SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO & SWAZILAND CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG 19 Days *6-8 Travelers Accommodated Tour South Africa, land of unrivalled beauty, unique wildlife and interesting cultures, is one of the last destinations in the world where true wilderness areas can still be found. With its 250 mammals and 800 bird species and its incomparable flora it will leave you with unique impressions. This tour endeavors to show you some of the best game reserves and national parks in South Africa, like Kruger National Park, Mkuze and Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserves. We also hike through the incredible scenery of the Drakensberg, Swaziland and along the Garden Route. Starting point is Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An extraordinary travel experience for naturelovers! HIGHLIGHTS: Cape Town with Table Mountain and Cape Point Nature Reserve Whale and dolphin watching along the Garden Route Pony trekking in Lesotho Remote and exclusive Natal Game Parks The Drakensberg and Swaziland Mountains The 'Big 5' in the world famous Kruger Park Itinerary*: Day 1: Cape Town After the pick up from the airport we show you Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You can visit Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Waterfront or relax on one of the beautiful beaches (entrance fees for own account).
Day 2: Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve Today we take a leisurely drive to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern most point of Africa and show you the endangered Africa Penguins at Boulders Beach. Enjoy scenic views while driving along False Bay and Chapman s Peak. B Day 3: Cape Agulhas and De Hoop Nature Reserve We follow the scenic route along the Atlantic Ocean to reach the southern most point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. Here the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet and we take some time exploring the area. In the afternoon we reach De Hoop Nature Reserve, the biggest reserve in the Cape region. On a game drive we will almost definitely see some ostrich, bontebok, mountain zebra and eland, the largest antelope in Africa. One of the highlights here is whale watching. From June to November this is the main breeding and calving spot for Southern Right Whales, which can be observed from one of the high sand dunes along the beach. BL Day 4: Wilderness National Park, Garden Route After an early morning walk along De Hoop lake we head to the Gouritz River Bridge where the adventurous can try some Bungee jumping. In the afternoon we spend some time in the Wilderness National Park situated along the Garden Route. Here we use canoes (own cost) to experience the silence of the Knysna forest or go for a hike along the Touws River. BL Day 5: Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route This is one of the most spectacular National Parks along the garden route. The area is characterized by steep cliffs and gorges, a rugged coastline with high waves and a nearly impenetrable coastal forest. There will be opportunity to view several species of dolphins on a boat ride with an experienced scientist (optional, approx. 40 Euro). In the afternoon we hike through the coastal forest to the first waterfall on the famous Otter Trail. BL
Day 6: Addo Elephant Park This park is refuge to the southern most group of African Elephants. We will explore the area on a game drive to view elephants, black rhinoceros, buffalo and more of the interesting fauna. In the afternoon and evening we spend some time around the main waterhole to observe the different nocturnal animals. BL Day 7: Kingdom of Lesotho A long drive brings us to the central Drakensberg and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. This is a country still untouched by tourism and we will have the opportunity to visit some of the local people. We stay two nights in comfortable bungalows at Malealea Lodge. BL Day 8: Kingdom of Lesotho Today several different options can be taken. The day can be spend Pony trekking (own cost), hiking or just relaxing in the awe-inspiring mountains. Only few tourists visit the independent kingdom, which is also called the roof of the world. Here you find the highest mountain in Southern Africa, the Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m). BL
Day 9: Drakensberg We leave Lesotho and venture towards one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa, the Natal Drakensberg. We overnight in comfortable bungalows near Champagne Castle (3.377m). We overnight for 2 nights in comfortable bungalows. BL Day 10: Drakensberg The whole day is spend exploring the incredible scenery of the Drakensberg, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa. We do a full day hike along crystal clear mountain streams and through indigenous forests in Champagne Castle National Park. BL Day 11: Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve After a long drive we reach the oldest game reserve in South Africa, Umfolozi/Hluhluwe. We spend 2 nights in comfortable bungalows in the reserve. BLD Day 12: Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve In this beautifully situated reserve nestled in the rolling hills of Natal we will have the opportunity to spot the endangered white rhinoceros. This reserve is known to have the highest density of these magnificent animals in the world. Other
animals likely to be seen are lion, buffalo and a wide variety of antelopes and birds. Night drives and game walks with an armed ranger can be undertaken (at own expense). BLD Day 13: St. Lucia Wetlands and Mkuze Game Reserve Our tour brings us to the St. Lucia wetlands, a world heritage site along the east coast. This unique area is known for its many crocodiles, hippos and a variety of antelopes and freshwater and sea birds which we can spot on a boat cruise. In the afternoon we will visit Mkuze Game Reserve, one of the jewels of the reserves in Natal. Here we will have the opportunity to observe animals such as black and white rhinoceros, kudu, nyala and giraffe from one of the numerous hides, which are situated throughout the reserve next to the water holes. We will also visit Nsumo Pan with its hippos and crocodiles. BLD Day 14: Kingdom of Swaziland We leave South Africa to enter the kingdom of Swaziland, which became independent of England in 1968. We visit Hlane Game Reserve, where we might be able to see white rhino, elephant, wildebeest, zebra and various species of birds. We overnight in comfortable bungalows in the reserve. BL Day 15: Kruger Park We visit this world famous park which boasts some 130 species of mammals, 114 species of reptiles and 468 species of birds. This is one of the last refuges for the animals of Africa and there are few places where animals can be observed as closely as here. We do a first game drive and overnight at Crocodile bridge camp. BL
Day 16 & 17: Kruger Park We will take a lot of time observing as many of the different animals as possible. During game drives we will almost definitely see elephants, buffalo, lion, white rhinoceros and might also be lucky to find the elusive leopard and endangered wild dog. We concentrate on the area in the south along the Sabie River that is known to have the best game viewing with the highest variety of animals in the park. BL Day 18: Graskop After a last Game Drive in the morning we spend one afternoon exploring the Panorama Route with its several waterfalls, Bourke s Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon. We overnight in Graskop Hotel. BL Day 19: Johannesburg Drive to Johannesburg and drop-off either at the airport or at a hotel/ guesthouse. *subject to change without notice Meals: B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO & SWAZILAND Price Accommodated Tour: Single supplement: 2950 Euro 500 Euro Dates 2016: 09.01. / 06.02. / 05.03. / 02.04. / 30.04. / 18.06. /09.07. / 20.08. / 10.09. / 01.10. / 22.10. / 10.12. Dates 2017: 07.01. / 04.02. / 04.03. / 01.04. / 29.04. / 17.06. / 08.07. / 19.08. / 09.09. / 30.09. / 21.10. / 09.12.
Prices include: Transport in reliable, comfortable vehicles Game park entrance fees (except where indicated) Bungalow, guesthouse and hotel accommodation (18 x) All equipment Professional guide 2-3 wholesome meals a day (except where indicated) Not included: Soft drinks, alcohol, tips and other personal expenses Travel Insurance (compulsory: luggage, accident and medical cover) Group size: 6-8 participants Visa: Not required Entry: Passport (at least 6 month valid from date of departure) Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory, but we suggest Malaria Prophylactics in summer (November-March). For more information please contact your GP....African Nature Tours... since 1994!