Activity Package
This is an optional additional payment that covers what we consider to be ‘essential activities’ on our tours and therefore this itinerary has been written with these items included in the day-by-day itinerary. Ideally we would include all of these, but not everyone can afford this.
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
Day 2/3 Kruger National Park
We get up early to visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where injured or lost animals are rehabilitated 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 accomplished here. Later we enter the world famous Kruger Park and immediately start with an afternoon game drive in the truck. The next day is a full day’s game viewing from the advantageous height of our wonderful truck. Optional Activities (subject to availability): Full day 4x4 game drive, Morning walk, sunset game drive
Meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch (Day 2 only), 2 x Dinner
Day 4/5 Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After a final game drive as we depart the Kruger Park 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. Optional Activities: Guided birding walk, Game Drive, Village visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Game Reserve and Durban
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi 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 descent outside of India. Optional Activity: Dinner out at local restaurant
Meals: Breakfast
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 other optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. 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. Before we depart we visit the local village and primary school. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 optional activities available! Optional Activities: boat rental, quad biking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Addo Elephant National Park
This unique Eastern Cape park is home to one of the densest concentrations 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
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 tours, blackwater tubing (min 4 clients)
Meals: Breakfast (only on day 15), Lunch, Dinner
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: Elephant Encounter, Township Tour, Monkey town, Birds of Eden, lagoon cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
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… We will have the opportunity to explore Stellenbosch which forms the heart of the Western Cape’s wine region and second oldest European settlement in the Western Cape. 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
Day 20 Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the Cheetah Breeding Project to meet these beautiful animals up close. Afterwards, we head to a wine estate to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines and finally, the tour ends in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast