Day 1 Durban
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa.
An arrival transfer is from the airport to the hotel is included in your tour. If you have confirmed this transfer by providing your flight details at least 15 days prior to departure you will be met on arrival and transferred to the joining point hotel.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Your leader will also check your passport and insurance details at this meeting.
After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
The journey beings in Durban, South Africa's second most populous city and a tourist magnet thanks to its wealth of golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. If you have time to spare before the meeting, there is the Golden Mile to explore, a stretch of fine sands bordered on one side by frothy surf and on the other by an attractive beachfront of shops, restaurants and cafes
Days 2-3 Drakensberg
Leaving Durban behind, we travel inland and towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range (370 km, approx 6-7 hours) arriving in the last afternoon.
The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa (3482 m) and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The mountain range is referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains and is home to an amazing amount of flora and fauna.
We have a whole day to explore part of the mountain range on foot; you can take a short hike for an hour or so, or challenge yourself to a full days hike with a local guide.
Whilst in the Drakensburg we will stay in a comfortable lodge.
Days 4-5 Lesotho Highlands
Leaving the Drakensberg behind we head towards the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (320 km, approx 7-9 hours). Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'kingdom in the sky' with beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails.
We pass through the spectacular Golden Gate Highlands National Park famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formation. The park is also home to eland, zebra, mongoose and hundreds of bird species.
We cross the border into Lesotho; generally the border crossing is quiet smooth, but we may experience some delay depending on the time of year.
We have a full day to explore the Lesotho highlands, some of our options include wandering around the town exploring the markets and shops or perhaps going out on a hike to a local village either on foot or by pony.
Whilst in Lesotho we stay in a comfortable lodge with private facilities.
Days 6-7 Wild Coast/Mazeppa Bay
Departing Lesotho we head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the small town of Mazeppa Bay (620 km, approx 10-12 hours). We arrive in the late afternoon and have time to relax before an optional seafood dinner.
Our time at Mazeppa Bay can be spent relaxing on the beach, exploring unspoiled stretches of coastline, and experiencing age-old traditions and customs of the local Xhosa people. For the more adventurous you have the option to go canoeing, fishing or hiking along the coast.
Our accommodation here is in a comfortable hotel with en suite facilities.
Day 8 Addo Elephant National Park
We have an early start this morning as we leave the coast behind after breakfast and travel toward Addo Elephant National Park (500 km, 7-8 hours).
A true success story in conservationism, Addo Elephant National Park was created in 1931 to protect the region's 11 remaining elephants. Today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffaloes, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the flightless dung beetle which is unique to the park.
On arrival at the park we will have an afternoon game drive where we hope to spot the local residents of the park.
Our accommodation is a comfortable hotel with en suite facilities.
Days 9-10 Garden Route/Tsitsikamma National Park
We spend the next few days discovering the most spectacular stretch of the Garden Route. Our first stop is the Tsitsikamma National Park (250 km, approx 4-5 hours) where we spend the next two nights.
Protecting both land and sea, at Tsitsikamma National Park steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean. It is a spectacular place for walking and wildlife viewing. The Cape clawless otter, dolphins, porpoises and, in season, Southern Right whales are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and myriad birds. Spend time hiking the Otter Trail, take a tree-top canopy adventure, boat cruise or go snorkelling or kloofing. Tsitsikamma is also home to the highest bungee jump in the world.
Whilst staying in the Tsitsikamma region our accommodation is in comfortable rooms with en suite facilities.
Day 11 Oudtshoorn
This morning we depart the National Park crossing the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn (220 km, approx 304 hours). En route we stop off at Knysna to stretch our legs and explore this quaint little hamlet.
The ostrich capital of the world, at the turn of the 20th century Oudtshoorn was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich off the popularity of the ostrich feather. Nowadays there are literally thousands of ostriches in the area being farmed for their meat, leather, and on a smaller scale, their feathers and eggs. A short stroll around town and you will find yourself discovering all sorts of ostrich souvenirs.
Timer permitting we will drive to the Cango caves on the outskirts of town (approx 1 hour) and explore some of the caverns and their spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Tonight we stay in Oudtshoorn is a comfortable hotel.
Day 12 Stellenbosch Wine Region
It is an interesting drive today as we travel from Oudtshoorn to Stellenbosch (350 km, approx 7-8 hours) on the scenic Route 62 via the towns of Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, Montaque and Robertson. We depart Oudtshoorn after breakfast we travel slowly, making the most of the stunning scenery and visiting a winery en route.
Arriving in Stellenbosch in the afternoon, we check into our accommodation before heading out to sample some of the local produce from this beautiful area.
Day 13 Cape Town
This morning you can relax or explore the beautiful town of Stellenbosch before we depart for the mother city of Cape Town (70 km, approx 2-3 hours).
With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain, and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most attractive cities. Vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes means there is something to appeal to everyone in this vibrant city.
For those staying the night in Cape Town we have the option to spend an evening out on the town, enjoying our final group meal at one of the many restaurants and maybe taking in some live music.
No accommodation is provided for tonight, but we are able to book you additional accommodation in Cape Town. Please ask at time of booking.
Included Activities
Arrival airport transfer
Short hike - Drakensburg
Malealea village tour -Lesotho
Game drive - Addo Elephant Park
Ostrich farm - Oudtshoorn
Cango Caves - Oudtshoorn
Wine tasting tour- Stellenbosch
Meal Inclusions
10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
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