SUN, SAND AND WILDLIFE 4WD SAFARI
SHORT AND SWEET
From the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains through the wildlife and wetlands of Zululand, we visit incredible beaches, snorkeling, diving and fishing in the warm Indian Ocean of Mozambique. This tropical paradise tour also includes a bush walk in Swaziland and game viewing in Kruger National Park. To finish this beach and bush trip we visit the spectacular Cape Town and Cape Peninsula! Make a booking
ITINERARY
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG (hotel - - -)
After arriving in ‘Egoli, city of gold’ we meet and greet and then transfer to our accommodation and check in. We have the afternoon to do a Soweto half day cultural trip in a mini van driven by a local guide. In the evening we will go out for dinner at a local restaurant (own expense).
DAY 2-3 DRAKENSBERG (camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx2)
This morning we start early and have a briefing at our vehicle depot and familiarize ourselves with the newly equipped vehicles (usually Nissan twin cabs with roof top tents). We then depart with the spirit to explore wide open spaces. We stop in Harrismith to stock up on supplies including petrol, beer and wine. Weather permitting we will stop at sites like Sterkfontein Dam, little Switzerland, Tugela River and the magnificent Drakensberg Amphitheatre. The beauty of Zululand!!!
Rising up to 3,482 meters, referred to as ‘barrier of spears’, Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa. The mountains are home to some spectacular fauna and flora including forest, scrub and fynbos and the bird life make up 37% of all non-marine bird species in Southern Africa. Caves are easily found and many have rock paintings of the Bushmen which date back to 40,000 years ago. We explore these mountains on foot and vehicle, and on good days we may even take a dip in the mountain streams. Look out for the Tugela Falls!!
DAY 4 THANGAMI SPA (chalets BLD)
Travelling further into the heartland of the Zulu Kingdom near Swart Umfulozi River you find Thangami spa. This rolling mountain pass drive is often punctuated by the traditional homesteads of the Zulu people, a magnificent site to behold. It is one of those places which have everything a tourist requires, whether you like luxury or rustic, a true experience in the heart of the Zulu bush. Hot or cool health regenerating mineral water and mud pools will give the weary soul a new lease on life.
DAY 5 MKUZE GAME RESERVE (camping BLD)
This nature reserve, a place of great beauty which constitutes the north western spur of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park is a world heritage site. Mkuze is famous for its large range of bird species and its fine stretch of fig forest along its banks. After an interesting breakfast we explore the park visiting a few bird hides and afterwards we wait silently for the wildlife to come closer. The wildlife includes black and white rhinoceros, giraffe, nyala and even cheetah and hyena have been spotted.
DAY 6-8 KOSI BAY (A-Frames Bx3 Lx3 Dx2)
This morning we have a beautiful drive which winds through mountain passes and over the Swadini Dam wall towards the Indian Ocean. Our accommodation is set between the trees of these spectacular dune forests where we can kick off our shoes and walk around in the white sand. Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuary, mangroves, dune forest and lakes which we explore. We visit Bunga Neck and the Kosi Bay river mouth to snorkel and watch the local fisherman in the estuary, with their traditional fish kraals.
Situated near Kosi Bay is the Tembe Elephant Park, it boasts 220 of the largest elephant in the world. An authentic big five experience in a national game park managed by Tembe tribe, headed by Nkosi (Chief) Tembe. We enter with our 4WD, visit some waterholes and enjoy a picnic in the park.
DAY 9 SWAZILAND (camping BLD)
Today we drive back in land to the bushveld. The candle lit camp is a gem of nature reserves and once was the king’s hunting grounds. Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland, is surrounded by beautiful African bushveld and acacia trees where we camp and sit around a bush fire under the African sky. In the early morning we will take a game walk with a local ranger tracking and looking for rhino, elephant, smaller game and fantastic bird life.
DAY 10 MAPUTO (chalet BL-)
It is a short drive to the Swazi-Mozambique border and after formalities we enter and make our way to the coastal city of Maputo. The Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian and Chinese is also felt. Maputo is a planned city of square blocks and wide avenues with Portuguese traces and their typical 1970’s architecture. In the evening we sample an exquisite blend of fresh seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).
DAY 11-13 INHAMBANE – TOFU BAY (bungalows Bx3 Lx3 Dx2)
Today is a long drive day through coastal towns and markets with intermitted stops. Our accommodation is comfortable and clean set just meters away from the bountiful ocean. Local fishermen pass our bungalows with the daily catch.
Set amongst many coconut trees, Tofu has a local market with many colourful paintings and curios in this vibrant village. This is a great place to meet the friendly locals and catch up on daily news. Dhow rides, snorkeling, scuba diving (own expense) and swimming in the warm ocean are some of the activities that are available.
DAY14 BILENE (camping BL-)
Our morning drive to Bilene leaves us enough time to have lunch along the Uembje lagoon shores. A massive sand bank usually blocks the mouth of the lagoon but it can be reached by an adventurous 4x4 track although it is best reached by boat. The 27km long lagoon is the ideal spot for camping with the crisp sound of the waves breaking on the shores.
DAY 15-16 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (camping Bx2 - -)
This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It has the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, including the Big Five as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo and many species of antelope and small game. The parks’ census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles and 336 different trees. The camp sites are excellent and infrastructure is well kept with hot showers and brilliant landscapes.
We enter Kruger National Park from the south over the Crocodile River and visit the big game country! Feel the thrill of driving yourself through this unique African bushveld. Early morning starts ensure the best results for spotting lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant.
DAY 17 MPUMALANGA (chalets BLD)
Few regions of the world can match the extreme beauty of the escarpment and the lowveld. Mpumalanga is where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterize the landscape. We visit Gods Window, Bourkes luck potholes and The Three Rondovals in the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world) before staying in a lodge on the edge of the escarpment in Graskop. For the more adventurous there is an opportunity to do a gorge swing over the edge of the escarpment – not for the faint at heart!!!
DAY 18-20 CAPE TOWN (hotel Bx2 - -)
After a leisurely morning of much needed curio shopping we make our way back to the city of Johannesburg feeling relaxed and ready to take our flight to Cape Town. We enjoy an evening out at a local restaurant (own expense).
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities of the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. We will visit many attractions including the famous Cape Point, Hout Bay harbor and the V&A Waterfront. This cosmopolitan city has many fine restaurants to indulge in (own expense).
DAY 21 TOUR ENDS (B - -)
Spend the morning catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape’s sunshine. The rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful city at your convenience. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
TOUR INFORMATION
Arrive Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town or visa versa can be specially arranged.
PRICE ON REQUEST
The price includes:
- 14 nights in lodges/chalets/B&B and 6 nights modern camping
- Transport in a self drive 4WD for 16 days
- ‘Tag along’ off road excursions
- Professional guide (driver)
- Park entrances
- Flight from JHB to Cape Town
- Cook (camp assistant)
- All meals as per itinerary
- Transfers and transport for 4 days is in a mini van.
Accommodation
- Chalets/lodges/bungalows: 14 nights, most rooms are twin and en-suite but sometimes rooms share bathroom facilities.
- Camping: 6 nights with hot showers and clean toilets. The 4x4 vehicles with unlimited mileage come fully equipped with camping gear and the roof top tents we use are 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.5 meters and putting them up or down takes only 3 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses which are 5cm thick, pillows and sheets are supplied. The camp chairs are comfortable and have a backrest. Each vehicle is also equipped with A/C, C/D player, a 12V fridge, long range fuel tanks, air compressor and spare wheel. Ground tents are also available upon request.
Food
- We have three balanced meals per day, the main meal is dinner - braai (charcoal/wood barbeque), potjie (stew) or stir fry. Lunch – sandwiches with salad. Breakfast – cereals, toast, tea/coffee/fruit juices and occasionally an English (fried) breakfast.
- When buying ingredients, the tour leader insists on obtaining fresh produce from the local shops.
- The use of melamine camping plates, cups and cutlery will be provided.
- Meals are included except where stated in the itinerary (B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). When the meals are not included we will eat at restaurants (own expense).
- If requested, the tour leader can arrange for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, allergies, etc.
- Beverages which are not included in the meals as stated will be at your own expense. We don’t supply bottled drinking water although it is available at most shops.
Things you should know
- Anyone who is in good health should enjoy this trip.
- You will need a valid passport for entry into South Africa and surrounding countries.
- Visas for relative countries are obtainable at the borders.
- For this trip you will need malaria prophylactics, please consult your medical practitioner before departing.
- Please pack a limit of 15kgs of luggage in a soft sports tog bag.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, small pair of binoculars and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
- To avoid disappointment bring a good camera with enough film or memory. We often have electricity (220/230 V) for recharging and also stop for the basics along the way, i.e. batteries.
- The will be opportunities to shop for crafts, carvings, batiks and paintings. If you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along. Curios and crafts change from area to area.
- We recommend that you bring extra money for restaurant meals, extra refreshments and curios shopping as some vendors do not have credit card facilities.
- With local conditions being different, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route or schedule – in this case please note that we will make every effort to stick to the itinerary as best we can.
- There will be a guide/camp assistant at all times, but a helping hand is always welcome. Many hands make lighter work!!
- Don’t forget your humour and a spirit for adventure!!!
- Feel free to contact us for any queries.
