* Also See : NAJN Southern & East Africa
COUNTRIES VISITED: SOUTH AFRICA, SWAZILAND, LESOTHO
Day 1 South Africa – Panorama Route
Leaving Johannesburg we travel along the Panorama Route one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, where we visit the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Blyde River Canyon is the 3rd largest canyon in the world and the view is dominated by the Three Rondavels, huge rocky outcrops at the end of the canyon. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris. Tonight we stay in the Greater Kruger area and visit a local village for a display of tribal dancing.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2/3 Kruger National Park
We get up early and visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where fortunate animals are educated or release in to the wild. Later we enter the world famous Kruger National Park. The next two days are spent exploring the southern Kruger area and we have a good chance of sighting Africa's famed big five. An optional night drive with one of the South African National Park (SANP) rangers is an excellent way to see some of the nocturnal animals.
Optional Activities: SANP Night Drive, game walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4/5 Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After entering the Kingdom of Swaziland we spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve. Swaziland is a land-locked country that gained independence in 1968. Exploring the area on foot gives you the chance to appreciate the scenery as well as the animals, there are no dangerous predators here. We all experience the wonderful Swazi culture in the evening with a display of traditional dancing.
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding and Game Viewing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 South Africa – Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park
We leave Swaziland and re-enter South Africa driving down the warm Indian Ocean coast. Spend the afternoon exploring the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and take an included afternoon sunset cruise on the lagoon. This UNISCO 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 and Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve for a guided game drive. 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. We enter the coastal city of Durban in the late afternoon. Durban is South Africa’s largest marine port and is a 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 and night out in Durban
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8/9 Drakensberg
We leave behind the beautiful beaches of KwaZulu Natal and travel inland to the Royal Natal NP, part of the massive Drakensberg escarpment. The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks at over 3000 metres. You can choose between many activities including an included guided hike or optional horse riding. Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Extra Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10/11 Lesotho - Malealea
Lesotho is a land-locked country completely surrounded by South Africa, and is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1000 metres. It’s a scenic drive up to the Lesotho border, where the popular pony trekking excursion requires an early morning for those who are participating. Lesotho villagers will guide you along remote trails where there are spectacular views. You can also remain at the lodge and visit a village school and craft market.
Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking, School Visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12/13 South Africa – Hogsback
Leaving the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’ behind we travel south to the picturesque Hogsback Valley. Here we will find pockets of the original Afro-Montane Rainforest, plus several stunning waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls and Madonna and Child Falls. Our guide will take you on a gentle hike into the surrounding forest but you are free to relax or rent a Mountain Bike instead.
Optional Activities: Horse riding, Mountain biking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Addo Elephant National Park
Addo is home to one of the densest concentration of African elephants on the continent, plus Cape buffalo, Lion, Black Rhino and countless antelope. Proclaimed a national park in 1931 it is now one of South Africa’s success stories and an excellent game viewing experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15/16 Tsitsikamma National Park
After a final early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants and drive along the sunshine coast until we reach Bloukrans, home to the highest bungy jump in the world and then Tsitsikamma National Park. The name means ‘place of abundant water’ and it doesn’t disappoint, with its indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. Hiking in this beautiful, natural area is very enjoyable as the scenery is both beautiful and varied.
Optional Activities: Bungy Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop canopy Tour, Guided Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Knysna
This morning we drive through Plettenberg Bay and onto Knysna, a beautiful inlet in the heart of the Garden Route. Stroll the arty shops or have a drink at the waterfront, perhaps an optional river cruise on the Keurbooms River.
Optional Activities: Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 18 Oudtshoorn
Today we travel through the 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. Later in the day you have the option of visiting an Ostrich Farm to find out more about these special birds.
Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit and Ostrich Riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Stellenbosch Wine Route
We take a scenic drive to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Western Cape’s wine region. The town is the 2nd oldest European settlement in the Western Province, and thanks to French Huguenots settling here, grapes were well clutivated making it the centre of South Africa’s wine industry. As this is the last night on tour we head to a local restaurant for dinner, there are many options as Stellenbosch has a large selection of very good restaurants.
Optional Activity: Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20 Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast, we go to Spier wine farm to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines. We also visit the Spier Cheetah Breeding Project and finally the tour ends, in the afternoon, at the Nomad office in Greenmarket Square, central Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast
* Also See : NAJN Southern & East Africa












Recent comments regarding this tour from travellers:
"Having the combination of culture, wildlife and adventure. A very balanced trip!" - Blake (2009)
“More and clearer information before departure would be great, but it's still worth everything.” - Julia (2009)
“This was one of the best trips of my life. I got a better understanding of Africa after this.” - Ross (2009)
“Best adventure ever!” - Tim (2009)
"Give these guys a pay rise - they were brilliant!!! I would definitely recommend Nomad. Keep up the good work." - Kalle (2009)
"Truck is good, but some seats have little leg room and also the ride can be quite bumpy for the back." - Jay (2009)
”Truck could use better windows and seats” - Manuel (2009)
“I expected little more adventure and less holiday. Perhaps longer walking trips or something like that. Perhaps put age limits on specific tours and make it more adventures for those who feel like it.” - Nicole (2009)
“There were so many stars at night! It was amazing!” - Lizzy (2009)
”No particular highlight. Enjoyed it all!” - Johnny (2009)
”But the biggest and most pleasant surprise was the crew (Patrick and Dingi). I have never seen more friendly, enthusiastic and positive crewmembers anywhere. My deepest respect to these two guys. They deserve the best from Nomads. They are their weight worth in gold.” - Rene (2009)
”The route was nice but I think there were too many people on the truck! I think it would be better and more comfortable if there are less people!” - Andrew (2009)
”Sometimes it would be better if you make more stops because after some time you can’t sit anymore!" - Carla (2009)
"Had an awesome time! Thanks very much to Jan & Vessel - everything was perfect!!" - Emily (2009)
"Very good tour. I liked seeing so much of SA. Nice variety on tour and the enthusiastic and humorous tour guides. I saw and laughed a lot!" - Jan (2009)
"I have seen all the animals of the Big 5!" - Jose (2009)
"Sunset drive in Kruger, it filled me with emotions." - Valeria (2009)
”It would be better to have a guide in the back of the truck during game drives.” - Heinz (2009)
"Cheaper activities would be good but otherwise it was awesome" - Kendall (2009)
"George: Fantastic Guide, terrific game driving. Thanks for showing us the lion! Would have liked to see more Kudus though (-: Charl: Fabulous cooking + informative! Soccer skills not so great (-: " - Melissa (2009)