21 Day Immersive South Africa

Before embarking on our journey through South Africa, we take some time to reflect and understand its foundation, its people and its history, whose daily lives and routines can be seen throughout the trip. We visit Soweto, acronym for Suuth Western Townships, or South West Ghetto, the scene of several milestone events of the anti-apartheid struggle and today became a dynamic district of more than two million inhabitants.

MEALS INCLUDED: DINNER (Lunch and dinner own expense)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 480 KM
ACCOMMODATION: GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- SOWETO
- APARTHEID MUSEUM
- JOHANNESBURG CITY VISIT

Well rested after this long flight and initial journey to SA, we depart early to begin to discover and explore the beauty of this country by taking some of the most picturesque roads. Already leaving the city, you can admire the splendid and hilly landscapes offered by the province of Mpumalanga. Stop in the friendly village of Dullstroom for lunch – also known as the fly-fishing capital of South Africa, before continuing to the rugged Drakensberg Mountains.
This mountain range, meaning "Mountains of the dragon", crosses the whole country from north to south, separating the provinces with a desert climate on the west side, to the coastal provinces with a more temperate climate on the east side. This scenic route will take us through vertiginous mountain passes before leading us to our lodge where a first safari awaits us and our first chance to already start seeing some wildlife.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER (LUNCH OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 2O KM
ACCOMMODATION: GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE BUSH LODGE
- SCENIC DRIVE TO THE LOWVELD
- GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The “Great Kruger” region refers to about twenty private game reserves which are adjacent to the Kruger with no fences in between. Animals are free to move around this vast area. The advantage of these reserves is that you can travel there with guides only, far from the tourist masses and have a more private and intimate experience with nature. We thus have the privilege of making unique encounters with local fauna and flora, big and small.
This morning our safari will be on foot. Accompanied by our qualified guide, we discover how animals move, how they communicate, how they live and how nature revolves around them. We focus on the tracks and signs that animals leave in their path. During this walk we focus on the smaller things. Meeting large animals whilst out on a walking safari would be a bonus since their senses are much better than ours however it is absolutely possible to encounter elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion or leopard on these walks.
Back at the lodge, we enjoy a brunch and a little rest before leaving this time by vehicle for an afternoon safari where we hope this time to find the big 5. We will be covering a bit more distance and therefore have a better chance of encountering more animals. In the evening, we will certainly already have stories to share around the campfire.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 196 KM
ACCOMMODATION: GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE BUSH LODGE
- AM BUSHWALK
- PM GAME DRIVE

As we wake up to the sounds of the bush we prepare to depart towards the southern section of the Kruger National Park by taking the famous Panorama route, which offers some of the most unique and captivating landscapes in the country. The Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world; Bourke's Luck Potholes, the giant cooking pots; God's Window, which offers a spectacular view of the valley (on a clear day), are some of the stops we will make during the day.
We arrive in the Kruger National Park just in time to treat ourselves to an end-of-day game drive.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH (DINNER OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: Roughly 20 KM
ACCOMMODATION: KRUGER PARK RESTCAMP

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- PANORAMA ROUTE
- GOD’S WINDOW
- BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES
- 3 RONDAVELS
- KOWYNS PASS
- KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Today we enjoy a full day safari in the park looking for animals and whatever nature cares to share with us. The Kruger is one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations. All of Africa's iconic species - elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra - share this 20,000 km2 territory with hundreds of other species. Being more active at daybreak and at nightfall, we will leave at dawn and hope to see as many animals as possible. We will make several stops during the day at different camps and resting points to refuel and stretch our legs.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 290 KM
ACCOMMODATION: KRUGER VIEW CHALETS

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- FULL DAY IN KRUGER

We leave the Kruger behind to continue our journey through Swaziland and along picturesque landscapes to reach the gates of the Zulu territory, in the Pongola game reserve. It is the second oldest private reserve in the world and the oldest in Africa, dating back to 1894. Here, on the shores of Lake Jozini and at the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains, you will find four of the five "Big Five", the lion being absent. It is also a popular place for ornithologists (birders), since there are nearly 400 species of birds, both terrestrial and aquatic.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 315 KM
ACCOMMODATION: PONGOLA WHITE ELEPHANT

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH SWAZILAND

We start the day with a private boat cruise on Lake Jozini, a 13,276 hectare artificial lake that is part of the great Pongola game reserve. The view of the mountains and the landscape from the lake is magnificent. We will certainly come across a good number of hippos, crocodiles and other species that come to drink at the lake.
After our cruise, we then continue our journey and cover the short distance to Hluhluwe, still in Zulu territory, where we spend the next two nights. In the afternoon, we will take a private tour to a Zulu village. Although reconstructed, the village will allow you to learn about the ancestral way of life of this people with a rich and troubled history.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 315 KM
ACCOMMODATION: HLUHLUWE AREA

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- BOAT CRUISE ON LAKE JOZINI
- PONGOLA GAME RESERVE

Today we leave for another safari, this time in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve, the oldest natural animal reserve in Africa, established in 1897. Formerly a hunting ground for members of the Zulu royal family, the peculiarity of this reserve is that in addition to be home of the "Big Five", it has become a territory of protection of the white rhinoceros, seriously in danger of extinction due to hunting and poaching. From 25 rhinos at the start, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is now home to the largest population of black and white rhinos in southern Africa – a conservation effort formed by both members of the public, NGO’s such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the local communities surrounding the park.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 230 KM
ACCOMMODATION: HLUHLUWE AREA

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- HLUHLUWE IMFOLOZI NATIONAL PARK
- OPEN VEHICLE GAME DRIVE

Traveling inland, we pass through part of Royal Natal, where many wars have taken place between the Zulus and the Boers, as well as the British. We stop at the Talana museum for lunch, then continue towards the Drakensberg Mountains, meaning “Dragon Mountains” or “ Barrier of Spears”.
This region, comprising of the highest mountains in South Africa, is a hiker's paradise. There are countless well marked trails all with their own difficulty grading – which is easily accessible and offers some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities.
It is also in the Drakensberg that the greatest concentration of cave paintings is found, signs of the first inhabitants of South Africa, the San (or Bushmen). The region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is said to have more than 650 sites with more than 35,000 drawings, some of these dating from some 800 years to a few thousand years ago.
Tomorrow, we will take advantage of the day to go hiking and see these rock paintings and if possible, also visit a White Backed Vulture Colony from above !

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER ON BOTH DAYS
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 KM ON DAY 9, 0KM ON DAY 10
ACCOMMODATION: DRAKENSBERG

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- HORSE RIDING, FISHING AND WALKS

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS / ACTIVITY:
- NATAL MIDLANDS SCENIC DRIVE
- DRAKENSBERG WORLD HERITAGE SITE
- BUSHMAN PAINTINGS
- DRAKENSBERG HIKE

Traveling inland, we pass through part of Royal Natal, where many wars have taken place between the Zulus and the Boers, as well as the British. We stop at the Talana museum for lunch, then continue towards the Drakensberg Mountains, meaning “Dragon Mountains” or “ Barrier of Spears”.
This region, comprising of the highest mountains in South Africa, is a hiker's paradise. There are countless well marked trails all with their own difficulty grading – which is easily accessible and offers some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities.
It is also in the Drakensberg that the greatest concentration of cave paintings is found, signs of the first inhabitants of South Africa, the San (or Bushmen). The region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is said to have more than 650 sites with more than 35,000 drawings, some of these dating from some 800 years to a few thousand years ago.
Tomorrow, we will take advantage of the day to go hiking and see these rock paintings and if possible, also visit a White Backed Vulture Colony from above !

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER ON BOTH DAYS
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 KM ON DAY 9, 0KM ON DAY 10
ACCOMMODATION: DRAKENSBERG

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- HORSE RIDING, FISHING AND WALKS

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS / ACTIVITY:
- NATAL MIDLANDS SCENIC DRIVE
- DRAKENSBERG WORLD HERITAGE SITE
- BUSHMAN PAINTINGS
- DRAKENSBERG HIKE

Our Drakensberg experience is slowly coming to an end as we leave this beautiful landscape to head towards Kokstad, a typical small town, far from the big modern centres. Along the road, we enjoy the scenery, with the mountains as a backdrop. On the way we will stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture site in Howick.
This day is meant to be relaxed, which is what we really need.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER (LUNCH OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 406 KM
ACCOMMODATION: KOKSTAD

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE

The “Wild Coast” is part of the Transkei, a territory formed under apartheid and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. This magnificent rural area, inhabited by the Xhosa people, has managed to conserve its traditional habitat and way of life, which contrasts with the more modern larger South African cities. Here, we go back in time and we find ourselves traveling through time, in a world far removed from the stress of modern life. Villages dotted with rondavels, round huts in many bright colours, inhabitants busy in the fields with oxen and carts; offer a landscape as magnificent as it is surreal. It is Africa as we imagine it, deep Africa.
It’s very little development, still untapped by mass tourism, constitutes its greatest wealth. The “Wild Coast” is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, its endless white beaches, its untouched coastline and its biodiversity. Among other things, there are more than 2300 species of plants, some of which are very rare in South Africa. Recognized for its magnificent running and mountain biking or hiking trails along the coast, the region is a delight for short and long-term visitors.
We will have the opportunity to make a stop in a village, in addition to enjoying a beautiful hike that will lead us, among other things, to the “Hole in the Wall” – one of the truly unique geological features in this area of the world.
Another unique feature of the region is the frequent observation of cattle on the beaches, the Nguni. Even though there is no grass or drinking water, the herds enjoy going down to the beach to sleep. A native South African breed and long associated with the Zulu and Xhosa people, these cattle varied and colourful patterns, making it superb photographic subjects in contrast with the white sandy beaches.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER ON BOTH DAYS
DRIVING DISTANCE: 450 KM ON DAY 12
ACCOMMODATION: WILD COAST

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE
- SCENIC DRIVE TO THE WILD COAST
- WHITE SANDY BEACHES
- HIKE ALONG THE COAST

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- WALKS ON THE BEACH

The “Wild Coast” is part of the Transkei, a territory formed under apartheid and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. This magnificent rural area, inhabited by the Xhosa people, has managed to conserve its traditional habitat and way of life, which contrasts with the more modern larger South African cities. Here, we go back in time and we find ourselves traveling through time, in a world far removed from the stress of modern life. Villages dotted with rondavels, round huts in many bright colours, inhabitants busy in the fields with oxen and carts; offer a landscape as magnificent as it is surreal. It is Africa as we imagine it, deep Africa.
It’s very little development, still untapped by mass tourism, constitutes its greatest wealth. The “Wild Coast” is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, its endless white beaches, its untouched coastline and its biodiversity. Among other things, there are more than 2300 species of plants, some of which are very rare in South Africa. Recognized for its magnificent running and mountain biking or hiking trails along the coast, the region is a delight for short and long-term visitors.
We will have the opportunity to make a stop in a village, in addition to enjoying a beautiful hike that will lead us, among other things, to the “Hole in the Wall” – one of the truly unique geological features in this area of the world.
Another unique feature of the region is the frequent observation of cattle on the beaches, the Nguni. Even though there is no grass or drinking water, the herds enjoy going down to the beach to sleep. A native South African breed and long associated with the Zulu and Xhosa people, these cattle varied and colourful patterns, making it superb photographic subjects in contrast with the white sandy beaches.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER ON BOTH DAYS
DRIVING DISTANCE: 450 KM ON DAY 12
ACCOMMODATION: WILD COAST

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE
- SCENIC DRIVE TO THE WILD COAST
- WHITE SANDY BEACHES
- HIKE ALONG THE COAST

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- WALKS ON THE BEACH

We continue our journey further southwest along the coast on the way to Addo Elephant National Park. Today we cover a good distance, admiring the unique landscape offered by the Eastern Cape Province. Encompassing an unparalleled and totally preserved natural diversity, the province brings together 7 ecological regions and 3 biodiversity regions in addition to the 820 km of wild and pristine coastline, offering a varied and changing landscape as we move forward.
The climate of the region allows for the perfect conditions to cultivate citrus fruits, one of many fruit and vegetables that is grown in the region. We will be able to see large fields of lemon trees and other varieties.
Tonight we spend our time on the outskirts of Addo Elephant National Park as we prepare for our safari in the morning.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND DINNER (Lunch own expense)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 570 KM
ACCOMMODATION: ADDO REGION

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH FRONTIER COUNTRY

As we wake up bright and early to enjoy a rusk and coffee/tea before we depart for a day of safari, unfortunately the last, this time in the Addo Elephant National Park. The third largest wildlife reserve in the country, the park was created in 1931 to protect the last eleven elephants in the region. Currently, the park hosts more than 350, not counting all the other members of the "Big Five" and several other species, including some antelopes which are non-existent in the reserves further north.
The particularity of this 180,000-hectare park is that it is also home to two other "Big" ones, the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale, which can be seen from the shore of the magnificent coastal sector during the calving season, or between June and November. Addo Elephant is therefore one of the few places in the world where it is possible to observe the “Big 7”!

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DRIVING DISTANCE: 570 KM
ACCOMMODATION: ADDO REGION

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
- FULL DAY SAFARI

We leave this morning to join the famous Garden Route and head towards the no less famous Tsitsikamma National Park. This park, with spectacular landscapes and incredible biodiversity, would certainly deserve a few days of attention for lovers of nature and hiking. With 20 hiking trails, including the famous Otter Trail which is crossed in five days, a large quantity of small mammals, an impressive diversity of birds as well as a variety of activities including kayaking along impressive cliffs, it is impossible not to be impressed by so many possibilities gathered in one place.
We will spend a substantial amount of time there to allow us to appreciate the attractions and take a hike that will take us to the top of a cliff where the view of the ocean is most spectacular.
We will then head to the quant historic town of Knysna, a nice little town, where we will spend the night and the following full day.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH (DINNER OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 295 KM
ACCOMMODATION: KNYSNA

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
- HIKE IN TSITSIKAMMA
- SWIM AT THE WATERFALL (IF WEATHER PERMITS)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- BOAT CRUISE
- THE HIGHEST BRIDGE BUNGEE JUMP IN THE WORLD
- SHARK CAGE DIVING, ETC.

Today we are enjoying a fairly calm and relaxing day by discovering the attractions of this charming town with European paces. We visit the Knysna Heads, cliffs which separate the Knysna Lagoon from the sea, and which offer several spectacular views both of the Knysna estuary and of the Outeniqua Mountains located nearby. In the afternoon, we have a good time at the beach before ending the day at the town's picturesque waterfront.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST (LUNCH AND DINNER OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 40 KM
ACCOMMODATION: KNYSNA

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- KNYSNA HEADS
- KNYSNA ESTUARY
- BEACHTIME

We leave this morning for another fascinating destination in the country, the whale route. We stop at Hermanus, famous for whale watching (in season) and its "whale crier" which warns you of the presence of cetaceans.
After lunch we stroll the edge of the natural bay as we try and spot these whales. This is an area they come to breed and have the whales have been calling this bay home for hundreds of years.
Our afternoon is spent at leisure in Hermanus whereby we explore the vibrant coastal town at our own pace. Dinner tonight will also be at your own expense somewhere in town.
.MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH (DINNER OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 400 KM
ACCOMMODATION: Hermanus

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- WHALE WATCHING
- AFTERNOON IN HERMANUS
- SCENIC DRIVE

As we depart for a new adventure in a completely different setting, this time heading towards the Western Cape province and its main attraction, the vineyards. The large valleys covered with vines and surrounded by grandiose mountains are a true paradise for wine lovers. Dutch architecture is omnipresent here, adding to the region's many charms.
The ninth largest producing area in the world today, there are around 550 producers who share some 132,000 hectares of vines. Even if the white varieties still dominate the production, the red grape varieties have rapidly progressed in recent years to carve out a place of choice among amateurs. There is also an emblematic grape variety, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, much appreciated by connoisseurs.
As proof of the appreciation of South African wines, several are regularly ranked among the best in world at international events. Moreover, during the Mondial de Bruxelles 2015 bringing together more than 8000 wines from 45 countries, Kleine Zalze, a chenin blanc, won the prestigious title of best white wine in the world.
En route, we first stop at a South African Penguin Colony that can be found on this stretch of coastline. We will be able to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures before setting off and heading more inland.
We intend to arrive in the wine capital of Africa for one of the most unique wine tasting experiences you have ever heard of. This afternoon we jump on board a wine tram winding its way through numerous award winning and signature South African Wine Farms. Our experience in the afternoon is one of leisure and relaxation as all we have to do is to enjoy the phenomenal taste of the South African wines presented to us as we travel from wine estate to wine estate.
After our leisure wine tram experience, we travel the short distance to Cape Town where we will settle in for the next two nights.
MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST AND LUNCH (DINNER OWN EXPENSE)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 320 KM
ACCOMMODATION: CAPE TOWN

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- WHALE ROUTE
- AFRICAN PENGUIN COLONY
- WINE TRAM
- WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES
- CAPE TOWN

These last two days are devoted to exploring Cape Town, the “Mother City”, without a doubt being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cosmopolitan and innovative, set between mountain and ocean in a superb natural setting, Cape Town makes more than one dream. In addition to major attractions like Table Mountain we also visit the equally beautiful Cape Peninsula, Cape Point National Park and Cape of Good Hope all the way to the eponymous National Park at the far end of the point.
After our time spent exploring Cape Town – the time has come for us to share a last supper while telling each other the best anecdotes and stories and adventures we encountered on our journey through South Africa. We go to the famous Africa Café, where we taste typical dishes of the continent, while enjoying the festive atmosphere that surrounds these welcoming people one last time.
There is so much to do in and around Cape Town, and for all tastes, that it would take several days to really be able to explore it all. For those who wish, do not hesitate to ask us how to extend your trip.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST ON 2O & BREAKFAST ON DAY 21 INCLUDED (Lunch and dinners on both days own expense)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 KM
ACCOMMODATION: LODGE IN CAPE TOWN

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- CAPE POINT NATIONAL PARK
- CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
- TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE
- COASTAL ROADS

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- SHARK CAGE DIVE
- PARASAILING
- BOAT CRUISES
- SCUBA DIVE, ETC.

These last two days are devoted to exploring Cape Town, the “Mother City”, without a doubt being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cosmopolitan and innovative, set between mountain and ocean in a superb natural setting, Cape Town makes more than one dream. In addition to major attractions like Table Mountain we also visit the equally beautiful Cape Peninsula, Cape Point National Park and Cape of Good Hope all the way to the eponymous National Park at the far end of the point.
After our time spent exploring Cape Town – the time has come for us to share a last supper while telling each other the best anecdotes and stories and adventures we encountered on our journey through South Africa. We go to the famous Africa Café, where we taste typical dishes of the continent, while enjoying the festive atmosphere that surrounds these welcoming people one last time.
There is so much to do in and around Cape Town, and for all tastes, that it would take several days to really be able to explore it all. For those who wish, do not hesitate to ask us how to extend your trip.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST ON 2O & BREAKFAST ON DAY 21 INCLUDED (Lunch and dinners on both days own expense)
DRIVING DISTANCE: 250 KM
ACCOMMODATION: LODGE IN CAPE TOWN

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITY:
- CAPE POINT NATIONAL PARK
- CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
- TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE
- COASTAL ROADS

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- SHARK CAGE DIVE
- PARASAILING
- BOAT CRUISES
- SCUBA DIVE, ETC.

This tour comes to an end after lunch on day 21. Clients may, however, extend their stay by booking post-tour nights at the LODGE in CAPE TOWN. Please note that onward flights on this day are NOT possible. Those wishing to visit Robben Island should advise their guide early in the tour as prior bookings are essential.