SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE  

BOOKING CODE:"SPRINGBOK"

 

DATES: From:   25. May 2012                   - Friday                     - Start: Capetown

                To:        09. June 2012                 - Saturday                - End: Johannesb.

 

PRICE: EURO 1750

 

INCLUDED:

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:

 

DAY 1:   ARRIVAL CAPE TOWN

Today is dedicated to relaxing and the unforgettable views of Cape Town and the diverse Cape Peninsula. The Cape is also known as the Cape of Storms, so the weather is a factor to consider. Take the revolving cable car to the top of Table Mountain with time to explore the surreal landscapes on the famed Table Mountain while savouring the awesome views of the Fairest Cape. Then we are off to Melkbosstrand for a walk on the beach followed a welcome Cape seafood dinner.

Overnight:               Cape Town

 

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN & PENINSULA

Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula offers so much to see, experience and do. Bringing together the awesome views from Table Mountain and part of South Africa’s political past is an unforgettable visit and guided tour of Robben Island which includes a two half-hour ferry ride across Table Bay, visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner, 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary, Murray's Bay Harbour precinct and the Museum Shop.

“The southern tip of the African continent is the meeting place of two mighty and bountiful ocean environments and home to one of South Africa’s premier tourist attractions in Cape Town. The Two Oceans Aquarium with over 3000 living sea animals, including sharks, fishes, turtles and penguins can be seen in this spectacular underwater nature reserve“. For those not interested in the Robben Island and ferry experience, maybe an adrenaline filled high speed chase across Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard on a 40ft speed boat powered by two V8’s.

             

Overnight:               Cape Town

 

DAY 3: CAPE TOWN TO HERMANUS                                                   

Departing Cape Town and heading eastwards towards the Hottentots Holland Mountains we move to the   eastern side of the vast False Bay. Here from Gansbaai depart to infamous Dyer Island to experience the   awesome white sharks activities that has made False Bay white sharks world famous! One of the world’s premier white shark cage diving and white shark viewing tours with all equipment supplied; and a full   day’s marine based wildlife experience!

Alternatively continue to the nearby Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve for a white-water rafting (winter) / white-water tubing (summer) on the beautiful Palmiet River. Grading:2-4 (moderate to challenging) and season all year but winter is white water season.

Tonight we sleep in the lovely setting of Hermanus; famous for world class land based whale viewing.

Overnight:               Hermanus

                        

DAY 4: HERMANUS TO PLETTENBERG BAY      

Today we depart the Cape and explore along the famed Garden Route towards the idyllic Southern Cape;, passing through one of South Africa’s oldest towns; the historical Swellendam with a noon arrival at Knysna. Explore, discover and enjoy one of South Africa’s most picturesque and scenic seaside villages; Knysna; situated on the vast Knysna Lagoon. Then a visit to a local elephant sanctuary where you can meet these orphaned elephants, learn more about them and culminate this personal experience with an Elephant Back walk and ride .Late afternoon proceed to South Africa’s own Riviera; stunning Plettenberg Bay.

Overnight:               Plettenberg Bay

                            

DAY 5:PLETTENBERG BAY & TSISIKAMMA

 “Bahia Formosa” - the beautiful bay is as naturally spectacularly beautiful, as it is an alluring holiday destination. This region is situated in the heart of the Garden Route, bordering on the primeval Tsitsikamma Forest and fronted by the Indian Ocean. Today we experience the marine wonders for which Plettenberg Bay is renowned; dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals. Then it is off through the lunch indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest to the Bloukrans Bridge for the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at 216 meters! Jump or   watch this is awesome! For the less adventurous try the 200m Flying Fox cable slide onto the archway of the bridge!

                 

Overnight:               Plettenberg Bay

       

DAY 6: PLETTENBERG BAY TO JEFFREYS BAY

 Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning, “place of much water".

With lush tall tree forests with dense ferns, towering mountain peaks with rolling landscapes beauty and   tranquility. Today we explore this amazing environment’s hidden beauty.

A primeval and dense forest noted for it’s prolific giant trees and abundant birdlife, the forest is best   discovered and explained by becoming part of; the bird’s eye view as exerienced on the Tsitsikamma   Forest Canopy Tour offering the rare freedom and exhilaration of gliding through the upper tree foliage on   a network of treetop platforms linked with cables. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour lasts about 3 informative and exhilarating hours and consists of 10 platforms located in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees and slides (the longest is 100m) suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor.

Cap the Tsitsikamma day on the wild and stunning Tsitsikamma coast on the beach at Storms River   Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park, lazing on the white sandy cove beach or self exploring the Tsitsikamma snorkeling trail to the float platform in a marine environment both safe and teeming with life! The surrounds are awesome, the coastline at Storms River Mouth breathtaking with short forest walks, a   suspended foot bridge and a visitors centre.

For the more down to earth among us to whom the sea and water calls more than the forest, you may opt to proceed the morning on to Jeffrey’s' Bay to attend a surfing school for the day in the world class surf at Jeffrey’s Bay; home to the annual Billabong Pro. Or just laze around on the beach at this iconic holiday town and watch the surfers at work! (Lessons include all surf equipment and held at Dolphin Beach).

Overnight:               Jeffrey’s Bay

 

DAY 7: JEFFREYS BAY TO CLARENS

This is not an easy day's travel. But the ever changing landscapes bordered by high mountain ranges to the east stretching into the Kingdom of Lesotho and the beginning of the vast arid Karoo plains to the west with the grass plains of the Highveld country on route; allows for an ever changing scenery as we journey into the scenic heartland of South Africa; while hugging the border of the mountainous Lesotho. Our destination is the photogenic highlands of the Eastern Free State on the border with Lesotho and Kwa/Zulu Natal. Here we spend the night in the high country, in the rural setting of iconic Clarens.

Overnight:               Clarens

 

DAY 8:CLARENS TO ST LUCIA     

This is another travelling day. Though the distance is only about half of yesterday the change in landscapes and geography is fast and very diverse.

Departing early from Clarens we pass through the ever-changing colours of the dramatic sandstone mountains and cliffs of Golden Gate dropping down through the Qua-Qua conservation section. Hugging the shores of South Africa’s deepest dam; Sterkfontein Dam we soon arrive at the start of the Oliviershoek Pass. Here at the edge of the escarpment you have panoramic views down to Kwa/Zulu Natal 500m below, with the sweeping Drakensberg Mountains on right and the distant horizon ahead towards the Midlands. Dropping down into Kwa/Zulu Natal we continue via Ladysmith and Greytown to Stanger and along the coastal N2 Route to out destination; St. Lucia.

Overnight:               St Lucia

    

DAY 9: ST LUCIA WETLANDS TOUR

Relax we are staying in the awesome location of St. Lucia for several days!

The St Lucia Wetlands Park Tour is one we all need to do together. Simply because it is a really good and   holistic experience, as well as being very informative and a fun way to introduce you to the St. Lucia phenomenon and its vast natural diversity.

The full day St Lucia Wetlands Park Tour Includes: A St Lucia Wetlands Safari, visit to Cape Vidal, Cape Vidal Snorkeling - an underwater paradise, safe at low tide and guided by a qualified Lifeguard.  Lunch at Cape Vidal, a visit to Mission Rocks, etc

A trip to the iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is an opportunity to see and experience one of the greatest varieties of natural wonders in one area in the world.

The St Lucia Wetlands Park marine wildlife includes migrating Humpbacked whales (in season), marine turtles, large numbers of Bottlenose dolphins who frequent the area year round, and a myriad of other marine organisms which are to be found along the rocky and sandy shores.

The terrestrial part of the St Lucia Wetlands Park has vast areas of savannah and forest, which are home to numerous animal and bird species large and small; including the Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, Kudu, Elephant, Bushbabies, countless bird species and a vast array of other mammals and reptiles. Lake St. Lucia, the largest salt water lake system in Africa, is home to +- 800 hippo and +- 2000 crocodiles and will be one of our stops along the way. The African Fish Eagle and the huge Goliath Heron are common sightings at St Lucia while Flamingos and Pelicans are found in huge flocks at Lake St Lucia and in the St Lucia wetlands

Overnight:               St. Lucia

                 

DAY 10: ST LUCIA

As for the climate in St. Lucia, is sub-tropical and therefore not adversely affected by weather.

For some it may also be the dream of a lifetime. There are two options to chose from; horse riding on a sub-tropical white sand beach or kayaking on a sub-tropical lagoon in proximity to wildlife.

"We take the horses out along Iphiva Beach at the northern end of St Lucia where there are many kilometers of clean white sand with the Indian Ocean rolling in alongside. During the whale season (May-Nov) we sometimes see humpback whales breaching out in the deeper water beyond the back break on their way   to their breeding grounds in Mozambique. Then from Nov to March we search for the tracks of turtles who dug their nests above the high tide mark in the warm sand the night before. The rest of the year we have to make do with dolphins playing in the surf, antelope grazing in the dunes, leopard tracks in the sand or just the amazing views along the beach to the highest forested dunes in Africa".

"St Lucia Kayak Safaris is the he perfect way to explore the Estuary, its mangroves and the islands, is peacefully, on the back of a kayak. Imagine being so close to a crocodile or a Hippo that you can almost reach out and touch it! See the majestic Fish Eagle, unique mudskippers and waterfowl. Double plastic moulded sea kayaks are used and no paddling experience is required but persons must be over the age of 12. Tours are done with expert guides and you are guaranteed a fun and exhilarating experience".

Khula Zulu Village: “About 15 minutes from St. Lucia, the contemporary Khula Village will give you an overview of current Zulu life with visits to schools, churches, Zulu dancing and even a traditional Sangoma. Your guide is a resident of this village and will be able to answer your questions about past and current Zulu Culture and affairs. A taste of Zulu beer combined with a traditional Zulu lunch will round off the experience.

November to March we recommend the following option for a night time experience to remember (excursion includes dinner). The Turtle Tour: Recommended. "They may not be as fierce as lions or as graceful as a fish eagles, but their fascinating way of life are fast becoming a popular tourist attraction. Generally secretive animals by nature, the stretch known as ‘Turtle Country’ – from St Lucia to Kosi Bay, offers the unique opportunity to view the magnificent Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Especially at high tides during the summer ‘turtle’ season from November to March when the females come ashore to nest. Booking a night-time tour with a local community guide to witness this rare and awe-inspiring event with your own eyes is truly something not to be missed."

Overnight:               St. Lucia

 

DAY 11: ST LUCIA TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Here we go again. Another cross country trip to a next destination for today This time we travel from the Indian Ocean to the famed Kruger National Park situated in the Transvaal Lowveld. The journey departs the coast travelling inland through dramatic and ever changing landscapes, into even higher  country and then down again to the sub-tropical Lowveld; our destination being one of the world’s most famous, oldest and largest wildlife sanctuaries; the Kruger National Park.

Overnight:               Kruger National Park

 

DAY 12: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The Lowveld has always been famous for its massive natural diversity and vast numbers of wildlife. The sub-tropical location allows for immense botanical variety, abundant rain, a pleasant climate and this in turn is ideal habitat for the bio-diversity found in the Kruger National Park. This is also world class Big Five country and today we show you the wildlife the Lowveld and South Africa is famous for. Pretoriuskop Camp was chosen for its proximity to Nelspruit. We do not have much time in this awesome wilderness, so we need to see as much as we can show you in the time and space we have available. For good reason too we need to get to Letaba and this allows us to use our time in a very productive manner; game viewing and seeing and experiencing as much as we can. Depending on how much of what we see on the way the objective is to be at Letaba around mid afternoon.

Overnight:               Kruger National Park

  

DAY 13: KRUGER PARK TO LETABA

Today is a relaxed day and you decide what you wish to do or just rest and relax; explore and savour the area in the camp. Vehicles are at disposal for those wishing to go on game drives. The Park staff also offer the opportunity for you to go on a guided walk in the African bush and remember this is the real thing! The night game drive with spotlights is also conducted by Park staff and on an open vehicle - highly recommended too!

Overnight:               Kruger National Park

    

DAY 14: PRETORIA                     

This morning we leave for a last Kruger Park game drive, before leaving behind the wilderness and departing the Kruger Park. From here we continue through the dramatic Lowveld and Mpumalanga landscapes onto the Escarpment and onto the Highveld along the N4 route towards the capital of South Africa and part of the economic hub of Africa; Pretoria.

Overnight:               Pretoria

                 

DAY 15: PRETORIA

Before you depart South Africa, you do need to gain an insight into the modern society of ethnically, racially and politically diverse South Africa; and a Cultural Experience Tour with sociologist Dr. Hanekke du Preez. This would also include an overview of aspects such as Apartheid, etc.

Then for a conclusion, this afternoon we set you free for a shopping crawl in one of South Africa’s largest   Malls; Menlyn Park.

The accommodation venue Eksderde Bushveld Lodges is located on the Bushveld side of Pretoria on a small private nature reserve with several species of antelope, abundant birdlife and several walking routes.

Overnight:               Pretoria

 

DAY 16: DEPARTURE JOHANNESBURG

Breakfast

Morning at leisure at the lodge

Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport and conclusion