South Africa - Overland Explorer

Famous Table Mountain

From Johannesburg to Capetown

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 3,000 kilometer'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 accommodation and surroundings. The tour requires a certain amount of flexibility and an adventurous mentality.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Impalas

Day 1: JOHANNESBURG - BUSHVELD CAMP

Departing early from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", we head east to the spectacular Mpumalanga province. We visit 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 we descend from the escarpment in the steps of the early explorers to the Lowveld bushveld where we overnight in the luxury "Bushveld Camp", within the Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Kruger National Park. Fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. D

Day 2: BUSHVELD CAMP

Being a privately owned property, our bush camp allows us 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". BRUNCH/D

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 "Hazyview Inn", 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. B/L/D

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 truck. We enjoy a picnic lunch and then a night in one of the park's rest camps. B/L/D

Days 5-6: SWAZILAND/ZULULAND

Travelling 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 sugar cane fields. 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 a game drive in open vehicles through Hluhluwe Game Reserve, We also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience. B/L/D

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. B/L/D

A hotel on wheels

Days 8 - 9: DRAKENSBERG

After a visit to the holiday city of Durban, where we have the option of visiting 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". (Lunch today will be own expense in Durban.) 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. Pony trekking is also available. B/L/D

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. 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 we enjoy a traditional "braai". B/D

Days 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 to the "Karoo Inn". 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, animal and bird life. B/L/D

South African penguins

Days 13 - 14: GARDEN ROUTE

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. We arrive at the secluded "Knysna Inn" where we will spend the next two nights in log cabins hidden deep in the heart of the forest. 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 the "old passes road" 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 meters or clients may choose a sea kayak trip. (Own expense). We will visit sunkissed beaches, spend time in the old woodcutter town of Knysna and will enjoy a boat trip 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. B/D

Day 15: DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

Leaving Knysna in the afternoon, we travel to the remote De Hoop Nature Reserve, known for its towering white sand dunes and unique animal species. We overnight in comfortable bungalows. B/L/D

Days 16 - 18: CAPE TOWN

This morning, after exploring this unique reserve, we return to the coast to follow the "Whale Route" around the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Arriving in the "Mother City" of Cape Town in the late afternoon, we check into the "Cape Town Inn" 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, the Waterfront, secluded beaches, a wine farm and many more highlights. We will also hike up Table Mountain (Lunches and dinners in Cape Town are own expense). B

This tour ends at 16:00 on day 18, however clients are welcome to extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the "Cape Town Inn". If arranging an onward flight on this day, please allow time for an airport transfer and for check-in procedures (up to three hours).