Ultimate South Africa
Ultimate South Africa
Itinerary
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DAY 1
JOHANNESBURG
You will be met at the airport in Johannesburg by your guide and head straight for Africa Sky Guest House. He will be holding a sign “BushBaby Safaris”. Should your flight arrive early morning, you will have the day at leisure in Johannesburg. You have the following 3 options to choose from Option 1: Spend the day resting and relaxing at Africa Sky Guest House Option 2: LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE: You will be collected at 09h30. Experience true African culture. You are taken to the Ndebele village where the program begins with a presentation on the history of today’s rainbow nation. This is followed by a tour of the Pedi, Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele homesteads. Guests are then escorted to the boma for traditional singing and dancing - a very participative affair! R950-00 pp (lunch included) Option 3: SOWETO TOUR: You will be collected at 08h30. This tour introduces you to Soweto (South Western Township) situated on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Soweto offers you a glimpse into the turbulent past of South Africa - hostels, Freedom Square, the struggle for liberty. The tour includes a full view of Soweto from Baragawanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the world), visits to African merchants of traditional medicines, a typical four-roomed dwelling and informal settlement. R950-00 pp (lunch included A table has been booked at Africa Sky’s Restaurant for 19h00, where you will join your guide and fellow travellers.
OVERNIGHT: Africa Sky Guest House
MEALS: Dinner: Africa Sky Guest House
EXCLUDED: Flight to Johannesburg
Optional Day Tours
DAY 2
PANORAMA ROUTE
We enjoy breakfast before setting off for the Panorama Route, best known for its cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes. We reach the small forestry town of Graskop, perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Visit viewpoints along the edge of the escarpment, including God’s Window, Lisbon Falls and the Pinnacle. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing you time to stroll through some of the many unique and interesting shops–including an elephant dung paper shop and a shop specializing in silk from the African Mopane worm!
OVERNIGHT: Mogodi Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Africa Sky Guest House
INCLUDED: Entry fees to viewpoints
DAY 3
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Continue exploring the Panorama Route. Our first stop is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a remarkable record of an erosion process that started thousands of years ago. We also view the Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest and only green canyon in the world. Continue on to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and the world and is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms. That evening, join the park rangers on an open safari vehicle to seek out nocturnal inhabitants of the park.
OVERNIGHT: Kruger NP
MEALS: Breakfast: Mogodi Lodge
INCLUDED: Entry fee to Bourkes Luck Potholes
Kruger NP Daily conservation fee
Night drive in open safari vehicle
DAY 4
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Continue exploring the vastness and diversity of Kruger Park with a morning and afternoon game drive. OVERNIGHT: Kruger NP
MEALS: Breakfast: Kruger NP
INCLUDED: Kruger NP Daily conservation fee
DAY 5
PONGOLA
Travel through Swaziland to Pongola Private Game Reserve, surrounded by bushveld savannah and the Lebombo mountains. In the afternoon enjoy a game cruise on Pongola dam (a great way to see animals as they come to drink).
OVERNIGHT: Mvubu Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Kruger NP
Dinner: Mvubu Lodge
INCLUDED: Afternoon Game Cruise
EXCLUDED: Visa if required (Swaziland)
DAY 6
PONGOLA
You have a choice of either an early morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, or going Rhino tracking (join your ranger on a game walk and track these prehistoric beasts on foot). The rest of the day is at leisure. Pongola Game Reserve has a Spa where you can pamper yourself, or you may want to try your hand at Tiger Fishing!
OVERNIGHT: Mvubu Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Mvubu Lodge
Dinner: Mvubu Lodge
INCLUDED: Morning Game Drive OR Rhino Tracking
EXCLUDED: SPA treatments
Tiger fishing
DAY 7
ST LUCIA
We enter The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Here we embark on a Hippo & Crocodile Estuary Cruise, a leisurely boat trip down the St Lucia Estuary, where you can watch fish eagles, hippos, crocodiles and goliath herons against a backdrop of mangrove swamps.
OVERNIGHT: Avalone Guest House
MEALS: Breakfast: Mvubu Lodge
INCLUDED: Estuary cruise
DAY 8
ST LUCIA
St Lucia lies on The Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Elephants, Rhino and Lion, Whales, Turtles and Marlin, Warm Indian Ocean, Pristine Beaches, Sub-Tropical Climate are some of the terms associated with this area… Today you have the option to book some of the activities below. Option 1 (morning): WHALE WATCHING: Early morning departure. 2 Hours at sea with a specialized Marine Mammal Guide. See Humpback whales from as close as 50m's! Seasonal: June, July, August, September, October, November only *R300 Cash refund if you have not seen a whale after 2 hours on the ocean. R930-00 pp Option 2 (morning): OCEAN ADVENTURE: Early morning departure. 2 Hours at sea. Experience the thrill of surf launching with the possibility of seeing turtles, sharks, dolphins, pelagic sea birds & flying fish. Year Round. R530-00 p Option 3 (full day): DEEP SEA GAME FISHING: Departs at 06h00. A full day of game, bill and bottom fishing. All bait and tackle supplied. Year Round R770-00 pp Option 4 (full day): HLUHLUWE/IMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE: Departs at 05h00. A full day of game viewing the Big 5 in the oldest Game Reserves in Africa. Includes a full lunch ,tea/coffee/juice & rusks at breakfast time, soft drinks throughout the day, entrance fees and a qualified guide. Year Round R1 020-00 pp Option 5 (full day): CAPE VIDAL SNORKEL SAFARI: Departs at 08h00. A full day of guiding and driving within the Eastern Shores. Stop to snorkel and have lunch at one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Coast - view points en route - walking trails etc. Includes tea/coffee & rusks at breakfast time, soft drinks throughout the day, a full lunch, snorkel equipment, a qualified guide, gate entry fees. Year Round R660-00 pp Option 6 (evening): NIGHT DRIVE: Departs at 20h00. 3 Hours within the Eastern Shores to view nocturnal animals with a qualified guide. Year Round R400-00 pp Option 7 (evening): TURTLE TOUR: Departs at 21h00. Depart St Lucia and spend the next 6 hours over midnight to search for turtles that come out to nest. Includes a picnic dinner at Cape Vidal close to midnight and refreshments. Seasonal: November, December, January, February, March only R935-00 pp Option 8 (afternoon): KHULA CULTURAL TOUR: 3 Hours to enjoy the Zulu Culture and way of life within the Cultural Village 3km's outside of St Lucia. Year Round R265-00 pp Option 9 (afternoon): HORSE RIDING: Enjoy the beach on horseback, or a Game Ride within the Eastern Shores to see species of wildlife, accompanied by a qualified guide and rider. Year Round 1 Hour: R250-00 pp 2 Hour: R500-00 pp *Beach Ride subject to tides Option 10 (afternoon): BIRD WATCHING WALKING TRAIL: 3 Hours, Year Round, R150-00 pp
OVERNIGHT: Avalone Guest House
MEALS: Breakfast: Avalone Guest House
EXCLUDED: Activities in Option 1 - 10
NOTE: Options for today must be selected at time of booking
DAY 9
SHAKALAND
We head down the coast to visit a Zulu Cultural village - ShakaLand. Here you will come to understand many of the customs of the Zulu people, see how they made their weapons and taste the traditional beer. After supper we will join the villagers for a bit of Zulu Dancing. Don’t knock it - its great fun! OVERNIGHT: ShakaLand
MEALS: Breakfast: Avalone Guest House
Dinner: ShakaLand
INCLUDED: Zulu cultural experience
DAY 10
DURBAN
After breakfast and a morning cultural program, we bid the Zulu’s farewell and continue down the coast to Durban. Afternoon at leisure. Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India, so dinner tonight is the perfect opportunity to sample a true Indian curry! OVERNIGHT: Acorn Guest House
MEALS: Breakfast: ShakaLand
DAY 11
HIMEVILLE
After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to the Southern Drakensberg, but not before visiting some of the attractions along the way. We finally arrive in Himeville.
OVERNIGHT: KarMichael Guest Farm
MEALS: Breakfast: Acorn Guest House
DAY 12
SANI PASS
We set off to conquer Sani Pass. The awe-inspiring Sani Pass climbs the face of the escarpment to an altitude of 2874m and into the "Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho". It is the getaway to the "Roof of Africa". The scenery is breathtaking and attracts visitors from all over the world. Originally developed as a bridal path in 1913, the pass served as an important link between the Underberg district and the remote settlement of Mokhotlong, in north-eastern Lesotho. The first vehicle negotiated the path in 1948. It is now used for the most part by 4x4 vehicles and has become the highlight of the Southern Drakensberg. The tour will reveal the history of the pass, geology of the mountains, flora & fauna, and a unique experience with the Basotho people
OVERNIGHT: KarMichael Guest Farm
MEALS: Breakfast: KarMichael Guest Farm
INCLUDED: Guided tour in 4x4 up Sani Pass
EXCLUDED: Visa if required (Lesotho)
DAY 13
UMTATA
We travel into the Eastern Cape (previously the Transkei homeland), to Umtata. At the historic Bhunga building experience the story of Nelson Mandela as told in his own words. It is based on his book, "Long Walk to Freedom". The Bhunga also houses an international selection of diverse gifts that Madiba received during his presidency. OVERNIGHT: Green Park Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: KarMichael Guest Farm
INCLUDED: Entry to Bhunga Museum
DAY 14
EAST LONDON
We book into Inkwenkwezi, a world-class big five game reserve on the breathtaking Wild Coast. Inkwenkwezi's prime location offers many unique opportunities, as it encompasses five different regional ecosystems (biomes) and a tidal estuary. Enjoy complimentary sundowner drinks before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Inkwenkwezi Bush Camp
MEALS: Breakfast: Green Park Lodge
Lunch: Inkwenkwezi
Dinner: Inkwenkwezi
DAY 15
EAST LONDON
Start off the morning with an optional early morning Bird walk with your ranger. After breakfast, enjoy a game drive, followed by elephant and cheetah interaction opportunities. In the afternoon, choose one of the following activities:
Option 1: BUSH WALK: Discover the bush on foot with your ranger.
Option 2: HORSE RIDING: Enjoy the open plains and fresh air and see it all on horseback.
Option 3: QUAD BIKING: A ranger leads you on a leisurely ride through the reserve, viewing game in their natural habitat as you tackle the terrain on a quadbike.
Early evening there is an optional Beach Walk, followed by complimentary sundowners before dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Inkwenkwezi Bush Camp
MEALS: Breakfast: Inkwenkwezi
Lunch: Inkwenkwezi
Dinner: Inkwenkwezi
INCLUDED: Morning bird walk
Morning game drive
Elephant & Cheetah Interaction
One of the following afternoon activities: Bush walk / Horse riding / Quad biking
Beach walk
EXCLUDED: Optional Elephant Back Ride (R650-00 pp
DAY 16
ADDO
Enter Addo Elephant National Park. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.
OVERNIGHT: Addo Elephant NP
MEALS: Breakfast: Inkwenkwezi
INCLUDED: Addo Elephant NP Daily conservation fee
DAY 17
TSITSIKAMMA
Continue down the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma National Park. The day is spent at leisure exploring the park, which protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life and is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world. It also incorporates various cultural heritage sites ranging from Khoisan cultural heritage sites such as caves, shell middens and rock art to more recent cultural historic sites such as the ruins of small fisher settlements, remnants of the past forestry industries and grave sites. There are several nature trails (including a hanging bridge over the Storms River mouth!), bathing at a small beach and swimming pool and marine and river activities (boat trips, canoeing, snorkelling)
OVERNIGHT: Tsitsikamma NP
MEALS: None
INCLUDED: Tsitsikamma NP Daily conservation fee
EXCLUDED: All optional activities in the park
DAY 18
KNYSNA
Visit the Knysna Heads, rock formations flanking a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. Take a ferry out to the Featherbed, a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive in a 4x4 unimog and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. From here we continue to the little seaside village of Wilderness.
OVERNIGHT: Shining Waters Guest House
MEALS: Lunch: Food Forest Restaurant
INCLUDED: Featherbed experience
DAY 19
We head to Plettenberg Bay where we spend the day up close with wildlife. Our first stop is Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, where we join a guided walking tour of the facility - a close, safe, inter-active encounter with all of the lesser cats of South Africa, as well as Leopard. We then visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Monkeyland is the world’s first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary. Expect to see many species of monkeys, apes and lemurs living in the forested sanctuary. Birds of Eden is the largest single free-flight aviary in the world incorporating indigenous forest with waterfalls and elevated walkways. Birds from every corner of the globe live here in free flight.
OVERNIGHT: Shining Waters Guest House
MEALS: Breakfast: Shining Waters Guest House
INCLUDED: Entry to Monkeyland
Entry to Birds of Eden
Tenikwa Walking Tour
DAY 20
OUDSTHOORN
Today we visit the Klein Karoo and Oudsthoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. No trip to Oudsthoorn would be complete without a visit to an ostrich farm. Here you will have the opportunity to feed and touch the ostriches, stand on an ostrich egg, sit on an ostrich and even attempt to ride an ostrich! We also visit the Cango Caves, one of the world's natural wonders sculptured by nature through ages - fascinating limestone formations in a wide variety of colours. We finally head back to the coast via one of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the world.
OVERNIGHT: Shining Waters Guest House
MEALS: Breakfast: Shining Waters Guest House
INCLUDED: Visit and guided tour of ostrich farm
Visit and guided tour of Cango Caves
DAY 21
CAPE TOWN - Winelands
We bid the Garden Route farewell and head off to Cape Town. En route we get a taste of South Africa's wine industry. Visit some of the well known wine farms and get to see some of the smaller, more personalized farms. Go on a cellar tour, to discover all that is involved in turning the humble grape into some of the most sought after wines of the world. Many of these farms not only make wine and offer wine tasting, but include activities like cheese making and produce magnificent wood and other crafts. We have not included lunch, but many of the wine estates offer a picnic lunch ranging from traditional fare to cheese platters – which you can enjoy in the vineyard or the estate gardens – with a bottle of wine of course!
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Shining Waters Guest House
INCLUDED: Cellar Tour
Wine Tasting x 3
DAY 22
CAPE TOWN - Table Mountain & Robben Island
We visit Table Mountain, the world famous landmark. Join the ranks of millions of visitors who have reached the summit and marvelled at the views from such lofty heights. We then head to the V&A Waterfront, where we take a ferry to Robben Island. Robben Island has been a penal colony for most of its 400 year history. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years on Robben Island and many of the leading members of South African political parties were incarcerated alongside him. In 1997 Robben Island was turned into a museum and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the V&A Waterfront. Situated in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled. This is an experience of how the Capetonians live, work, shop and play!
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Blackheath Lodge (Included)
INCLUDED: Table Mountain Cableway return ticket
Robben Island Ferry return ticket and guided tour
DAY 23
CAPE TOWN - Cape of Good Hope
One of the tour's highlights comes in the form of The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to Cape Point, the most southwesterly point of Africa. It is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The reserve is home to indigenous plant species, some of which occur nowhere else on earth. Also visit other attractions like Chapman’s Peak (sited as the most scenic marine drive in the world), Boulders Beach (home to a colony of vulnearble African Penguins) and the historical naval village of Simon’s Town. Our last stop for the day is Hout Bay.
OVERNIGHT: Blackheath Lodge
MEALS: Breakfast: Blackheath Lodge
INCLUDED: Entry fee to Cape of Good Hope
Return transfer on the Flying Dutchman Funicular
DAY 24
END
We bid you farewell and drop you off at Cape Town airport.
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Price
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Tours are sold in Rands, US$ prices are quoted as a guide US Dollar based on R7.70 exchange rate 2 pax - R56300 pps (US$ 7312 pps)
4 pax - R36000 pps (US$ 4675 pps)
6 pax - R30600 pps (US$ 4377 pps)
SSup - R18 800 (US$ 2442)
The price will include all transport, meals, entrance fees, guides and accommodation during the safaris, as indicated in the itinerary. The safaris will be done in an air-conditioned vehicle to ensure your every comfort.
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Price:
South African Rand 2pax- R56300 pps 4pax- R36000 pps 6pax- R30600 pps
US Dollar (R7.70/$1)
2 pax - $7312 pps 4 pax - $ 4675 pps 6 pax - $ 4377 pps
Duration: 24 Days
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