Africa: South African Highlights (Catered Camping Safari)

Often quoted as 'the world's most beautiful country', South Africa has incredible wildlife, spectacular scenery, world-class wine and a fascinating cultural diversity.  This trip hits all the highlights - Panorama Route - Kruger National Park - Swaziland - Elephant Coast / Zululand - Drakensberg Mountains - Wild Coast - Garden Route - Cango Caves - Whale Route - Cape Town.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg (City of Gold) / Panorama Route (-/L/D)

Departing Johannesburg our journey takes us through some spectacular scenery along the Panorama Route , one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in South Africa . It leads through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg in the Mpumalanga Province . We visit Mac-Mac waterfall, God's Window and the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon , before camping in the scenic little Museum town of Pilgrims ' Rest (1873).

Day 2/3: Kruger National Park (B/L/D)

The Kruger National Park supports the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent. It is best known for the 'Big Five' - Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Over the next two days we will be doing several game drives for some excellent game viewing. 

View the nocturnal activities of Kruger's secretive creatures by taking part in a night drive. Participate in a Guided Bush Walk with a trained field guide and backup rifles to track rhino, elephant and lion on foot, and learn and observe fascinating facts about the African bush (Optional).

Day 4: Kingdom of Swaziland (Malolotja) (B/L/D)

We enter Swaziland and visit the Malolotja Nature Reserve with is one of the most impressive mountain parks in Southern Africa. The spectacular scenery and the variety of fauna and flora makes it the last unspoilt mountain wilderness left in the Kingdom. 

Day 5/6: Elephant Coast/Zululand (B/L/D)

We re-enter South Africa and make our way down to  one of the jewels on the South African coastline - the St. Lucia Wetland system, a World Heritage Site. St. Lucia supports the country’s largest population of hippos and crocodiles, as well as giant leatherback turtles, black rhino, leopards, and a vast array of bird and marine life.

For the next while you can kick back on the beach or enjoy some of the activities around the fascinating wetlands -  fishing, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, scuba diving and bird-watching. Walk the guided Mvubu trail that leads through the rich coastal forest and onto the shore of Lake Bhangazi.

Day 7/8: Drakensberg Mountains (B/L/D)

Our journey continues south to the majestic Drakensberg or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears). This is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. From stark towering peaks to gentle rolling foothills, tumbling streams and crystal clear rock pools, all combine to create an outdoor haven. You may undertake many interesting walks into the Mdedelo Wilderness Area, as well as a guided walk to the Battle Cave, famous for it's bushman rock art.    

Day 9/10: Wild Coast (B/L/D)

This sunny stretch of unspoiled coastline consists of open spaces and pristine forest.

Visit a traditional Xhosa village and Sacred Pools, the place where the Ancestors of the Xhosa people dwell. Take the trail to  "Hole in the Wall".

Tonight we camp at the ‘Garden of Eden’, overlooking the Indian Ocean, along the banks of the Bomvu river and under a canopy of indigenous trees.

Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park (B/L/D)

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley of the Sundays River region lies the Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephant in the world. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new day.

You may also encounter buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and a variety of buck species.

Day 12/13: Garden Route (B/L/Dx1)

We move on to the stunning coastline of the Garden Route, known for its dense evergreen rainforests and white sand beaches, with ancient waterways making their way down to the Indian Ocean.

We camp here for 2 nights and explore the beautiful area of Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna.

Enjoy various activities from canoeing to abseiling or dare to try the world's highest bungee jump at 216m (own expense)

Day 14: Karoo (B/L/D)

Traveling to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo , we visit Cango Caves, a great natural wonder and the longest underground cave sequence in the world.

This area has 97 percent of the world's Ostrich population. On our visit to a working Ostrich Farm we learn about these fascinating birds and even have a chance to ride one!

Day 15: Cape Town & Whale Route (B/L/-)

On to Cape Agulhas the southern-most tip of the African continent, the official point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

We follow the whale route and visit the seaside town of Hermanus.  Magnificent mountains watch over this town which is the best land based whale watching destination in the world.

Take a boat trip and view Southern right whales and Humpback whales up close. Visit the 60000 Cape fur sea colony and make a special trip to shark alley to spot the most feared Great White Shark. (Optional)

Tour ends Cape Town

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 15 days from Johannesburg

Land Cost: $2495 USD / $2995 CAD

Group size: 6 – 18 participants

Included in the land cost: 14 nights camping, 42 Meals (B/L/D) Local wine served with dinner, Land Transportation, all National Park and entry fees, professional guide, all camping equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow).

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.