Day 1: Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg at the OR Tambo Airport. Collect your rental car and travel east to the rolling hills of Mpumalanga. Enjoy your first night in South Africa with beautiful views, a great sunset and amazing organic food.
Accommodation suggestion: Old Joe’s Kaia in Schoemanskloof
Day 2-4: Kruger National Park – walking safari trail
Travel to Kruger National Park, where your wilderness experience is about to begin! Check in to your African rondavel and depart on your first game drive in an open safari jeep with ranger. Get up close and personal with the animals, learn all about tracks, signs and sounds and enjoy being in the bush. Over the next two days you set out on exciting guided walking safaris in the morning and game drives in the afternoon. This will allow you to experience the bush in many different ways and leave with a deep sense of belonging.
Accommodation suggestion: Africa on Foot Lodge in Klaserie Game Reserve
Day 5 & 6: Barberton
The open grassy plains around Barberton are the perfect place to unwind after your safari experience. Enjoy waterfalls, perennial streams and trout dams against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Treat yourself to a massage in the spa and sample great African food.
Accommodation suggestion: Dawsons Game & Trout Lodge
Day 7-10: Drakensberg - Amphitheater Hike
Travel west to the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain range, where you next nature experience is about to begin; a 3 day slack packing hike to the Roof of Africa. Together with your guide you hike up the famous Amphitheather, admire Tugela Falls, visit San rock art sites, walk through Royal Natal Park and enjoy amazing views over the Northern Drakensberg Valley.
The hike has been planned so that you can walk at a comfortable pace and without the burden of a heavy backpack. At the end of each day, you’ll have the chance to relax and recover at the lodge - providing hot showers, nourishing food and a comfortable bed.
Accommodation suggestion: The Cavern Hotel and Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Day 11: Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander will form a perfect end to your Drakensberg adventure. It feels like rural England with its rolling hills, forests, meadows, pastures and quaint villages. There are countless distractions and detours to tempt you: visit a cheese farm, taste wines at The Stables Wine Estate, drink local lager, play a round of Golf or admire Zulu artists at the Ceramic Art Studio.
Accommodation suggestion: Waterford Manor or Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Day 12-14: Garden Route
A domestic flight takes you from Durban to George, in the Garden Route. The area invites you to lovely excursions to the nearby lakes and beaches or escarpments (Knysna Heads) with unique views. Nature lovers definitely need to make a turn at Tsitsikamma National Park to be impressed by its unique combination of forest and coastline. Wonderful projects make this region an advocate for conservationists at Birds of Eden, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Monkeyland or Tenikwa Cat Rehab.
Accommodation suggestion: Knysna Country House or Tsitsikamma Village Inn
Day 15 & 16: Oystercatcher Trail
Walk the clean, largely undeveloped Garden Route coast between Mossel Bay’s Cape St. Blaize and the Gourits River Mouth. On this 3 day guided walking trail you explore this marine rich coast and its unspoilt beaches. Learn the habits of whales and dolphins. Enjoy the eco experience of this educational walkabout - highlighting the habits of the African Black Oystercatcher. Snorkel safely in rocky pools. Visit ancient caves, fish traps and Khoi-San Middens.
Accommodation suggestion: Sindpiper B&B in Boggomsbaai
Day 17: Swellendam
Swellendam is the third oldest settlement in South Africa and a perfect stopover on your journey from the Garden Route. Relax in this lovely town that’s steeped in history with beautiful buildings, shady oak-lined streets, old churches and the Drosty Museum.
Accommodation suggestion: De Kloof Luxury Estate
Day 18 & 19: Cape Town
Spend three wonderful days in the Mother City to end this active holiday. The city is enormously versatile and offers different activities and spotlights. Do not only visit Table Mountain, Robben Island and V&A Waterfront. But kayak at the penguins at Boulder's Beach, cycle around the Cape Peninsula and do a guided walk in the inner city. End your day with a great dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants.
Accommodation: Amblewood Guesthouse in Hout Bay
Day 20
Last day to do some shopping and experience Africa. Hand your car in at Cape Town airport and board your flight home. |
