Safari Quick Facts

After viewing some more of the area's magnificent scenery, we head for the famous Kruger National Park and our first game driving experience. We enter the park in the late afternoon as the day is cooling and begin our search for some of the park's famous inhabitants. After our game viewing, we head back to our "camp" where the viewing deck affords spectacular views of the river and opportunities to see the animals as they approach in the early evening to quench their thirst.

The best time to see the game is early morning and late afternoon as most animals tend to rest in the hotter hours of the day. We begin our day on a game drive and explore the surrounding area – if we are lucky, we may spot some of Africa's big 5! We relax during the heat of the day and go out on a second game drive in the late afternoon to find those animals which have thus far eluded us.

We set out early this morning and bid farewell to the Kruger region. We make our way south to the lesser known Kingdom of Swaziland, where after border formalities; we can fully appreciate the panoramic views of this 'tiny' country. This afternoon we have the opportunity to explore some of the options available at Mlilwane. These include walks, bicycle rides and horse riding excursions. Mlilwane was the first of Swaziland's wildlife refuges and is home to many species of antelope and resident bird-life.

The town of St Lucia lies nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and a fresh water Estuary. This estuary is home to a wide variety of local bird-life and numerous pods of resident hippo and crocodiles make this unsafe for swimming – but offer a great opportunity for sightings when explored by boat. Enjoy the sunset over this striking backdrop while on the lagoon boat cruise.

Today we have the option to explore the nearby Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park or simply relax at the beach & in the charming town of St. Lucia. The Hluhluwe/Umfolozi National Park is home to the largest population of black and white rhino in the world. There are various excursions to take part in around the St. Lucia region including walks, hikes, fishing trips and many more.

After a leisurely start, we head down the coast to the suburb of Umhlanga, just north of Durban. Umhlanga is well known for its great beaches and has a great many opportunities for a bit of retail therapy. We spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the beautiful sea views and excursions this area has to offer. This evening we may be joined by some new faces that will be starting their tour here.

This morning we bid farewell to those who finish their tour here, and after saying our goodbyes, we head inland to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain range. The Drakensberg have long been a favourite for hikers and there are various view points and walking trails scattered along its base.

After breakfast we enjoy a full day hike into the mountains. For those not wishing to exert themselves, there is an option to enjoy an exciting 4x4 drive to the top of Sani Pass to enjoy a cold drink in the highest pub in Africa.

Today we make our way further south to the beautiful Wild Coast and the little town of Coffee Bay - a quaint little town situated in a stretch of untouched beach. The name is derived from a coffee carrying ship that ran aground here.

We spend the day at leisure exploring the beaches and the famous rock feature "The Hole in the Wall". This geological feature is known in the local mythology as a home of angry spirits. Take in the Wild Coast's dramatic scenery by enjoying a walk along the beach or enjoy some of the optional activities that are available here, such as 4x4 excursions, abseiling, inflatable boat excursions or visit the traditional Xhosa craft centre.

Departing early we make our way towards the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape and head to the Addo Elephant National Park. After exploring the park's wildlife on a game drive, we drive via the Zuurberg Pass, to our lodgings for the night.

Today we make our way to the popular seaside town of Knysna. On the way, we stop at Bloukrans Bridge where you have the option of doing the highest bungi jump in the world (216m). In Knysna we have a chance to try the excellent locally grown oysters and brewed ale. There are various other optional activities to do here such as the "Featherbed" boat ride across the Knysna lagoon, abseiling off the cliffs at the Knysna heads or a township tour. Your tour leader will assist with bookings.

See day 14 for Itinerary

Moving on to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn we travel via the picturesque Outeniqua Pass on our way to visit one of the ostrich farms that made Oudtshoorn famous. We enjoy a tour around one of these farms and even try your hand at riding an ostrich! We also enjoy a tour into the Cango Caves to view the magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations.

We depart early and make our way to our final destination - the "Mother City" of Cape Town. On our way we stop over at the second oldest town of South Africa, Stellenbosch. Here we have some time to walk around town, visit some of its attractions before having the option to go for wine tasting at one of the local wine farms. In the late afternoon we arrive at our destination. Cape Town has many exciting attractions such as the famous Table Mountain, Robben Island, the beautiful Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, The Cape Peninsula and much more. Your tour leader will assist with bookings. Spend your time here discovering all it has to offer.

Our tour ends after breakfast from the lodge and we part ways having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!