Africa Safaris & Holidays

NEW 2012: From 2012 the Camping Overland Tour also runs in opposite directon from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

THIS IS THE ITINERARY OF THE CAMPING SAFARI

South Africa: Wine tasting - Cheetah Breeding Project - Cango Caves - Tsitsikamma NP - Addo Elephant NP - Hike in Hogsback Forest - Lesotho : Pony Trekking - South Africa: Guided walk to Bushman paintings in Royal Natal NP - Game drive Hluhluwe / Umfolozi NP - St Lucia lagoon cruise - Swaziland: Traditional Swazi dancing - South Africa: Kruger NP - Bourkes Luck Potholes - Gods Window - Blyde River Canyon - Wildlife Rehab Centre

Day 1 Stellenbosch Wine Route Swellendam
Leaving the mother city of Cape Town behind, we drive to Stellenbosch to the Spier Wine Estate where we visit the Cheetah Breeding Centre before some excellent wine tasting a little later in the day. On clear days the magnificent mountain scenery makes for a memorable first day. On arrival in Swellendam your guides will demonstrate how to put up your tent and brief you on what to expect from the days ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Cango Caves and Oudtshoorn
The Cango Caves are some of the most impressive limestone caverns and the different formations are quite astonishing. Today we take a guided tour of the Cango Caves. Stalagmites or Stalagtites? Can you tell the difference? In the afternoon we travel to Oudtshoorn where we will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Knysna
This morning there is the opportunity to visit as Ostrich farm before we continue along the Garden Route to Knysna. Look out for whales and dolphins as we pass through Mossel Bay. Your afternoon is free to explore Knysna, one of South Africa’s most popular seaside towns. Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit. 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 and superb coastal scenery Tsitsikamma is a destination that many people will return to. The first few hours of the famous Otter Trail Hike are included in your tour. For those needing an adrenaline boost the nearby Bloukraans Bridge is home to the world’s highest bungee jump at 212m! 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 this afternoon, particularly for those photographic enthusiasts amongst us.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7/8 Hogsback
After a morning 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 and many people rent Mountain Bikes and spend an enjoyable day exploring. On our second day in Hogsback your guide will take you on a hike to either Swallow Falls, Bridal Veil Falls or Madonna & Child Falls, the choice is yours. 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 the entire country being over 1000m above sea level. The next day we get up early and those going on the Pony Trekking Excursion will ride into the remote hills of Lesotho accompanied by local guides. On your return the group will visit the local village and school. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11/12 South Africa - Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
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 Ukhahlamba Drakensburg (Royal Natal) National Park. On our second day we will be going on a guided hike to see some of the san rock paintings.Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Tugela Falls Hike, Zulu School Project.
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 and maybe sample some Indian cuisine and enjoy this coastal city’s vibrant nightlife. Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Soon after our arrival at iSimangaliso Wetland Park we board a boat for an included sunset cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing! 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. Optional Activities: Traditional Zulu Village visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Game Reserve – Swaziland - Mlilwane
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for a 4-5 hour 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 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 and your Nomad guide will be taking you on a hike. In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have traditional Swazi dancing to look forward to after dinner.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 Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Leaving the World’s most famous nature conservation area behind, we travel to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre to meet some of the rescued animals before they are released back in to the wild. At our camp this evening we will be experiencing some typical South African cuisine while enjoying a traditional Song and Dance evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 Panorama Route - 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

THIS IS THE ITINERARY OF THE ACCOMMODATED SAFARI

South Africa: Johannesburg - Panorama Route - Kruger NP - St Lucia Wetland Park - Durban - Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg - Lesotho: Pony trekking - South Africa: Coffee Bay - Hole in the Wall (optional) - Addo Elephant NP - Tsitsikamma NP - Knysna - Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves - Stellenbosch Wine Route - Cape Town

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. Optional Activity: Evening Game Drive in Timbavati concession area bordering the Kruger NP.
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 and re-educated 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 made here. Later we enter the world famous Kruger and immediately start with an afternoon game drive. The next day is a full day’s game viewing from advantageous height of our wonderful truck. Optional Activities: Night Drive and/or Game Walk with SANP (Subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4/5 Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After a final game drive as we depart the Kruger 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. We will experience unique Swazi traditional dancing on the second evening after dinner. Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding and Sunset Game Drive.
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 an included sunset cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing! 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 - Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for a 4-5 hour 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 decent outside of India.
Optional Activities: Dinner out at local Indian Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 optional activities, such as horse riding, which can be a very satisfying way to explore this mountainous area. Optional Activities: Abseiling, Horse Riding, Hiking.
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. Before we depart there is an included visit to the local village and primary school. On the 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 a shorter ride. Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking, Village market.
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 that some claim to be an inspiration for JRR Tolkien who spent time here as a child. You can choose to relax, or join your guide in a hike to the Swallow Falls, Bridal Veil Falls or Madonna and Child Falls, or even all 3! Optional Activities: Horse riding, Mountain biking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Addo Elephant National Park
This unique Eastern Cape Park is home to one of the densest concentration 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 and Horse Riding
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 National Park. 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 your guide will accompany you on the very first section of it should you wish to participate. Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop Canopy Tour, Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Keurbooms River - Knysna
It is a short distance to Keurbooms River, near Plettenberg Bay, where our accommodation is set on the river and within walking distance of a secluded beach. In the afternoon you can choose between remaining to relax at the hotel or taking a short excursion in to nearby Knysna to explore and later enjoy dinner at one of the lovely local restaurants.
Optional Activities: Knysna Lagoon Cruise, Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18 Oudtshoorn
Today we travel through the Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudtshoorn where we visit the world-famous Cango Caves. On the way we have the option to go on the power van that runs the old coastal railway track between Knysna and George. 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. Optional Activities: Outeniqua Power Van excursion
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… Stellenbosch forms the heart of the Western Cape’s wine region and second oldest European settlement in the Western Province. 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 stop at The Spier Wine Estate to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines. We also visit the Cheetah Breeding Project to meet these beautiful animals up close and finally the tour ends in Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast

Safari Facts

Price 2012: EUR 1195 Camping - both directions + EUR 130 (for the Activity Package, that can be booked optionally and covers all highlights mentioned in the itinerary, except for activities marked as optional)
Start in Johannesburg/South Africa or Cape Town/South Africa
End in Johannesburg/South Africa or Cape Town/South Africa
Meals B x 19, L x 20, D x 18 Camping safari; B x 19, L x 19, D x 16 Accommodated safari
Tour in english
Accommodation: Participatory camping in twin share tents or 2 per room/ tent
Transport: Overland truck

Important notes: A single supplement is available on this trip @ EUR 18 Camping safari; EUR 280 Accommodated safari

Departure Dates 2012  - Camping safari - Cape Town to Johannesburg

02-Apr-12 G
16-Apr-12
30-Apr-12
14-May-12 G
28-May-12
11-Jun-12
25-Jun-12 G
09-Jul-12
23-Jul-12
06-Aug-12 G
20-Aug-12
03-Sep-12
17-Sep-12 G
01-Oct-12
15-Oct-12
29-Oct-12 G
12-Nov-12
26-Nov-12
10-Dec-12 G
24-Dec-12

Departure Dates 2012  - Accommodated safari from Johannesburg to Cape Town