COUNTRIES VISITED: SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO, SWAZILAND
Day 1 Stellenbosch Wine Route/Swellendam
Leaving the mother city of Cape Town behind, we drive to Stellenbosch stopping off at a wine farm for an included tasting. The magnificent rocky mountain scenery will take your breath away en route to a Cheetah Breeding project, where we admire these beautiful animals. Later we travel onto our first campsite in Swellendam.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Oudtshoorn
Today we take a guided tour of the Cango Caves. The Cango Caves are some of the most impressive limestone caverns and the different formations are quite astonishing. Stalagmites or Stalagtites? Can you tell the difference? In the afternoon we have the opportunity to visit an Ostrich Farm before setting up camp in Oudtshoorn.
Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Knysna
Travelling along the Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic journeys. Look out for whales and dolphins as we pass through Mossel Bay and onto our campsite near the picturesque seaside village of Knysna.
Optional Activities: Canoeing, hiking, Knysna Elephant Park, Lagoon Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4/5 Bloukrans and Tsitsikamma National Park
One of South Africa’s best-kept secrets is the Tsitsikamma National Park. Boasting exceptional hiking trails (including the famous Otter Trail) and superb coastal scenery Tsitsikamma is somewhere that many people will return to. At the nearby Bloukrans Bridge the Bungy Jump here (at 212m) is the highest in the world, although most people are not quite brave enough to try it…
Optional Activities: Bungy jumping (highest in the world), treetop canopy tours, hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Addo Elephant National Park
Continuing in to the Eastern Cape, we enter Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to many of Africa’s big game. Our truck gives us an elevated view on our game drive, particularly for those photographic enthusiasts amongst us.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7/8 Hogsback
After a final game drive in Addo we depart the National Park and drive, via Port Elizabeth, to Hogsback. Some of the original Afro-Montane Rainforest can be seen here as well as stunning waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls and Madonna and Child Falls. Many people rent Mountain Bikes here and spend an enjoyable day exploring, but your Guide will also take you on a short hike if you prefer.
Optional Activities: Horse riding, mountain biking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9/10 Lesotho - Malealea
Today we leave South Africa and enter the landlocked mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Lesotho is one of the highest countries in the world, with all territory being over 1000m above sea level. The next day we get up early and those going on the Pony Trekking will ride into the remote hills of Lesotho accompanied by local guides. If you remain behind you can visit the local village or craft market.
Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11/12 South Africa – Drakensberg.
The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest and most beautiful. We explore the mountain paths and take in the breathtaking views offered in the Royal Natal National Park.
Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast - Durban
It’s all downhill as we leave the mountain scenery en route to the Kwazulu Natal Coast. The bustling city of Durban is South Africa’s largest port and surfing capital. We stay in a youth hostel in the central city this evening so maybe sample some Indian cuisine and enjoy this coastal city’s vibrant night life.
Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park
Heading north along the coast, we enter the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise on the lagoon, the best place to spot the range of wildlife here, plus an optional visit to a Zulu Village. Tonight we spend the night in this area surrounded by nature.
Optional Activities: Traditional Zulu Village visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park - Swaziland
Today we start our big-game viewing with a morning game drive in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park, famous for its Hippos. Hluhluwe and Imfolozi together make up one of Kwa-Zulu Natals best National Parks and provide a home to Africa’s largest population of White Rhino. In the afternoon we cross the border in to Swaziland.
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Swaziland – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swazilands oldest and covers 4,560 hectares. As there are no large predators in this area there are a number of self-guided hikes available. Hiking is an excellent way of interacting with the flora and fauna here. In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have some traditional Swaziland culture to look forward to.
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17/18 South Africa - Kruger National Park
We return to South Africa and drive to the Kruger NP for two unforgettable days of game viewing. Kruger National Park is home to Africa’s Big 5 as well as a multitude of other beautiful African animals, both small and large. Our truck gives us a height advantage over other vehicles which means better photo opportunities. There will be a number of game drives to give us the best opportunity to see all the animals.
Optional Activities: Night Drive and Dawn Game Walk through SANP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Leaving the World’s most famous nature conservation area behind, we drive to tonight’s campsite in the greater Kruger area and visit a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. In the evening we have a Shangaan Village Tour and Fire Dancing display.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 Johannesburg
Early this morning we go for a walk with a local guide in the area near our campsite, there’s nothing quite like being out there amongst the animals. After the nature walk we travel along the Panorama Route, stopping for breathtaking views at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg, although most will enjoy an optional dinner on our last night together.
Optional Activities: Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch












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)
”I had a great time but there are some things to work with: Waterproof tents. Our tents were not waterproof. Even though the rain cover didn’t touch the inner tent, water was dripping into the tents. That’s not good enough.” - Carolina (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)
“This was one of the best trips of my life. I got a better understanding of Africa after this.” - Ross (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)