North to South South Africa Discovery

Duration: 17 nights / 18 days
Price as from: POR
Departure: Any day of the week according to client requirements
Note: Prices are indicative – please contact us for a price based on your requirements or our special offers

Itinerary
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Itinerary

DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG/DULLSTROOM

Arrive in Johannesburg and collect hire car and proceed along the N12 joining the N4 and travel towards Belfast. Taking the turning to the town of Dullstroom – The village, situated at 2100m above sea level in the Steenkampsberg range, dates back to the early 1880’s, when Dutch settlers came to the area. The town derives its name from one Wolterus Dull, chairman of the Dutch immigrants. The “stroom” (stream) refers to the abundance of water in the area: The Crocodile River, which runs through the Kruger National Park, has its origin in Dullstroom. 2 hours from Johannesburg.

Overnight: Critchley Hackle Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: Walkerson’s Hotel and Spa on a Bed and Breakfast basis

DAY 2 DULLSTROOM/HAZEYVIEW

Depart Dullstroom taking the R540 towards Lydenburg and continue to the Graskop turn-off on the R533. Visit the area of Pilgrims Rest – The history of the Pilgrim’s Rest gold fields dates back to ancient times when unknown miners worked the quartz reefs for gold. Evidence of their diggings can still be found throughout area.
Continue to Hazeyview and check into the hotel. 2 ½ hours from Dullstroom.

Overnight: Perry’s Bridge Hollow on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: Hippo Hollow on a Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 3 HAZEYVIEW/MALELANE

Depart Hazeyview and enter into the Kruger National Park via the Paul Kruger Gate (R204 conservation entrance fee). Continue through the park travelling South to the Malelane Gate. Exit at the Malelane Gate and continue along the N4, approximately 2,5km past the town of Hectorspruit, on the left side between Malelane and Komatipoort, en route to Maputo and Swaziland. Check into the lodge before 14h30. Stunning location in the game rich south, home of Big Five, crocodile and many other species. The pristine riverside setting amongst beautiful indigenous trees can be appreciated from every guest room. The southern Kruger National Park is known for its superb game viewing. Mjejane Game Reserve lodge offers thrilling game drives into the wilderness and the Kruger National Park.
After check-in meet for the afternoon/evening game drive in open landrover with sunset in the bush. Return to the lodge to freshen-up before dinner

Overnight: Mjejane Game Reserve on Full Board plus 2 game drives per day
Overnight: Shishangeni Private Lodge on Fullboard plus 2 game drives per day

DAY 4 MALELANE

Full day program at Mjejane Game Reserve

Overnight: Mjejane Game Reserve on Full Board plus 2 game drives per day
Overnight: Shishangeni Private Lodge on Fullboard plus 2 game drives per day

DAY 5 MALELANE/SWAZILAND

After early morning game drive depart Mjejane and travel along the R570 to Jeppe’s Reef boarder post entering into Swaziland. Continue via Piggs Peak to Mbabane capital city of Swaziland. Check into the hotel – 2 hours 15 minutes from Malelane.
The Foresters Arms dates from colonial times and is a place of great character and charm. It is gloriously situated on its own estate in the mountains, a short scenic tarred drive from the capital, Mbabane, in the heart of this majestic Kingdom – ideal for exploring all attractions.
Spacious grounds and colourful gardens create a tranquil atmosphere and the invigorating climate is ideal for walking, horse riding and biking.

Overnight: Foresters Arms on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 6 SWAZILAND/HULHLUWE

Depart the Swaziland by driving on the MR8 to the border post and exit back into South Africa taking the N2 freeway via Phongolo to Hulhulwe – 2 hours 45 minutes.
Arrive at the lodge before 14h30 for check-in.
In the afternoon, experience traditional KwaZulu-Natal hospitality at DumaZulu Traditional Village, South Africa’s biggest cultural village. Watch as locals make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots. Peek into the world of the sangoma. Experience the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of Africa. Taste Zulu beer. Watch the throwing of the bones …..
Accommodation is in rounded ethnic huts – arranged in a circle around a central cattle kraal in true Zulu tradition. Exteriors are designed to reflect the different tribes of Southern Africa – Zulu, Swazi, North Sotho, Xhosa, Venda, Tsonga and Ndebele. Comfortable interiors reflect the rustic, warm colours of Africa – burnt oranges, rich reds and deep browns. Each unit includes an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, telephone and tea/coffee facilities

Overnight: DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis including the traditional village experience.

DAY 7 HULHLUWE IMFOLOZI

After breakfast proceed to the Hulhluwe Imfolozi National Park. This will give the opportunity to do a gamedrive in the park on your own during the morning. In the afternoon one can do a Sundowner Guided gamedrive. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was formerly known as the Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Reserve. It is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and consists of 960 km² of hilly topography. This park is situated 280 kilometres north of Durban in central KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts.

Overnight: Hilltop Camp on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 8 & 9 HULHLUWE/ ST.LUCIA ISIMANGALISO WETLAND

This morning one has the opportunity to gamedrive before heading of to the Greater St.Lucia Isimangaliso Wetlands area and Makatana Bay Lodge. Makakatana Bay Lodge is set on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, one of the few natural wonders left on earth.
On the day of arrival you can enjoy an afternoon wetland drive (departs 15h30 Winter / 16h00 Summer) where you get a taste of this enchanting pristine park with the immense bird and wildlife, great and small, on our luxury open safari vehicles. You get to enjoy a drink under the magical colours of the sunset skies while absorbing sounds and smells of the night setting in. Sightings could include: giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, hyena, waterbuck, serval, porcupine, genet, leopard and elephant.

DAY 2: After breakfast (09h00) you will enjoy a safari game drive through the western shores to the Makakatana boat where Warwick our skipper eagerly awaits. Enjoy a two hour leisurely cruise along Africa’s largest estuarine system. You will see crocodile and lots of hippo, as well as birdlife (530 Species in the area). Afterwards, your guide sets up a picnic lunch served on the lake side before return to the lodge (15h00).
Overnight: Makatana Bay Lodge on a Fullboard and Activities basis

Day 10 DURBAN/PORT ELIZABETH

After breakfast depart the Lodge and continue along the N2 freeway towards King Shaka Airport which is situated before reaching Durban – 2 ½ hours drive.
Drop-off hired car and connect with flight to Port Elizabeth. On arrival collect hired card and proceed to the beachfront hotel to the hotel for check in – 10 mins from the airport.

Overnight: The Beach Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 11 PORT ELIZABETH/KNYSNA

After breakfast proceed along the N2 freeway down the coast towards the seaside resort of Knysna. From Tsitsikamma to Mossel Bay is known as the Garden Route and has many attractions to offer – 3 hours drive
Check into Isola Bella Guest House – this luxury villa is located on the water’s edge of Leisure Isle with a commanding view of Knysna’s spectacular lagoon. Step out of your front door onto the beach, constantly changing with the ebb and flow of the tides rolling through the majestic Knysna Heads.

Overnight: Knysna Hollow on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: Hide Away Guesthouse on a Bed and Breakfast basis

DAY 12 KNYSNA

Day at leisure to relax on the beach or explore the area of the Knysna Lagoon

Overnight: Knysna Hollow on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: Hide Away Guesthouse on a Bed and Breakfast basis

DAY 13 KNYSNA/OUDTSHOORN

Depart Knysna and continue along the N2 freeway to George the main town of the Garden Route. Continue over the Quteniqua Pass to the town of Oudtshoorn. 1 hour 30 mins drive. The town of Oudtshoorn are in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system visits to the Cango Caves and the Ostrich Farm is a highlight of this area.

Overnight: De Opstal Guest House on a Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 14 OUDTSHOORN/HERMANUS

After breakfast departure Oudtshoorn after sightseeing and proceed via Calitzdorp to Barrydale, taking the Tradouw Pass to the N2 and continue to Riversonderend. Take the R326 to Standford on the coast. Continue to the seaside resort of Hermanus – 5 hours. Between the months of July to November the southern right whales are see in the Walker Bay of Hermanus.

Overnight: The Windsor Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: The Marine Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 15 HERMANUS/CAPE TOWN

After a leisurely breakfast depart Hermanus and travel along the coastline via Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay. In Betty’s Bay old harbour is one of the best viewings of Penguins and if time permits this is a great experience. From Rooi Els to Gordens Bay along the Clarence Drive one of those drives that noational and international tourists alike should not leave Cape Town without experiencing! The road rises and falls from sea level to a maximum of 70m repeatedly as it passes well known landmarks like Kogelbaai and various well know angling spots. There are many safe places to stop along the route which provide expansive views over False Bay. On a clear day you will be able to see Cape Point on the western side of the bay. 3 hours drive

Overnight: Victoria & Alfred City Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Overnight: V & A Radisson Blu Hotel on a Bed and Breakfast basis

DAY 16 – DAY 17 CAPE TOWN

Explore the city of Cape Town with the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, Table Mountain to mention a few sights to visit.
CAPE TOWN: In which ever way, the area of Cape Town in South Africa is one of the most beautiful and interesting to visit in the world…. Here, other than a fascinating city, with many historical points, museums, markets, restaurants along the sea, one can enjoy views of majestic mountains, rocky coastlines, golden beaches, magnificent gardens, excellent wines, and superior hotels, Cape Town is known for its very friendly people.
The mountains surrounding the city have the most spectacular view points onto the coast and ocean below. Visit Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, or Monkey World or Bird World in Hout Bay, or even visit the Butterfly farm on the wine route.
As the Legislative Capital of South Africa, with over 2 million inhabitants, Cape Town is definitely the most vibrant city in South Africa. There are so many places to visit, such as the Castle of Good Hope, originally built between 1666 and 1679, and being the oldest building in South Africa, the Houses of Parliment, the Market Square, or the Company gardens, set out as the original gardens in 1652, The South African Planetarium (found at the top of Company Gardens) and the South African Museum hosts an incredible quantity of fossils as well as a gallery dedicated to whales, with a skeleton of over 20 meters of one of these majestic sea creatures.