Southern Africa Overland Tour - 18 Days

South Africa is a haven of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and first world norms, topped with a healthy and invigorating climate. These qualities, as well as a relatively cheap currency, make it an adventure destination not to be missed.

Some Important Information

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so a small daypack is advisable.
• Seasonal Malaria precautions may be necessary and can be purchased locally.
• Passports are required for entry into Swaziland.
• The price includes all transport, accommodation, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast etc, group equipment, permits and entry fees, Knysna boat trip, optional pony ride and professional guides.
• The price does not include alcohol and soft drinks, meals where stipulated, curios, tips and optional excursions

For more information on this tour in regards to accommodation, food, participation and much much more.

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Bushveld Camp (D)
Departing early from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", the Southern Africa Explorer tour group head east to the spectacular Mpumalanga province. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group visit an awesome waterfall as well as the quaint gold-mining pioneer village of Pilgrims Rest, the intriguing Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, towering above the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Finally the Southern Africa Explorer tour group descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where the Southern Africa Explorer tour group overnight in a luxury Bushveld Camp, within the Balule Nature Reserve, bordering the Kruger Park. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Day 2: Bushveld Camp Brunch (D)
Being a privately owned property, the bush camp allows the Southern Africa Explorer tour group the freedom of walking amongst the game and of viewing the animals in their natural habitat from an open vehicle with both day and night drives. All major game species are prevalent, including the renowned "Big Five".

Day 3: Hazyview in this over-landing Tour (B L D)
Leave the park after an extensive morning's game drive, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group wind our way to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, and then on to a log cabin spectacularly situated on stilts in indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River. Relax at the bird hide, or enjoy swimming and forest walks

Day 4: Kruger National Park (B L D)
The Southern Africa Explorer tour group leave our bush camp in the morning to travel the short distance to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, here we spend the entire day viewing animals from the high vantage point of our well-equipped truck. Visitors enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park's rest camps.

Day 5 - 6: Swaziland/Zululand in this over-landing Tour (B L D)
Travelling south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group journey takes us into an area of spectacular scenery, and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group then enter Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, a region of Game Reserves, rural villages and impressive cane fields. We spend the next two nights at a Zululand Camp, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on a private game reserve adjoining the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During our stay the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will do a game walk on the reserve and will conduct a game drive in the renowned Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Tourist also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience.

Day 7: Dolphin Coast (B L D)
A short drive today, we travel to one of the world's finest coastlines, where the unrelenting waves of the Indian Ocean continuously pound deserted beaches. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group next night will be at an Inn, situated literally on the beach. the Southern Africa Explorer tour group time here will be spent soaking up the sun and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean. Tonight the Southern Africa Explorer tour group enjoy a traditional fish braai on the Inn's patio.

Day 8 - 9: Drakensburg in this over-landing Tour (B L D)
After visiting to the holiday city of Durban, where the Southern Africa Explorer tour group have the option of visiting Ushaka Marine World or exploring the Golden Mile, we travel back inland to the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, "Barrier of Spears". On reaching the foothills we transfer to a 4X4 vehicle, and then enjoy an exciting drive on mountain tracks up to the Drakensburg Inn where the Southern Africa Explorer tour group spend two nights in cosy log cabins. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group will spend time hiking and exploring the wonders of this National Heritage Site. Pony trekking is also available.

Day 10: Ladybrand ( B D)
After a 4x4 transfer back to our vehicle, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group cross the Oliviershoek Pass to view the turquoise waters of Sterkfontein Dam, then on through the Golden Gate National Park, well known for its towering sandstone cliffs and wealth of unique wildlife. Lunch today will be own expense in the artful little village of Clarens - clients will have time to explore the art galleries and other unique attractions. This night will be spent on a working dairy farm near the town of Ladybrand and the Southern Africa Explorer tour group enjoy a traditional "braai".

Day 11 - 12: Karoo in this over-landing Tour (B L D)
Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group head into the dry Karoo interior. We will travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda to the Karoo Inn. The tourist home for the next two nights will be in stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg Mountains. During our stay here, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plants, rare animal and bird life.

Day 13 - 14: Garden Route (B D)
An early start, we head for the pioneer town of Graaff-Reinet where we spend time visiting the various museums, strolling around the town, meeting the locals and admiring the unique architecture. We then cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, barrier between the dry interior and the lush coastal Garden Route area. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group arrive at the secluded Knysna Inn, where the groups will spend the next three nights in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest. The Southern Africa Explorer tour group days here will be spent exploring this renowned region and its many attractions. We will walk in the forest in search of the elusive Knysna Lourie,the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will travel the “old passes road” to the Tsitsikamma coastal National Park where the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will walk part of the acclaimed “Otter Trail”. On the Southern Africa Explorer tour group return journey, those with suicidal tendencies may try the world's highest bungi jump at 216 meters or clients may choose a sea kayak trip. (Own expense). The Southern Africa Explorer tour group will visit sun-kissed beaches, spend time in the old woodcutter town of Knysna and will enjoy a boat trip on a ski boat around the Knysna Lagoon and through the Heads in search of dolphins and whales (weather permitting). One lunch and one dinner will be own expense.

Day 15: De Hoop Nature Reserve
Leaving Knysna in the afternoon, the Southern Africa Explorer tour group travel to the renowned De Hoop Nature Reserve, known for its towering white sand dunes and unique animal species. the Southern Africa Explorer tour group overnight in comfortable bungalows.

Day 16 - 18: Cape Town in this over-landing Tour (B)
This morningthe Southern Africa Explorer tour group will visit the magnificent Lake District, then travel through the farming region of Swellendam before heading to the coast where we follow the “Whale Route” around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the “Mother City” of Cape Town in the late afternoon, we check into an Inn within Cape Town, which is situated on the Sea Point beachfront. Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. the Southern Africa Explorer tour group will also hike up Table Mountain. (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense).