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 to Port Elizabeth where your tour finishes.
Meals: Breakfast












Recent comments regarding this tour from travellers:
"Thanks to Ray and Simba who made me feel very comfortable on the Journey." - Ben (2009)
“I had a lovely time. The price is great value for money and I would do another tour again!" - Elise (2009)
“Food is excellent. Trip feels a bit rushed, everything feels like a pitstop. Guides are excellent + very friendly + helpful!" - Gretchen (2009)
“Bumby but to be expected." - Jennifer (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)
“Would like fresh fruit/vegetables more often" - David (2009)
"Johan and Prosper were great guides. Johan provided us with lots of interesting information and leaded the tour very professional!” - Phil (2009)
"Unfortunately no walks possible in Kruger - all booked out. Accomodation was great (Swaziland and Timbavati) exceded my expectations." - Max (2009)
"Sunset drive in Kruger, it filled me with emotions." - Valeria (2009)
"Great tour, excellent guides with passion for africa & tried to please everyone as much as possible." - Jake (2009)
"Had an awesome time! Thanks very much to Jan & Vessel - everything was perfect!!" - Emily (2009)
"Great adventure!" - Tim (2009)
"It was a nice trip, but unfortunately it was raining almost the whole time! I was very glad that I booked the accommodated Tour!" - Timon (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)
"I am very impressed overall with the company, our guides - everything. We had a wonderful time. I was also impressed with the level of patience of our guides - thanks for your smiles, friendly attitude, you were great!!" - Marie (2009)
“The food has been incredible!” - Laura (2009)
“The entire route was amazing and great people on the bus!" - Sally (2009)
"Very nice tour, I enjoyed myself very much! Good guides, good organized, good group. We saw lot, I am very happy with the tour." - Pit (2009)
"A good thing about the company is you. Your quick replies. You seem to care about your customers. And this last mail after my return is the proof. It makes the customer feel special." - Rene (2009)
"Thank you Nomad for an absolutely wonderful experience - I really feel I have seen the real Africa and our guides were fantastic - helpful, polite and full of enthusiasm!!" - Jascha (2009)