Johannesburg to The Cape

18 Days
Johannesburg to Cape Town -
Basic Accommodation Safari

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. A country virtually the size of Europe with over 3000 kilometre’s of unspoiled coastline, boasting climatic differences from searing hot desert to snow-capped peaks, and varied cultures, from the primitive Bushman to the most Western of ways. We visit the highlights, but leave the beaten track to explore the great outdoors. Overnight stops are mostly at Drifters owned properties and reserves where extensive conservation and game introduction projects have created truly unique accommodations and surroundings. The tour requires a certain amount of flexibility and an adventurous mentality.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg to Bushveld Camp
Departing Johannesburg, we travel the scenic road to Mpumalanga. Along the way we visit Dullstroom, traverse Robbers Pass and spend time at the quaint historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest. We also visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon. Thereafter we wind our way down the escarpment to the Lowveld bushveld where we overnight in our well appointed camp. In a private reserve adjacent / unfenced to the Kruger Park, the tented Camp is tastefully designed, totally blends in with the environment, and offers comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing splash pool, and stunning views over the surrounding bush. Dinner tonight is cooked on the open fire.

Day 2: Bushveld Camp
We start the day with customary coffee and rusks, before setting off on a game walk. We walk for approximately 3 hours in search of game, stopping regularly to learn more about the ways of the bush. A guide and tracker lead all walks. Return to camp for a late morning brunch after which it’s time to relax around the pool and to enjoy the camp. In the afternoon we conduct an open vehicle game drive, which develops into an extensive night drive, being in the bush at night provides us with the opportunity of viewing nocturnal animals, otherwise not normally seen. This evening we enjoy a hearty bush “braai” and again fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Day 3: Hazyview
A leisurely start, we travel through the rural Bushbuck ridge area to the sleepy settlement of Hazyview, and then on to the lodge, a log cabin spectacularly situated on stilts in indigenous subtropical forest on the banks of the Sabie River. This afternoon we will have time to relax at the bird hide, or enjoy swimming and forest walks.

Day 4: Kruger National Park
Leaving Hazyview early, we 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 vehicle. We enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park’s camps.

Day 5/6: Swaziland / Zululand Traveling south through the Kingdom of the Swazi, our journey takes us into an area of spectacular scenery, and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio markets, then we enter Zululand, the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu, a region of Game Reserves and impressive scenery. We spend the next two nights at the Zululand Camp, a rustic camp situated in the sand forest on our private game reserve adjoining the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. During our stay we will do a game walk on the reserve and will conduct an open vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. We will also visit a rural Zulu school which Drifters sponsors through the benefits of tourism. Day 7: Dolphin Coast 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. Our next night will be at the Dolphin Coast Inn, situated literally on the beach. Our time here will be spent soaking up the sun and simply enjoying the beach and warm ocean. Tonight we enjoy a traditional fish braai on the Inn’s patio.

Day 8/9: Drakensberg
After a visit to the holiday city of Durban, where we have the option of visiting the Ushaka Marine World or exploring the Golden Mile and the traditional market, 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 Drakensberg Inn where we spend two nights in cosy log cabins. We will spend time hiking and exploring the wonders of this National Heritage Site and visiting a San rock art site. Pony trekking is also available.

Day 10: Ladybrand
After a 4x4 transfer back to our vehicle, we 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. Today we will visit the artful little village of Clarens - clients will have time to explore the art galleries and other unique attractions. Those that wish to experience white water rafting have the option here. This night will be spent on a farm near the town of Ladybrand.

Day 11/12: Karoo
Exploring lesser-known gravel roads, we head into the dry Karoo interior. We will travel via quaint and remote farming villages including Nieu Bethesda. Our home for the next two nights will be in stone cottages on a traditional farmstead nestled against the Sneeuberg Mountains. During our stay here, we will enjoy an extensive walk in the mountainous terrain, home to a variety of interesting plants, animals and bird life.

Day 13-15: Garden Route
An early start, we head for the historic 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. We arrive at our accommodation where we will spend the next three nights. Our 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, we will travel to the Tsitsikamma coastal National Park where we will walk part of the acclaimed "Otter Trail". On our return journey, those with suicidal tendencies may try the world’s highest bungi jump at 216 metres or clients may choose a sea kayak trip. We will visit sun-kissed beaches , the Knysna Heads , and our superb location will allow free time to explore the old woodcutter town of Knysna.

Day 16-18: Cape Town A leisurely start, we leave Knysna to travel through the Lake District and then to follow the "Whale Route" around the Hottentots Holland Mountains toward our final destination. Arriving in the "Mother City" of Cape Town in the late afternoon, we check into our accommodation, which is situated on the Sea Point beachfront. Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we will spend two days visiting Cape Point, Hout Bay, and the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. We will also hike up Table Mountain. This tour ends at 16h00 on day 18, however clients are welcome to extend their stay by booking post-tour nights.

Note:

* Age Limit 18-55 years
* Sleeping bag required

Includes: sightseeing, most meals, park entrance fees, basic accommodation, transportation.

2011 Departures: Every Tuesday and Friday from Johannesburg

All prices in Australian Dollars

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