kruger and immediately start with an afternoon game drive. The next day is a full day’s game viewing from the advantageous height of our wonderful truck. Optional Activities (subject to availability): Night Drive and/or Game Walk with, Full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: SANP Camp: www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger

Day 4/5 Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After a final game drive as we depart the Kruger we travel to Swaziland, stopping on the way at one of the interesting local markets. The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. We spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve. Exploring the area on foot allows you to appreciate the scenery as well as the animals; there are no dangerous predators here. We will experience unique Swazi traditional dancing on the second evening after dinner. Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Guided Birding Walks, Horse Riding and Sunset Game Drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: www.biggameparks.org/3parks_mlilwane.html

Day 6 South Africa – Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park
We leave Swaziland and take a scenic drive towards the warm Indian Ocean coast, re-entering South Africa. Soon after our arrival at iSimangaliso Wetland Park we board a boat for a sunset cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing! This UNESCO recognised area is extremely varied and includes: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life. Optional Activities: Traditional Zulu Village Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shonalanga: www.shonalanga.net

Day 7 Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for a game drive in open 4x4 vehicles. The park is the only state-run park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all the Big Five occur. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. In the late afternoon we arrive at Durban, South Africa’s largest marine port and well-known surfing destination. The evening can be spent enjoying authentic Indian cuisine as Durban is also home to the largest population of people of Indian decent outside of India. Optional Activities: Dinner out at local Indian Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast
OvernightGarden Court South Beach: www.southernsun.com/garden-court/south-beach

Day 8/9 Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
We leave behind the beautiful beaches of KwaZulu Natal and travel inland to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg or Royal Natal National Park, part of the huge and incredibly scenic, Drakensberg escarpment. The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks at over 3000 metres. Hiking is the most popular activity here and your guides will take you on a lovely hike if you are not already busy with optional activities, such as horse riding, which can be a very satisfying way to explore this mountainous area. Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Drakensville Resort: www.drakensville.co.za

Day 10/11 Lesotho - Malealea
It’s a visually impressive drive up to the Lesotho border, where the popular pony trekking excursion (optional) requires an early morning start. Before we depart we visit the local village and primary school. On the optional overnight trek Lesotho villagers will guide you along remote trails where there are spectacular views. You can also remain at the lodge and relax, or experience an optional shorter ride. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Malealea Lodge: www.malealea.com

Day 12/13 South Africa – Cintsa
Leaving the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’ behind we travel south to Cintsa. You can choose to relax, or participate in one of the many optional activities available! Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Areena Resort: www.areena.co.za

Day 14 Addo Elephant National Park
This unique Eastern Cape Park is home to one of the densest concentration of African elephants on earth as well as boasting the ‘Big Seven’(elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark) as Addo is a land and marine park. Optional Activities: Night Game Drive with SANP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Addo Elephant NP: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo

Day 15/16 Tsitsikamma National Park
After a final early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants, take a quick stop at Port Elizabeth’s airport and arrive in the afternoon at Tsitsikamma. The name means ‘place of abundant water’ and it does not disappoint, with its indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. This area is home to the famous multi-day Otter Trail hike and the first few hours of this hike is included in your Activity Package. Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop Canopy Tour, Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Protea Hotel Tsitsikamma: www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-tsitsikamma.html

Day 17 Knysna / Plettenberg Bay
It is a short distance to Plettenberg Bay. In the afternoon you can choose between remaining to relax at the resort or taking a short excursion in to nearby Knysna to explore. Optional Activities: Knysna Elephant Park, Knysna Lagoon Cruise, Township Tour, Birds of Eden, Monkey Town, Predator Rehabilitation, Knysna 4x4 forest drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Forever Resort Plettenberg Bay: www.foreverplettenberg.co.za

Day 18 Oudtshoorn
Today we travel through the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudtshoorn where we visit the world-famous Cango Caves. The caves contain spectacular halls and grand limestone formations, and a local guide will tell you all about the cave system, which extends for over 4km.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kleinplaas: www.kleinplaas.co.za

Day 19 Stellenbosch Wine Route
We take a scenic drive to Stellenbosch taking in some of Route 62 and a possible stop at Ronnie’s Sex Shop, not a sex shop at all, but a rather interesting country pub… Stellenbosch forms the heart of the Western Cape’s wine region and second oldest European settlement in the Western Province. As this is the last night on tour we head to a local restaurant for dinner. Optional Activity: Ostrich Farm Visit, Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Rivierbos Guest House: www.rivierbos.co.za

Day 20 Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast, we stop at The Spier Wine Estate to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines. We also visit the Cheetah Breeding Project to meet these beautiful animals up close and finally the tour ends in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation is included in the tour price. Details as per itinerary .